Formerly an Enterprise Inns pub it is now the first community-owned pub in the Tyne Valley. From its closure in early 2018 to the official re-launch on 6 July 2019, by local Blaydon MP Liz Twist, it took villagers just under 18 months. They registered the pub as an Asset of Community Valley which bought time to fund-raise through share offerings and buy the pub. Endless hours of volunteer work by the local community made this happen. The pub is now run by tenants Mick Rolfe & Hannah Shaw.
There has been a lot of media attention in the North East, from both BBC, ITV, local radio and the printed press.
It remains an attractive Edwardian half-timbered local in lovely setting by the village green and the cross that names the pub. The original Cross Inn dates from the mid-19th century and was partly rebuilt in 1909. The annual ‘Carols at Christmas’, community event is held on the village green outside the pub. The pub is very much intended as a centre for the local community with events and local activities.
The pub hosts streetfood vendors most weekends as well as occasional pop-up supper club events.
The Friends of Ye Olde Cross are the winners of CAMRA's 2019 Pub Saving Award.
Pub connected to Blaydon Station via R3/R4 bus service
Community Owned
Freehold Owner: Community Benefit Society. Year Purchased 2018.
Purchased by the Ryton Cross Community Society
This Pub serves 4 changing beers (Firebrick) and 1 regular beer.
Olde Cross, Old Ryton Village
Source: Local