"This building is of character and interest, having a certain presence set back from the road on a key east-west route, with a curiously asymmetrical façade and traditional materials. It was rebuilt at the turn of the 20th century for R Newton.

Constructed in the by then prolific red brick, it still incorporates detailing in the local sandstone in the form of lintel and cill string courses and substantial mullions between window pairs to the first floor. A curved façade was incorporated into the design when the pub was rebuilt, in a similar manner to the Highlander at Swalwell. However this was later removed as the building was remodelled, but what appears to be the original, attractively detailed stained glass has been reinstated, although perhaps set in different frames.

The original 6-over-1 sashes still grace the 1st floor, with the shallow-pitched Welsh slate roof and cast iron rainwater goods completing the picture of the end of the era of Victorian charm. The soaring, deeply corniced chimneys are of particular interest as they add a light, cheerful note, and create balance with the horizontal emphasis of the lengthy frontage, as do the unusual slim 6-panel doors." - Sitelines

NEHL - It’s not really as it was rebuilt, but the Black Bull name is the oldest in Blaydon. It’s seen on an 1825 map of what was then a village. It was only a small cottage inn then. In 1856 the landlady was Eleanor Birket.

Auctions took place here as per a newspaper piece in the Gateshead Observer in 1860. A certain Mr Urwin was in declining business, and sold a quantity of his household and business furniture at the pub to raise funds.

A report in 1890 states there was a quoits ground adjacent to the pub, with competitions often taking place here. This is alongside the inn being a meeting place for sports clubs. The Blaydon Amateur Cycling Club held their AGM's at the inn - their president being Mr John Dodds in 1895.