'I tried the new Greggs pub — they've really out-done themselves this time'

Writer Barbara Hodgson could have easily mistaken her surroundings for a traditional pub, with its smoky colour tones and wooden features suggesting it had been around for some time. Amidst the general chatter, she noticed a family dining with a young child and a constant stream of kitchen staff delivering food to nearby tables.

However, this is far from your typical local. Welcome to The Golden Flake Tavern, the latest venture from Greggs, located within Newcastle department store Fenwick.

A welcoming pub sign greets her at the entrance and as she stepped into what used to be a first-floor café Barbara is immediately struck by how homely the new pub feels. The food menu heavily features those beloved pastry staples, but Fenwick's head chef has added an array of interesting dishes that are surprisingly diverse, including a 'build-your-own' Sunday carvery where diners can choose their own trimmings to accompany a steak bake. But that treat is yet to come, with the pub set to open its doors to the public on Saturday, reports Chronicle Live.

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As she is shown to her table, Barbara discovers a variety of seating areas within the Monday to Saturday menu. One side of the room is dominated by a long bar, with wooden tables and partitions offering views over Blackett Street on the opposite wall.

Pub stools and tables line the centre of the pub, with cosy sofas and armchairs tucked away in a raised area at the back. A fireplace, adorned with retro china dogs, adds a touch of homeliness to the old-style feel of the pub.

The midday sun streams through the windows as we arrive, but Barbara can imagine the atmosphere transforming as early evening sets in. While the usual opening hours are 11am-7pm, there's talk of extending this until 9pm on Tuesdays from October 7th, coinciding with the introduction of a quiz night.

The Golden Flake Tavern exudes tradition, from its frosted glass windows and oversized pub mirrors to its yellow anaglypta wallpaper, rugs, and heavy drapes with tie-backs. There's a jukebox, vintage board games, and a 'cabinet of curiosities' that wouldn't look out of place in your granny's living room, filled with glasses and tankards.

Even the collection of Toby Jugs perched on top adds to the charm. The decor seems to echo the muted tones of Greggs' trademark colours, with yellow walls complemented by others painted blue.

The eatery showcases the work of a local artist, along with the classic black and white photos that adorn all Greggs shops: snapshots of local landmarks and early Greggs shops with their staff. I'm already smitten before I've even picked my grub.

Barbara spots a selection of four 'snacks', each priced at £4.25, as starters and we opt for southern fried chicken goujons, served with a Korean mayonnaise, and mac 'n' cheese bites with a proper pesto dressing. There's also a sausage roll accompanied by Bloody Mary ketchup and southern fried potato wedges drizzled with hot honey.

Both of her choices are generous portions, crispy and packed with flavour. Barbara then found herself in a quandary over the mains.

A £14 ploughman's platter sharing board - featuring a cheese and onion bake, enhanced by the likes of garlic stottie bread, ham and pickled walnuts - certainly caught her eye. And an £11.75 chicken bake parmo piqued Barbara's curiosity.

But she finally settled on a fish-finger sandwich for £12 and it turned out to be a winner. Everyone has a soft spot for a fish-finger sandwich and this one was top-notch.

With a choice of ketchup or mayo - Barbara went for mayo - and served with Colman's chips, peas and tartar sauce, the combination was spot-on. The mushy peas were particularly pleasing.

The meal was incredibly satisfying, including Barbara's companion's choice of a steak bake mixed grill. Priced at £12.50, it was the priciest main on the menu.

As he put it, this was the maximum you'd be willing to shell out for a posh Greggs, but he thoroughly enjoyed it. The boat of rich ale gravy that accompanied the steak bake, along with mushrooms, chunky chips and a fried egg, was actually the highlight of the dish.

The desserts, each costing £6.50, also paid homage to Greggs classics: the Pink Jammie doughnut and Yum Yum. I'm not one for sweet treats, so a trifle inspired by the former wasn't Barbar'as cup of tea, but the Yum Yum version of bread and-butter pudding - another nostalgic touch - certainly hit the spot.

Served warm, with either ice cream or custard, it was pure comfort food bliss. I'd definitely order it again.

The bar offers all the beverages you'd anticipate from a proper pub: wines starting at £5.50 for a small 125ml glass; spirits from £3.50 for a single measure; beers - both draught and bottled or canned - and cocktails. I opted for a whisky-based Tyne Bramble cocktail - the £11.50 selection also includes a Pink Jamie Fizz - while my companion sampled one of the new beers specially brewed for the pub by the local Full Circle Brewery.

The Gosforth 1939 Stottie Lager, priced at £6.50 a pint, was a hit, suggesting that the new Pink Jammie Pale Ale, also for the same price, will likely be a popular choice next time. Other options, including a range of soft and hot drinks around the £3 mark, include Newcastle Brown Ale, non-alcoholic Guinness and cider.

The prices seem standard for the area, and The Golden Flake Tavern provides a unique yet familiar experience. If you were to envision a Greggs pub, this would be it.

It's straightforward and welcoming, giving off the vibe of a beloved local. Once it opens on 27 September, its food menu will be available from 11am until 7pm, with last orders at 5.45pm.

Its weekly carvery will be served from 11am to 5pm on Sundays, with the last seating at 3.30pm. The Golden Flake Tavern will remain open until 14 February next year, when it will undoubtedly call last orders with a special St Valentine's Day event.

Walk-ins are welcome, but tables can be booked online: see here.