Centurion Bar Burmantofts – Newcastle Central Station (1893)

This place can take your breath away the first time you see it. Originally the First Class Waiting Room at Central Station, later inhabited by the British Transport Police, now the Centurion Bar in Newcastle Central Station.

In 1893 the railway company decorated the room with specially commissioned, hand made Burmantofts tiles which were very expensive and not usually used in public buildings. The tiles are now reputedly worth millions.

This wonderful decor disappeared, albeit temporarily, when the British Transport Police moved into the building and painted over the tiles with a garish shade of red. The room is now restored to its original splendour, and has the stunning interior pictured.

Here’s a detailed timeline of the First‑Class Waiting Room at Newcastle Central Station—now known as The Centurion Bar:

Year	📌 Event	🛠️ Notes
1892–1893	Constructed as the First‑Class Refreshment Room	Designed by William Bell (for John Dobson’s 1870s station extension). Decorated in lavish Burmantofts faience with Doric columns, vaulted skylight, and central mural by Byron Dawson  .
1895	Installation of wall and ceiling tiles	Expensive, handmade Burmantofts ceramic tiles exhibited throughout the space .
Late 1950s	Burmantofts Tileworks closure	Regional loss of tile production, making surviving public installations rare .
1960s	Closure of the lounge; conversion to police use	Space repurposed as British Transport Police cells, tiles painted over, walls reinforced .
2000	Purchase by Keeping Inn Ltd for restoration	Extensive uncovering and conservation of original tiling begun .
2001	Tile valuation revealed	Burmantofts tiles alone estimated at £3.5–£3.8 million