“Ha’way the lads!”
Newcastle, a city that loves to work hard and party harder (here’s to you Gazza). So, to give the nod of approval to this great northern weekend paradise, we’ve planned the Ultimate Newcastle Bar Crawl, spanning 29 drinks, 4.3km and 1 notorious clubbing capital.
Always remember to drink responsibly, eat hungrily and never dodge your round.
So grab your special drinking tankard and waterproof bib as we present…
29 Best Pubs & Bars in Newcastle
Tiger Hornsby
You’re too cool for the average watering hole. You can only about manage 3 minutes in your local supermarket before being disgusted by the bargain-bin brand beard-care products they’re shilling for designer prices. Tiger Hornsby is the bar for you, friend. Not only are their manly alcoholic concoctions award-winning, but they’re served up in one of Newcastle’s classiest looking bars. And yes, some of their drinks can even be set on fire. Unusual? Yes. Awesome? Hell yes.
Come here for… Award-winning drinks
Stay for… Cocktail hour, you won’t regret it
Where? Tiger Hornsby, Quayside, 8-10 Close, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3RE
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Redhouse
Sushi, salad, couscous, something called “quinoa”. Are you bored of all the latest lunch fads? Good. Redhouse are too. And they’re here to save your stomachs with their old-school holy trinity of pie, mash and liquor (that’s gravy to all you “pie shop virgins”). But these aren’t just any pies, they’re handmade by award-winning Northumbrian butchers and are served with some of the best craft ales our nation has ever produced. It’s almost enough to make you feel patriotic, almost.
Come here for… The best pies in toon
Stay for… A who’s-who of the UK’s best craft ales
Where? Redhouse, 32 Sandhill, Newcastle upon Tune, NE1 3JF
The Bridge Tavern
Here’s a bit of local history for you; there’s been an ale house on the site of The Bridge Tavern for nearly 200 years. But in 1925, the Tavern’s original building was demolished to make way for the bridge that hangs over the pub today. However, having been lovingly rebuilt, the beers are foaming forth once again, and we’re sure if they tried to build over this brilliant boozer again, then for the love of the brewpub gods, it would be the bridge that would have to move.
Come here for… A bit of Newcastle brewing history
Stay for… Some of the city’s best home brewed beers
Where? The Bridge Tavern, 7 Akenside Hill, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3UF
Livello
A favourite haunt of everybody from Newcastle celebrities to football stars, Livello is cool. It’s subtle. It’s classy. It’s luxury. All wrapped up in a seriously stylish venue packed with leather seating, low-key lighting and a cabana-style courtyard for al-fresco drinks in the North-East summertime. Indeed, gentlemen, this is one bar that’s a little less Geordie Shore, and a little more Bond, shaken-not-stirred included.
Come here for… A seriously cool, luxury vibe
Stay for… Newcastle’s best DJs on the decks
Where? Livello, Lower Dean Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3JE
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BrewDog Newcastle
We know. BrewDog pubs. They’re everywhere these days, but for good reason. As soon as you enjoy that first not-so-sobering sip of a Punk IPA you’re lost in an irresistible world of craft beer that you just can’t wait to explore. And sure enough, you’re soon left explaining the difference, tasting notes in hand, between a Hop Fiction and a 5AM Saint to your Fosters-drinking mate Dave. And what a place Newcastle’s BrewDog is to educate him, with “33 taps of craft beer awesomeness” in tow.
Come here for… One of the nation’s best BrewDog pubs
Stay for… A pint of Coffee & Cigarettes. (12.1%, ouch)
Where? BrewDog Newcastle, 16 Dean Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1PG
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The Empress
All hail The Empress. All hail her cool, industrial style. All hail her utterly regal cocktail list. All her b-e-a-utiful clientele. May she continue to reign over us in all her majesty. An iconic fixture in Newcastle’s world famous nightlife, this ever-popular bar is a must on any Tyneside night out, whether you’re just starting off, half way through or winding down your alcofrolics.
Come here for… One of Newcastle’s most famous student bars
Stay for… An Oreo Peanutini or a Bloody Jäger for the brave
Where? The Empress, Side, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1PR
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Bijoux
You may or may not know this, but Bijoux has featured in Geordie Shore more than a few times and it remains a regular haunt of the cast members, as well as A-list ‘slebs like Ellie Goulding and gorgeous Hollyoaks star Jennifer Metcalfe. But as well as literally rubbing shoulders with the stars, this bar will also see you getting to know a superb selection of international disc-spinners, and a “geet walla” drinks list to boot.
