The Alchemist
Grey’s Quarter, intu Eldon Square, Newcastle NE1 7AP
0191 261 1112
www.thealchemist.uk.com
With more brass and bronze than your great aunt’s sideboard, a selection of ‘tapatisers’ (truly, portmanteaus make the world go round) and dedicated mixologists creating boozy bevvies, this place has it all.
Barluga
Unit 3D, Sanderson Arcade, Morpeth NE61 1NS
01670 505000
www.barluga.co.uk
Barluga’s Morpeth outpost has a similar vibe to their Newcastle location – quality food, fancy cocktails, stylish surroundings. The bar is downstairs rather than being in the same area as the dining space, so you can start with cocktails downstairs and then head up for dinner.
Yolo
9 Bell Villas, Ponteland NE20 9BD
01661 824146
www.yolo.uk.com
For many visitors, Yolo’s sharing platters are the perfect accompaniment to their cocktail menu. In the name of research we’ve tried a few of their cocktails too, and we’d recommend Rhubarb on the Rocks.
Shilling
17 Sandhill, Newcastle NE1 3AF
0191 230 5229
www.shillingnewcastle.co.uk
This nose-to-tail place was set up by two bartenders: one from Popolo and the other from The Ritz. As you’d imagine, their cocktails are pretty special.
Hash Bar and Kitchen
14 Coniscliffe Road, Darlington DL3 7RG
01325 365585
www.hashbarandkitchen.co.uk
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this venue hosts music and comedy events and also features a terrace bar serving bespoke cocktails.
