Cosy, huh? And capturing all the warmth and bonhomie of one of Newcastle’s finest pubs is one of Newcastle’s finest painters – Jim Edwards. And Jim is welcoming visitors to his studio and gallery throughout December.

Anyone who’s ever been to the Free Trade will immediately recognise the interior of the pub that Jim Edwards has captured so well in this stunning piece (along with THAT view out over the River Tyne). And Edwards has lent his distinctive, colourful style to many of the region’s most famous cityscapes and landmarks including Bamburgh Castle, Hexham Abbey, St. Nicholas’, and the harbour between North and South Shields. And you can see his work in the flesh this December as he’s inviting visitors to his studio and gallery. This is unique workspace that combines his painting studio with a separate gallery where he showcases his latest paintings, limited edition prints and greetings cards. And, naturally, he’s always happy to chat about his creative process. His opening times are 10am-4pm (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday), 11am-4pm (Saturday), and 10am-8pm (Thursday – many other arty venues in Ouseburn are also open late on Thursdays in the run up to Christmas). Edwards’ final open event is on Saturday 20 December.

Jim Edwards Studio & Gallery, 57 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, jimedwardspaintings.com