Cool And Quirky Bars In Newcastle

• Location: 22 Nelson Street, NE1 7AP
• Why we recommend: if you're after a fun activity to spice up your night out, then this is absolutely the place to be - ideal for competitive couples or groups of friends

Head to Flight Club, and you'll instantly see why it's one of Newcastle's coolest and quirkiest bars. The décor blends British pub charm with carnival flair, and the vibe is electric - especially when you're in the oche battling it out over Social Darts.

Come the weekend, things get even better with their Brunch Social, featuring bottomless pizza, Prosecco, beer, and plenty of fun-fuelled competition. Cool and quirky? Absolutely. 

• Location: Jesmond Three Sixty, NE2 1DB
• Why we recommend: the food here is great value, and their DJ nights are a great choice for nights out throughout the week

With vintage leather sofas, a cosy fire place and bare brick walls, this charming den is as comfortable as your own living room. But, The Holy Hobo has the added extra of punchy cocktails and an eclectic food menu, alongside karaoke and all sorts of music from live DJs.

This place transitions well from day to night, getting people on the dancefloor in the evenings. But if you're swinging by a little earlier, tuck into the likes of juicy burgers, kebabs and loaded nachos, all for an affordable price.

• Location: 1-3 Market Street, NE1 6JE
• Why we recommend: combining gorgeous floral decor with award-winning burgers and refreshing cocktails, Lola Jeans has got everything you want from a bar

Not all Instagrammable bars in Newcastle come as cool as Lola Jeans. There's striking interiors of floral accents and pops of pink, alongside killer cocktails or whopping plates of American comfort food for when hunger pangs strike.

They've won awards for their mouthwatering burgers, from the barbecue bacon Clancy Wiggum to a California - made with smoked salt beef and crispy pickle chips. The drinks are pretty special too - our favourite is the Matcha Melon Cooler.

• Location: 23 Collingwood Street, NE1 1JW
• Why we recommend: you can always rely on Manahatta for a good time, thanks to their party vibes and affordable bottomless brunches

An Instagrammable cocktail bar inspired by New York, Manahatta can be found on Collingwood Street in the city centre. Expect sleek golden interiors with neon signs and plush velvet booths, with two floors to party on. Plus, they offer two-for-one cocktails throughout the week.

They serve three small plates for £19.95, such as chicken tacos, salt and pepper squid or halloumi fries. There are also brunch plates like chicken and bacon waffles or club bagels, and their bottomless option will set you back just £38.95 per person for two hours.

• Location: 97 Osborne Road, Jesmond, NE2 2TJ
• Why we recommend: we love the Mexican twist on bottomless brunch here, and their cocktails are truly fantastic

Making our list of the best bars in Newcastle is 97 & Social, which nods to an English heritage theme with baroque fireplaces, floral wallpaper and intricate light fixtures. As well as offering a great happy hour, this spot serves a menu of quirky cocktails and Mexican food.

Tuck into the likes of birria beef burgers, Cajun halloumi fries and pork belly fajitas. You can also try their Tipsy Tacos bottomless brunch, featuring 90 minutes of unlimited cocktails, prosecco and lager with tacos of your choice.

• Location: Monument Mall, NE1 7AL
• Why we recommend: full of nostalgia, Four Quarters is great for adding some competition to your evening, and we love the cocktails as well

If you're all about quirky retro arcade games, then the Four Quarters Newcastle is the place for you. Step inside this nostalgic venue, where you'll get to compete with your friends on classic machines and consoles, from Pac-Man to Time Crisis and Mario Kart.

They offer a selection of themed cocktails, all inspired by video or arcade games. There's plenty of craft beer too, as well as a menu full of tasty pizzas.

• Location: Unit 234, Yellow Quadrant, 16 Garden Walk, Metrocentre, Gateshead, NE11 9YG
• Why we recommend: whether you're with friends or family, these whacky escape rooms are a unique way to stay entertained

A quirky destination in the Metrocentre, The Escapologist is a fun bar that's home to seven different escape rooms. These are interactive, story-led adventures, with themes ranging from Temple Raider to Chaos in the Cosmos or The Curious Case of The Missing Clown.

These are perfect for birthdays, team building sessions or cool date ideas. They've even got an interactive dartboard for some added entertainment - complete with fun minigames and automatic scoring. Afterwards, head to the steampunk-inspired bar, where you'll find delicious cocktails, beers, wines and handmade milkshakes.

• Location: Newgate Street, NE1 5TG
• Why we recommend: there's so much entertainment here that you'll never get bored, and it's very affordable as well

Head to The Gate to get your fill of this quirky bar. Fronting a lineup of events, including a choice of bottomless pizza with cocktails, karaoke, bingo or live music, alongside high-tech darts and sports screenings, WonderBar is your one-stop-shop when it comes to fun.

They've got some of the largest screens in the city, which is perfect for match days. And to keep you fuelled, there's a menu of peri peri chicken burgers, garlic mayo-topped pizzas and popcorn shrimp loaded fries - with mains starting from just £10.

• Location: Pink Lane, NE1 5DW
• Why we recommend: the bold interiors will draw you in, but you'll end up staying for the excellent food and live music

From the live music offering to the colourful interiors and street food-style dinners, The Forth is one quirky place to hang out with your mates. To top it off, the cosy open fires will keep you warm in winter, while the roof terrace is perfect for some summer sun.