Come here for… A Newcastle bar “as seen on TV”
Stay for… The chance to “bump into” Vicky Pattison
Where? Bijoux, 36-28 Mosley Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1DF
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All Seeing Eye
Escape the unerring gaze of your other-half and find your way into the reclusive surrounds of the All Seeing Eye, Newcastle’s 21st century equivalent of a 1920’s speakeasy. Set above the old-world style Blackie Boy pub, this secretive bar is the perfect place to indulge in your love of craft ales, spirits and all manner of alcoholic concoctions between. Old habits die hard it seems; ale was sold in secret from a make-shift tap-room in the back yard of the property as far back as the early 18th century.
Come here for… A genuinely secret drinking den
Stay for… Innovative cocktails and delicious craft ales
Where? Blackie Boy Pub, 11 Groat Market, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1UQ
House of Smith
House of Smith is fireworks. It’s beautiful podium dancers wielding sparklers. It’s backflipping gymnasts hanging from the ceiling. It’s properly brilliant and quite simply, has to be seen to be believed. So, go and see it. For your efforts, you’ll get to party to some of the world’s top DJs and be a part of some of the craziest nights out that our green and pleasant land has to offer. It’s like the best house party ever, turned up to 11.
Come here for… A legendary and essential night out
Stay for… Amazing entertainment and the world’s top DJs
Where? House of Smith, 26 Collingwood Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1JF
Floritas
After the insanity that was House of Smith, Floritas is a low-key pint to bring you back to reality. Psych! Floritas is equally thrilling in its own way. Decked out in cool, low-lit Miami style design, this top-tier watering hole attracts the kind of high rolling clientele who like their bottles of vodka delivered with a little something on fire right next to them. Add a healthy amount of cocktails, lagers and “haven’t heard it for ages” tunes to the mix and you’re in for one hell of a night.
Come here for… Grown-up fun with flaming cocktails
Stay for… A full-blown tropical garden (seriously)
Where? House of Smith, 26 Collingwood Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1JF
Madame Koo
Nestled just down (under) the road from Floritas and House of Smith, Madame Koo is a hidden gem in Newcastle’s nightlife that you owe it to yourself to discover. Oriental décor is the law in this subtle yet stylish bar, with Chinese lanterns lighting up the orchids growing in the cracks between the bricks, as well as the party-loving people throwing shapes in the “sneaky disco”. Don’t question it. Just order a 10 Man Mojito (using a full bottle of Bacardi?!?) and discover this seriously popular beast from the North East.
Come here for… A sneaky drink
Stay for… A few not-so-sneaky drinks
Where? Madame Koo, 36 Collingwood Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1JF
Jalou
If Fred Sirieix, the French maître d’ from First Dates partied in Newcastle, Jalou is where he’d ask for his je nais se quoi. This brilliant watering hole is basically a Parisian bar based in the centre of Newcastle, complete with a phenomenal soundtrack, stylishly worn-out surrounds and, of course, femme fatales aplenty once the sun sets over Tyneside. Exactly the sort of place you’d want to end up before taking on the infamous Diamond Strip.
Come here for… Laid back pints in a buzzin’ atmosphere
Stay for… The purpose-built terrace with heated lamps to keep your Geordie credentials intact
Where? Jalou, Neville Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5DH
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The Head of Steam
Music. You love it. We love it. Even Ant and Dec (sorry lads, we’re still not ready to rumble) love it. And there’s nowhere in Newcastle better to tap your feet and nod your head to some top tunage than in The Head of Steam, one of the city’s best live music venues. As well as the kind of cask and craft ales selection that’ll see the beer hipsters amongst you erupt with glee, you’ll also discover some of the UK’s best up and coming musos. And as if you needed more persuading, the Arctic Monkeys have played here, although that’s no guarantee that you’ll Look Good on the Dance Floor.
