14 Anti-Valentine's Day Activities in Newcastle
Valentine's Day not your thing? We've got you sorted!
Unlikely as it may seem, not everyone enjoys Valentine’s Day. There are the perpetually lovelorn, the recently dumped, the couples who reject it as a corporate scam and those who are just perfectly happy with their life as a singleton.
Whatever your reasons for balking at the sight of couples cooing at each other over dinner in a crowded restaurant, this guide is for you! Here are lots of things for the Valentine’s-averse to do in Newcastle on that fateful day!
Things to Do
If your solution to the Valentine’s Day malaise is to keep busy, there are some excellent options for the big day. Why not visit one of the city’s cat cafés such as CatPawCino on the Quayside and hang out with some cute cats while enjoying fine teas, soft drinks, sandwiches and cakes?
Alternatively, head to Hatchet Harry’s on Forth Banks where you can unearth your inner Viking by hoying hatchets at targets in a secure environment: it's perfect for unwinding and relieving stress and lots of fun with a group of mates. Newcomers will need a coaching session before handling the weapons but once you’re properly trained there are various sessions and booking types. Booking is essential and please note, nobody considered under the influence will be allowed to take part, so save the pub 'til after!
If your preference is something a little more indulgent and relaxing, how about a spa treatment at City Retreat in the none-more-lavish surroundings of Grey Street Hotel? There’s a range of packages available, from the Top 2 Toe Pamper (a three-hour session including massages, facial and pedicure) to the Absolute Spa Ritual – featuring a full body massage and facial.
For something a little more lively to do with your pals, there's plenty of Galentine's fun to be had in the city too. Gather the gals and get booked up for a Galentine's cocktail masterclass at Gino D'Acampo Restaurant on the Quayside or for something a little less boozy, head to Olive Kitchen for their Galentine's Sober Paint Night to unleash your inner artist.
They say that laughter is the best medicine, so whether you're lovelorn or simply sick of the V-Day mush why not book tickets for The Stand's Anti-Valentine's Day comedy night? Comedians including Catherine Young, Anja Atkinson, Maxine Wade and Elaine Roberston will be taking the mick out of whole affair and are bound to have you buckled with laughter all night long.
If you’re so heartily sick of the whole thing you just want to get away, why not book a trip on your own? Trailfinders on Ridley Place offer a large range of solo holidays – alone or as part of a group – and have experienced travel agents on tour to help you choose the right trip for you.
Things to Buy
If your reaction to things like Valentine’s Day is retail therapy, we’ve got some suggestions for that too. How about a trip to The Geordie Witch in Eldon Square for all things magical? They stock minerals, charms, tarot, books of arcane knowledge and healing... and probably something for turning your ex into a frog.
After you’ve cast some hexes, you’ll probably want to pamper yourself so head along to Lush – also in Eldon Square - for a pamper party. For £25 a head, you and your friends can be greeted by a party host and have the run of the shop floor. You can choose the theme and even nominate a guest of honour!
Pet Lamb Patisserie in Grainger Market is always worth a visit whatever the reason: time spent drinking freshly ground coffee and sampling their delicious sweet treats and drinks at friendly, colourful space is always a delight.
Or head to the Food Hall in Fenwick on Northumberland Street and stock up on everything from chocolate and cheese to charcuterie and artisan bread to feast on at home. There's a well-stocked Wine Room too with not just vino, but plenty of beer, spirits and port as well.
Plan a Night Out
Of course, another approach is just to go out with your friends and make a great night of it without thinking about Valentine’s Day at all. Pilgrim - formerly known as Hoochie Coochie - promises a good time, especially if your tastes lend towards the soulful. They've got some great events planned this February too including No Scrubs, a 90s and noughties R&B night, on 15th February and the popular DOSA (Disco On a Sunday Afternoon) the following day.
Or head to Filthy’s at the Bigg Market, which is open 'til 3am every night with something always going on – live music, DJs, promotions and more.
Alternatively, there’s Rusty’s - the cabaret and night life gay bar in Times Square - which is also open 'til 3am every night and guaranteed to give you the kind of night that’ll help you forget it’s Valentine’s Day!
So whatever your reasons for ignoring or avoiding Valentine’s Day, there are plenty of options in Newcastle to take your mind off it – from comedy and axe-chucking to curries and cabaret. And who knows, anyone of these places could end up with you running into someone special anyway…
Main image: Photo by Monstera Production via Pexels
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