Top Bars in Newcastle – Most Viewed (2025)

Welcome to The Golden Flake Tavern — a bold pop-up pub venture by bakery-giant Greggs in collaboration with department-store Fenwick, located in Newcastle city-centre. The venue reinvents the traditional British pub, injecting in all the familiar Greggs favourites — sausage rolls, steak bakes, jam doughnuts — and pairing them with craft-beers, lagers and cocktails, all delivered with a wink and a nod. Inside, the decor nods to heritage Northern hospitality with wooden bar seating, leather booths and nostalgic touches; but the menu flips expectations. You’ll find Greggs-inspired draught beers like the “Pink Jammie Pale Ale” and “Gosforth 1939 Stottie Lager”. Meanwhile, the kitchen serves elevated takes on bakery classics — for example, a steak bake mixed grill with chips and grilled tomato, or a chicken bake parmo-style. This experience is playful yet social: quiz nights on Tuesdays, Friday-night DJ sets, and the intention of being more than just a quick stop for a drink. The Golden Flake Tavern’s limited-run nature adds to its novelty: it’s set to operate until February 2026. Ideal for a casual drink with something different, a hearty twist on pub-food, or a group night out where the menu becomes part of the conversation. Just go knowing it’s a hybrid experience — part bakery-icon playground, part doggedly British boozer.

Hidden beneath the hustle of Dean Street in Newcastle upon Tyne, Colonel Porter’s Emporium is a bar with flair and story. Set in the ground floor of the historic Milburn House (Dean Street, NE1 1LF), the venue opened in 2017 and draws inspiration from the life of James Herbert Porter — brewer, adventurer and the man behind the creation of the iconic Newcastle Brown Ale. Walking in, you’ll spot turquoise and brass accents, hunting-lodge curios, botanical touches and vintage maps — the décor sets a mood of daring voyages and whimsical discovery. The bar divides into several themed zones: the main tavern lounge, a “Botanical Garden” terrace for outdoor drinks, and even the hidden “Archie’s Lab” — accessible via secret bookcase — offering private hire and a speakeasy vibe. The drink list is ambitious: over 125 rums (or Rhums), gin and cocktail options, signature vintage-inspired serves and a dedicated “Tipsy Tea” afternoon experience (cocktail + tea service) from Fri-Sun. Music and entertainment are integrated too: live music every night (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday), open-mic Tuesdays and DJ sets Friday & Saturday. Whether you’re settling in for artisan cocktails with friends, indulging in afternoon tea with a boozy twist, or dancing later into the night, Colonel Porter’s Emporium balances theatrical décor, historical charm and social energy. The kitchen serves food daily until around 8 pm.

The Botanist Newcastle offers an imaginative blend of dining and drinking within a striking setting. Located in the heart of the city centre at Monument Mall (NE1 7AL), this two-floor venue combines floral interiors, botanical-theme décor and a rooftop terrace that makes it more than just a bar. From the moment you arrive you’re greeted by a space that feels part greenhouse, part stylish bar. A glass-domed roof lets in natural light, while a large indoor tree and plenty of greenery set the tone for a venue that leans into nature-inspired ambience. The drink menu lives up to the décor: expect “botanical” cocktails that incorporate herbs, floral liqueurs and creative presentation. As one description puts it, “Home of timeless experiences … a world-famous selection of botanical cocktails, craft beers and ales, Champagne and wine.” Food is also part of the offer. The venue describes itself as a bar & restaurant, with menus for lunch, brunch, dinner and bottomless brunch sessions. Dishes range from kebabs (including tofu options) to Sunday roasts, sharing boards and more. Live music and events play a regular part in the atmosphere. The Botanist hosts acoustic sets, DJs, bingo nights and more, making it a lively choice for a celebratory outing or a stylish night out rather than a purely quiet bar. In short: The Botanist Newcastle is ideal for anyone looking for a venue that merges great cocktails, food and a memorable ambience. Whether you’re visiting for brunch, pre-dinner drinks or live music into the night, it delivers with style. Note that on busy nights the noise can be substantial—not as quiet as a lounge bar.

