Newcastle Upon Tyne has been building up its variety of places to eat and drink, especially around the centre. Whilst places like Ouseburn and Heaton like to take the cake, Newcastle’s bar and restaurant scene has upped its game over the years. Hopefully, this short guide will help you to choose a fun, romantic place for you to get your date game on.
Mother Mercy – Settled in the Cloth Market, a branch off the Bigg Market, Mother Mercy is an underground cocktail bar with dim lighting, and cosy corners to cuddle up with your lover. Praised by The Times as one of the UK’s top cocktail destinations, Mother Mercy certainly has bragging rights for their gorgeous array of cocktails. If you are struggling to decide on a cocktail, they also have a ‘Twist of Fate’ wheel that customers can spin, additionally containing prizes like free drinks! Due to its popularity, it is recommended to reserve a table, as table service is used. However, I believe this just makes it more special!
WC – Originally a gentlemen’s water closet opened in 1898, WC is another underground cocktail bar in the middle of Bigg Market. After surviving both World Wars, the toilets closed in 2012 after mistreatment, but plans for its refurbishment as a unique cocktail bar began in 2020. Serving signature cocktails, classics, and an extensive list of wines, beers, and ciders, WC provides a romantic atmosphere for drinks with your date.
Crown Posada – Located just off the Quayside, the Crown Posada is the last bar on this list. Winning Traveler’s Choice 2023 from Trip Advisor, it provides a line-up of locally brewed ‘real’ ales and beers, according to reviews. The Crown Posada is the second oldest pub in Newcastle and houses two Pre-Raphaelite stained glass windows, depicting a barmaid providing a Tudor gentleman with a beer. Customers are even encouraged to bring their own records to play music throughout the bar on their 1940s turntable, adding a unique feature to encourage conversation about your favourite artists with your date.
Pani’s – The first restaurant is Pani’s Italian, a family-owned restaurant, serving Italian food with a Sardinian twist. With fresh ingredients imported directly from Italy, Pani’s claim they are ‘as authentically Italian as you can get without going to Italy.’ Located just off of High Bridge, Pani’s is especially good before or after a date to the Theatre Royal. Also boasting a delectable list of spirits and cocktails, the drinking definitely does not have to stop at the bars!
The Muddler – In a similar location, The Muddler is also in the centre of the city, so if you decide not to take my advice on bars, there is plenty around there, also. The Pan-Asian style restaurant prepares a list of small plates, bigger main meals, and sharing platters, including curries and bao buns. They also have an extensive sushi menu with lots of options, so you and your date can share a platter with a large variety!
Kafeneon – The last restaurant to provide a gorgeous background to your date is Kafeneon on the Bigg Market. With murals to make you feel like you and your significant other are sat in the sunny islands of Greece, Kafeneon serves a range of gorgeous Greek food, and has an extensive cocktail menu, my personal favourite being the Dark Raspberry Mojito. The service is always fantastic, and the staff make you feel relaxed and comfortable. The perfect backdrop for a date, Kafeneon is my pick of the bunch.