These are the nine places to have your next sober social in the Toon

The drinking culture at university can send you one of two ways – heavily endorsing it or being put off for life. If my younger self knew the situations alcohol has put me in I’d have remained sober x

Anyways, the constant business and rush of uni life makes you feel like you have no time to fully relax and be present. But fear no more, The trusty Tab is providing you with the best sober socials to keep you sane throughout the rest of this academic term.

1. Holy Hobo Sober Sunday quiz

As well as  its usual Monday quiz, Hobo have launched a new sober pub quiz to refresh before your next 9am, even better – no hangover!

The entry fee is £1pp and there’s a £100 cash prize on offer for the winner, being focused and sober has never sounded more appealing. Their first quiz is this Sunday at 7:30.

(It is calling me)

2. Tyneside Cinema

Who doesn’t love an independent business? The Tyneside Cinema is only a minute walk from Monument metro if you’re lazy at the moment x

They showcase a range of different films including the new Joker film which will make you feel a bit less insane I suppose…

Their student tickets are from £10.75pp which is worth way more than two rounds of trebs from anywhere on the Bigg Market strip. The cinema is also a great bet if you’re sick of your team mates and need some peace and quiet, a polite shutting up if you will.

3. Junkyard Golf

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This one takes a little more self control – avoid the bar at all costs!!! Seriously, cocktails are lethal and you will miss the ball and maybe even accidentally let go of the club mid-swing (definitely not from my own experience).

Btw, this is another sober activity that costs the same as a round of trebs – nine holes for only £9.50! Or 18 for £14.50 if you’re feeling like you need a longer break from drinking.

And perfect for team building – nothing stronger than a bond forged through the embarrassment of EVERYONE watching you miss shot after shot.

(Ignore the cocktails and look at how much fun we are having!)

4. A walk in Jesmond Dene

A personal fav of mine. There is nothing better than being sober and saving money – this is a university students wet dream. Wait for a nice day and picnic or wrap up in cute scarves and stroll to your hearts content – bonus points that you will actually remember all the gossip you end up talking about.

Annnnnd super cute photo opportunities – very picturesque. Good place to ponder why anyone drinks and if alcohol should even be legal.

5. Paint with Bob Ross at Tyne Bar

For only £20, you can paint with Bob Ross!!! Albeit, it’s a little pricey given it is not the actual Bob Ross, however, nothing beats what you think will be a cute evening painting with friends devolving into messy chaos as you struggle to keep up with the legend himself. It’s barely less than the price of a silly takeaway nowadays anyway.

Although alcohol is available (along with food!), the bar should be easy to avoid as you will be busy trying to recreate masterpieces and making memories (that you WILL remember) with your team.

Adorbs x

6. STACK

Stack has returned! And although it is not necessarily alcohol-free, Stack offers live music and food and is located right next to St James and the metro.

Almost every other day, there is new music to listen to and even sing yourself, at Kroud Karaoke! And no, you don’t need to drink before Karaoke. That is a myth.

There is also delicious options for you and your society, as Stack offers trusty foodie staples such as Acropolis, Brack Burger and Davey’s Mexicano. Truly something for everyone – including sober socials.

7. Club 909

Fancy chill tech Sunday? Club 909 provides you with the best music, DJs and vibes without needing alcohol. This is the place for you if you fancy a social sit down with some good music – there’s more to life than drinking (sometimes).

8. Coffee and cake

A great alternative to a treb and kebab is a coffee and a sweet treat. The latter usually ends up being much less expensive too. From Jesmond to Heaton, there are some very idyllic cafes to visit completely sober with your society in Newcastle.

Pink Lane Bakery, Monsieur Crepe Café, Aidan’s Kitchen and Super Natural are all great options to gather and gossip instead of a late pre’s which leaves your living room table suspiciously sticky. Notably more wholesome x

(Mog on the Tyne is also a cat café if you wanted to extend your society to feline friends)

9. Lane 7

Yes, you can drink when bowling. No, it is not recommended. And if bowling isn’t your society’s thing, that’s okay, there are arcades, pool and darts too. But for this article’s purpose, I would steer clear of the beer pong x

For up to 30 people, and for the price of at least £15 each, there is fun bonding opportunities for the whole society! Once again, remember how much a silly night out costs (and then try to remember literally anything else).

Bargain x

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