Enjoying a fantastic cocktail in one of the city’s many fantastic bars and restaurants (Image: Jeremy Armstrong)
Upon checking into the hotel, I was greeted by a speed boat and a jet ski on the water, a sight more akin to Nice than Newcastle.
The sun was beaming down on hundreds of patrons at various riverside restaurants, bars and eateries, contributing to the holiday atmosphere. It’s not what you’d typically associate with my hometown; it felt more like a European tourist hotspot than Geordieland.
Grey Street in Newcastle, described by architectural historian Sir Nikolaus Pevsner as one of Europe’s finest streets and supported by Radio 4 listeners in a 2014 BBC poll, has been transformed. The removal of most traffic (buses still have access) and the introduction of outdoor seating was a brilliant move.
Newcastle is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and friendly locals who love a good time. Now, there’s even more to enjoy, with summer events such as outdoor cinema, kayaking taster sessions and twilight yoga. And local businesses have united to provide activities for children.
In the Melia Hotel on the city’s Quayside (Image: Jeremy Armstrong)
Winter brings Christmas fairs around Grey’s Monument and the traditional Sunday markets. The city is flooded with Scandinavian tourists arriving via cruise ships and ferries at the Port of Tyne.
The new Innside by Melia Hotel on the Quayside offers a panoramic view of the city. From the room window, you can see LNER trains crossing the river on one side and the world-famous Tyne Bridge on the other.
Newcastle, a popular destination for hen and stag parties, offers some of the best nightlife in the UK. The city’s Business Improvement District company, NE1, launched Newcastle’s first Restaurant Week back in 2011, which has grown in success each year. This year, it will take place from January 13-19, with over 100 restaurants participating. Diners can enjoy meals on a budget of £15, £20 or £25 per head at various venues across the city.
NewcastleInnSide Melia HotelPR Handout (Image: Melia Hotel)
One such venue is Cafe Mercy, a cocktail bar on Grey Street that was bustling when we visited. Recently voted one of the best in the UK, the bar offers a fantastic menu of classic cocktails. The knowledgeable staff are more than happy to explain the ingredients of each drink.
On a hot summer’s day, there’s nothing better than enjoying an Aperol Spritz, Mirrorball Limoncello Spritz, or Hugo Spritz, all priced at £4.25. For those who prefer something stronger, Margaritas, Bellinis, Mojitos and Mai Tais are available for £10.
Upon arrival at the bustling Khai Khai Indian restaurant, we were greeted with an extensive menu featuring classic favourites and imaginative chef’s specials. The early evening menu, priced at £20 per head for those who arrive before 7.15pm, offers a range of tantalising dishes.
The beetroot shikampuri starter (£6.95), filled with yogurt and encased in a pistachio crust, was particularly mouth-watering. The asparagus and mushroom korma (£11.95) served as a perfect main course for vegetarians, while the Peshwari naan (£5.95) and basmati rice (£3.95) were cooked to perfection.
The chef’s feast, priced at £42 per person, is a delight, as evidenced by a neighbouring table indulging in a variety of dishes described as ‘worthy of the last supper’. This establishment is a favourite among celebrities, including Harrison Ford, who dined here while filming in Northumberland. It has also been recognised twice at the British Curry Awards.
The Tyne Bridge is among the UK’s most iconic sites (Image: Getty Images)
Khai Khai is owned by Jaf Ali, who also owns and operates the Dabbawal restaurants. All of these establishments participate in NE1’s Newcastle Restaurant Week, which takes place in January and August.
We were fortunate enough to visit the restaurant Hjem when it opened in Fenwick’s department store – a location well worth visiting in its own right, particularly for its renowned Christmas window display.
Located a short drive from Newcastle in Northumberland, Wall offers a unique blend of Scandinavian cuisine using local ingredients, creating an irresistible combination. They offer a £165pp tasting menu and cater to vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian diets.
Newcastle’s Khai Khai restaurant (Image: Khai Khai)
For those visiting the area, a trip to the Castle Keep is highly recommended. The rooftop provides breathtaking views, while the castle’s lower levels reveal where medieval villains were once imprisoned outdoors for tidiness.
This experience perfectly concludes a staycation in one of the UK’s friendliest cities.
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