We begin our day in Ouseburn with a fresh pastry from Northern Rye, a small bakery opposite the colourful Toffee Factory. I’d recommend the cinnamon bun, but you can’t go wrong with their selection – they even have merch! Don’t miss the Liddle-Henzell Glassworks memorial on your way up the river, the flue-arches tucked away amongst trendy new developments as a proud reminder of Ouseburn’s industrial legacy, with glassworks in the valley dating as early as the 18th century. Following the river, you’ll soon reach Ouseburn Farm – this (free!) outing is particularly great if you have kids with you, or if you feel the urge to walk a goat. However, if you’re like me and prefer your nature in the form of greenery, I’d recommend exploring the network of footpaths spanning outwards from this point, where a pleasant autumnal walk will show off a quieter side to the neighbourhood.
If, at this point, you’re feeling peckish (or in my case, thirsty) then head up to Ernest’s café and bar, an excellent brunch and beer spot. Alternatively, Ouseburn has various pubs and two great pizza kitchens, and the Biscuit Factory even has its own café. This former warehouse building is now an arts and crafts gallery that spotlights local artists and holds workshops and events, and I would definite recommend checking out its cool interior even if art isn’t your thing. If it is, you should also pop into Northern Print or explore some vintage clothing and furniture under Byker Bridge before grabbing a drink and soaking up some live rock ‘n’ roll at Billy Bootleggers, a curiously styled Berlin borrowing as much from the American Midwest as it does from 80s Berlin.
Next, grab an early dinner at Brinkburn St Brewery, and don’t skip on their selections of pies, sliders, and beers – if you combine it with a tour, you could even be privy to the brewery’s secret tunnel, a highlight of my first time there. If you feel like your daytrip has consisted of a little too much food and beer then head to The Cluny, one of Newcastle’s best pubs and music venues. If you catch a gig there, you’ll be sure to burn some calories, though you’ll find me completing the pub crawl daytrip with a final pint. Cheers to Ouseburn!
