Food & Drink

The County: Gosforth's Grade II Listed Pub with 200 Years of History

One of Gosforth High Street's most handsome buildings has been pulling pints since 1866. Here's why The County deserves a visit.

Gosforth.org·9 June 2026

The County is one of the most striking buildings on Gosforth High Street. The handsome sandstone frontage with its gold lettering sits on the corner of High Street and Rosemary Terrace, and if you have walked past it a thousand times without really looking, now is the time to stop and take it in.

A Building with Deep Roots

The story starts in 1826, when the building was a private dwelling belonging to the Bulman family — the same family who gave their name to the Job Bulman pub further down the road. It was converted to a pub in 1866 and became The County Hotel, a coaching inn serving travellers on the Great North Road. The building was awarded Grade II listed status in 1987, recognising both its architectural and historic significance.

Look closely at the ground floor windows and you will spot stained glass dating from around 1900. The interior still rewards a longer look too — vintage photographs line the walls, and the large rectangular bar runs through the centre of the room.

What to Expect

The County takes its cask ale seriously. There are typically 14 rotating cask ales on the pumps at any one time, alongside keg beers, craft selections, and guest ales from regional breweries. Timothy Taylor's Landlord and Morland Old Speckled Hen are regulars, but the guest board changes frequently enough to keep things interesting for the real ale enthusiast.

Food is served from noon to 7pm daily, covering pub classics and a solid pizza menu. All major sport is shown on widescreen TVs, and there is a snug room that gets reserved for big Newcastle matches.

The County viewed from the High Street, showing the gold signage and cask ale board

The Beer Garden

The outdoor terrace along Rosemary Terrace is one of The County's best features — raised timber planters, festoon lighting, and enough space to sit comfortably without feeling packed in. It catches the afternoon sun and is a genuinely pleasant spot on a warm day.