The Best Night Out in Newcastle

Newcastle was once known as a gritty industrial capital of England’s northeast but it has been transformed in to one of the country’s most vibrant cultural and social cities.

The Tyneside city is now known for its arts scene, leisure facilities and the boistrous, friendly ‘Geordies’. The stereotype of a Newcastle local usually involves someone who happily goes out in all weathers, wearing skimpy T-shirts or less.

Officially Newcastle is part of the metropolitan county of Tyne and Wear, about 277 miles (446 km) north of London. It actually forms a large urban conurbation with neighbouring Gateshead, connected by landmark bridges across the River Tyne.

Football is a huge part of local culture, with Newcastle United being a single-city club. United’s St James’ Park stadium is an iconic landmark in the city.

The city also offers a wide range of shopping, from high-end stores to independent boutiques. Eldon Square houses the biggest variety of shops and eateries.

And Newcastle has a diverse food scene, with plenty of highly rated restaurants offering cuisine from around the world. The city is also known for its traditional pub culture, including bars that serve the famous local Newcastle Brown ale.

Newcastle Nightlife

The city is renowned for how lively it gets after dark. At its heart are the bars of Bigg Market and Collingwood Street known as The Diamond Strip.

The Bigg Market is mostly known for its pubs, while Collingwood Street is better known for its clubs. With bothoptions on hand, The Diamond Strip is extremely popularfor a night out on the town.

At the same time Newcastle boasts a huge variety of pubs, from traditional locals to stylish modern bars. 

Ouseburn Valley is great spot for drinkers with its craft beer scene while the Tyne Quayside area is dotted with stylish bars and restaurants with views of the river. 

The city has a thriving live music scene, with many venues hosting big name gigs across genres. The O2 Academy and Sage Gateshead are prominent venues.

Collingwood Street is home to some of the city’s most popular nightclubs that attract partygoers from a wide area. Expect a mix of mainstream and alternative music at venues like Digital, Tup Tup Palace, and Florita’s.

Newcastle’s cultural venues also offer events, plays, comedy and screenings.

And if you fancy an evening of poker in stylish surroundings head to Aspers Casino. The Newgate Street venue is the city’s best known spot. Their rivals online now offer poker promotions so they pull out all the stops to impress players who visit the casino to leave a lasting impression on them. 

Its dedicated poker room hosts regular tournaments and cash games, including Texas Hold’em and Omaha.

Newcastle’s best bars

The Botanist

Find the stylish Botanist on Monument Mall, where it is known for its modern décor and extensive cocktail menu.Best of all is a rooftop terrace offering panoramic city views.

Pleased To Meet You

This gin-focused bar on High Bridge Street boasts an impressive selection of gins, craft beers, and cocktails. The cool interior is one of THE places to chill.

Alvinos

Down on Pilgrim Street, Alvinos is a more quirky bar with character. Spot the retro vibe and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.

The Bridge Tavern

The microbrewert pub on Akenside Hill offers a selection of house-brewed beers plus a menu of modern British dishes. The setting, inside a converted former warehouse, adds to its unique charm.

Jalou

This Neville Street bar is lively. Check the inventive cocktails and drool over the uber-modern design.

Newcastle’s best restaurants

House of Tides

Down on Newcastle’s Quayside, House of Tides is a top-rated Michelin-starred restaurant in a converted waterside warehouse. The menu is all about modern British cuisine with a focus on seasonal and local ingredients. 

Dabbawal

With two locations on High Bridge Street and Jesmond, both Dabbawal sites serve excellent Indian street food along with traditional dishes. The casual atmosphere is a big hit among Geordie regulars.

Peace and Loaf

Peace and Loaf is a fine-dining restaurant in Jesmond known for its innovative and artistic menu. It’s a chance for a unique dining experience.

Six Baltic

Right inside the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art on the Quayside, a table at Six Baltic offers panoramic views of the city along with a modern European menu. 

Dat Bar

Along Market Street, Dat Bar is a popular casual eatery known for gourmet hot dogs and craft beers. It’s perfect for those looking for a laid-back meal.

Is Newcastle a good place to go out?

Today the city is a blend of historic industrial architecture and exciting modern developments. The old stone medieval Newcastle Castle, after which the city is named, is often largely overlooked the city centre.

More famous and important today is the city’s lively nightlife. Thanks to a huge student population, there’s now an impressive array cultural and music venues – plus some of the UKs liveliest bars and clubs.