Newcastle’s legendary Quayside is synonymous with city life, from its industrial roots to its modern-day reputation as a dining, entertainment and nightlife hub. Whether you’re looking for a bite to eat, a place to head for drinks with friends or somewhere to lay your head for the evening, the Quayside has it all. So, come and get acquainted with some of best businesses that make up this iconic area of Newcastle.
(Image: Aveika)
Food
Venture on a culinary journey through the maritime spice routes at Chart House bar and restaurant, and indulge in creative cookery inspired by the Mediterranean, Arabian and South China Seas. This stylish location, close to the Tyne Bridge, has pavement terrace dining and an airy first floor bistro that both offer amazing views of the Quayside’s iconic skyline.
Another restaurant that offers amazing views and exceptional Michelin starred dining is House of Tides which resides in a beautifully restored Grade 1 listed former merchant’s townhouse. Steeped in Newcastle’s history, this lovingly rejuvenated location is home to Kenny and Abbie Atkinson. Geordie born Kenny has featured on Great British Menu, Saturday Kitchen and many more TV cooking shows, bringing his 20 years of professional experience to the public, and ensuring House of Tides is Newcastle’s only Michelin starred and four-time AA Rosette restaurant.
Featuring classic American fare with that signature Hard Rock twist, Hard Rock Cafe delivers satisfaction in every bite. Grab a Legendary Burger and some delicious sides and wash everything down with a local brew or a hand-crafted cocktail! The grand décor pays tribute to the building’s past (the Grade I listed building was previously the iconic Guildhall) while giving a choice of comfortable ground floor and mezzanine seating. Outdoor tables let diners enjoy the Quayside experience at even closer quarters, and both options offer fantastic river views while you eat and relax.
Contemporary Japanese restaurant and sushi bar Aveika is nestled right in the heart of the Quayside. Its playfully innovative menu reworks traditional Asian dining, giving classic dishes a modern and innovative twist. Food is served to accompany drinks in a relaxing and stylish atmosphere with live DJ’s playing a mix of lounge, house and pop music until the early hours.
(Image: The Broad Chare)
Pubs
The Head of Steam Quayside is short walk from many of the cultural highlights along the riverside, including the Live Theatre, Tyne and Millennium Bridges, BALTIC gallery and Sage Gateshead. The pub itself offers an exceptional selection of local craft beer and real ale as well as supplying from celebrated breweries worldwide. With the option of a tasty food menu and fun bar games like shuffleboards, foosball, retro gaming and pool, it’s a vibrant and popular venue at all times.
Proudly announcing itself as a ‘proper pub’ The Broad Chare is big on warmth and low on fuss. Sup your pint beside the polished oak bar or tuck yourself away in the Snug behind the frosted glass partitions. Join friends in conversation, concentrate on a crossword or nod off quietly in the corner. It’s all reassuringly simple and unashamedly old school when it comes to being hospitable, making sure you feel at home and relaxed.
Where else would a pub named The Quayside be located than along the riverside, by the historic High Level and Swing Bridges in this case. Featuring a wide selection of real ales, guest ales and cocktails, the very friendly staff are on hand to recommend new beverages and enhance your drinking experience. It’s a Wetherspoons location, which means an extensive food menu too.
Located on Sandhill, Redhouse has a long-standing reputation for being extremely welcoming, cosy and offering great value for money alongside its terrific service. They also serve up a fresh batch of craft ales every week so you can really give your taste buds a regular treat, and of course as a Pie & Ale House we can’t forget their unrivalled reputation for serving delicious pies!
(Image: Tiger Hornsby)
Bars
With exceptional views of the River Tyne day and night, Pitcher & Piano is a real escape from the vibrant city bustle. Whether that’s for a quiet, relaxing weekend drink, an after-work wind down or as a meeting spot before a show or night out, the bar revels in giving out wonderfully warm and welcoming vibes.
Considered one of Newcastle’s best cocktail bars, Tiger Hornsby is simultaneously intimate, elegant, friendly and quirky. Resident DJs and live music add to the celebratory atmosphere and the bar is confident that their modern take on some of the city’s legendary venues offers patrons an amazing and fun experience.