Come here for… Up and coming live music acts
Stay for… Up and coming craft beers
Where? The Head of Steam, 2 Neville Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5EN
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The Dog and Parrot
It might be a little noughties to proclaim that “rock ‘n’ roll ain’t dead”, but dammit, ROCK ‘N’ ROLL AIN’T DEAD! Our evidence? The Dog and Parrot. This bar is a temple to all music that rocks with gig posters plastered across the walls, ceiling, and quite frankly anywhere else they can fit them, as well as plenty of musical memorabilia to feast your eyes on. Truly independent, and truly brilliant.
Come here for… Touring live music
Stay for… An upstairs floor devoted to American Pool
Where? The Dog and Parrot, 52 Clayton Street West, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4EX
Lane 7
Bowling lanes. Mini Golf. Table tennis. Pool. Beer. Burgers. Lane 7 is bloke heaven. Taking all the things us men love most in this world and piling them into one awesome venue, this bar is ideal for a few quick pints before taking your taxis, talking about how “that bar was bloody epic!” as you roll into the city centre. Or alternatively, enjoy a longer drink with a spare helping of intense bowling rivalry. Only one question remains… The gutter or the glory?
Come here for… A round of beers
Stay for… A round of bowling
Where? Lane 7, 80-90 St James’ Boulevard, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4BN
Bottle Shop Bar & Kitchen
Working out of their Waterloo Square industrial space, The Bottle Shop Bar & Kitchen serve a mouth-watering selection of no fewer than 127 brews in canned and bottled form to satisfy your beer curiosity. And because man cannot live on ale alone (unfortunately) they’ve also opened a delicious kitchen where you can stuff yourselves silly with man food including 8oz sirloin steaks and the house classic fish-finger sandwich. We think there’s hope for mankind yet.
Come here for… More beers than you’ve got digits
Stay for… Awesome man-food
Where? Bottle Shop Bar & Kitchen, Waterloo Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4DN
Bonbar
Suit up. Pull up a chair. Prepare to be educated. Bonbar’s mixologists are genuine experts in all things alcoholic. Be it brewed, distilled or blended, these aficionados know all about it and, thankfully, are willing to share their wisdom through their creative, award-winning cocktails which usually come with something on fire. Our personal favourite being the impressive-sounding Geordie Pornstar Martini.
Come here for… Newcastle’s most creative man cocktails
Stay for… Dining options with a suave twist
Where? Bonbar, The Assembly Rooms, Fenkle Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5XU
Stein Bier Keller
Newcastle did football first. But ze Germans did it better. Newcastle did beer first. But then ze Germans did it better. Newcastle did pubs first. But ze Germans saw them, raised them and fast-forward a few hundred years, and you’ve got the Stein Bier Keller. A temple of all things foamy, hoppy and wheaty for your drinking pleasure. As well as stein after stein of the good stuff, Newcastle’s premiere bierkeller also has an in-house Bavarian Oompah Band to keep das party atmosphere going until the early hours. Sehr gut, jah?
Come here for… An authentic Bavarian experience
Stay for… Table dancing with the live Oompah Band. Wunderbar!
Where? Stein Bier Keller, 13 Bigg Market, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1UN
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The Mushroom
One of the few party spots in Newcastle to have gained legendary status across the UK and quite possibly the North’s answer to Fabric, The Mushroom is just the place if you’re looking to forget your age, name and quite possibly everything else in the name of good times with mates. You know the nights. The ones where you dance until 3am, grab a kebab on the way home and talk “life” before settling down to a Dave repeat of Top Gear? Oh, to be young again.
Come here for… Newcastle’s most infamous nightlife
Stay for… Top DJs hitting the decks until the early hours
Where? The Mushroom, 82 Grainger Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5JQ
Pleased to Meet You
We know you’re there. Hiding behind a veil of beer snobbery and DIY home improvement plans. Guarding your hidden passions with a mask of vague 90’s European football knowledge that you’ll never, ever need. You ruddy LOVE gin. Fear not, for you are not alone. Pleased to Meet You have over 70 gins for you to indulge yourselves with, as well as a fair few bloke cocktails to show your lager-drinking mates that gin is a man’s drink, after all. If Bond can pull it off, so can you.
Come here for… More gins in one place than you’ll ever see again
Stay for… Pick ‘n’ mix G&T’s. It’s like an alcoholic nostalgia trip
Where? Pleased to Meet You, 41-51 High Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1EW
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Barluga
A touch of class. We all enjoy one now and again. That’s what Barluga is to Newcastle, a sensationally cool bistro and bar where you can test out your taste palates (the very same ones you abuse with fried chicken every Friday) by tucking into the modern British cuisine, and slake your thirst with a fantastic drinks menu with no fewer than 14 beers and some surprisingly stiff cocktails to see you into the night with style.
