The Top Ten Rooftop Bars in Newcastle
Is there anything better than watching the sun go down with a birds-eye view of the city and a drink in your hand? Newcastle offers some amazing places to do this, with some stunning views of the Toon.
So, where is the ‘Best Rooftop Bar in Newcastle’?
Good question.
It’s a topic of hot debate, with so many places to choose from. You’ve got all the big swanky hotels, small independent pubs, leafy rooftop gardens and tiny brick walled yards, all contending for the title of ‘Best Rooftop Bar in Newcastle’.
We’ve complied our personal ‘Top Ten Rooftop Bars in Newcastle’ for your deliberation. So sit back, have a good read and let then us know what you think in via Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
What makes a great rooftop garden? Size? Comfort? Or is it all about the view? With the perfect view of the city skyline taking the top spot? We’ve tried to take everything into account, carefully weighing up all the factors, but we’ve made one important distinction. This is Rooftop Bars only, not beer gardens! If you are looking for them check out our top ten here.
So, in no particular order, here is our definitive top ten…
Alvinos
Alvinos has been one of our favourite haunts for a while, with its quirky style, amazing cocktails, wide selection of craft beers and live DJs on Friday and Saturday nights. This hidden gem has been a popular choice for us over the years, a regular Pilgrim Street TARDIS, it is much bigger inside than it looks from out front, with three floors, two bars and a terrace.
The terrace is a real sun trap and always popular. Sit back and relax on their signature red leather booths, soak in some sun and enjoy one of their stunning cocktails.
You can find them on Facebook here.
ABOVE
Located on the roof of Newcastle’s famous Vermont Hotel, ABOVE really does offer some of the very best views of the city. Perfect to watch the sun go down and sink a well earned drink or ten!
ABOVE offers a great menu of global small plates and tempting cocktails and often some live music and DJs, all in a great terrace setting or in the vibrant indoor bar.
You can find them on Facebook here.
The Botanist
Bang in the city centre just next to the iconic Grey’s Monument, The Botanist is a popular choice of bar, known for its distinct floral decoration and delicious dishes and drinks. Its rooftop bar is a great place to while away the hours, cosy and sheltered from the elements, surrounded by natural light with rooftop beams framing its views.
This rooftop has a garden feel about it, with traditional patio style furnishings. There is ample space, with plenty of spots to soak in the sun or sit in the shade. They do some fab grub too, as well as their signature cocktails.
You can find them on Facebook here.
Barluga
Barluga is a set perfectly in the midst of one of Britain’s most beautiful streets. Grey Street is world known for its Georgian architecture and is buzzing with life. Named one of Britain’s best streets by BBC Radio 4, it is home to an array of restaurants, bars, galleries and the iconic Newcastle Theatre Royal.
In the former site of the Bank of England, it is a unique and unforgettable venue. Its rooftop terrace is no exception to this, and certainly does not disappoint!
Comfy, relaxed and spacious, this sun trap proves very popular. Once you are in you won’t want to leave, but the good news is you don’t have to as they offer a delicious gastro-pub style menu, accompanied by a superb wine and cocktail list.
So why not take a weight off your feet, chill out and while away a few hours in the sun at Barluga?
You can find them on Facebook here.
Revolucion de Cuba
A slice of Havana’s heyday in the heart of Newcastle, they have a large rooftop area for you to enjoy, complete with dazzling cocktails, delicious food and unforgettable Latin-inspired vibes. Nestled in the hustle and bustle the Cloth Market, you’ll find classic Art Deco and Cuban-inspired décor, with funky tiki tables.
Soak up some sunshine on their Santiago Sun Terrace, sip rum in their Havana Club bar or book your own private area and party the night away in Castro’s Corner.
Perfect to while away the hours in comfort and catch up with some good company, they offer a great selection of tapas dishes, with some amazing cocktails to wash it all down with!
You can find them on Facebook here.
The Bridge Tavern
If you are looking for views of Newcastle’s most iconic and historic landmarks then The Bridge Tavern is a contender with a twist. Situated under the North Easts most iconic landmark, The Tyne Bridge. The pub is built between the bridges stanchions and has an interesting view of the bridge from below.
There has been a Hostelry and Ale House on this site for nearly two centuries with the original building being demolished in 1925 to make way for the bridge. The building we are housed in was rebuilt after the Tyne Bridge.
They have a cosy, well sheltered space, complete with leather sofas to sink into while you sup a beer in the sun. The now defunct and unused concrete walkways above make for some interesting viewing, with their paths to nowhere reminiscent of Escher artwork.
A Brewpub and Eatery, they have a great comfort food on the menu and some fantastic beers, with home brewed bespoke real ales which are served directly to the pulls.
You can find them on Facebook here.
Tokyo
Tokyo in Newcastle has an intimate rooftop terrace, sheltered from the elements by a cover. This quirky little spot makes for a cosy and relaxed atmosphere.
Their amazing DJs provide the soundtrack to the summer, as you sit and chill with one of their famous cocktails in your hand.
You can find them on Facebook here.
The Telegraph
The Telegraph Pub is located just behind Newcastle’s Central Station, and is a popular traditional style pub on Orchard Street.
Their rooftop terrace is a real sun trap and always popular with the locals. It is heated in the winter months and makes a good chill out spot while you sink a few pints in the great outdoors.
You can find them on Facebook here.
The Forth
The Forth on Pink Lane is a popular pub and one of our favourites. Again this venue is just a short stroll from Newcastle’s Central Station, The Forth is the perfect place to catch up with mates or grab a pint before a night out.
Full with cosy nooks, the small courtyard roof terrace has a laid back vibe, with wooden benches and tables. This little spot is a well hidden gem and once you get a seat you won’t want to leave, but the good news is they serve great wholesome grub and have a brilliant selection of beers, so you don’t have to!
You can find them on Facebook here.
Pitcher & Piano
The Pitcher & Piano on Newcastle Quayside is the perfect spot to while away a few hours in the sun. Located right slap bang on the quayside, by the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, you get amazing views of the river.
The rooftop bar has is a popular spot to while away the hours with a beer in hand. It gets plenty of sun and makes a good starting or ending point for any quayside bar crawl.
You can find them on Facebook here.
And with that last venue that is it! We hope you’ve enjoyed our Top Ten list? But don’t let that stop the fun! Head over to our social media platforms and let us know what you think is the Best Rooftop Bar in Newcastle…maybe you think we’ve missed a hidden gem or an obvious contender? Let us know! And you can even send us a photo of you making the most of the last of the Summer and enjoying a cocktail in the sun there? Just tag us in for a shout out.