ZEROX knows how to treat you like a member of the family and lays a strong claim to providing the best musical soundtrack for your night out in the city! There’s a vibrant atmosphere, stylish interior and it’s an ideal hangout with friends. There are arcade machines and projected films, but you’re still able to hear yourself talking, so there’s even more to love about their overall vibe.
A great little bar with a lovely at-ease vibe The Hooch is one of the most relaxing places to enjoy a cocktail. The staff are equally chill and friendly, and the chic décor and cool playlists are also huge favourites with its customers as they drink and enjoy the stunning Quayside views.
(Image: INNSiDE)
Hotels
If you’re visiting Newcastle for any length of time there’s a wide choice of places to stay, overnight or for longer, and the Quayside has some of the most exciting. At the stylish and smart Malmaison there’s aspirational luxury with spa therapies, fine cuisine, beautiful spaces and breathtaking river views all just a brief walk from the city centre.
INNSiDE Newcastle mixes the history of the location with avant-garde design - a vibrant combination reflected in its urban look and feel. It’s airy and modern with, of course, magnificent views and the location and access make it an ideal base for exploring everything Newcastle has to offer.
With over 150 rooms all overlooking the River Tyne, the Copthorne Hotel guarantees you an amazing view. The hotel has a spacious feel and has a host of top-rated restaurants close by. It’s also just a short stroll from the best of the city’s shopping and nightlife. Music, theatre and arty venues are mere minutes away too.
Soak up Newcastle's rich shipping history at the Premier Inn Newcastle Quayside hotel. With stunning views over the River Tyne, this Grade II listed building is in an ideal spot for getting the most out of the city. After a fun day out you can head back for a tasty meal at their in-house Thyme restaurant before relaxing on your extra comfy bed.
(Image: Catpawcino)
Cafes
Quay Ingredient is a small independently run coffee house tucked under the iconic Tyne Bridge. They’re open from breakfast until 5pm seven days a week, serving many of the businesses in and around the Quayside as well as those visiting the river for its incredibly picturesque views. As suppliers of Ringtons tea and Gama Espresso coffee, you can expect their drinks to be full of top-quality flavour and their food hearty and delicious.
Everyone knows that a furry friend can alleviate the stresses of everyday life and CatPawCino Cat Café, a sit-in café with eight resident felines, definitely helps you relax after a day of hard shopping. Its garden theme brings the outdoors inside while you’re enjoying hanging out with the pets, and the comforting selection of cakes, soups, sandwiches and hot and cold drinks help too! It’s a unique café experience all around.
One legendary spot to satisfy your caffeine craving is the Little Coffee Shop Under The Bridge. This niche place gives impeccably friendly service along with arguably the best hot chocolate in the area! It’s reputation may be built on tasty warming drinks and cold milkshakes, but they also offer fantastic value food if you want a filling hot dog or jacket potato for lunch.
While you’re on the Quayside enjoying the views and different attractions, Coffee on the Quayside provides great-tasting coffee and other drinks on the go, along with sandwiches and snacks daily (except for Saturdays). So, if your work commute takes in the riverside walk you can give yourself a caffeine boost or just saunter along in tourist mode, soaking up the atmosphere.
(Image credit: © Peter Loud Shutterstock.com)
And More…
Live Theatre has an incredible international reputation as a new writing theatre as well as producing and presenting new plays. This means you can experience fresh voices, touring shows, comedy and new and nurtured talent on the up, and there’s often a hugely diverse array of shows to see in any given month.
Riverside is a hotspot for live music and DJ events. Whether you’re seeking indie, dance, reggae, rock or pretty much anything else, you’ll most likely find them playing here. As well as live acts it has become a celebrated nightspot with two rooms, an unbeatable atmosphere and unique decorative features.
The Quayside Market has a long history dating back all the way to 1736, and its vibrant attractions and flourishing street market continue to this day. Every Sunday along the river from the Swing Bridge to the Millennium Bridge local traders and artists showcase their products. So, whether you're a foodie or fashion-conscious, a browser or a buyer, the market offers an array of fresh and local, traditional and modern goods in an unrivalled atmosphere. There is something for everyone.
So that’s our low-down on the best things to experience, eat and drink on Newcastle Quayside, get exploring for yourself!