We’re number 1, we’re number 1!
Just last week I was writing about Scotland being voted the best country in the world – yeay, Scotland! But now, our very own Newcastle Upon Tyne, home of the stottie, Ant & Dec, and of course UseYourLocal.com, has been voted the best city in the world to visit in The Rough Guide to 2018.
The traveller’s guide has cited a number of the city’s wonderful accomplishments for their decision, including our hosting of the Great Exhibition of the North next summer, which celebrates the artists and innovators of Northern England. Also, the famous Geordie hospitality, architectural feats such as the Tyne Bridge, and our ‘notoriously lively’ nightlife.
Now I can’t tell you much about architecture, but I do know something of the nightlife – so here are 10 of the (what i consider) best places to visit in the best city in the world!
Great little pub on Pink Lane, ideal location for pre-match beers if you’re travelling in on the train to the church of SJP. It’s a nice mixture of traditional and modern which shifts easily from daytime to night-time venue. They have 5 hand-pulled ales and do a cracking Bloody Mary. There’s also a roof garden!
Just over the road from The Forth is The Town Wall (literally, you can see into the windows of one from the other) Another great pub that is a popular kick off point for a night out. They serve a good range of ales, including many local, and some of the best bar snacks in the city.
When it comes to views, The Free Trade is one place that cannot be beat. A little out the way in the brilliant Ousburn, it’s not the most spacious of venues, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in character. There’s a fantastic selection of cask and keg beer available and street food pizza available outside. Until earlier this year there was also the legendary resident pubcat who could often be seen snoozing atop a barrel table. RIP Craig David.
Another cracker in the Ousburn Valley – always worth the walk. This waterside pub with a lovely outdoor area is the ultimate summer venue. They pride themselves on their dedication to free live music, local ales and good food. Helpful hint – on Tuesday’s they do free food between 7 & 9pm when you spend more than a fiver on drinks. You are welcome.
Alvinos is great fun, the walls are plastered with comic-book art, there’s table football and a pinball machine and at the top of it’s 3 stories is a heated roof-terrace. They also do some great cocktails and an interesting selection of craft beers – something for everyone!
Stepping into Lady Greys is like stepping back in time. It’s all very oldy worldy with dark wood interiors and chandeliers. They place strong emphasis on sourcing local produce in both their food and drink menus while also showcasing a collection of fine spirits from all over the world. If you’re a whiskey drinker this is the place for you.
One of the newer additions to the city but already one of the most popular. The Botanist is famed for its outstanding cocktail menu, stunning views of the city from its rooftop garden and the giant tree in the middle of the bar. It is also the only pub in Newcastle to brew and serve Budvar – an unpasteurised tank beer.
This brewpub that sits underneath the Tyne Bridge has a microbrewery on-site which brews bespoke ale in association with Wylam Brewery. The produce is then served directly to the pump. In the warmer months there are two outdoor areas to enjoy your freshly brewed pint – one on the ground floor and another on the roof.
The Crown Posada is a proper good old-fashioned pub (the second oldest in the city). Set in a grade ii listed building with a Victorian exterior and retaining the original stained-glass windows. High-quality cask ales and lively atmosphere mean it is one of the most popular places to visit on the Quayside, although its not the most spacious so make sure you get in early!
If you’re a gin lover, this is exactly where you want to be. Another relatively new addition to the Newcastle nightlife scene, Pleased to Meet You has won various awards since opening on the cobbled side-street of High Bridge 3 years ago. They offer a selection of over 50 gins as well as various cocktails, craft beers, and cask ales.