Explore High Bridge With Us

Located off Pilgrim Street, bisected by Grey Street and providing a quick route to the Bigg Market, High Bridge is one of Newcastle’s most beloved streets. Known for its quirky independent shopping options, great bars and eateries and creative businesses aplenty, this part of the city is an enticing place to head for everything from dining hotspots to classic cocktails, and even wedding dresses or a new do! Join us as we explore the delights of High Bridge...

Image: Dabbawal

Eat

For a reasonably short street, High Bridge pulls its weight in the food stakes. If it’s Indian street food you’re craving, look no further than the fantastic Dabbawal, where you’ll find a feast of authentic Indian food which draws inspiration from the infamous dabbawalas who transport freshly made, home-cooked food to office workers across Mumbai. Specialising in small plates, with stunning flavours in every bite, make it your first stop on your High Bridge culinary adventure! 

Authentic flavours of a different kind make Pani’s Cafe a real favourite with foodies in the city. Here you can discover classic Sardinian flavours the likes of which are rarely found in UK Italian restaurants; from specialist breads to rustic spaghetti dishes, this is comfort food that will transport you to the continent in a flash. A buzzy environment and great atmosphere adds to the appeal.

More continental fare is on offer at Kaltur, a small and stylish venue which serves up tasty Spanish tapas and shared plates. Authenticity is the name of the game here, and they import only the very best ingredients for their sharing deli boards, classic Mediterranean tapas and house specials, plus they have a great wine list!  

Hen & Hops do exactly as their name suggests: serve up lip-smackingly good chicken wings and delicious beer! Their fried wings come in a variety of sauces, from classic BBQ and buffalo to sweet and spicy sensations and specialist rubs too. On the hops side, local ales from the likes of Tyne Bank Brewery rub alongside renowned breweries like Beavertown and Camden Hells.

Pleased To Meet You is a seriously classy joint on High Bridge, where you can imbibe delicious cocktails alongside a grown-up menu of seasonal dishes produced from the best local ingredients. It’s a relaxing and sophisticated spot for lunch or dinner, with plates including the likes of venison loin and tiger prawn risotto, to toasted artisan sandwiches and wickedly indulgent desserts. Their lunch specials are also worth the trip!

Image: YOLO Townhouse

Drink

It really is true that you only live once, and YOLO Townhouse have the right attitude when it comes to quality cocktails and great vibes. Spread over three floors, you’ll find cosy hideaways, funky décor, a vibrant atmosphere and expert mixologists, perfect for a lively night out or a special occasion!

It’s not every day that we recommend drinking in a public toilet, but we’ll make the exception for WC Gin Closet! Formerly a Georgian-era female WC and now the UK’s smallest gin bar, it’s a smart and fun place which is serious about its spirits. Their menu is well crafted and the staff highly knowledgeable, with wine and cocktails also served.

If you’re looking for a boogie, Hoochie Coochie is a great option for drinks and dancing. Specialising in jazz, soul, disco and funk-fuelled vibes, the venue is small but perfectly formed and has played host to some of the biggest names in the biz. The dancefloor is the place to be every weekend, and there’s great bottled and draught beers on tap, alongside a wide range of spirits and wine.

Bacchus has a nautical vibe, decorated with photos of local shipbuilding, wooden panelling and comfy squashy chairs. It’s renowned for its real ales, and is featured regularly in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide. As a Sir John Fitzgerald pub, you’re assured of superbly kept cask ales, great keg beer options, some excellent gin pairings, plus sports on the TVs and a pool table too.

Not just a simple and stylish place to lay your head, Motel One also has a great bar, the One Lounge, perfect for a pre-theatre drink or relaxed evening out. The faux-industrial bar pays homage to the city’s industrial heritage, and the drinks selection and quirky space makes it worth a visit.

The Beehive Hotel is a real High Bridge original; a Grade II listed building, the exterior is unusual and interesting, and alongside the bee-themed interior you’ll find a regularly changing list of beers alongside ales and lager on tap. It’s a lively place to watch the match too!

For caffeine lovers, Laneway & Co is a cosy independent coffee shop which proudly serves up high quality beans sourced from ethical growers and importers. They regularly pair up with local businesses providing sweet treats too, so expect to see the likes of Proven Goods Co’s doughnuts alongside cakes and pastries.

Shop

Having recently celebrated 35 years in business, Union Clothing specialise in menswear and denim, with a great line in independent brands and sought after designers. Head here for design-led threads from the likes of Obey and Brixton, and workwear from Dickies and Carharrt. 

If it’s something more vintage you’re after, Drip Clothing is a welcome addition to High Bridge’s range of sartorial emporiums. Expect premium vintage streetwear, with an emphasis on 90s designers like Stone Island, well-known brands like Burberry and Adidas and sustainable fashion too.

Image: Most Suitable by Kayla Wren

Weddings

Located on the corner of Grey Street and High Bridge, the appointment-only Most Suitable is the place to come for men’s wedding attire, offering fashion-conscious grooms a superb range of suits for their special day, from sharply tailored three-piece suits to shoes, neckwear and professional styling.

For the bridesmaids in the party, look no further than Here Come The Bridesmaids, where you’ll find bespoke made-to-order gowns, expert styling and a specialist service. Their carefully curated dresses are elegant, timeless, chic and exclusive to their boutique in the North of England. This appointment-only shop is a real gem.

There’s more occasional wear and elegant prom collections at Most Desirable, who also specialise in fashion for refined occasions, mature brides and even weddings abroad, with bespoke additions available for their collection.
 

Image: Most Desirable
 

Making sure you look your best on your big day, Patrick Forster Barber is a sanctuary for men looking for a stylish cut and great advice, who provide a traditional service with a modern twist. There’s no pretentiousness or uncomfortable banter here, just expert service with a high-end result.

Mr Tillys is another quality barbershop which prides itself on combining modern and traditional values in a comfortable space; head here for everything from a snazzy haircut to a beard trim, hot towel shave or a complete restyle.

Get Creative

High Bridge Works is home to pioneering artists and entrepreneurs who know a thing or two about eye-catching art, making it perfect for culture vultures looking for some creative inspiration. As well as the gallery, where you’ll find regularly changing exhibitions, the building also houses studio spaces for artists practising an array of disciplines.

If you’re looking to get your funny bone tickled, comedy institution The Stand is the city’s premier purveyor of laughter and silliness. The revered Scottish chain’s only English site, expect a superb line-up of top telly headliners, up and coming supporting artists and the very cream of the North East crop.

As you can see, from top to bottom High Bridge has it all, with all this and much more besides! So whether you’re looking for fashion, fun or food, head for this cobbled street and enjoy!