The Spread Eagle, North Shields: A guide to tapas at a charming pub

By Ania Askwith

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The Spread Eagle, 1 Front Street, North Shields, NE29 9LB

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The Spread Eagle in North Shields is one of those places that instantly feels right—warm, welcoming, and full of charm. We love to eat out and explore all kinds of spots – from super fancy restaurants to super casual street food vendors, and there is definitely a special place for a pub. Homely, charming, relaxed, cozy, rustic… I could go on describing how a traditional pub should feel – and I would definitely say that The Spread Eagle fits all of those categories.

With cozy decor, the friendliest team, and a menu that makes you want to try literally everything, it’s a place you won’t want to miss. If you’re after a great night out with delicious food and feel-good vibes, this is the place to be.

I sometimes think – is a pub really a good place to have tapas? (spoiler – this place convinced me it absolutely can be!) But the menu looked so good we skipped the traditional pub classics and opted for their tapas deal (which I think is great value for money). And I instantly knew we made the right choice. The food arrived beautifully presented, it smelt insanely good, and from the first bite, it was clear this place is all about quality.

They have deals on for 3 tapas, so naturally we went for 6 (never miss a deal!) and shared:

• North Shields Potted Crab; served with warm brown toast, garden-fresh salad, and creamy coleslaw. The crab was delicate, rich, and honestly—so satisfying paired with that crispy toast. We were sharing this one but I might have had a bigger half (don’t tell Ryan) of this one as it was right up my street, seafood just is my favourite!

• Gambas Pil Pil; this dish was calling my name from the menu and I just had to get it. It is probably my favourite tapas dish of all time and the one here was as good as they make them in Spain – no lie! Succulent chunky prawns cooked in olive oil with roasted garlic and chili. I inhaled the prawns and used the crusty bread served alongside it for mopping up all that spicy, fragrant oil. It’s addictive!

• Classic Patatas Bravas; I wouldn’t consider it a successful tapas meal without this dish, it is a staple. And the Spread Eagle has 2 varieties: an OG veggie option, and one with chunks of chorizo; both drenched in the chef’s signature bravas sauce and drizzled with aioli. I can’t say anything else about it, other than I loved it. Hot bravas in a tangy sauce, with just the right hint of spice—an absolute must if you’re into that hearty, comforting taste. Am I in North Shields, or am in Spain? Honestly could be either if I was judging it by the taste of their tapas!
• Pork and Chorizo Meatballs was another of Ryan’s choices which was from the specials menu. These were seriously flavoursome and juicy, and the sauce they were cooked in was spectacular if you enjoy tangy, tomatoey flavours. Who knew a tapas dish could be such a winter warmer?!

• Chef’s Baked Feta; we went with the recommendation of Ewelina, who runs this place with a couple of colleagues, and let me tell you – this was pure comfort on a plate—feta cheese with cranberries and pistachios, all served up with a pita. The combo of salty feta with the sweetness from the fruit and crunch from the pistachios (which, by the way, is an unreal combo!) is a dream, truly highlighting the magic of simple ingredients done right, and chef’s creativity and knowledge of the ingredients. Absolutely delicious.

• Slow Cooked Asian Sticky Beef was Ryan’s choice, and it was definitely a bit heartier (it smelt stunning, you could definitely tell it’s an Asian inspired dish). The beef was tender and juicy, cooked with peppers, onions, and a lovely touch of ginger. I had to stick that fork in it as soon as it arrived for the pure theatre of watching the hot steam escaping and filling the place with the most unreal smell of Asian spices. Perfectly seasoned, with a sweet-spicy glaze that warms you right up—absolutely perfect for chilly nights.

Six tapas dishes later, we were absolutely stuffed and ready to call it a night, but I have to commend the lovely Ewelina on her upselling skills– she recommended us the Sticky Toffee Pudding saying it’s not like the typical Sticky Toffee Pudding, so we thought we should probably try it. And wow! Made with dates, this pudding was as perfect as a dessert gets. You could actually taste the toffee flavours so clearly, rather than just the sweetness that I sometimes find with a sticky toffee pudding. Topped with ice cream and fresh fruit, it was as comforting as it was delicious. The perfect end to a fantastic meal.

Why You Should Visit: The welcoming staff, inviting decor, and lively atmosphere make it ideal for a relaxed evening out. Food arrives quickly, which is great for spontaneous tapas nights. The value for tapas here is excellent, and they also serve a tempting range of pub classics and a traditional Sunday lunch if you fancy something heartier. I can see us returning very soon to try some of their more traditional pub dishes (I am that person who will see the food arriving at the table next to me and make a mental note of it as I’ll be ordering it next time, and needless to say, the sight of their fish and chips had me planning our next visit).

Location: The Spread Eagle is located on 1 Front Street, North Shields with plenty of parking available. If you opt for their tapas and drink deal, you may want to consider leaving your car at home; the nearest metro station is North Shields Metro Station, which is about a 10-minute walk (maybe 15 if you opt for the bottle of wine with your tapas, ha!)

Tips for Visiting:

• Keep an eye on the specials. While the menu is quite new and has great options, specials give you few more choices which change frequently.
• Great tapas deals—come hungry and bring friends to share! The tapas deals are on Wednesday – Saturday between 3-6pm and they have a couple of different deals to choose from. You can still order their tapas at other times, but the deals are a great little saving so you may want to consider this.  
• Perfect for dog owners, with a friendly, welcoming vibe for all.
• Make sure you book. We were told the place gets lively so we made a booking (we went on Thursday teatime) and I was so glad we did as it was full; it is clearly a favourite with the locals – and I can totally see why.

Best For: Casual dining, dog-friendly, great tapas, quick service, cozy pub, North Shields dining

Website: For more details, menu updates, or to keep up with their latest specials, be sure to follow the Spread Eagle on their socials here. If you’re in North Shields, this is definitely a spot you don’t want to miss!

Enjoyed this post? If you love discovering things to do, places to go, and the best spots to eat and drink in the North East and beyond, be sure to follow my blog for more reviews, recommendations, travel tips, and hidden gems. And for a closer look at my day-to-day experiences, follow me on Instagram @ania.askwith for behind-the-scenes content and even more discoveries! Let’s explore together!

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