Over the past 18 months, Newcastle has had what I like to call ‘Small-Bar-Pox’; lots of little bars popping up all over, making their mark on the skin of the city… Gross metaphor? Yes. Making for an excellent night out in Newy? You better believe it.
With such a plethora of fresh watering holes in our little concrete jungle, you might find yourself ever so slightly overwhelmed; unsure of where to begin, or where to kick on.
Armed with a cocktail in one hand and Google maps in the other, we saw it as our duty to knuckle down, put in the hard yards, and bring our fellow Novocastrians this handy guide to a Newcastle night of small bar-hopping.
It’s no secret that geography is key to a successful bar-hopping venture; the easier it is to walk between venues, the better. Because, less time for walking = more time for drinking.
Check out our interactive map below on the small bars around town, or try out one of our tried-and-true bar-hop routes! To use the map, click the arrow icon in the top left corner to open the drop down menu, and click on each of the routes to reveal.
The East End Amble
All the best of the East End, all on a gentle (and convenient!) downhill slant…
Bar Petite > The Red Barons Berlin Bar > Le Passe Temps > Reserve Wine Bar > Cazador > The Basement
The City To Sea
Start your night with an industrial city vibe, and end it sipping by the water’s edge…
The Edwards > Star Hotel > The Happy Wombat > The Koutetsu (if you can find it! We’re sworn to secrecy…) > The Terrace Bar > Coal & Cedar > The Landing > Moneypenny > The Dockyard
Cocktails On A Shoestring
For those who love a cocktail, especially when it’s the $10 special…
5 Sawyers > Moneypenny > The Dockyard > The Star
The Ale Expedition
For those who love chasing a good brew…
The Grain Store > Central > Foghorn > The Hop Factory
The Lazy Susan
For those who want a change of scenery, without the legwork…
The Dockyard > Moneypenny > The Landing
The Sophisticated Mama
For those who enjoy the finer things…
Bar Petite > Reserve Wine Bar > Le Passe Temps > The Williams Bar > Coal & Cedar > The Koutetsu > Star Hotel
Round The World
For those who want a little foray into the foreign…
Red Baron Berlin Bar > Le Passe Temps > Cazador > Coal & Cedar > Moneypenny
And remember bar-hoppers, failure to plan is a plan to fail. Map your route, synchronise watches, and work up a thirst.
Good luck, and Godspeed.
