As I checked into the hotel, a speed boat and jet ski were making waves on the water, painting a picture more akin to Nice than Newcastle.
The sun was casting its glow on hundreds of patrons at various riverside restaurants, bars and food joints, contributing to the holiday atmosphere. It’s not what you’d typically associate with my hometown; it would be easy to mistake it for a bustling European tourist destination rather than good old Geordieland.
Newcastle’s Grey Street has been lauded by architectural historian Sir Nikolaus Pevsner as one of Europe’s most impressive streets, an opinion echoed by Radio 4 listeners in a 2014 BBC poll. The decision to reduce traffic (though buses still have access) and permit outdoor seating was a stroke of genius.
Newcastle is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and warm-hearted locals who know how to enjoy themselves. Now, there’s even more to experience, with summer activities such as open-air cinema, kayaking introductory sessions and twilight yoga. Local businesses have joined forces to organise children’s events.
Winter ushers in Christmas markets around Grey’s Monument and the customary Sunday markets. The city becomes a magnet for Scandinavian tourists, drawn by the cruise ships and ferries docking at the Port of Tyne.
Perched on the Quayside, the new Innside by Melia Hotel provides a panoramic view of the action. From your room window, you can watch LNER trains traversing the river on one side, and marvel at the iconic Tyne Bridge on the other.
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Melia Hotel)
A hen party was off for a night on the town; Newcastle continues to be a top pick for soon-to-be brides and grooms. They get to experience some of the UK’s finest nightlife, with NE1 the Business Improvement District organisation for Newcastle city centre having initiated the city’s inaugural Restaurant Week back in 2011.
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Getty Images)
The event has been gaining momentum ever since, and this year it’s scheduled from January 13-19. Over 100 eateries are participating, providing an opportunity to enjoy a meal out for just £15, £20 or £25 per person (check here for dates and venues involved).
Cafe Mercy, a cocktail bar situated on Grey Street, was buzzing when we dropped by. Recently crowned as one of the UK’s best, it boasts a fantastic menu of classic cocktails, with the bar staff detailing the components of each drink.
They’re perfect for cooling down on a hot summer day; groups were seen relishing Aperol Spritz, Mirrorball Limoncello Spritz (should have given that a go), and Hugo Spritz (all priced at £4.25). Cocktails like Margaritas, Bellinis, Mojitos and Mai Tais could be had for a tenner.
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Jeremy Armstrong)
Upon stepping into the bustling Khai Khai Indian restaurant nearby, all seemed right with the world. The place was buzzing and boasted a comprehensive menu of classic favourites alongside some creative specials straight from the chef’s repertoire.
An early evening menu is available for £20 per person if you can make it before 7.15pm; the all-day menu featured the tantalising Beetroot Shikampuri (£6.95) starter with a yoghurt filling and a pistachio crust, while the asparagus and mushroom korma (£11.95 main course) was a vegetarian’s dream. The Peshwari Naan (£5.95) and Basmati Rice (£3.95) were cooked to perfection.
The chef’s feast, priced at £42 per person, is exactly what it sounds like, with a neighbouring table indulging in an array of delights deemed ‘fit for the last supper’. This spot is a hit with celebrities, including Harrison Ford who dined here while filming in Northumberland, and has twice been crowned winner at the British Curry Awards.
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Khai Khai)
Khai Khai is the brainchild of Jaf Ali, who also owns and runs the Dabbawal restaurants; all participate in NE1’s Newcastle Restaurant Week, held in January and again in August.
We were also fortunate enough to visit the restaurant Hjem when it popped up in Fenwick’s department store (which is a must-visit in its own right, renowned for its Christmas window display. ).
Typically nestled in Wall, a brief jaunt from Newcastle in Northumberland, its enchanting blend of Scandinavian cuisine and local produce creates an irresistible fusion; there’s a £165pp tasting menu on offer; and they cater to vegan, vegetarian and pescatarian preferences.
If the opportunity arises, I’d strongly endorse a trip to the Castle Keep to cap off any visit to the Toon. The panoramic views from the rooftop are genuinely breathtaking, while at ground level, at the base of the castle walls, you can still spot where medieval miscreants were confined outdoors, all in the name of keeping the place neat and tidy.
It’s the ideal way to conclude your staycation in one of the UK’s friendliest cities.
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