Those of us who trudge dutifully along the nine-to-fiver (and sometimes sixer or sevener) Monday-to-Friday path know there is an unmistakable feeling of elation that creeps in every Friday afternoon…
The air begins to smell sweeter, the sun sets in a pinky-peach haze, the stresses from Wednesday morning’s meeting now seem like frivolous child’s play, and the little voice inside your head starts fist-pumping and cheering “yeww!”
This is what scientists* refer to as the delirious side-effects of ‘TGIF’ syndrome. There is no known cure for ‘TGIF’ syndrome, but if celebrated correctly, you can continue to lead a relatively normal life.
* not scientists… just me. I’m not a scientist. Sorry.
As a public service announcement, we felt it was our civil duty to put together some of the best ways to treat your ‘TGIF’ in Newcastle.
Friday isn’t Friday without “Wine-Time!”
…or I guess “Any-Drink-Time” for the non-wine-drinkers among us. With new bars popping up all over Newcastle, you could almost explore a new watering hole every week. Some of our favourite Friday haunts are The Edwards for a relaxed vibe, Moneypenny for the excellent nibbles and creative cocktails, or Merewether Surfhouse for the view (naturally) and one of Newcastle’s best cheese plates to compliment your glass (or five) of wine.
Hellooooo Happy Hour!
From 5pm, get your booty on down to places such as The Star Hotel for a $5 beer/cider/wine, Bar Petite for a $10 cocktail special, or Cazador for $20 jugs of Pimms or caraffes of Sangria. Olé!
Lazin’ on a sunny afternoon…
In the warmer months, when daylight-savings graces us with some extra hours of post-work sun, there’s nothing better than grabbing some fish and chips from Swell Kiosk Bar Beach or one of Newcastle’s favourite burgers from Newy Burger Co (and maybe a couple of takeaway beers) and heading down to the sand for a beach picnic.
Friday night’s all right (for take-out)
Hey guy. Take the night off from the kitchen, you’ve earned it. Now, don’t just go racing off to the nearest drive-thru for a grease fest. Choose your take-out wisely, go for full flavour with real ingredients! For some of the best, fresh take-away options look to places like Sticky Rice for some of the most delicious Thai this side of Chang-Rai, Arrivederci for mountain-like servings of tasty and traditional pasta, or Kitami in Carrington for an authentic Japanese feast.
Burn that extra boost of ‘TGIF’ energy
Want to head out for the night and really shake off the shackles of the working week? Though our Cinderella small bars may sadly be forced to close at midnight, there are still some great venues open into the early hours. For an easy-going atmosphere, some interesting characters and solid live original music line-up, head over to The Lass O’Gowrie. Check out The Cambridge Hotel who play host to some awesome national touring acts almost every weekend. Or, if you tend to find yourself falling under the ‘d-floor’ persuasion, throw yourself into party-mode at King Street Hotel.
Draw the WILDCARD!
For the Charlie Kelly within all of us… If you’re really keen for a wild ‘TGIF’ adventure, it all starts with the 4pm Jetstar Friday Frenzy sale…
Step 1 – Find cheap last minute Friday night flight to Melbourne, with a Saturday mid-morning return flight to Newcastle
Step 2 – Forget luggage, you’ve got the clothes on your back. All you need is the holy trinity: Wallet / Phone / Keys
Step 3 – Arrive in Melbourne 8pm. Head straight into the city for dinner at Ginger Boy and don’t go past the chilli chicken ribs. For post-dinner cocktails, take yourself immediately over to Cookie. Catch a tram to Brunswick St for some serious bar-hopping, and definitely check out Naked For Satan, The Attic at Black Pearl, and Bimbo Deluxe.
Step 4 – Make your way to Chapel St for the all-night party at Revolver Upstairs. You can stumble out at dawn and hit up one of Chapel St’s all-night fast food outlets for your sunrise grease fix.
Step 5 – Thoroughly spent (in both body and wallet), have power nap #1 in the cab on the way back to the airport. Power nap #2 at the boarding gate. Power nap #3 on the plane home.
Step 6 – Arrive back in Newcastle, making a quick stop in at Baked Uprising for a life-saving caffeine hit and a delicious pastry or two before heading home. Your bed will never look so sweet. AND, bonus, you’ll still have Saturday and Sunday under your belt to use as you please!
Oh Friday, our most glorious and sacred of days. We love you. Never change.
