Painting the Toon Red!

June 8, 2015 by Rachel Kershaw in Nightlife 9

It’s no secret that Newcastle knows how to party! In 2010 it was voted third best city in Europe for nightlife in Tripadvisor’s Traveller Choice Awards – if they thought it was good then, they should look at it now!

In the last few years Newcastle’s bar scene has gone from strength to strength with stylish new venues opening all over the Toon!

I haven’t blogged much about my nights out in Geordieland, usually because my head is a little too fuzzy for it the next day. However, I did promise to tell you about the time my four best friends came to visit, so here’s a few photos that we managed to salvage from our phones after the disaster of losing my camera…

The Botanist

We started our evening in the bar/restaurant that has had bloggers in a tizz ever since it opened in December. With a prime position overlooking Grey’s Monument, a breathtaking interior, live music and a mighty fine cocktail menu, The Botanist was the perfect place to start to our girly night out.

Although I’ve visited The Botanist several times before for drinks (see previous blog post) this was my first time trying the food and I was very impressed. The menu offers traditional pub food like pie and mash, fish and chips and burgers but the quality and presentation gives the dishes an unexpected wow factor. I ordered the lamb burger which was tasty and very filling but I definitely had food envy when the hanging kebabs were dished up for my friends!

Needless to say, there were smiles all round, especially as we washed down our food with a plethora of fruity cocktails!

Glass House

After lining our tummies, we tottered down Grey Street and made our way to a bar I’d never been to before but had heard great things about, Glass House. I have to say, despite the relatively short distance this was not an easy journey in heels and I would urge the local council to install a hand rail on Dean Street!

It was very busy when we arrived at Glass House and we struggled to find a seat, which was not good news for our aching feet. The staff were lovely though and moved some furniture around to make room for us. It’s a very decadent bar and attracts a slightly older crowd. It was probably a bit too laid back for us as we were definitely up for a party but we stayed and sampled some oversized sharing cocktails which made us feel a bit like we were on holiday!

One other thing I have to say about Glass House is that the ladies loos are probably the most glamourous in Newcastle, champagne anyone?

Livello

Our final destination (before the takeaway obviously!) was Livello. This late night bar is part of the opulent Vermont Hotel and seems to be a favourite with the beautiful people of Newcastle, think killer heels, false lashes and spray tans! Thankfully, we’d had enough to drink by this point to confidently sashay amongst the ‘It Girls’ and strut our stuff on the dance floor. We also made friends with a pilot but sadly he didn’t have his jet with him so we had to get a taxi home instead!

I think it’s safe to say a good night was had by all! I’d love to know what your favourite bars are in Newcastle or if you’re planning a visit and would like any other suggestions feel free comment below or send me a tweet @rachmotormouth

By Rachel Kershaw