Barbenheimer Day in Newcastle: Which Team Are You On?

Team Oppenheimer

Okay, Team Oppenheimer – it’s dark biographical dramas about nuclear bombs that boil your kettle? We know the perfect way to spend the day in Newcastle while seeing the movie – think moody vibes and old-school styles.

You should know that Oppenheimer clocks in at three hours long so you’re going to need some caffeine in your system. Why not kickstart your day with a cup of coffee at Blakes on Grey Street? Black, no sugar… naturally.

If you’re clued up on your J. Robert Oppenheimer history (or even if you’ve just seen the Oppenheimer trailer), you’ll know that man loved to chain-smoke. It was the 1940s after all (when did you ever see a picture of Winston Churchill without a cigar in his mouth?!) and if you want to recreate those ‘40s vibes you can find all kinds of smokes at tobacconist Cuban Cigar Club on Grainger Street.

Epic films require epic eats and you won’t find a more befitting pre-Oppenheimer meal than a classy gentleman’s afternoon tea. Head to The Vermont Hotel or Pleased To Meet You for afternoon teas served with the likes of Scotch eggs, burgers, pork pies and sausage rolls – both of which are served with a choice of tea or coffee. You’ll opt for the latter – black, no sugar…naturally.

You’re fed, you’re watered, so now it’s time to go see Oppenheimer itself. Keep that three-hour runtime in mind and book some tickets at Everyman Cinema. With its luxury sofa seating – not to mention a drinks menu with cocktails, wine and beer – Everyman offers the kind of seriously comfy surrounds you need with a film of epic proportions like Oppenheimer. Thank us later.

Picture the scene: it’s three hours later and you’ve just seen one of the most amazing, but also most devastating, films of your life. An experience like that can work up an appetite, so it’s time to fill back up on some proper food – we’re talking meat, veg and classic flavours. City Tavern boasts a classy yet cosy space and will bring you back down to earth with seriously tasty bar bait and bigger mains, or you could always opt for a juicy steak at Tomahawk – an equally classy joint down on the Quayside that’s perfect for meat lovers.

We’ve no doubt that Oppenheimer is going to be a brilliant film and sure-fire Oscar contender, but let’s face it: it’s a movie set during one of the most intense eras in modern history and you need some time to contemplate what you’ve just seen. A few classic cocktails should do the trick, right? You’ll want to head to The Hudson, one of the classiest haunts in town whose cocktails are the bomb (too soon?). We highly recommend the Old-Fashioned – an old-school cocktail perfectly suited to match those wartime vibes.

Still feeling down? Fear not and head to the Neville Street branch of The Head of Steam. Not only does it boast old-school style in droves (think wood bars, exposed brickwork and leather seating) but it’s also open until the early hours of the morning - perfect for drowning your Oppenheimer sorrows.

Team Barbie

Hi, Team Barbie! We know what you’re all about – fun times, good feels and plenty of pink. In the spirit of all things Barbie, why not jump-start your day with a visit to Pink Lane Coffee (the clue’s in the title) and grabbing a frothy latte? Smile sweetly enough when ordering and you might even get some heart-shaped latte art with your drink! While you’re on Newcastle's pinkest street, why not head northwards to Pink Lane Bakery for a breakfast pastry? They’re the perfect sweet-toothed treat to set you up for seeing what looks to be the sweetest movie of the year.

What kind of self-respecting Barbie fan would go see the film without getting their nails and face done up all pretty? Salon G at Old Eldon Square offers some serious Barbie vibes with its pink-themed and flower-filled interior, plus some absolutely gorgeous nail designs. You’ll also want to head to Dollicious at the Bigg Market. Equally pink and with one of the most Barbie-esque names in town, they offer several makeup packages and sell a range of lip glosses, eyeshadows and false lashes perfect for replicating that classic Barbie look.

You’d be a fool not to fill up on some delicious grub before seeing the perkiest and pinkest film of the year and Pilgrim Street haunt Pepo is the perfect destination. They’re really getting into the spirit of things (pun intended) with a Barbie-themed bottomless brunch offering their delicious sharing platters alongside free-flowing rosé prosecco and a free Oppenbarbie Nuclear Daquiri, all from just £35 per person. Rumour has it, there’s even a free shot of Tequila Rose for people who turn up wearing their finest pink outfits!

It's time for the big event, and there’s no better place in Newcastle to see Barbie than Cineworld at The Gate – after all, the Cineworld logo is a star and they’ve got a floor that sparkles harder than Barbie’s eyeshadow. Book your tickets, grab some popcorn and a coke (diet, obviously) and take in the movie in style with your best pals.

No doubt you’ll leave the cinema giggling yourselves silly and feeling like You Can Be Anything™, so why not celebrate that heady high with some top-class cocktails? Mother Mercy dish up some crafty concoctions from their Cloth Market base with a number of Barbie fan-friendly options like the pink-coloured Coco Rose and the perfectly named Hot Girl Summer Part 2. Leila Lily’s on Grey Street is amazing post-Barbie haunt too. With one of the most Instagrammable interiors in town, it’s the place to be and offers some seriously tempting cocktails. Try the uber-girly Strawberry Shortcake or Pretty Young Thing and we promise you won’t be disappointed.

The day is young and you’re probably still giddy from that sweet Barbie high, so why not make a whole night of it? If that’s your vibe, then Rusty’s at Times Square is a must-do. Rock those pink outfits and dance the rest of the night away under neon pink disco balls in its glittery, sequinned interior – the cherry on the cake to your perfect Barbie movie day in Newcastle!

There you have it – the ideal way to spend Barbenheimer Day in Newcastle, whether you’re Team Oppenheimer or Team Barbie.

If you’re on the fence, however, there’s always a third option: make a double feature of it and see Oppenheimer and Barbie one after the other. But that sounds like a long, confusing and very boozy day to us - especially if you’re following our top Barbenheimer tips to a tee.

Regardless of how you choose to spend Barbenheimer Day, make sure to celebrate in style in Newcastle and tell us whether you’re Team Oppenheimer or Team Barbie (or somewhere in between) on Facebook and Instagram!