Forget about forever on the hips – it’s worth it for the chips
The name is a dead giveaway that yes, this pub is not on Wearside. While some grumble when we head further afield, I’d happily stay closer to home if one of our own served up food like this.
And when word spreads something a little different is on offer, I reckon it’s worth the effort.
I’d seen a few mentions online that the bar serves up some interesting dishes, and as it had been the best part of 10 years since I’d passed through it’s doors, we decided to check it out.
After calling into a few nearby places to seek out gifts (beer from the Arch 2 and vouchers from Kiln – both worth checking out), we decided to follow the trickle of the Ouseburn towards the Tyne to find the venue which takes its name.
While there’s a large sheltered yard – complete with disco ball – for gigs and events under an arch of Walker Road and heaps of outdoor seating, inside the Maling Street pub is quite small in comparison.
When we called in that Sunday we could only get a seat at the bar, although we’ve since made a return visit on a Monday night before seeing a band at the Cluny and had no bother getting a table.
The food is pretty quick to be served, which is handy when you’ve got somewhere to be.
They got extra points then for checking with all of us about any allergies after my friend pointed out he can’t have nuts, while a dedicated vegan menu is also a great help for those who want to pick a dish free of animal products.
A host of specials and various cuisines are served up, so it’s an idea to visit its Facebook page to see what’s on offer.
In our case, we were on the hunt for chips, which we’d seen reviewed thanks to the ever-helpful Canny Food blog.
Forget your average scraps and stodge – we were looking to test out the Vietnamese sweet potato fries, which come heaped with peanuts (if you like), along with tahini garlic, sriracha chilli and hoisin sauces.
The spices, along with the salt and sweetness, are a smack to the senses and make the trip worth every bite, as well as their £4 cost.
The main menu is up on www.thetyne.com and those looking to watch the pennies will be happy to see that should you spend a fiver on a Tuesday from 7pm to 9pm, you’ll get your tea too.
Mains during our visit – a falafel wrap (£6 with salad and tortillas) and burger and a piri piri chicken burger (both £7) – were tasty and filling, but flicking through the options again, I’m plotting another visit. There are plenty to try, from frankfurters, a hotdog with macaroni cheese, burritos, fish finger sandwiches and a couple of different chillis, as well as other hearty options from the vegan menu.
Anyone keen on ale will also find masses to chose from, with the friendly staff in the know about their beers.