Luckies in Jesmond? It’s only my new favourite micropub (and brewery).

I actually tasted Luckies long before I ventured through its doors. That’s because as well as being a pub they also house their own brewery, and I’d sampled their wares in both The Central Bar in Gateshead and The Tyne pub in Ouseburn. Both drinks were stouts, both were most excellent, and when I finally made it to Luckies itself, I got to try out yet another of their stouts: Luckies Layer Cake. This 5.1% slice of tiramisu goodness in a glass came with warming notes of dark chocolate, cinder toffee, toasted malt, rum, vanilla and Marsala wine. Foster’s it was not (although they also do their own lager: Luckies Cushty). They also have traditional ales, pale ales, IPAs, and plenty more besides including cocktails and quality wines by the glass or bottle. Pizza slices are also available along with bar snacks such as veggie samosas. Special nights are not out of the question (last month they held a Big Fat Music, TV and Film Quiz with a Brit Pop bent), but whenever I pop in, it’s always the laid-back sense of well-being the place exudes that invariably has me stopping for “just one more”. Well, that and the stout. RM

Luckies, 139 Jesmond Road, Jesmond, Newcastle. Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday 12-10pm, Friday & Saturday 12-11pm. Closed Monday. luckiesncl.com