BARS & NIGHTLIFE
World Headquarters is your i rst port of call for a decent night out, with world-class DJs regularly making the bill. Elsewhere, Digital has four rooms equipped with full Funktion-One sound and the small-capacity Cosmic Ballroom is a warehouse-like space with a strong focus on house and techno. The Boiler Shop hosts live music alongside club nights and food events, while The Cluny is the place to enjoy a pint alongside the best up-and-coming bands. For bars, the Wylam Brewery Tap Room is open from Thursday to Sunday, pouring exclusive brews and blends; the Tyne Bar boasts delicious locally brewed real ales and a i ne view of the Tyne; and Pleased To Meet You is a trendy spot specialising in craft beers and gin. ACCOMMODATION
For a luxury stay, Jesmond Dene House is a grand country house just a short drive from the city centre. The Sandman Signature is a chic, boutique hotel just over the road from Newcastle United’s St James’ Park; and the Vermont is a sophisticated 1930s-style hotel located next to Newcastle Castle. If you’re on a budget, Newcastle’s variety of low-cost hotels and hostels will make you spoilt for choice. For somewhere convenient, stylish and surprisingly low cost, check out Motel One. The bunk-
bedded Albatross Hostel is also right in the city centre. The Cairn Hotel is well-priced for its contemporary style, as is the central Georgian Grey Street Hotel. EVENTS
Summer 2018 is the ideal time to plan your trip to NewcastleGateshead with the arrival of the Great Exhibition of the North (22 Jun–9 Sep), a two-month celebration of the pioneering spirit of the North of England. Expect a packed programme of exhibitions, performances, events and more ranging from the Lauren Laverne curated Great North Soundtrack, with music at Sage Gateshead; a new exhibition by recent Turner Prize winner Lubaina Himid; and Robots – Then and Now at the Life Science Centre, which tells the story of automated machines, featuring Pepper the i st-bumping robot. There’s also the Dacia Magic Weekend (19–20 May) which sees the return of Super League (Europe) to St. James’ Park and the brand new This Is Tomorrow music festival (25 May), where you’ll i nd the likes of Cati sh and the Bottlemen, Everything Everything, Little Comets and Sam Fender. Also in May, the Late Shows (18–19 May) are well worth venturing out for. The two-day late-night culture crawl gives you the opportunity to visit museums, galleries and historical buildings for one-off events including parties and behind-the-scenes tours.
1 Apr–31 May 2018 THE LIST 29