Utilita Arena: Where to Park, Eat & Drink Before a Show

Utilita Arena hosts some of the biggest events in the region and if you’re heading there for a show, why not make a night of it? We’ve got the lowdown on some of the best places close by the arena to park your car, go for a bite to eat or enjoy a couple of pre-show drinks.

Drinks

The Globe, Railway Street

Almost on the doorstep of the arena itself and a mere 10-minute walk from Central Station, The Globe is tucked away on neighbouring Railway Street. This collective-owned bar/performance space mainly hosts musical events and opening times vary (it’s usually 7-11pm Wednesday to Sunday) but it’s worth checking out– it’s a friendly, lively place and it’s VERY convenient for the arena.

The Telegraph, Orchard Street

Located behind Central Station and adjacent to Stephenson Square, The Telegraph is open from 11am daily. It’s ideal as a place to visit for both drinks and light food options -  they serve delicious home-cooked food with a variety of tapas options and always have a good selection of real ales, premier lagers & bottled beers & ciders.

Mosaic Tap, Arch 7, Forth Banks Goods Yard

Mosaic Tap is a vibrant and relatively recent addition to the craft beer scene in Newcastle. Based in a converted railway arch on Forth Banks Goods Yard, it’s a colourful and quirky location ideal for a pre-show get together. They get new kegs on a weekly basis and stock their taproom and bottle shop with high quality brews, as well as natural wines, takeout brews, pre–mixed cocktails and small batch spirits and they’re open from 3pm – 11pm from Wednesday to Sunday.

Newcastle Tap, Stephenson’s Quarter

With a whopping 24 draught beers on offer from casks and kegs, as well as fridges stocked full of bottled and canned beers, there's a wider selection here than many of the bigger bars. The fact it’s just a few minutes walk from the arena makes it a perfect place to gather with friends beforehand and make your way to the gig en masse!

Gunner Tavern, Neville Street

Positioned directly opposite Central Station and handy for local bus routes, Gunner Tavern is just a short walk from Utilita Arena. It’s got a very casual hangout vibe and serves a wide selection of beers, wines and spirits alongside small plates, burgers and sandwiches for the pre-gig munchies!

Food

​Sachins, Forth Banks

Since opening over 30 years ago, Sachin’s Punjabi cuisine has become almost iconic in the region. There’s no ‘spice for spice sake’ and all ingredients are sourced for authenticity (even the spice grinders are brought in from India!) Dishes use the finest, freshest spices, meats and vegetables, all prepared to perfection. If you like things hot and are looking to eat prior to your night out, this would be an excellent option.

Mantra Thai, Forth Banks

Another fantastic spicy possibility is Mantra, who deliver some of the best fresh Thai food in the area. New customers have a tendency to turn into regulars, which is an indication of how good the food is. It's a perfect start to a night out at the arena, but leave time for the extra walk uphill on Forth Banks - especially if you’ve over indulged!

Lane7, St James’ Boulevard

If you fancy packing food and fun into your evening before hitting the arena, this stylish bowling alley with American dining is ideal. It's a lively spot offering BBQ dining, bowling, pool, ping-pong, karaoke, mini golf and beer pong alongside bars on every floor and a photobooth. Set aside more time before your show, especially if you’re taking the family, and make a night of it!

Persia Restaurant, Marlborough Crescent

Less than a 10-minute walk away, you can find some outstanding, authentic Persian cuisine at this Marlborough Crescent restaurant. Persia is known for excellent food in a lovely atmosphere and friendly staff who will happily guide you through the menu.

Mosob Gezana, Scotswood Road

Another leisurely walk from the Utilita will take you to this restaurant, a fine example of Eritrean and Ethiopian cuisine. East African food might be unfamiliar to many diners, but it’s definitely worth trying it out: their characteristically spicy meat and vegetable dishes are served with injera, a large sourdough flatbread that is used to pick up bites of sides and entrées. So why not kick off a night at the arena with a new, tasty dining experience?

Parking

Utilita Arena Car Park, Ord Street

You simply cannot get any closer to the arena than this option. There are over 600 convenient car park spaces available on site at the rear of the building that offer CCTV cameras and regular security patrols. The usual fee to park your car for an event is from £8.50 which includes parking from one hour before an event starts until approximately half an hour after the event finishes.

Stephenson Quarter Car Park, Forth Banks

Adjacent to the Crowne Plaza Hotel, this car park is a 10-15 minute walk away from the arena and a short walk from lots of bars and restaurants around Times Square and Central Station. Parking fees are charged hourly and you can get up to four hours parking for just £4.60.

Times Square Car Park, Railway Street

Ideally located at the western gateway to Newcastle city centre on Railway Street just a few minutes from the arena’s main entrance, Times Square Car Park provides easy access and loads of space with 635 parking places available across six levels. It’s owned and operated by the International Centre for Life and up to 4 hours will cost £5.00.

That’s a few of the possibilities to help make your trip to the arena a proper night out, and there’s lots of more to choose from in the area too. So whether you want some leisurely drinks, a curry to set you up for the night or some air hockey to get your pulse racing, the west end of the city centre has lots to offer.