The Gold Medal in Gateshead closed as a Hungry Horse venue, after a memorable final weekend featuring NUFC legends Darren Peacock and Steve Howey

08:19, Mon, Feb 2, 2026 Updated: 09:00, Mon, Feb 2, 2026

Customers at The Gold Medal's final Friday night

pub (Image: Facebook/The Gold Medal)

It's a venue that's been a cornerstone of Gateshead for decades, as well as a beloved spot for Newcastle supporters. So it seemed fitting that two former Newcastle United legends turned up at The Gold Medal pub before it closed its doors permanently this weekend. As ChronicleLive reported, patrons of The Gold Medal were devastated after learning that the Low Fell establishment would cease operating as a Hungry Horse venue from February 1.

Responses to The Gold Medal's Facebook announcement about its closure revealed just how cherished the location was, with both punters and ex-staff members at the Chowdene Bank establishment sharing their recollections. The Gold Medal will soon transform into American barbecue restaurant Hickory's, after the chain's North East branch in Thornaby proved a massive success with its US-style cuisine, reports Chronicle Live.

An image depicts a building named "The Gold Medal," characterized by its red brick exterior and brown roof, situated amidst a lu

The Gold Medal pub on Chowdene bank, Gateshead (Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

Rather than departing quietly, The Gold Medal enjoyed a memorable final weekend of operation following its last quiz evening a few days earlier; with United 90s first-team players Darren Peacock and Steve Howey drawing crowds for a discussion event on Friday, before the venue was packed for the Newcastle v Liverpool fixture on Saturday. And whilst there wasn't much to cheer about, with a 1-4 loss for the Magpies, there remained abundant affection in the room for The Gold Medal.

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What appears to be the final post on the pub's Facebook page was shared on Sunday evening, with the team bidding farewell by stating: "Well that's it folks, and what a send off last night. All our local guests, and all that travel from afar to visit us every week, you are the ones that made The Gold Medal what it is."

Alongside referencing the establishment's future as Hickory's, the message continued: "Not forgetting our team of superstars who consistently delivered top results every year, including a record breaking Christmas this year. Thank you all, the community spirit driven by all the people associated with this pub, really has been something special."