Hitting The North? A Music Fan's Guide To Newcastle
Hit The North is the North East's biggest inner city festival, and it returns to Newcastle this May with a large and diverse lineup of some of the most vital acts around right now.
But let’s take a moment to focus on the city you’ll be running around. Newcastle is a thriving metropolis with so much to offer. From a great nightlife to loads of spots to shop, eat and soak up some culture in. Here’s our guide to the chares of Newcastle...
Drinks
Alvinos
It looks small from the outside, but Alvinos is split over three floors and even has a beautiful roof terrace, perfect for when things warm up a bit. It’s casual and cosy with some very well made cocktails or craft beers on tap if that’s not your medicine.
Bar 28
With a slightly hidden entrance on Nelson Street, Bar 28 feels like a secret little hideaway. It’s open late every night, including Sundays for when you fall out of that final Hit The North gig, and it’s always free entry. They have big comfy sofas, a patio, and a great drinks menu.
Nitehawk
Hidden next to the Theatre Royal, this neat little cocktail bar always has top class DJs and a killer atmosphere. The menu definitely leans more towards the discerning drinker, but the bartenders are enthusiastic and can rustle up anything from an innovative creation to an old classic.
Food
Quay Ingredient
This family run small cafe is located beneath the Tyne Bridge and boasts one of the best breakfast menus in town. It’s tiny with only about six seats in the whole place, but the food is amazing and it’s also very easy on the wallet.
Aidans Kitchen
A little bit out of the city centre in the student area of Sandyford, Aidans is the perfect spot for morning brunch with vegan and gluten free options and some pretty cheerful prices. The staff are friendly and the coffee is strong.
Bridge Tavern
Not only is this a great pub with a full range of carefully selected and sometimes even in-house brewed craft ales, it’s also got an amazing menu of locally sourced, seasonal pub grub. And despite being situated under the Tyne Bridge, it even has a lovely roof terrace dining area.
The Earl of Pitt Street
Mixing English and Asian influences, this independent bar and restaurant describes its style as Alfred Hitchcock meets Vivienne Westwood. Just around the corner from St. James’ Park they also do a cracking Sunday roast, but of course, you’ll be far too busy watching bands.
Culture and Record Stores
The Stand Comedy Club
One of an independent chain of comedy clubs you can also find in Glasgow and Edinburgh, The Stand has the clout to attract big names for one off shows and trialling new material, but you can also uncover some hidden talent or an upcoming star. Open seven nights a week and with a fully loaded bar, it’s always good for a laugh.
Quayside Sunday Market
Running every Sunday from 9am until 4pm from the Swing Bridge down to the Millennium Bridge, this market boasts independent traders from the area selling handcrafted goods and local produce, everything from jewellers to photographers and ceramic artists.
Beyond Vinyl
Beyond Vinyl started as an online store, but last year found a physical home on Westgate Road. And like the name suggests, there’s more on offer than just records. They have a cafe with great coffee and a live music space, perfect for instores and special events.
Beatdown Records
Part of the city, Beatdown is near the Central Station and stocks all oddities you could ever want. The variety is huge and the stock is always changing so it’s a great spot if you really want to do some hunting. The staff are knowledgeable, enthusiastic and more than willing to offer advice and recommendations.
RPM
RPM is in the centre of town and has been around forever. They sell refurbished vintage record players, often have well curated instores, and stock a wide variety of genres. Friendly staff and right next to a pub, what more could you want?
Laing Art Gallery
This gallery was founded in 1901, and funded by Newcastle businessman Alexander Laing who made his money from wine, spirits and beer, the lad. Today, the gallery is home to an internationally important art collection which focuses on British oil paintings, watercolours, ceramics, silver and glassware. And the John Martin paintings are so special.
Cafes
Dog and Scone/Mog on the Tyne
If at some point during your Hit The North weekend you come face to face with a devastating hangover, there is surely no better cure than coffee and cake surrounded by some cuddly puppies or kittens. Both cafes recommend advance booking and there is an entry fee which goes towards looking after the animals.
Laneway & Co
This independent coffee trader is definitely one for the coffee snobs. You can guarantee that your flat white won’t be the size of a small horse, and that your caffeine hit will pack a punch. If your sitting in, the cafe is bright and beautiful and always has some good tunes on the stereo.
Quilliam Brothers
While this cafe does boast an incredible selection of loose leaf teas - over 60 different varieties to try - it’s also just a great little hideaway from the madness outside. They serve delicious cakes and sandwiches and the staff are always attentive.
Venues
Think Tank
Described as the lifeblood of the local music scene, Think Tank started life as a pop-up stage before finding a permanent home in Newcastle’s superclub Digital. The 250-capacity venue has seen performances from the likes of Wolf Alice, The 1975, and Sam Fender.
Riverside
This iconic venue is located on Newcastle’s historic Quayside in the Grade II Listed building, Neptune House. Past performers include The Fall, Royal Blood and Interpol. The venue underwent refurbishment in 2017 and now boasts new lighting and sound set ups.
The Cluny
Once a mill, the Grade II-listed building that legendary venue The Cluny is situated in also plays home to artist spaces and a recording studio. A regular fixture in the Top 100 list of the World’s Best Bars, the venue has seen performances from the likes of Mumford & Sons, Arctic Monkeys, and Kate Nash.
Hit The North takes place across multiple venues in Newcastle City Centre on Sunday 5 May. Tickets are available now for £37.50 + booking fee from hitthenorthfestival.co.uk.
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