Get stuck into everything from smoked bacon brisket burgers to sirloin steak sandwiches and halloumi fries, washed down with a pint or two.

• Location: 5 Greys Quarter, Eldon Square, NE1 7AP
• Why we recommend: for cocktail lovers, there's nowhere better to be than The Alchemist - their drinks menu is packed full of unusual but delicious tipples

If only the best bars Newcastle has to offer will do, head over to The Alchemist for fizzing and popping cocktails. Enjoy the theatrical drinks list served up in swish surrounds, including a concoction that changes colour.

The food menu features international plates like salt and pepper squid, coconut tofu curry and panko halloumi flatbreads. They also serve a brilliant bottomless brunch, packed full of their Instagram-worthy cocktails.

• Location: Archbold Street, Jesmond, NE2 1DB
• Why we recommend: there's always something fun going on here, and their inventive cocktail menu keeps us coming back

From live bands through to enjoying the sun on the outdoor terrace, As You Like It has to be one of the top cocktail bars in the city. Stop by this fun venue to discover live entertainment and gorgeous decor, including incredible chandeliers, lots of plants and exposed brickwork.

There are live DJs here every weekend, among other events. Alongside cocktails like the Watermelon Sugar High or a spicy mango margarita, you can tuck into the likes of Thai spiced mussels, slow-cooked red wine beef and salt-baked beetroot. Plus, they even offer afternoon teas and bottomless brunches.

• Location: 28 - 32 Collingwood Street, NE1 1JF
• Why we recommend: with three venues in one, you can find any type of night at this versatile spot

One of Newcastle's coolest haunts, there are three different venues in one here. Howlers is home to raucous drag shows and the famous ball pit, while ChaChaBuchi promises DJs and live music, and The Social Bar & Club is great for a fun night out.

Expect bottomless brunches, killer cocktails and non-stop tunes across these bars. There are private hire options that work well for birthdays and other celebrations too.

• Location: 69 Grey Street, NE1 6EF
• Why we recommend: a more sophisticated pick that's ideal for date night, we love the cocktails and pan-Asian dishes here

From the pan-Asian plates for pairing with your drinks to the sultry gold and dark toned look, The Muddler is one cool place to grab a tipple. Think Mekong mojitos, sesame old fashioneds and Hanoi sours across the signature cocktail list too.

There's a sunny outdoor terrace that's perfect for watching Grey Street go by, and the stylish interior is just as enticing. Hungry? Enjoy everything from crispy chilli squid to vegetable tempura and sushi platters.

• Location: Monument Mall, NE1 7AL
• Why we recommend: boasting rooftop views of the city and regular live music, this classy cocktail bar is a great city centre pick

Located in the city centre, The Botanist is a floral cocktail bar, boasting the prettiest cocktails. Much of their drinks menu is gin-based, with lots of botanical concoctions to get your hands on - alongside plates like chicken schnitzel, crispy panko halloumi and mezze boards.

They also offer boozy brunches and Sunday roasts, to be enjoyed among vintage interiors and below their domed glass ceiling that's covered in fairy lights. Be sure to check out their live music events too, or soak up the views from the rooftop terrace.

• Location: 82 Pilgrim Street, NE1 6SG
• Why we recommend: all about gaming, this nostalgic bar allows you to get competitive with your mates while sipping creative cocktails

Home to over 31 retro arcade games and fronting neon graffiti scribbled across its walls, NQ64 Newcastle is a must-visit when it comes to alternative bars in the city.

It features original PlayStations, Super Nintendo and classics such as Guitar Hero, Dance Dance Revolution and Space Invaders. If you're thirsty, you'll love its themed cocktail menu which includes the Power Star Martini, served short, and the Aku Aku Fruit Punch.

• Location: 88 Osborne Road, Jesmond, NE2 2AP
• Why we recommend: we all love a good Osborne Road trip, and Jam Jar is one of the coolest spots for drinking in the area - by day or night

If cheap bars in Newcastle are what you're after, a trip to Jam Jar won't break the bank. From the notorious drinks through to the hearty bottomless brunches, Jam Jar is all sorts of cute and quirky.

There's a choice between indoor and outdoor seating, the latter offering views of the bustling Osborne Road. From brunch through to dinner, you can tuck into dishes like chorizo hash, three bean chilli quesadillas and Buffalo burgers alongside your cocktails.

• Location: 41-45 High Bridge, NE1 1EW
• Why we recommend: this place is effortlessly stylish - a top pick for date nights fuelled by cocktails and European eats

If there's one place you're going to want to get to know a little better, it's Pleased To Meet You. A top watering hole in the city centre, this venue offers something a little different with its cool decor, incredible gin list and selection of creative cocktails.

There's a sumptuous food menu up for grabs too, including the likes of garlic butter king prawns, slow-braised beef and ale pie or tomato and herb linguine.

• Location: 80-90 St James' Boulevard, NE1 4BN
• Why we recommend: this is much more than just a bowling alley - there are countless activities and all sorts of food and drink up for grabs

Bowl and booze your way around this quirky Newcastle bar. Not only is Lane7 decked out with all manner of different spaces available for private hire or casual chilling, but it also offers some of the best activities in the city.

As well as their boutique bowling lanes, you can expect table tennis, pool, karaoke and more. There's a cracking street food menu to boot, paired with a wide variety of cocktails and beers.