After many of us enjoyed an extended weekend for Easter it’s back to reality now but the good news is that there is only a month to go until the next Bank Holiday.
And if you’re already thinking about where you want to go for some early May fun you’d do far worse than visit the following ten venues as at the moment they are the best nightspots in Newcastle according to Trip Advisor.
The current rankings are:
1. Boulevard, Churchill Street
The city centre cabaret haunt holds onto its place at the top of the pile. Now hurtling towards the end of its spring run, the venue will soon be getting into the summer spirit and is also famed for pulling out all the stops for Halloween and Christmas. If it’s year round high kicks and camp you’re after it’s the place to go.
It’s had 550 reviews on Trip Advisor with comments including “Best night out in Newcastle,” “Simply AMAZING!” and “Hilarious, fun, fabulous.”
And we'd agree- read our reviews of the Halloween, Christmas and spring shows as well as the Drag Idol final which Boulevard hosted in March.
2. Spot White American Pool & Snooker Club, Stowell Street
Newcastle’s China Town is famed for its great restaurants but it’s also home to this venue which is described as “a hidden gem” by many of its reviewers.
Its staff are praised for being attentive and polite and some of those who’ve written critiques have gone as far as saying it’s quite simply their favourite place in the city.
3. Crowd Posada, 31 Side
It might be one of Newcastle’s oldest pubs but the Quayside watering hole doesn’t look like losing its popularity anytime soon.
The majority of the 69 people who’ve taken time to give it feedback on Trip Advisor are full of praise. One reviewer who rates it four out of five labels the Crown Posada as “a Geordie joy,” while another who gave it a top score was impressed with its selection of real ales.
4. The Strawberry, Strawberry Place
A hugely popular calling point for many Newcastle United fans given its close proximity to St James Park, The Strawberry is a real winner judging by its glowing reviews on Trip Advisor.
One of the biggest compliments handed out by a customers is that the pub is “the second home of football,” and many others say it’s simply a must if you’re off to the match.
“Traditional” is a word that crops off in a lot of its feedback, with its staff and atmosphere also rated highly.
5. The Stand, 31 Highbridge Street
From football to comedy with the chosen venue for people in need of a laugh in the Toon.
Since opening a few years ago The Stand has played host to many household names including Hebburn stars Jason Cook and Chris Ramsey to name just two and its clearly made a fine impression on its patrons who as well as labelling its “fantastic comedy club” heap praise on its food, with one going as far as saying its serves “the best burgers in Newcastle.!
6. Hoochie Coochie, 54-56 Pilgrim Street
Another city centre venue that has had its fair share of big names through its doors. The likes of Candi Staton, Alexander O’Neal and Jocelyn Brown have all made an appearance in the last couple of years and the venue is simply “fantastic” in the words of its reviewers.
As well as being popular for its star gigs, Hoochie Coochie has also proved popular for its regular club nights.
7. The Cumberland Arms, James Place Street
Judging by its reviews on Trip Advisor, the Ouseburn pub is the place to go whether rain or shine.
One reviewer who handed it five out of five, said it was a must for a cosy pint when its snowing outside while another recommends its beer garden “full of friendly chatter” for when the sun has got his hat on.
8. Brewdog, 16 Dean Street
The city centre bar could quite easily rename it self “great beer” if its Trip Advisor feedback is anything to go by.
One reviewer gave it a quintessentially Geordie critique, praising its “really canny atmosphere.”
As well as receiving glowing reviews for its wide selection of beers, reviewers have also taken the time to comment on the board games offered up as an added bonus.
9. MSA, Hood Street
While its only had 28 reviews to date, MSA has done enough to land a place in the current Trip Advisor top 10 as nearly all of them have been top notch.
“Best bar in the city,” is a complement bestowed on the night spot by a number of its reviewers while others refer to it as “a hidden gem,” and another while summing it up says: “Innovative, contemporary and most importantly amazing cocktails!”
10. The Bodega, 125 Westgate Road
Great is a word that crops up in many of the reviews written about the Real Ale pub.
A customer who handed it five stars goes as far as saying The Bodega is “truly one of Newcastle’s great pub,” while another begins their review “Friendly bar, great beer.”