Come here for… Delicious cuisine in impressive surroundings
Stay for… The utterly brilliant drinks list
Where? Barluga, 35 Grey Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6EE
Bierrex Smoke & Tap House
Meat cleavers hang from the walls. A wood-fired smoker oozes with mouth-watering cooking smells. A Himalayan salt-chamber cures the finest meats before they’re brought before the chef to be prepared for the honour of gracing your plate. Bierrex Smoke & Tap House is dinner done right. With 31 rotating craft beers on tap at any one time to wash down all that wood-smoked BBQ in time for dessert. Perfect.
Come here for… Authentic wood-smoked BBQ meats
Stay for… 31 craft beers on tap for your drinking pleasure
Where? Bierrex Smoke & Tap House, 82 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6JN
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Lady Greys
We’re all a little guilty of not being the most refined versions of ourselves. The unshaven, unexercised louts we are. But in Newcastle, gentlemen are not born, they’re made. And more often than not, they’re made here. Lady Greys is a truly suave watering hole with the finest collection of cask ales, whiskeys and beers in the city. Often called the “coolest pub in Newcastle”, this fine establishment is well worth your time on any visit to “the toon”.
Come here for… A massive selection of British whiskies
Stay for… Round 2. When in Rome and all that
Where? Lady Greys, 20 Shakespeare Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6AQ
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Players Bar
Players Newcastle is a sports bar by day and an incredibly stylish late night bar into the evening. Set across two floors, with a gold suede VIP area, this brilliant venue erupted onto the world famous Newcastle nightlife scene way back in 2006, and has continued to set the standard for entertainment and atmosphere ever since. Howay man!
Come here for… Two floors of late night entertainment
Stay for… Some of Newcastle’s biggest and best nights out
Where? Players Bar, 95 Newgate Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3PA
Shark Club Gastro Bar
In the shadow of the massive St. James Park football stadium, Shark Club Gastro Bar is Newcastle’s home for live sports and entertainment. Since 1993, there’s been nowhere better to park yourself for a few hours with a pint (or two) in hand and a man-sized burger in front of you. Tricked out with big screens, multiple satellite feeds and live pay-per-view, this is one bar that absolutely refuses to judge you for your love of sport. Even if you are “hugging type” when your team hits the back of the net.
Come here for… Newcastle’s home of live sports
Stay for… Genuinely delicious food and beers
Where? Sandman Signature Hotel, Heber Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4BT
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Bealim House
Bealim House will put the hairs on your chest. It’ll put the moustache on your lip. It’ll fill your pint glass with craft ale and see you coming back for more. Bealim House is all kinds of brilliant. But there’s so much more to this bar than great beer – this is actually Newcastle’s first authentic gin distillery, housing the city’s only working in-house gin still. So, you if you do for a G&T (which we implore you to do so), it’s likely that it’ll be the freshest glass you’ve ever had.
Come here for… Freshly distilled gins
Stay for… Self-serve lager tables. Yep, that’s a thing.
Where? Bealim House, 17-25 Gallowgate, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4SG
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The Botanist
If we knew botany could be this delicious, we would’ve spent a lot more time actually paying attention during our GCSE Biology classes (although we do know fancy words like “osmosis” now, who knew?). This uber popular bar is as creative as they come, readily plying you with a dangerously tempting variety of floral inspired spirits and ales served in flutes and watering cans. Constant gardening has never been so fun.
Come here for… Cocktails in watering cans
Stay for… Botanical beer infusions
Where? The Botanist, Monument Mall, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7AL
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Bar Loco
And so, 4.3km later, you end up here. Bar Loco. An El Dorado of beers, cocktails and straight spirits. All served up in a fantastically multi-cultural environment packed with live music, amazing people from all over the globe and a phenomenal welcoming atmosphere that’s quite simply like nowhere else in the city. It truly feels like a global village inside these four walls where you can let your worries float away, and just enjoy good times with even better mates. Which is surely what a Newcastle night out is all about, right?
Come here for… Multicultural eating and drinking
Stay for… The one-of-a-kind atmosphere
Where? Bar Loco, 22 Leazes Park Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4PG
