If you hadn’t noticed, we think Newcastle is a pretty great city, and we’re not alone. Since the days of Joseph Swan and George Stephenson, the great thinkers, innovators and changemakers of history have all found common ground in the city.
Among the many historical buildings in Newcastle, The Common Room stands out not just for its place in history but also its ability to entertain and innovate in the present day. Located on the corner of Westgate Road near Central station, and home to the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers, the venue is building on the successes of the past to encourage the visionaries of the future, with a dedicated programme of education and entertainment.
So what can you find within the historic building? One of the most comprehensive public collections on mining and engineering in the world, for starters, but also a programme of educational (and, crucially, fun!) activities designed to inspire the next generation of innovators and engineers. Inspired exhibitions, creative installations and exciting events make up their dynamic calendar, and there’s always something new going on.
History buffs will love their heritage tours (running on 3rd, 10th and 17th Sept), while their Game Changers summer exhibition has seen a vast array of activities for young people including their live science and history show 'Do It The Safety Way', which explores the dangers of the dark and deadly underground in a thrilling and educational show full of live demonstrations (3rd Sept). There’s much more on offer for youngsters during October half-term when they’ll be bringing back some of their favourite family activities such as LEGO mini model workshops. Later in the autumn, a spooky Halloween treat will include film screenings for adults and kids, with bean bag and table seating options, speciality cocktails and snacks (28th Oct); plus there’s an exciting roster of live music in the pipeline, including a performance from enigmatic folk artist Matt Deighton (3rd Dec).
Their cafe bar, 5 Quarter, is one of the hippest spots on the social circuit, serving innovative cocktails and craft beers, plus there’s an enviable wine list and hot drink options too. Keep an eye out for regular drinks offers, including two cocktails for £12 and buy two glasses of wine and get the rest of the bottle to enjoy.
The building itself is stunning, with a variety of unique spaces available to hire which are perfect for any event. The historic building makes for an amazing wedding location too, and there’s even the launch of a competition where one lucky couple can win their wedding at the venue!
The Common Room is a charity which was formed to lead the restoration of Neville Hall – and as such, they rely on sponsorship and donations to deliver their mission and their programme. With such a wealth of heritage and ambitions to lead the innovators of the future, The Common Room is a welcoming and exciting space that we can all be proud of!
To keep up to date with what The Common Room are up to, check out their Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages, and head over to 5 Quarter’s Facebook or Instagram pages for updates on offers.
