Entertainment in Northeast England
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Trent House Soul Bar
The wall has a simple message: 'Drink Beer. Be Sincere.' This simply unique place is the best bar in town because it is all about an ethos rather than a look. Totally relaxed and utterly devoid of pretentiousness, it is an old-school boozer that out-cools every other bar because it isn't trying to. And because it has the best jukebox in all of England - you could spend years listening to the extraordinary collection of songs it contains. It is run by the same folks behind the superb World Headquarters nightclub.
reviewed
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Blackie Boy
At first glance, this darkened old boozer looks like any old traditional pub. Look closer. The overly red lighting. The single bookcase. The large leather armchair that is rarely occupied. The signage on the toilets: 'Dick' and 'Fanny'. This place could have featured in Twin Peaks, which is why it's so damn popular with everyone.
reviewed
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Shakespeare
As authentic a traditional bar as you're likely to find in these parts, this is the perfect local's boozer, complete with nicotine-stained walls, cosy snugs and a small corner TV to show the racing. Needless to say, the selection of beers and spirits is terrific. Not surprisingly, students love it too.
reviewed
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World Headquarters
Dedicated to the genius of black music in all its guises – funk, rare groove, dance-floor jazz, northern soul, genuine R&B, lush disco, proper house and reggae – this fabulous club is strictly for true believers, and judging from the numbers, there are thousands of them.
reviewed
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Digital
A two-floored cathedral to dance music, this megaclub was voted one of the top 20 clubs in the world by DJ Magazine – thanks to the best sound system you're ever likely to hear. Mondays are 'Born in the '80s' nights, Thursdays 'Stonelove' Indie nights are unmissable and Saturdays are pure 'Love'.
reviewed
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Half Moon Inn
Sports fans love this old-style bar for its devotion to the mixed pleasures of Sky Sports; we like it for its wonderful collection of whiskies and ales. There's a summer beer garden if you want to avoid the whoops and hollers of the armchair jocks.
reviewed
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Head of Steam@The Cluny
This is one of the best-known spots in town to hear live music, attracting all kinds of performers, from experimental prog-rock heads to up-and-coming pop goddesses. Touring acts and local talent fill the bill every night of the week.
reviewed
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Foundation
This warehouse-style club features a massive sound system, fantastic lighting rig and regular guest slots for heavyweight DJs from all over. If you want a night of hard-core clubbing, this is the place for you.
reviewed
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Tokyo
Tokyo has a suitably darkened atmosphere for what the cognoscenti consider the best cocktail bar in town, but we loved the upstairs garden bar where you can drink, smoke and chat with a view.
reviewed
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Swan & Three Cygnets
This high-ceilinged riverside pub with courtyard tables overlooks the river. It also serves some pretty good bar food - usually fancy versions of standard bar fare like bangers and mash.
reviewed
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Barrels Alehouse
Elvis and Muhammad Ali grace the walls of this fine pub, where you'll also find real ale and vintage Space Invaders. There's regular live music in the atmospherically dingy basement bar.
reviewed
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Forth
It's in the heart of the gay district, but this great old pub draws all kinds with its mix of music, chat and unpretentious atmosphere.
reviewed
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Powerhouse Nightclub
Powerhouse Nightclub , Newcastle's brashest queer nightclub, with flashing lights, video screens and lots of suggestive posing.
reviewed
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Crown Posada
An unspoilt, real-ale pub that is a favourite with more seasoned drinkers, be they the after-work or instead-of-work crowd.
reviewed
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Theatre Royal
The winter home of the Royal Shakespeare Company is full of Victorian splendour and has an excellent program of drama.
reviewed
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Camp David
An excellent mixed bar that is as trendy with straights as it is with the gay community.
reviewed
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Loft
reviewed
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Gate
reviewed
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Copper Kettle
reviewed
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Ye Old Cross
Known as 'Bottles', after the dusty bottles in the window, this is another atmospheric stottie-and-pint halt. Legend has it that 150 years ago the owner collapsed and died while trying to move the bottles and no one's dared attempt it since; the irony is that the old window is now behind plexiglass to stop revellers stealing them!
reviewed
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Tyneside Cinema
Opened in 1937 as Newcastle's first newsreel cinema, this period picture house, all plush red-velvet seats and swish art deco design, screens a blend of mainstream and offbeat movies as well as archive Newsreel films (11.30am; free). Free guided tours of the building (one hour) run on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 11.15am.
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Trent House
The wall has a simple message: 'Drink Beer. Be Sincere.' This simply unique place is one of the best bars in town because it is all about an ethos rather than a look. Totally relaxed and utterly devoid of pretentiousness, it is an old-school boozer that out-cools every other bar because it isn't trying to. Run by the same folks behind the superb World Headquarters.
reviewed
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U
Tokyo
Tokyo has a suitably darkened atmosphere for what the cognoscenti consider the best cocktail bar in town, but we loved the upstairs garden bar where you can drink, smoke and chat with a view.
reviewed
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V
Swan & Three Cygnets
This high-ceilinged riverside pub with courtyard tables overlooks the river. It also serves some pretty good food (mains around £8) – usually fancy versions of standard bar fare such as bangers and mash.
reviewed
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Star and Shadow
This unlikely looking cine-club is based in an old warehouse once used to store props for Tyne-Tees TV. It is the best movie experience in town, and the place to go for your art-house, cult, black and white, and gay and lesbian film needs. Asylum seekers get in free.
reviewed
