Every reason Ouseburn is the best place to live in the Toon

South of Jesmond, strolling towards the river you start to notice more street art, perhaps the occasional artiste, and even the ambiance becomes more bohemian: welcome to Ouseburn.

Ouseburn Valley being the official name, it was once the centre of the industrial revolution in the city, now it is the cultural hotspot of the toon. Few Jesmondites would ever consider leaving the diamond strip of Osborne Road, let alone venture this far south.

The time has come to swap Osborne for Ouseburn. With pubs that tick the three best boxes “Eats, Beats and Beer” and muses awash with galleries and pop ups, here we tell you the places to be and be seen at.

Tanners

The Tanners Arms is a proper pub with an actual vibe, nothing on Blanc’s soul destroying atmosphere. Go on a packed Friday night and you’ll find live DJs playing disco, funk n soul and a mixed age crowd there for the tunes not the trebs.

“Eats Beats & Beer”

Head down on Monday or Thursday and it’s 50% off Burgers to accompany your bespoke ale.

There for the tunes

Ernest

Known for its honest food and local drink, Ernest is an independent cafe bar situated under a railway bridge in the top end of the suburb. Serving up affordable, original and wholesome food, (even a vegan menu for those eco warriors out there) Ernest is known for its flatbreads and brunch.

It’s the perfect place to nurture a post Friday night hangover. They also have a fortnightly film club showing independent and art house films.

Nights out

Art studio by day, quirky club by night, Cobalt Studios is probably the best night out you’ve never heard of. An intimate atmosphere mixed with great music, showcasing bands like The Correspondents to Fleetmac Wood, you’ll find yourself bumping shoulders with young artists and old school rockers.

The calm before the storm at Cobalt Studios

Not a regular event, its sporadic and low key promotion means you’ll have to be on the look out for an event here, but make sure you do.

Pop up bar at Cobalt Studios

Art

Once a Biscuit Factory, now an art space with same name, the gallery is filled with local artists. With an eclectic mix of photography, painting and mixed media, some have said it is the Tate of the Toon.

Banksy-esque?

Accompanied by a restaurant and a cafe, it’s a feast for the eyes and the stomach. Saunter further into the valley and you will pass Northern Print and niche paint shops, hidden amongst graffitied studios.

Eats, Beats and Moo’s at Ouseburn Farm

From cows to coffee, beats to burgers, Ouseburn has everything you didn’t know you wanted from Newcastle. Swap the trebs and Greggs for falafel and kegs and take a trip down this weekend, before the hipsters descend.