In the City

This City, Your City

Newcastle. Gateshead. NewcastleGateshead. Whatever you call it, it's a beautiful place, with an amazing variety of cultural and after-dark attractions.

There's a wealth of heritage and art throughout, from its ancient city walls to those iconic illuminated bridges.

It is full of hidden gems just awaiting discovery. Leafy open spaces, contemporary sculpture parks and a wide variety of museums, art galleries and monuments contribute to the cityscape.

The city was recently awarded the accolade of being the most artistic in Britain, as well as being Rough Guide's choice as the best place for a night out.

It is compact enough to allow you to move around easily from bar to bar and club to club, and there are always new venues opening every week so you'll never get bored.

For first-timers we've given a few pointers below to the liveliest parts of town, including some of the best places to eat.

Bars and Clubs

Towards Central station, Apartment is for those who like a cool drink to a smooth beat. It offers one the city's most subtle experiences, and nearby there's Revolution with vodka in a million variations. Tokyo and Kuba are just round the corner and well worth a visit, as is Beyond Bar and Grill in The Gate. To finish off the night, Digital and Tiger Tiger are a stone's throw away.

The Quayside - sophisticated, lively, the Quayside starts to throb when the sun sets and keeps going through most of the night. Check out Stereo with its stunning view of the Millennium bridge and the BALTIC across the river. The decor could come from Rome or New York. Stereo serves a whole range of drinks from beers to cocktails. A pitcher of Sea Breeze and a fish-finger sandwich anyone?

Jesmond is the haunt of the young and fashion-conscious, where professionals mingle with students in a heady cocktail of Coco Mademoiselle and Issey Miyake. We have a soft spot for Bar Billabong, though it's hard to deny the attraction of Osbornes, especially on a hot summer evening on the terraces with the glasses overflowing.

Live Music

For the best in beautifully kept real ales from every corner of the globe, and the chance to see both established and up-and-coming bands, pay regular visits to The Head of Steam by Central Station and its sister outfit The Cluny - which is a bit more tucked away in the Ouseburn Valley but well worth an expedition.

You don't need to mosh to enjoy the Carling Academy on Westgate Road, which has the happy knack of attracting bands on the way up before they become stadium fillers.

City Food

We love the Comfort Food Company, a gem of a bistro tucked away in Pudding Chare with the cosiest of atmospheres, excellent food, mainly from local suppliers, and a scintillating wine list.

Blackfriars is situated within what was a Medieval monastery, and has consistently won plaudits for the quality of its food.

Newcastle can offer some of the best dining experiences in the country. You'll find it hard to match the quality and variety at Cafe 21, Secco or the legendary Black Door; or try the newly-opened Amer's on Osborne Road in Jesmond. Paradiso off Pilgrim Street offers a delightful ambience and an excellent choice of food from the freshest ingredients.

The BALTIC on the Gateshead side of the river boasts a magnificent top-floor restaurant which is perfect for a romantic meal for two.

Stowell Street is the place to find authentic Chinese and Thai restaurants.

Fujiyama is a Japanese teppan-yaki restaurant on Bath Lane, and St Sushi is rightly renowned for its remarkable sushi conveyor belt!

Slightly further out of town is Loch Fyne, a seafood restaurant floating in Gosforth like a little piece of Scotland.