Beyond Bigg Market: the hidden gem of an Ouseburn night out

Newcastle. Known across the country as the UK's best night out. As a student, your standard week is probably Monday at Trop, Wednesday Sport Socials, and Friday at Casa. On a more relaxed night, you're probably accustomed to wandering along Osborne Road in Jesmond. And if all of that isn't enough, you can experience the intensity of Bigg Market, particularly with the locals on a weekend. 

Don't get me wrong, beginning in Shaker and ending the night in Bigg Market chippy is a classic night out, but that's not all that the city has to offer. The small size of Newcastle is deceptive: if you explore beyond Bigg Market and the city centre, you'll soon stumble upon Ouseburn. On the periphery of the city centre, Ouseburn is a creative and cultural gem, buzzing with community. You may have associated it with wholesome day trips, checking out Ouseburn Farm, or the occasional Ouseburn Market. But did you know it's got a great nightlife too? It boasts a great range of pubs, bars and venues within walking distance that create a communal, buzzy atmosphere in the evening. 

 As shifts end and the sun goes down, you'll find crowds trickling into Ouseburn's many, well-established, warm pubs. Start further by the Quayside at Free Trade Inn and Tyne Bar, before finding The Cumberland Arms amidst the trees. If you’re a professional stout, ale, or lager warrior, then check out Brinkburn Brewery too, and take a pick from their extensive menu. Once you're a few pints down, you'll be ready to hit the Ship Inn on Stepney Bank; Ouseburns 'strip'. 

 Alongside the post-industrial, brick pub aesthetic, Ouseburn also has a range of bars too. Further up the bank, you'll find Billy's Bootleggers. If you’re a Dog and Parrot warrior, Billy's is the perfect equivalent to welcome you to Ouseburn's nightlife. They play indie classics with an old-school American aesthetic bursting from every corner of the dive bar. They also play host to local or up-and-coming artists, which you can watch for free, giving you a more nuanced night out than the standard pop playlists in the city centre. If you like a bit of live music on a night out, Tyne Bar also has you covered, or check out the Cluny, where you can buy a ticket for more well-established artists. 

 If you're searching for more of a sit-down, sophisticated cocktail, I'd recommend Lock Up. It's one of Ouseburn's newest additions, but nevertheless gaining a lot of attention on Instagram. Situated above a pop-up kitchen, which routinely rotates its food service, is Lock Up's rooftop terrace. It's a great spot to people-watch those walking along the River Ouse, and has coverage in case the elements aren't too favourable. Another option is Kiln, fusing daytime café and ceramic-pottery making with a late-night bar energy. However, as your night continues, your buzziest option is Ernest. It's a well-established presence in the Ouseburn community, boasting a range of DJs throughout the week, switching and fusing genres each night. They have regular cocktail deals and a great range of drinks. I'd recommend their Aperona - half Aperol, half Corona. 

 If you're really itching to keep the night going, Ouseburn Garden hosts regular events in the evening. You can go in the daytime, and enjoy some relaxed scran and a drink in their outdoor bar. However, the DJs come out in the evening, and you can always hear their intensity from the bottom of Stepney Bank. It's definitely a good option for students, especially when you get to steal a student discount at the bar. 

 If that's too exposed, and you prefer a more intimate venue, Cobalt's got your back. It particularly plays host to an array of independent artists throughout the week, ending the week with a DJ on Saturday night. The bouncers and staff are always friendly, and they've established inclusive values that make the space feel safe for everyone. Ouseburn truly has something for everyone, and dipping into its culture also means you're investing in independently run businesses that make Ouseburn so special. They all work cohesively to create the buzzy atmosphere and community that, in turn, supports them. Independent-run businesses don't have the funds that bigger corporations have, so it truly is the supportive community that keeps them upheld. Stepping away from the city centre and seeing what independent creatives have to offer is also an authentic, genuine and unmatched experience. Next time you have a night out, go beyond Bigg Market!