Mother Mercy is one of Newcastle upon Tyne’s standout destinations for cocktails — an underground cocktail bar tucked beneath the busy Cloth Market (44 Cloth Market, NE1 1EE) that offers something a little more elevated than standard nights out. Entering via a down-stairs entrance, you arrive in a moody basement setting with intimate lighting, plush seating and attentive table service. The bar has been recognised among the UK’s “Top 50 Cocktail Bars,” reflecting its ambition and quality. The drink menu is bold and creative: expect original cocktails that push flavour boundaries (for example, the “Hot Honey Margarita” with chilli-honey tequila twist) alongside expertly prepared modern classics. Service is a major feature — reviewers mention that you’re provided with table service (not just bar-side), water on arrival, and staff who are well-versed in guiding you through choices. The atmosphere fits both date-night and stylish group outings: sophisticated enough for serious cocktail fans, but comfortable enough to drop in before heading on. That said, it can get busy, especially on weekends, and advance booking is advisable. In short: Mother Mercy gives you the finesse of a dedicated cocktail lounge, paired with a relaxed underground setting in Newcastle’s nightlife hub. It’s especially suited if you’re in the mood for well-crafted drinks, good company and a bit of hidden-gem style.

The Mad House in Newcastle upon Tyne is a vibrant, off-beat cocktail bar experience designed to surprise and entertain. Located in city-centre venues (notably 37 Pink Lane and 10 Dean Street) in Newcastle’s lively nightlife district, the bar is all about bold cocktails, immersive décor and a party atmosphere. From the moment you arrive, the décor hints at the venue’s playful concept: think lounge-style furniture, themed “rooms” (living rooms, gardens, even bathroom touches), neon lights and colourful furnishings. One review notes you can “sit around a bathtub, bed and hob or on a toilet” as part of the seating quirks. Drinks are definitely the headline: the menu highlights “MAD Cocktails”, which evolve seasonally and offer a taste adventure. They promote 2 for £18 cocktails all day every day. Food-wise, the bar offers “Council Tapas” sharing boards full of fun items (nuggets, fish fingers, chips etc) especially during the weekend bottomless brunch, which features drink packages and a playful approach to eating. Opening hours show Monday and Tuesday closed; Wednesday/Thursday open from mid-afternoon; Friday/Saturday from noon; Sunday from midday. The Mad House is ideal for group outings, pre-club drinks, fun brunches or celebrating something special with a twist. Its energy is higher than a quiet lounge bar, so if you’re after dancing or louder music later on, it suits well; for a quiet drink it may be less ideal.

No28 (27-29 Nelson Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5AN) is one of the city’s most under-the-radar yet celebrated late-night venues. Nestled just off the Grainger Market and tucked up above the street, it offers a blend of chic cocktail bar, relaxed dining spot and boutique club zone. The venue opens from midday on weekends and early evening on other days — until 3 am every night — so whether you’re after brunch, an early evening drink or a full on night out, No28 has you covered. Food and drink both make strong showings. The bar offers a broad cocktail list, 2 for £12 deals (Sunday–Friday), bottoms-up prosecco brunches, and late-night snacks/small plates. The kitchen serves everything from tapas-style dishes to burgers and Sunday roasts. Reviews highlight the good portions and food quality especially on Sunday lunch. After about 10pm especially on Fridays and Saturdays, No28 morphs from stylish bar into a boutique clubbing space: DJs, dancefloor, lighting and a vibrant crowd. Entry is generally free. Decor-wise the space has been described as warm, intimate and chic. Think stylish seating, mirror-balls, illuminated cherry-blossom tree over the bar and a combination of lounge + party zones. In short: No28 is a flexible destination — dinner with cocktails, bottomless brunch, pre-club drinks or full late-night dancing — all in one, discreet city-centre venue.