So you’ve just arrived in Newcastle for a weekend away, or you’ve just finished your shift for the day. What now?
Food.
There are countless great eateries in and out of the city centre, whether you fancy a quick bite or a 3 course dinner - we have you covered. Here are some suggestions to start you off on your culinary journey…
Brunchin’ and lunchin’
Sample the local cuisine at Aidans Kitchen in Sandyford, serving tasty brunch and locally roasted coffee and tea. Or the eclectic hidden gem that is Ernest in the trendy and upcoming area of Ouseburn - sample a vegan breakfast or pop in for lunch within its quirky interior.
Casual fine dining?
Why not take a trip down to the Quayside, where you will find Newcastle’s only One Star Michelin restaurant - House of Tides. Or in the mood for steak? Taste the finest Himalayan salt dry-aged steaks, Wagyu and other great local dishes just a stone's throw down our beautiful Quayside to Tomahawk Steakhouse, or a short trip into Jesmond brings you to Rio Brazillian Steakhouse on Osbourne Road. A full Brazillian Churrasco experience with meats continuously carved at your table.
Can’t decide?
Head down to The Stack, situated right in the beating heart of Newcastle on Pilgrim Street. It’s a man made container village buzzing with tonnes of food and drink experiences. Taste the Japanese cuisine from Sushi Me Rollin’, greek specialities at Acropolis Street Food, or just treat yourself to a simple but tasty caffeine fix from Coffee Yolo.
Drinks.
Regardless of your reason for choosing to stay with us, it's likely you've already heard about Newcastle’s nightlife: and no, it's not all like on Geordie Shore. Whether it be an after work pint or a reason to celebrate, we have some suggestions to wet your palette...
Beers and brews.
Brewdog can be found on Dean Street, providing an extensive choice of beers, ales and ciders, even accompanied by a cheese board if you fancy. Another good old fashioned pint-provider is the Tyne Bank Brewery and Tap Room on Waller Road, the city centre microbrewery with a selection of cask and keg beers. Pop in for a brewery tour, attend one of their organised events or just for a teatime tipple.
Cocktail O’clock.
Prefer to browse a cocktail menu? Tiger Hornsby provides stunning, luxurious interiors with a range of cocktails to make your mouth water. Tucked into the famous Quayside, this gem often has live musicians to accompany your evening. Another ‘must-see’ for cocktails is the Bigg Market’s newest hidden gem, WC, aptly named as it has been recently converted from city toilets into a quaint and stylish place to meet. Take a ride back up the bank of the Quayside onto the famous Grey Street and you will find yourself in beverage heaven - from the decadent yet relaxed atmosphere of The Muddler, to the heated outdoor terrace of Barluga, or immerse yourself in the jaw dropping decor of Leila Lily’s; where ambience and atmosphere come free with every visit.
Out all night.
If you are only here for the weekend and want to drink and dance your short stay away, Jalou on Neville Street is an R&B haven, partnered with their quirky drinks menu and two swanky bars - the Cookie Monster cocktail is a must-try! Or skip over the road to meet Newcastle’s famous ‘diamond strip’ or Collingwood Street, where Revolution Bar and Kitchen serves the party all day long. Book a cocktail masterclass or dare to try a ‘shot stick’ made up of their handcrafted flavoured vodkas - but don’t drunk dial your ex! Bijoux on Mosley Street is a well known student hub filled with good music and cheap drinks, as well as Flares just over the road, where your night will be packed with cheesy 80’s floor fillers and a light up dancefloor.
Walks.
City centre life is great, but Newcastle is even greater because it's throwing distance from the most beautiful walking routes and scenery, something that a lot of other cities can’t offer. If you fancy a change of scene or just some fresh air, here are some places to help you forget a city centre is only moments away…
Photo from Photomonstr - fonwall.ru
Photo by John Stock, 2014
Beach, please.
Come rain or shine, the beauty of Tynemouth is always evident. Just a short 8 mile journey (18 minute Uber) from Newcastle, Tynemouth offers a bustling surf culture, sandy beaches and plentiful restaurants to grab a bite - day or night. The coastline is infamous and really is a ‘see it to believe it’ landscape. Riley’s Fish Shack serves incredible freshly and locally caught seafood, with its restaurant on the actual beach itself you can’t say no to the amazing food and even better views.
Exercise.
If you are worried staying in a new place will disrupt your gym routine, or even just fancy sweating the stresses of the week away, there are plenty of environments available for you to get that summer body, all year round…
Lift.
PureGym offers some of the most cost-friendly memberships in the city, from £4.99 for a day pass if you are here for the weekend, or £14.99 for a monthly pass for longer term stays. Plus, they have 3 gyms across the city, so pick your closest and give them a call!
Box.
In the cool settings of Ouseburn sits RIOT, a boxing based gym that offers group fitness classes, mixing the basics of boxing with cardio and strength training. The classes are suitable for all abilities and you don’t need to be a pro boxer - just book into a class on their website!
“Nobody’s perfect… but being a Geordie is pretty close.”
— Unknown
Film and theatre.
Looking for something to make you laugh? Cry? Both at the same time? Well Newcastle has plenty of things to be marvelled at, whether it be on the big screen or live on stage… just save us some popcorn.
Popcorn.
If you fancy a cinema trip with a twist, Every Man Cinema will blow your mind. Not only is its decor quirky and its fully functioning bar and restaurant serving delicious food and drinks… but it can be delivered to your very cinema seat all while you enjoy your movie. Hot food, cocktails and popcorn all hand delivered to the plush, comfy double sofa cinema seating to accompany your cinematic experience.
Binoculars.
Standing tall in the heart of Grainger Town is Newcastle’s stunning Theatre Royal, home to jaw dropping performances in world renowned shows such as We Will Rock You, Sister Act and The Book of Mormon - simply check their website to see what's on during your stay with us.
Museums and art.
Sometimes it's nice to just take a minute from the rush of everyday life and dip your toes into something creative and inspiring. You don't have to be an art or history fanatic to find Newcastle’s art scene pretty incredible…
You won't see many photographs of Newcastle’s infamous river and Tyne Bridge without being able to spot the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art sitting on the South bank of the Tyne. It’s the UK’s largest dedicated contemporary art institution, showcasing art, exhibits and events. It also houses the incredible SIX bar and restaurant right on the very top floor, giving you dinner views across our beautiful city.
The Life Science Centre is full to the brim with interactive exhibits, delving into the world of science and its relevance on our lives. Groundbreaking genetic and medical research is carried out here and trust us, you will lose yourself for hours taking everything in: a perfect weekend activity.
For all other artsy needs we have the Laing Art Gallery on New Bridge Street, The Biscuit Factory (no biscuits included) and the North East Collective in Eldon Gardens, which sells and showcases artwork from over 150 local artists.