The talk of the toon this year is, as always, the night life. Newcastle upon Tyne has been voted the 8th ‘Top City for Night Life’... in the world by American travel experts Weissman Travel. You can see why, with its vast array of vibrant and exciting bars, restaurants and clubs. This multicultural, energetic and luminous city comes to life at night. With 40,000 lively students plus tens of thousands of other young people, if you want to party, come to Newcastle.
Get the party started
Let me paint you a picture. It’s Friday night, you and your flatmates are off to the pub and you want somewhere cheap with good booze and great music to get warmed up. You head to The Goose in the heart of town and after a couple of drinks you walk down the road to Popolos for cocktails, funky beats and pretty people. Things are looking up! The party is getting started and you fancy strutting your stuff, so you mosey on down to Digital for a night of award-winning DJs at Wax-on. After a few hours it’s murder on the dance floor and suddenly you have a craving for pizza/kebab/chips so before heading back to halls you drop in at Munchies, conveniently open til 4am. The perfect end to a perfect night...you just know it’s going to hurt tomorrow.
Well, perhaps that wasn’t the picture you wanted but that’s alright, because with a huge selection of bars and clubs you are bound to find something that tickles your fancy.
Newcastle is your oyster
For your fill of cheesy tunes and ‘pop-tastic’ melodies why not try Mood at the Gate, Wiggle at Northumbria Students’ Union, Blu Bambu (at the Bigg Market) or Boom 90s? Alternatively visit upstairs in Mood, Tiger Tiger, Sinners or Sam Jacks for an R&B overload on any week day.
If that’s not your bag (baby) then maybe you’d like to check out the indie sounds of Bulletproof (Carling Academy). This night is packed full of like-minded dudes with one goal...to have fun. For more of the same visit Digital (Times Square) on Thursday nights for Foundation, The Cooperage on Mondays or The Cosmic Ballroom in China Town.
If you’re still not convinced perhaps I can lure you to the Jazz Cafe on Pink Lane for some live music from some of the most talented musicians in the North East. This cosy and old-fashioned living room is a hidden little beauty in Newcastle. If live music is your thing then you might like to check out The Head of Steam at Central Station, The Cluny in Byker, Mr Lynch at Jesmond Metro, Metro Radio Arena or Newcastle Carling Academy.
The beauty of Newcastle is that there is something to do every night of the week and it is always student friendly. For something a bit quirky why not check out the Hyena Comedy club on Leazes Lane; this joint holds a cheap Thursday night comedy session with award-winning comedians and top nosh.
Geordie cuisine
Speaking of food, Newcastle is so diverse that you can expect to find an abundance of world-wide delicacies. Based on Stowell Street, China Town has a lot to offer and is ideal if you’re on a budget. The vast array of oriental buffets at low prices is impossible to resist.
If you prefer a good curry then you will not be disappointed. Newcastle is home to some incredible Indian cuisine starting with Spice Cube at the Gate. This little gem is hot stuff; a chic and modern twist on the traditional Indian restaurant leaves you wanting more!
Newcastle is also host to a beautiful selection of Italian restaurants. My favourite has to be Uno’s on the Quayside; a quaint, warm, romantic little getaway from the bustle of the city. With pizza and pasta from just five pounds you can’t go wrong! For more Italian food drop by Osborne Rd during happy hour and maybe go for a few drinks afterwards and ‘push the button’ for your chance of a free round.
A shopaholic’s paradise
Newcastle is riddled with shops, from rare boutiques to high street fashion retailers. Northumberland Street will be your retreat after a dull lecture, with shops on offer such as Oasis, Topshop, Miss Selfridge, H&M, USC, Schuh, Lush and department stores like Fenwicks and John Lewis. If that’s not enough you can escape to the MetroCentre, the largest shopping and leisure centre in Europe.
Pride of the Toon Army
If you’re fan of the footie Newcastle will live up to all expectations. St James’ Park houses 52387 supporters and is the envy of most clubs in Europe. Here you can also find Shearer’s Bar which won the award for ‘Best Overall Bar’ in a trade event called Safe Newcastle and is the Toon’s biggest watering hole.
So that’s great bars, great restaurants, great clubs, live music and fantastic shops at your fingertips. When you’re choosing a city to study in, choose Newcastle upon Tyne. 40,000 students can’t be wrong!
Article by Helen Andrew from http://www.flisolo.com