Recently we asked our readers to vote on their favourite pub in the North East, with The Centurion in Newcastle's Central Station coming out on top as the clear favourite.
For this reason, I decided to visit the train station bar myself, to have a look around, and to speak to people who share the sentiments of our readers.
I headed along to The Centurion and grabbed a Corona at the bar, before sitting down for an eye-opening chat with the owner of the business Jason Sanderson.
Jason reopened The Centurion as a pub in November 2000, after restoring it massively, bringing back the look that it would have had back in the 1890's.
He talked about the history of the building, how he went about getting it restored over 100 years after it was built, and the experience that The Centurion offers people today.
"The Centurion back in the 1890's, was commissioned to be the most impressive first-class lounge in the country. The same company from Leeds designed the Central Arcade which is why the tiles look so similar," he said.
"This is a grade 1 listed building, but it unfortunately fell into dilapidation for several decades until 2000 when we were able to restore it. We looked at old photos of the original lounge and used them as inspiration, trying to bring this back the best we could
"We were able to put in new tiles and remove the paint to bring back more of the original colour. We are very proud of the interior of The Centurion as it took so much work to get it exactly how we wanted.
"We're in a great location and I think we're really well placed to take advantage of this. We have the biggest screen in Newcastle, function suites and fantastic staff that will ensure you have the best experience possible", he added.
After my insightful chat with Jason, I was then given a tour of the bar, deli and the function rooms. The interior design is remarkable, really recapturing the 19th century luxury that it is clear the building will have had at that time.
I thought the adjoining deli was a particularly good idea, as hungover parties would be able to leave their hotel and head straight there for a coffee and a croissant.
The Stephenson and Ridley Lounge's are both fabulous, and would be fantastic options for events and social gatherings. Birthday's and a recent Carabao Cup watch party have taken place there.
I headed back down to the main bar after my look around, and chatted to a couple of patrons to get their thoughts on the establishment.
I first spoke to Jan Lamming, who was meeting a friend off the train from Hexham, and she talked about why she will often nip into the bar for a drink while she waits.
"This place is very handy and it's in a great location for if you are waiting for someone coming in off of a train or if you are getting onto a train yourself.
"You can get a couple of drinks yourself, and it is also great for people watching, as stags and hens come in all the time and that is always a laugh", she said.
Soon after, I had a chat with Val Wilson, who was also with friends in the bar. She talked about the atmosphere of The Centurion and how it has been busy for a long time.
"There is such a warm and friendly atmosphere here and that is amazing to experience. It has been here for over two decades now and it has always been busy for as long as I can remember.
"I would highly recommend The Centurion to anyone who has never been here before. The building is grandiose and the interior is absolutely beautiful. I would encourage anyone who is visiting Newcastle to come here."
After I finished my drink, I left The Centurion, but not before taking one last look at the majestic tiles that were around me. Despite its popularity, I think not too many people will have taken a minute to fully appreciate the exceptional history and culture in the building.
I can definitely see why The Centurion was voted Chronicle Live reader's favourite bar, it has tonnes of character, is in a fantastic location, and amazing staff who were helpful and accommodating to this reporter.
Read next:
Newcastle to host Friendship Festival to welcome new arrivals from Hong Kong
Gateshead girl, 12, targets national archery championships as she follow in her family's footsteps
Meet one of Gateshead's youngest ever councillors urging other young voices to get into politics
I visited the pretty Northumberland village with scenic walks and a rich railway heritage
Newcastle charity given grant to help young people get involved in the creative arts
