The Olde Broom
Medieval Tavern @ Newcastle Castle
Welcome gentles all!
Have you ever dreamed of sitting with your companions on a wooden bench amid the pleasant smell of straw, ale and hearty food, listening as the minstrels play and the storyteller spins a yarn? Dream no more! You can enjoy all the atmosphere and entertainment of an authentic medieval pub right here at Newcastle Castle, without the risk of Norman invasion or catching the plague.
At the sign of the Broom, you will be ushered into our very own medieval tavern where you will be welcomed by your genial host, who will give you an authentically made clay “pottle” handmade by Jim Newboult of Trinity Court Potteries. You’ll be entertained throughout the night with medieval music and storytelling, fed with a hearty bowl of medieval stew and will be free to sample various medieval drinks from the bar. This includes our extra special medieval stock ale, Keeper’s Ale, brewed by the famous Wylam Brewery, along with a lighter ale, spiced wine, barley water and sometimes a fine cider! No spirits though - they haven’t been invented yet! If it all gets a bit much, you can nip next door into the “quiet room” in the chapel, where you can play a variety of medieval games or just chat with your friends.
Keeper’s Ale
Keeper’s Ale is our extra special medieval stock ale, brewed in collaboration with Wylam Brewery. It is a traditional strong, dark ale, aged in the barrel and flavoured with sweet and delicious spices imported in medieval Newcastle including figs and raisins. In the 1300s this would have been a real luxury ale suitable for the wealthy merchants of Newcastle Upon Tyne. You’ll find it in pubs around the North East, and you can buy it in cans from Wylam Brewery - scan the QR code for a special deal at Newcastle Castle!
How do I get into this tavern?
Newcastle Castle runs tavern nights throughout the year, when the lower floors of the Castle Keep are transformed into the Broom Tavern for one night only! You just book your event tickets, and that includes entry to the tavern, your food and at least three different acts from medieval entertainers throughout the night. The doors to the tavern open at 7pm, and last orders is at 10pm. At 10:30pm the town militia come to enforce the curfew bell and throw out any rogues and vagabonds still left. The ground floor chamber of the Castle Keep, the old gaol where the event takes place, is accessible by wheelchair from street level. Access to the “quiet room” in the chapel is via 6 stone steps, three up and three down, but the main part of the event all takes place in the gaol.
As no one has the correct medieval coinage anymore, the bar takes card payments only and has a selection of drinks.
Check the calendar below for current ticket availability and to book:
Alternatively, you can hire the Broom Tavern for the night for you and your friends, or for corporate parties and events. Just give us a ring on 0191 230 6300 or email hire@newcastlecastle.co.uk to discuss how you can get the run of your very own medieval pub for the night!
