How to Celebrate Valentine's Day in Newcastle

What to Buy

If food is your love language then the fabulously flavourful chocolates, macarons and other tempting treats available at Fenwick Food Hall are a perfect choice. If you’re pushing the boat out, why not add bubbles into the mix? With so many gourmet gifts to choose from you can find that special something or the ingredients to cook a special meal at home.

Speaking of languages, how about a book of love poems from Waterstones or Blackwells? Let the greatest writers articulate your feelings or even select a classic, beautifully bound tome and dedicate it inside to your love. Both shops also have gorgeous stationery collections including pens for fancy correspondence when sending an email or text just isn’t quite romantic enough.

Five generations of experience saw Berry’s Jewellers recently celebrating their 125th year in business, so it’s fair to say that they know a thing or two about jewellery! Their wealth of knowledge is second to none and their extensive range of jewellery, watches and giftware offer a wide choice of unique pieces to choose from. Maybe you’re looking to use family gems in a new way? Their designers can also create innovative designs to refashion older jewellery into fresh ideas.

Old Eldon Jewellers is an award-winning family jewellery business in the heart of Newcastle that has provided untold sparkling treats for its customers for decades. If you’re seeking inspiration then the craftsmen in store can create and customise every idea or suggestion and although they can make anything, they also have a vast range of traditional pieces available to suit every taste.

Known for their stand-out floral designs, 5th Avenue Flowers always bring their A-game when it comes to creating flowers for customers. Their bespoke bouquets and arrangements mean you get precisely what you’re after, all made with creative skill and floral expertise.

When it comes to knowing the best way to say I love you on Valentine’s Day Katherine’s Florists have over 50 years’ experience, advice and floristry skills available, so they’re more than happy to help in store and online for delivery. There is a huge range to choose from, especially at this time of year, so you can really make a unique splash.

If it’s pastries you’re after, then Pink Lane Bakery is a must-visit. From almond croissants and cinnamon buns, to delicious counter cakes, there’s no shortage of delicious delicacies to pick from here. They even offer celebration cakes – if you’re thinking about going all out – and gift cards, if you can’t pay them a visit on the big day.

When thinking about delicious sweet treats for Valentine’s, the cupcake is right up there. But of course at Pet Lamb Patisserie there’s even more choice than that. Boxes of brownies, blondies, traybakes and much more are a delight for the eyes and the taste buds - just be sure to get enough to share!

Where to Dine

Named in honour of two of Newcastle’s architectural giants, the Victorian setting of Dobson & Parnell, with its exposed brick and original features, gives a real sense of theatre to your meal. Owned by Andy Hook of Blackfriars fame, their food delivers loads of flavour, top quality locally sourced ingredients and their changing menu always springs a few delicious surprises in this intimate, cosy setting.

Nestled in the heart of the Quayside, House of Tides offers informal fine dining set over two floors and is one of just two Michelin star restaurants in Newcastle city centre (alongside sister restaurant Solstice). Spoil the love of your life with this very special foodie experience and savour the finest ingredients and service in a relaxed atmosphere with no compromise on quality.

The Botanist are offering a Valentine’s sharing menu this year that is perfect for a casual couple’s night out. Featuring a selection of starters, a sharing kebab and their limited edition Valentine’s cookie dough - plus a complimentary ‘Raspberry Rhapsody’ cocktail each - it's ideal to enjoy together and there's live music too.

It doesn't get more romantic than Italian cuisine which is sublimely served up at Pani’s - an intimate, family-owned cafe unique in Newcastle for its focus on Sardinian fare. Mixing the traditional fresh tastes of the region with innovative ideas, they create dishes that allow you to linger and transport you far from the city centre bustle with each bite of their mouth-watering Mediterranean food.

What could be more romantic than French cuisine on Valentine's Day? Located under the old railway arches, The French Quarter is a cosy spot perfect for indulging in fine French fare with your loved one. Share the love with a selection of small plates or one their charcuterie and cheese boards and team your romantic meal with a bottle from The French Quarter's lengthy wine list.

