The Turks Head

About The Turks Head

The Turks Head is a traditional pub on Front Street in Tynemouth, standing at the far end of the street from the Metro station and close to the ruins of Tynemouth Priory and Castle. Part of the Greene King group, it has nevertheless avoided corporate modernisation, retaining its distinctive white-tiled exterior, beautiful stained glass windows and characterful traditional interior. It is known locally as the Stuffed Dog, after Wandering Willie, a sheepdog whose preserved body takes pride of place in a glass case in the public bar.

According to the pub's citation, Willie became separated from his shepherd on the quayside in the 1870s and spent months crossing the Tyne in search of him before his death; the pub takes its own name from a mariners' knot resembling a turban. The food offer features British classics, bistro dishes, a well-regarded pizza selection and Sunday roasts with all the trimmings. Greene King IPA is the regular ale, joined by Old Speckled Hen and rotating guest beers.

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