My Favourite Street in Newcastle | High Bridge Street

I can't believe I didn't really discover Newcastle's High Bridge Street until my 30's. Although thinking back - I think I may have stumbled through a few times after one too many drinks in town back in the day. High Bridge Street is a quirky cobbled street cutting through Newcastle's famous Grey Street before ending with the equally famous Bigg Market. This Medieval street is a place full of quirky, independent shops and places to eat/drink. It's the perfect place to head if you need a break from the hustle and bustle of Monument/Eldon Square but don't have time to walk too far. Today I am going to share with you the reasons I love a potter around High Bridge:-

1- Motel One's secret outdoor terrace

Motel One is a relatively new addition to High Bridge Street but it is already my favourite place to stay in Newcastle. I have fallen in love with the budget chain (that doesn't feel budget) and have stayed over no less than three times. The hotel bar is open to non-residents and in the summer month's they open a secluded outdoor terrace which is a bit of a sun trap with lots of comfy seating. 

Motel One secret terrace

2 - The Stand Comedy Club

Again the Stand Comedy Club is somewhere we hadn't visited until recently but we always have a fantastic time when we visit. The comedy club offers a fantastic membership deal which includes offers such as half price Thursdays and £1 Sundays. Bargain! Lots of laughs are guaranteed.

3 - Perfect coffee from Laneway & Co

Laneway & Co are the new boys of High Bridge Street offering fantastic sourdough sandwiches alongside artisan coffee with a smile. Laneway & Co is the perfect place to pop in for a takeout coffee during your commute or meet a colleague/friend for lunch. Read more over on Big Stevie Cool's blog.

4 - Happy Hour at Pleased To Meet You

Pleased To Meet You is well located in the centre of town and a good place to meet for post-work drinks. They offer a massive selection of Gin and Tonics if that's your thing, but me, I prefer their Orange Espresso Martinis.

5 - Feast on Asian Street Food at Dabbawal

Dabbawal has received rave reviews since it opened a few years ago (check out this mention in the Sunday Times). Serving up imaginative street food such as Lentil Battered Okra, Punjabi Chicken Lollipops and Duck Nilgiri, Dabbawal will certainly tickle your tastebuds. There is a good value pre-theatre menu (2 courses for £12) and service is super speedy making Dabbawal a nice place to visit before a show at the nearby Theatre Royal. If you'd like to find out more, check out this full review from Feeding Boys.

Credit | Feeding Boys

6 - Listen to Jazz at The Gentleman

Although The Gentleman doesn't have a High Bridge address, it sits right at the end of the street at the start of the Bigg Market. Serving delicious food & fantastic cocktails alongside regular Jazz evenings, The Gentleman is definitely a place to visit if you need somewhere to wind down. Check out New Girl in Toon's review of their happy hour evening menu and cocktails here.

Cocktails at The Gentleman - Credit | New Girl In Toon

7 - Henry Barbers

Henry's is one of the oldest Barber shops in Newcastle, established in 1890 it is a place whose reputation speaks for itself. Their prices are canny too with beard trims starting at just £2.50.

8 - Panis Cafe

Panis is often cited as one of the best places to take your little one's for an Italian meal in Newcastle. It has a bustling atmosphere, super friendly staff and delicious home-cooked Italian comfort food. Check out Canny Food's blog for a full review.

If you're after even more, High Bridge Street is home to some fabulous independent shops including Baltic 39 (a side project to the Baltic Mill and a nice little contemporary art shop), Capology (with it's 2 floors worth of caps), RPM music (a fantastic record store in Old George Yard) as well as a handful of vintage clothing shops.

Let me know if you have a favourite street in a city near you.