NE1's Guide to Great Pre-Theatre Bars in Newcastle
Catching a show in Newcastle? Check out some of the city's best pre-theatre bars
With its vibrant theatre and nightlife scene, Newcastle boasts plenty of places perfect for pre-theatre drinks.
Whether you're catching a blockbuster show at Theatre Royal, top-class comedy at Tyne Theatre & Opera House or a cutting-edge play at Northern Stage, we've rounded up some of the best pre-theatre drink haunts within easy walking distance of each of Newcastle's theatres.
Theatre Royal
Newcastle centre is always lively after hours and Grey Street boasts some fantastic bars within a short walk of the Theatre Royal. Experience the bustling terrace atmosphere of Nitehawks to people watch and chat with friends before your show. Harry’s Bar offers pre-theatre menus if you’re peckish alongside an extensive selection of beers, wines and cocktails if you’re arriving early to a performance and filling time. The exceptional painted murals and beautiful large chandeliers of Lola Jeans on Market Street make it one of the most stylish locations to visit and savour one of their signature cocktails on a theatre night out.
Fitzgeralds on Grey Street has a wide selection of gin pairings and well-kept cask ales to enjoy before you take a short walk to the theatre. For the European café bar vibe you could try Société Café Bar, a proud independent venue that has a really cosy atmosphere and friendly staff. Besides a huge selection of pre-theatre drinks Barluga have highly rated menus too, so you could indulge in some delicious food if you have time.
Tyne Theatre & Opera House
Situated on Westgate Road, right beside the Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Tilleys Bar has an extensive selection of craft and cask beers in its snug and welcoming L-shaped bar, perfect for a drink or two before curtain up! Another real ale pub steeped in local history is The Bodega, with its Victorian décor, stained glass domes and traditional long bar which transports you back in time. More historical surroundings can be found at The Town Wall located within the elegant confines of the Grade II listed Bewick House on Pink Lane which dates back to 1821. Maybe a fine wine or sparkling champagne is called for prior to your theatre visit?
Nearby Prohibition Cabaret Bar evokes the 1920’s! It’s got the style and the atmosphere exactly right and makes for an ideal dramatic setting for drinks before the theatre begins. The Mad House cocktail bar and lounge is also right here with eclectic design, tapas dishes to nibble and stave off hunger pangs as well as signature ‘Mad Martini’ and cocktails - it’s also one of the most Instagrammable venues around. Laid-back, real ale pub The Forth with its log fire, local art on the walls and terrace seating is ideal for a leisurely wind down from the day to get into the mood for your night out together.
Alphabetti Theatre
The Dog & Parrot is part of local history and synonymous with live music and performance, so it’s a perfect place to get in the mood with drinks and a rock 'n' roll theme. Very close by is 3SIXTY, a polished champagne lounge offering sweeping 360-degree city views. They also serve afternoon tea, cocktails and Lindisfarne oysters if your night out is a particularly special event! Lane7 is a well-established bowling and gaming venue but the bar is a big draw in itself for the signature cocktails, G&T’s and low-to-no alcohol beers served in the lively atmosphere.
Wafi Lounge’s cocktail menu and Lebanese restaurant add something different to the party mix and it’s a great place to meet up with friends before moving along to the theatre for the main performance. There’s a really relaxed vibe at Blonde Barrel in Times Square, making it perfect for nibbles, beer and spirits and a cosy atmosphere even in the outdoor seating on a fine evening. The high flying 360 Sky Lounge offers amazing views of the city skyline as you relax into your night out. Add in a world-class Shisha selection, cocktails and mocktails served with flair and finesse and you’ve got a really crowd-pleasing presentation.
Live Theatre
The Quayside has a wide choice of pre-theatre bars and pubs within a short distance of Live Theatre, the closest being The Broad Chare which is just a couple of doors away! It’s a very friendly venue blending all the best bits of a traditional ale house including well-kept beer, good company, good cheer and super relaxed vibes. The Head of Steam, Quayside is just as close, with views of the iconic River Tyne, bridges and other attractions. Expect welcoming staff who will help you choose from exceptional craft and real ales from breweries around the world alongside wines, cocktails, spirits and a variety of pre-theatre food.
Also boasting some of the best views and tunes to match is The Hooch, a café and bar in one. If cocktails or a pint isn’t for you then maybe a delicious coffee will hit the spot, invigorating you in preparation for the drama ahead! Bang on the riverside, Chart House has unprecedented views and offers relaxation and warm hospitality as a modern bar and bistro within the Quayside cultural quarter a very short walk from the Live Theatre.
Pitcher & Piano is nestled right into the heart of the Quayside and offers a sophisticated escape for your night out, with a relaxed but lively vibe on most nights. The unhurried bar at 21 lets you unwind, chill and catch up on conversation, meaning it’s a perfect place to meet up with friends or make new ones before a quick trip along the road to take your seat at Live Theatre.
Northern Stage
One of Newcastle’s most famous pubs, City Tavern’s Tudor facade and laid-back interiors shift you back in time like stepping into a stage set - very appropriate then for a pre-theatre drink with an unrivalled warm welcome just a short walk away from the Northern Stage. The Crows Nest on Percy Street is a roomy traditional pub where you can grab a comfortable banquette, a cold pint and watch the vibrant clientele until it’s time to watch the treading of the boards!
The compact and bijou Mean-Eyed Cat is a contender for quirkiest bar. The mix of bright colourful décor and hipster-meets-real ale vibes are definitely unique in the city and it's just a few minutes' walk from both Haymarket Metro and Northern Stage. Pacific House is similarly close to the theatre action - housed in a modern building and boasting a contemporary drinks list that includes cocktails, wines and beers from around the world, their American Kitchen menu is also on hand to sample, if pre-drinks alone are not enough. Enjoy an expertly-kept beer and a catch up with friends at The Junction before the main performance beckons. There’s a great community atmosphere, always something entertaining going on and the friendly staff make you feel right at home.
Of course if you’d rather not walk even a small distance the very best place to assemble the squad is at the Northern Stage Café Bar itself. You’re literally in the venue waiting for the announcement to take your seats and the buzz of the show will be growing, so you can absorb that energy as well as your pre-show beverage.
Our comprehensive list covers everything from bar ambience, interesting locations and a massive choice of different tipples available. Why not make a great night out of it next time you’re at the theatre?
