Venture a little further away from the honeypots around Northumberland Street and Grey Street, and the city offers up some intriguing and just as worthwhile delights. Westgate Road snakes its way around Central Station and towards the west end of the city, encompassing a vast array of food and drink options, plus plentiful arts, culture and much more. Here, we take a look at some of the most interesting locations along the way…
Image: The French Quarter
Food
The railway arches near Newcastle Castle are an ingenious little hideaway for quirky businesses. It’s here you’ll find the wonderful French Quarter restaurant, which offers a slice of authentic French joie de vivre with a menu full of small plates and classic French dishes. As you’d expect, they also have an excellent wine list, and the ambience is relaxed and comfortable. You can even take home some of your favourite tipples or choice delicacies from their deli too.
In fact, Westgate Road is a great place for multi-cultural cuisine; if it’s umami-packed Japanese food you’re looking for, St Sushi is a perfect option. One of the most popular locations in the city for sushi and sashimi, their extensive menu is well-thought out and highly authentic, with signature blended seasonings and mouthwatering curry, soup and noodle dishes and - of course - sushi and sashimi.
If you're craving Italian food just like momma used to make, look no further than Pinocchio - a traditional Italian eatery which serves up hearty pizza, pasta, risotto and more, including a delicious antipasti menu and sumptuous desserts.
Closer to Central Station, and ideal for a pre-journey fill-up, you’ll find one of the three Nando’s restaurants based in the city. The renowned flame-grilled chicken restaurant serves up peri-peri infused chicken just the way you like it, so whether you’re a lemon and herb kinda person or you’re going full-on XX hot, you’ll be well served here.
Image: Liberty House
Drink
Watering hole options are plentiful on Westgate Road too; whether you’re looking for a chic location for an after-work drink or a full-on night out with live music, there’s a little something for everyone.
The lovely railway arches once again provide quirky fare at Split Chimp microbrewery, a cosy location which is a must for hops-lovers, and where you’ll find three ever-changing cask ales and six keg beers always available alongside house ales, cider and lager. They also host fun events, including markets and club nights.
There’s no shortage of smart places for an evening out too; Tokyo is a cocktail bar with an enviable drinks list and a fabulous indoor/outdoor roof terrace which plays host to DJs from Wednesday-Saturday. They’ve also got a great range of Japanese whiskies, alongside a sophisticated list of premium cocktails and spirits. Another smart location is 5 Quarter Cafe Bar located in The Common Room. A historic venue, you’ll find a modern and contemporary space with a lovely outdoor terrace perfect for enjoying something from their innovative cocktail menu or classic wine list. A locally sourced food menu is also available, making it a great one-stop shop.
Over the road at Waiting Rooms you’ll find more great food – this time in the shape of pies, for which they’ve rightfully become renowned. If it’s a drink you’re after, you’ll discover a chilled out space for craft beers and local cask ales, as well as a great gin range and two-for-one cocktails all day. Nearby Liberty House is the area’s newest social hotspot. Having taken over the old Union Rooms pub, it’s had a luxury revamp and retains many of its original 19th century features including a sweeping staircase, stained glass windows and comfy leather seats. There’s plentiful outdoor space too, and their food menu is as tasty and extensive as the drinks offering.
Tilley’s Bar is a historic and much-loved pub on Westgate Road which is known for its great range of hand-pulled beers and a huge selection of international tipples in the fridge. They also have a hidden away snug, which is regularly used for film screenings. It makes for an ideal stop off before heading to the Tyne Theatre & Opera House next door, or NX Newcastle over the road! The Mile Castle is typical of the JD Wetherspoon chain, in that it’s housed in a stunning building on the corner of Westgate Road and Grainger Street. Here you’ll find all the trappings that ‘Spoons offers up, including an affordable food menu and extensive drinks offers.
Image: Tyne Theatre & Opera House
Arts and Culture
Whether you’re a theatre lover or music aficionado, there’s something to keep you busy on Westgate Road.
Bibliophiles will find much to love about the terrific Amnesty Bookshop, which is well-stocked with a great range of new and second-hand books. They have specialist sections on creative writing, politics and history, alongside lots of contemporary fiction. Continue your shopping trip at Beyond Vinyl for a rummage through their excellently stocked stacks, and find gems from the local scene as well as a plethora of genres, and – as the name may suggest – they’re vinyl experts!
Once you’ve got the gen on the latest sounds, head over the road to NX Newcastle and see them live! The huge music venue and club is the place to see top touring acts as well as big-name DJs, and the recently revamped location provides a versatile and exciting option for a night out. Enjoy a slightly more sedate night out at the historic Tyne Theatre & Opera House, a stunning Victorian theatre which has some gorgeous period features and even the original stage workings. Here you’ll find everything from stand-up comedy to musicals, dance performances and live music. There’s even tours of the historic building if you want to really get under its skin.
If it’s your arty side you’d like to indulge, Newcastle Arts Centre can more than cater for any creative whim. It's home to craft shop Details, as well as stockists of a great range of unique artworks from both local and nationally renowned artists. You’ll also find a frame shop and craft shop, alongside performance venue The Black Swan in the courtyard, which is home to the Jazz Cafe’s programme of events.
Image: La Chocolatrice
And more…
And that’s not it! Why not get a brand-new you with a specialist styling from Swav Hair Studio, a modern barbers and ladies salon who are intent on making the world more beautiful one haircut at a time. Once you’re trimmed and primped, head to Isaac Walton Tailoring, which has been established since 1887 and specialises in country sports apparel, with a fine selection of hats, caps and tweeds.
If a bit of fun is on the cards, Exit Newcastle is an escape room with some cool local twists, perfect for a fun-filled day out with friends or a great team-building exercise with colleagues. Or for something totally different, head to La Chocolatrice’s beautiful chocolate studio, where passionate foodie Zoe will instruct you in the art of specialist chocolate making (and eating!).
So now you have the lowdown on the best things to eat, drink and do on Westgate Road, it’s time to get exploring!
