In the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne, surrounded by lush parkland and steeped in history, stands Wylam Brewery — a destination that is more than just a place to enjoy great beer. Housed in a stunning Grade II listed building within Exhibition Park, Wylam Brewery is a unique blend of heritage, craft brewing excellence, and cultural vibrancy. It has become one of the North East’s most celebrated breweries, drawing beer lovers, foodies, and music fans from across the country.
The Origins of Wylam Brewery
Wylam Brewery began its story in 2000 in the village of Wylam, Northumberland — a place with a rich history of coal mining and industry. Founded by a group of friends with a shared love of beer, the brewery set out with a mission to produce high-quality, flavour-driven ales using traditional methods. In its early days, Wylam operated on a modest scale, brewing in small batches and supplying local pubs.
Over the years, the brewery’s reputation grew, winning awards and expanding its reach. Demand for Wylam’s beers quickly outpaced the capacity of its original site, prompting the search for a larger, more ambitious home. The answer came in the form of a remarkable historic building right in the heart of Newcastle.
Moving to Exhibition Park
In 2016, Wylam Brewery moved its operations to the Palace of Arts in Newcastle’s Exhibition Park. This elegant 1929 building was originally constructed for the North East Coast Exhibition, a large event celebrating the region’s achievements in industry, science, and the arts. After the exhibition, the Palace of Arts found various uses over the decades, but by the early 21st century, it stood largely unused.
The relocation to the Palace of Arts was transformative for Wylam Brewery. Not only did it give the company a stunning new base with ample brewing space, but it also created a venue where beer, food, and live events could come together under one roof. The building’s art deco features were lovingly restored, blending heritage architecture with modern brewing equipment.
Brewing Philosophy and Signature Beers
Wylam Brewery is known for its commitment to producing beers with character, balance, and quality. While rooted in traditional brewing methods, the team embraces innovation, regularly experimenting with new hops, malts, and techniques.
The brewery produces a diverse range of styles, from crisp and sessionable pale ales to rich, complex stouts. Among its most popular beers is Jakehead IPA, a bold, hop-forward ale that has gained something of a cult following among craft beer fans. Other notable brews include Hickey the Rake, a sharp and refreshing lemon sour, and Imperial Macchiato, a decadent stout infused with coffee and vanilla.
Seasonal and limited-edition beers are also a hallmark of Wylam’s output, often brewed in collaboration with other leading craft breweries from the UK and beyond. These collaborations allow the team to explore creative ideas and push the boundaries of flavour.
The Brewery Tap and Event Space
One of the defining features of Wylam Brewery’s Exhibition Park home is its spacious taproom, which is open to the public and offers a direct connection to the brewing process. Visitors can enjoy a pint of beer just metres from where it was brewed, surrounded by the sights and aromas of the working brewery.
The taproom serves the full range of Wylam’s beers, along with guest selections, and has become a popular spot for both locals and visitors to relax and enjoy the park surroundings. Large windows offer views of the brewing equipment, and the atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and infused with the hum of conversation.
Wylam Brewery has also established itself as a major live music and events venue. The main hall of the Palace of Arts, with its high ceilings and period details, provides an atmospheric setting for concerts, club nights, comedy shows, and private events. Over the years, the venue has hosted an impressive roster of bands, DJs, and performers, making it a cultural hub as much as a brewing one.
Food and Hospitality
Complementing its beer, Wylam Brewery offers a strong focus on food. The kitchen serves a menu designed to pair well with the brewery’s beers, often featuring seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The style is relaxed but high-quality, with options ranging from small plates to hearty mains.
Special beer-pairing dinners, pop-up food collaborations, and street food events are regular fixtures on the calendar. These gatherings attract a diverse crowd, from craft beer aficionados to families enjoying a day in the park.
A Brewery in the Park
One of the unique charms of Wylam Brewery is its location within Exhibition Park. Surrounded by green lawns, trees, and pathways, it feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city — yet it’s just a short walk from Newcastle’s city centre. This makes it a perfect destination for a leisurely afternoon, whether you’re enjoying a sunny day outdoors or seeking a cosy spot indoors with a pint.
The park setting also makes Wylam Brewery a family-friendly destination. While the beer is the main attraction for adults, the surrounding open space offers room for children to play and for visitors to stroll before or after their visit.
Sustainability and Community
Wylam Brewery places a strong emphasis on sustainability and responsible business practices. From sourcing ingredients to managing waste, the team takes steps to reduce the brewery’s environmental footprint. Energy efficiency measures, recycling initiatives, and a focus on local suppliers all form part of the brewery’s approach.
The brewery is also deeply connected to the local community. It supports regional festivals, charity events, and cultural projects, often opening its doors for causes that benefit the North East. This sense of community engagement is a big part of what makes Wylam special — it’s not just about the beer, but about the role the brewery plays in the life of the city.
Visiting Wylam Brewery
For visitors to Newcastle, Wylam Brewery is a must-see destination. Whether you’re a dedicated beer enthusiast or just looking for a beautiful place to relax, the brewery offers a memorable experience. Tours are often available, giving guests the chance to learn about the brewing process, the history of the building, and the stories behind the beers.
Arriving at the Palace of Arts, the building’s elegant façade sets the tone. Inside, the combination of heritage architecture and gleaming brewing equipment creates a striking backdrop. The taproom buzzes with life, and the range of beers on offer means there’s something for every palate.
After enjoying a pint or two, visitors can step outside to explore Exhibition Park, perhaps taking a walk around the boating lake or relaxing on the grass. In the summer months, the brewery often hosts outdoor events, beer festivals, and live music sessions, turning the park into a lively social space.
A Modern Icon with Historic Roots
Wylam Brewery’s journey from a small village operation to one of the North East’s most prominent craft breweries is a testament to passion, creativity, and a commitment to quality. Its home in the Palace of Arts has given it a stage worthy of its reputation, blending beer, music, food, and community into one compelling destination.
The brewery’s success lies not just in its award-winning beers but in the atmosphere it creates — a place where people come together to enjoy good company, great flavours, and a sense of connection to both the city’s history and its contemporary culture.
In Conclusion
Wylam Brewery is more than a producer of fine ales — it’s a cornerstone of Newcastle’s cultural scene and a shining example of how craft beer can bring people together. With its beautiful setting in Exhibition Park, its historic building, and its dedication to brewing excellence, it stands as both a tribute to the city’s past and a vibrant part of its present.
For locals, it’s a beloved gathering place. For visitors, it’s an unforgettable introduction to Newcastle’s hospitality and creativity. Whether you come for the beer, the music, the food, or simply the atmosphere, Wylam Brewery is a place that leaves a lasting impression — one pint at a time.