With over forty years of experience between their chefs, a visit to Mantra Thai is always a special dining experience – but there Valentine’s Menu certainly steps things up a notch. Enjoy a delicious sharing platter to start, before digging into a main course, side dish, and dessert with your nearest and dearest.

Where to Drink

Quayside haunt Tiger Hornsby boasts an elegant and quirky design with lots of cosy sofas perfect for cuddling up with a cocktail or two from its award-winning mixology menu which includes everything from the classics to innovative and experimental choices, and always full of flavour.

ABOVE is a super-stylish rooftop bar on top of The Vermont Hotel with unbelievable views of the city that no other venue can offer. The 360 degree backdrop is perfect for taking Valentine selfies as you enjoy their stylish and welcoming space. It’s definitely one of the most unique and photogenic locations you’ll find in Newcastle and the interior is pretty fine too.

If you’d rather escape the hustle and bustle of Toon, then head down to Mother Mercy. This basement cocktail bar is hidden away beneath Cloth market, this once hidden gem has garnered national acclaim, praised as one of the UK’s top eighteen cocktail destinations by The Times. Pay them a visit for expertly crafted cocktails to cheers to your relationship.

What was once a real public toilet built in the 1800’s has been repurposed into one of Newcastle’s best kept secrets. WC Newcastle is a unique venue located in the centre of Newcastle’s historic Bigg Market, a stylish wine and cocktail bar and the perfect place to cuddle up on Valentine’s Day.

What to Do

If you’re looking for something pretty unique to do with your partner then The Glamorous Owl offers long and short courses on jewellery making, including a wedding ring-making workshop for couples. Each course led by the workshop’s tutors will teach you step-by-step the ring-making process that will have you going home with your own stunning piece of handcrafted jewellery.~

Chocolates are always a welcome gift, but how about making your own? At Blackfriars' Cookery School, you and your beloved can take part in a chocolate making workshop which, aside from being a fun activity to do together, means you get to take home your hard-earned efforts and eat the delicious sweet treats you’ve created!

A romantic venue with a difference, Lane7 lets you can combine a meal with a host of entertaining activities. Alongside their signature ten pin bowling they also offer arcade games, karaoke, ping pong and pool - a perfect Valentine's experience for all you fun-loving lovebirds out there.

Grey Street Hotel have an array of great offers ideal for lovebirds planning a romantic getaway or staycation this Valentine's Day. Try the Stay & Spa or Stay & Dine packages if you'd like to add some relaxation or fine dining to your stay or opt for the Romantic Package and add rose petals, chocolates and a bottle of prosecco to your room booking. Whatever way you’d like to celebrate with your loved one, there’s a lot of choice in this amazing location, right in the heart of the city.

Alternatively, why not get creative with the Lovers Portraits workshop at Newcastle Arts Centre? Hosted by talented local artist Mark Bletcher, you and your special someone will learn the basics of painting portraits in acrylics on Valentine’s Day evening, with all abilities welcome, and all materials provided.

Live out your period drama dreams at Newcastle Castle this Valentine’s Day with their exclusive evening tour! You’ll hear stories about the Castle’s previous inhabitants before heading into the romantic Great Hall to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine and enjoying performances from celloists. Afterwards, you’ll head up to the Castle roof to take in the incredible views over Newcastle’s skyline alongside your loved one.

But if it’s live music you’re after, then The Newgate Social has you covered with their Valentine’s Day special! Cris Quammie will be taking to the stage, paying tribute to the legendary acts of Soul and Motown like Stevie Wonder, Lionel Ritchie and The Temptations for lovebirds to enjoy.

So there you have it - whether it’s gifting, dining, sipping or simply doing something together, there are heaps of places to go and things to do in Newcastle to make this Valentine’s Day special.

Main image: Photo by Zoe Schaeffer

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