All the Places You'll Want to Eat, Sleep and Browse in Newcastle
Eat
When it comes to Newcastle’s thriving food scene there’s plenty to discover. Unusual but delicious brunch dishes can be found at Horticulture, whilst classics such as avocado on toast, waffles and a full English are at Olive and Bean. The recent opening of Flore café in Central Arcade has already impressed many with its Instagrammble interiors and fruity French toast. Flat Caps Coffee, Camber Coffee and Laneway Co. are great spots for a takeaway or sit-in hot drink. Hibou Blanc offers fantastic British dishes made with seasonal ingredients, Khai Khai have made a name for themselves with their Indian heritage comfort food, whilst The Muddler is still impressing diners with Asian flavours, sushi and small plates. Panis is a great neighbourhood Italian, and Kaltur is the go-to for great tapas. If French cuisine and fine wine is what you’re after, head to The French Quarter and sample everything from ratatouille and boeuf bourguignon to confit duck leg and cheese and charcuterie planches. There are also a number of Michelin Guide-recommended restaurants in the city and if you wander down to the Quayside you’ll find some such as Route, 21 and Broad Chare, as well as Kenny Atkinson’s one Michelin-starred restaurant, House of Tides, and his new venture Solstice. Whilst you’re down by the river, make sure to grab a tasty slice from I Scream for Pizza, a cupcake from Great British Cupcakery, or a few cocktails at Victors.
Sleep
When it comes to city centre hotels there are plenty to choose from. Malmaison Newcastle is on the Quayside, INNSiDE by Melia Newcastle overlooks the Tyne Bridge (plus they’re partnered with Gino D’Acampo Quayside restaurant so you can enjoy breakfast, dinner and afternoon tea too), and Hotel du Vin, east of the Millennium Bridge, pays tribute to Newcastle’s maritime history. The Vermont Hotel combines 1930s grandeur with contemporary elegance and their rooftop bar, Above, is worth a visit for the 360-degree view. Sleeperz near the station is a good value choice, whilst the four-star Maldron Hotel is ideally located opposite Intu Eldon Square.
Browse
Shop ‘til you drop in Newcastle with the city’s original department store, Fenwick, taking centre stage on Northumberland Street. Browse everything from fashion to homeware, beauty and a well-stocked Food Hall, plus eateries throughout the store. For independents, there is no greater place to find them all under one roof than at the Grainger Market. You’ll find vintage clothes and accessories, Geordie-inspired gifts, sustainable shopping, fresh bakes and artisan cheeses, plus plenty of street food vendors here. Across the road, in Newcastle’s Edwardian Central Arcade, browse the music and instrument collection at JG Windows before stopping by Union menswear shop, or END. for designer clothing. If you head down towards the Quayside don’t miss stopping by Leaf Clothing on Pilgrim Street for designer brands and UpSide Down Presents on Dean Street for quirky gifts, souvenirs and cards, and LD Mountain Centre for all things outdoorsy. If you’re visiting at the weekend, the Quayside market is a must for one-off purchases and a look around the stalls.
Don't Miss
Culture vultures won’t want to miss any of the action in Newcastle, from stage and theatre productions at Northern Stage, Theatre Royal, Tyne Theatre and Opera House and Alphabetti Theatre, to dance classes at Dance City, comedy nights at The Stand and new films at Tyneside Cinema. There are plenty of exhibitions across the city to explore too; Laing Gallery will be showcasing The Lindisfarne Gospels this September to December, whilst Discovery Museum have a permanent display of Turbinia (once the fastest ship in the world), and the fascinating Great North Museum: Hancock always has lots of events and new exhibits to see. Take a tour around The Lit & Phil, the largest independent library in the UK outside London, and enjoy family-friendly, science-based activities at Centre for Life.
Around the corner
Just to the north and east, Heaton is quickly becoming a go-to hotspot for foodies, from tempting tapas at Boquerones Tapas and pizza at Punto to live fire cooking at Smoke and Sear and seasonal tasting menus at Rebel. If you’re looking for a date night with a difference, make sure to book a table at Nest, or try their Sunday lunches for mouthwatering flavours and perfectly paired wines. There are plenty of places to pick up good food too; Block and Bottle are renowned for their butchered meats, as well as their selection of local and worldly beers; Estate Tea Co are merchants in loose leaf tea; The Honey Tree is where to pick up locally-sourced organic fruit and veg; and 109 General Store is where you’ll find everything to stock up your pantry.
