Although actually in Gateshead, this superb restoration of a Victorian pub is well worth crossing the Tyne for. Tucked behind the monolithic Hilton Hotel, it's a peculiar wedge-shaped building that was originally built in 1856. Not so long ago it was a decrepit wreck but thanks to the efforts of the Head of Steam company plus a generous grant - it's back on song. There's a beautifully restored buffet and snug and even a roof terrace on which to quaff 14 ales. Oh, and Sting's been in.

www.theheadofsteam.co.uk/gateshead/
Half Moon Lane, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, NE8 2AN
+44(0)191 478 2543
Google map: bit.ly/zHgru9

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I’m surprised this café hasn’t been reviewed before. My daughter had mentioned this place to me several times but I didn’t think I wanted to eat there because of its location on Westgate Road among the motor bike shops.
It’s a small café selling authentic Persian food with a special Persian dish of the day, including minced lamb skewered kebabs, saffron marinated chicken with rice and flatbread everything made fresh that day.
This is also the place for a big Sunday cooked breakfast (under £5) to cure hangovers, popular with those staying local for the weekend. Couples and families take over on a Sunday afternoon.
On my first visit I ate aubergine dip, which is to die for (you could taste the smoked aubergine and garlic). I could have eaten a whole plateful with flatbread - the flatbread is made to order and takes a couple of moments to cook. Then I had the special of the day, salmon in a green herb sauce with rice, mint and coriander salad.
My daughter ate mixed meats, saffron chicken on the bone, lamb chops and lamb kebab with rice and endless cups of Persian tea. Cost was £15 for both of us, bargain. (I’m working my way through the menu and have never been disappointed.)
It’s a café so don’t expect linen table cloths, the staff were friendly, the food tasted delicious, they explained the dishes are authentic and not adapted to the western palate and for that reason I love it.

233 Westagate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne
+44(0)191 232 0276
Google map: bit.ly/ttOngJ

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Stay on Newcastle Quayside and you'll be in shopaholic heaven. Less than 10 minutes from the Metrocentre, five minutes from the city centre and if you really want to branch out and discover quirky, one off shops, leafy Jesmond is about 15 minutes away. On Sunday Armstrong Bridge in Jesmond showcases the work of local artists and jewelers. If you can't find what you're looking ask for a quote to custom make a piece of jewelery or commission a painting, you'll be surprised at how reasonable it is. At night the Quayside comes alive with bars and restaurants catering for all budgets. On Sunday morning browse through the Quayside market for leather goods, metal work or handmade pottery. There is such a good friendly atmosphere in this place, and for those who like to mix a bit of culture with their shopping there's always the Baltic (free) which is currently staging The Turner Prize or the Sage Gateshead for something musical. Watch out at the Sage though or you could end up taking part.

Google map: bit.ly/s6nqbV

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This is a lovely little spot it is just down the road from Leazes Park, near the football stadium They do beer, food, music and a load of differing exhibitions and stuff. They have several rooms and you can also drink and sit outside. Barkollo is very ‘Amsterdam’ indeed and a lot like having a drink around a pal’s house. It has a really nice laid back and informal atmosphere and loads of lovely arty eclectic little touches, in both it’s decor and overall groove. Like all the best bars, you can instantly tell it is run by people who actually care, putting it miles away from anything mainstream and positioning it smack in the City’s underground.

Everything other places seem to be abandoning they embrace. If you haven’t been here before you absolutely must go, as it will put a smile on your face ,to see that bars like this one are now open in Newcastle & if this is the way things are finally starting to go.

Simple & cute though it may seem, this bar a major leap forward for central Newcastle & i honestly can’t recommend it highly enough.

www.barkollo.com
22 Leazes Park Road NE1 4PG
+44(0)1912325871
Google map: bit.ly/pThjSj

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