Alternatives to the standard night out in Newcastle

Getting your kicks away from the diamond strip


Obviously nights out in Newcastle are the bomb; I'm not saying they aren't . You can blow off some steam with your mates, make some morally skewed decisions and all reconvene the next day under blankets and duvets to discuss the previous night’s antics. Having said that, sometimes, your liver has just had enough of those trebles. You may even be finding nights out a bit monotonous or maybe you’re sick of the late nights and the early starts. Lets be realistic, it takes serious mental and physical will power to make those 9am lectures on a hangover. Luckily Newcastle is bursting at the seams with things to do and there are plenty of alternatives to the standard night out.

Lane7

A bit different to your average night out but with all the same amount of fun, Lane 7 is open until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays. Essentially a playground for adults, you can go bowling, play pool, sing karaoke, play ping pong, beer pong and even have a go at 9-hole mini golf. They also serve food and drink, including alcohol, so you can make a real night out of it.

Ouseburn

Tyne Bar

Tyne Bar

Apart from when checking out the city farm, students don't tend to branch out to Ouseburn very regularly, but in actual fact there are a fair few hidden gems in this up and coming part of town. Home to a huge amount of street art and a relaxed, alternative music scene, Ouseburn is an underrated area of Newcastle just waiting to be fully discovered. Definitely head on down to Cobalt Studios where you'll find an eclectic mix of music and people . This is a greatly loved night out despite there being little hype surrounding it. If you're interested in getting you and your friends down there, keep an eye on their website and Facebook page. The Tanners Arms is also a real breath of fresh air, as is Tyne Bar which is just beyond the Quayside. Here you'll find a real mix of age groups accompanied by some great music. The perfect combination if you're planning on mixing it up a little from Osbourne Road bars.

Bongo's Bingo

Stop what you’re thinking right now. Bingo isn’t just for your nan down at the town hall on a Sunday afternoon. This is drunk bingo so expect drinks, expect dancing and obviously banging bingo. In each game you have three chances of winning and there are surprise prizes galore. This is definitely a great alternative to your standard night out so get yourself down to The Boiler Shop where Bongo's Bingo takes place.

Spot White

Serving drinks until 6am, Spot White is the perfect place if you're looking for a low key night out with your friends. All together there are sixteen pool tables as well as great food, the chance to play poker, air hockey and table tennis. This is deffo a unique spot and don't forget to look out for those student offers every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Metro Radio Arena

Bastille at The Metro Arena

Bastille at The Metro Arena

This the ideal place to get your music fix and enjoy a special evening out with you're friends. Over the next few months big acts including Kasabian, John Bishop and Liam Gallagher are coming to perform in Newcastle, making the Metro Radio Arena a pretty desirable venue bursting with talent and good times. To check out what's on now and over the upcoming months, here is the events page from their website.

The Stand Comedy Club

With shows for the rest of October and well into November, this is the perfect place to swap those hangovers in for some laughs. The tickets are all for a really decent price so you definitely won't break the bank getting your hit of humour. Food is also served in the bistro from 10am and in the club from 7pm.

The Sage

The Sage is a prominent venue in the North East for live music and concerts. There is a massive range displayed here including indie, folk, jazz, electronic, acoustic, dance and classical music. Their event diary is always jam-packed so check it out here to see if anything takes your fancy.

Tyneside Cinema

Like a home away from home, Tyneside cinema has a cosy and unpretentious atmosphere. Film is their number one priority so even though it might cost a bit more than the average cinema, the incredible decor and cinematic focus makes it completely worth it. Even more fab, they don't just play the new films, they also get those nostalgic feelings flowing by re-showing the classics too. Definitely worth a visit in the day but don't worry they have night viewings too, including their infamous Cult Classic All-Nighter which is coming back on the 28th of October. Plus its the only cinema in town where you can enjoy a beer whilst watching a film.

Games Night

If leaving the comfort of your student digs doesn't appeal then this is the best way to enjoy a fun night in. I’m talking Twister. I’m talking Cluedo. I’m talking throwing it back to the good ol’ days. Who doesn’t love Jenga? You’ve got tension, you’ve got suspense; all the right ingredients for a fun-packed evening in. Monopoly isn’t a bad shout either but housemates beware, friends have been known to become foes during a casual round of this childhood classic. Charades also seems to go down pretty well. And of course who can forget card games? There is nothing like a round of Cheat to see the deceptive sides of your friends come out. Speaking of sneaky pals, a good game to play is Mafia. Consequences is also a must. (If you haven’t heard of these two, the rules are attached.) Whack on some music, kick back at home and soak in the understated brilliance of a games night in.

So don't forget there's way more to Newcastle than Digi, Powerhouse and Soho! Take advantage of the alternative nights out we have in The Toon and make the most of Newcastle's variety.