A Gin Lover’s Guide to Newcastle: Where to Sip & Shop
Check out our round up of Newcastle's best gin joints
With UK gin sales at an all-time high, it's obvious the spirit is fast becoming the nations's favourite tipple and we're lucky to be blessed with a wealth of amazing gin haunts in Newcastle.
Here, we pay tribute to all the gin-loving things you can do in the city, from enjoying the spirit (responsibly!) at one of its many gin bars or purchasing a bottle to take home.
The Continental, Collingwood Street
Soak up the opulent surroundings of The Continental who boast a tantalising menu of unique, original cocktails and gin and tonics served by knowledgeable bartenders. The gin palace’s menu includes original creations as well as tasteful twists on classics like Durham Gin paired with apple slices and basil, and they also feature live music from local musicians for that perfectly chilled vibe. Treat a pal and take advantage of their two G&Ts for £10 (single) or £15 (double) offer.
City Tavern, Northumberland Road
Award-winning pub City Tavern boasts a fantastic selection of over 80 botanicals including locally-distilled libations from the likes of Poetic License and Steampunk Spirits and a welcoming bar perfect for relaxing with a tipple or two. They even have their very own gins - an Old Tom and a Clemtentine & Bay option - which are available to purchase via the City Tavern website.
Pleased To Meet You, High Bridge
As one of the city’s most notable and hippest gin palaces, Pleased To Meet You is widely known for its pick ‘n’ mix G&Ts and delicious sharing plates, which make it the perfect place to spend a leisurely evening. Their bar boasts over 100 gins and they’re always adding more, with tonnes of choice from fruity numbers to stronger "Naval" gins and several "Secret Ingredient" options. Add to that a wide range of tonics and garnishes and you've got the recipe for gin lover's heaven.
Bealim House, Gallowgate
Newcastle’s one and only gin distillery Bealim House is secreted away behind St James’ Park in a former printworks. It's one of the classiest joints in the city, and home to an industrial yet rustic bar which serves a lovingly curated menu of G&T varieties and gin cocktails. The venue also hosts regular gin tasting experiences led by their in-house "Ginthusiasts" where you can learn all about the fascinating history of the spirit, learn how to make perfect G&Ts and gin-based cocktails and sample some great gins too. Their very own award-winning Newcastle Gin is obviously a must-try and available to buy online or in person at Bealim House and Barluga on Grey Street.
The Gin Bar, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Forth Street
A bit of a hidden treasure, the Crowne Plaza Hotel’s intimate gin bar specialises in locally-sourced premium spirits and shaking up delicious gin-based cocktails. It also offers the option to "re-engineer" your own cocktail using their tasting menu. Why not pair your tipple with a bite from their fantastic food selection?
The Botanist, Monument Mall
A Newcastle crowd pleaser and a favourite any night of the week, The Botanist is a great place for lovers of gin – not least because of that beautiful view of Grey Street! The impressive bar’s décor is matched by an extensive drinks menu, featuring plenty of gins and gin-based cocktails. Opt for a classic G&T with Cambridge Dry Gin and Fever-Tree Indian Tonic or try a fruity concoction like the tempting Poppy & Berry Punch made with Beefeater Pink Gin.
WC Gin Closet, High Bridge
Boasting the claim of being the UK’s smallest gin bar, WC Gin Closet may be petite but their gin menu is perfectly formed. As you’d expect, there’s a wide selection of G&Ts and their rcocktail menu features delights like the indulgent Jaffa Cake Espresso Gin-Tini (made with Jaffa Cake gin, Kahlua and homemade chocolate orange syrup) and the Parma Violent Gimlet - a simple yet freshing mix of Whitney Neil Parma Violet Gin, lime juice and a hint of rose syrup.
Or why not grab a bottle for home…
Fenwick Food Hall, Fenwick, Northumberland Street
As you might expect from a shop as well stocked as Fenwick, their Food Hall features a massive variety of top quality gins including regional favourites like Durham Gin, Newcastle Gin, Poetic License and Alnwick Gin. Don't miss out on their very own No. 39 Fenwick Northumbrian gin which boasts a London dry gin base fused with juniper, coriander, angelica root, citrus peel and cacao nibs to result in a drink full of Northern soul, distilled in Northumbria.
John Lewis, Eldon Square
If you’re looking for a treat for your gin-loving friend (or yourself, you deserve it!), John Lewis’ superb range of gin-related gifts will be just the ticket. Aside from a great range of the spirit itself, they also stock cocktail recipe books and gift sets from the likes of Sipsmith and Fever Tree, as well as a range of elegant glasses to serve it all in.
No matter how you choose to imbibe this most celebrated of spirits, Newcastle has a plethora of ways for you to contribute to this year’s gin sales - so get sipping and shopping!
