Alfresco dining feels so continental! The bustle of diners chatting, glasses being raised and friends catching up always feels exciting and inviting as socialising spills out of the many excellent restaurants, bars, pubs and cafes onto the streets and terraces.
In response to the recent years of restrictions and safety measures, restaurants in NewcastleGateshead demonstrated their innovative spirit and, in a bid to provide alternative dining options for guests who are wishing to eat out, many venues across the region added a little extra flair and imagination with the addition of outdoor seating.
The rise in alfresco dining, pub garden catch ups and pavement cafe meet ups continues (even up here in the North East!) and we are ready to embrace the longer, lighter evenings in Newcastle and Gateshead with the return of spring and the hope of summer sun.
Whatever the weather, embrace NewcastleGateshead's great outdoors by dining alfresco and catching up with your friends in beer gardens, roof terraces and pavement cafes. If you're looking to go full 'out out deluxe' then check out our guide to rooftop bars in Newcastle here. It's not always Mediterranean (even in summer!) so rest assured if you want to eat outside, there are more restaurants, pubs and cafes than you think across NewcastleGateshead with outdoor seating covered by canopies and welcome patio heaters so you can still enjoy a delicious meal and your favourite tipple outside.
Read on for our guide to beer gardens, roof terraces and alfresco dining in NewcastleGateshead...
With chilled vibes, excellent locally-brewed craft beer and unrivaled views along the River Tyne – By The River Brew Co quickly became a must-visit destination on Gateshead Quayside when it opened in 2018. By The River Brew Co is most people's top choice for alfresco beer sipping when the sun shines on Tyneside.
The Hawker Market makes a much anticipated return each spring and has a plethora of independent street food vendors serving up their tasty goods! There is a sturdy canopy for all-weather outdoor fun and table service too.
Wylam Brewery at Palace of Arts in Exhibition Park is in the perfect surroundings for outdoor dining and supping a beer in the sunshine. There is plenty of outdoor seating too so a good option for last minute beers with burgers. You can pre-book for Sunday Lunches inside by emailing sundays@wylambrewery.co.uk with the date, time, and the number of people who will be joining you.
City Tavern is tucked away along a side street off busy Newcastle high street, Northumberland Street. It's a fantastic, dog-friendly pub that serves up some tasty grub seven days a week. The city centre pub has also got a well-hidden and covered, outdoor area complete with cinema screen. Wrap up warm and we'll see you for a pint soon!
ALWAYS worth a visit - Newcastle's oldest pub has outdoor seating along the cobbles of the covered side street. Sit (or dance) beneath the festive bunting all year round at the Old George near the Bigg Market.
The Tyne Bar is arguably one of the most popular pubs and beer gardens in Newcastle. Just on the cusp of Ouseburn and a short walk from the main action along Newcastle Quayside, The Tyne Bar has a brilliant outdoor space protected from the elements by the road bridge above. Complete with glitter ball - get yourselves along for a great time at Tyne Bar! Ouseburn is the place to be for outdoor drinks and beer gardens. Wander along the river to The Cluny where you can take a spot on the green or climb the steps to The Cumberland Arms where there is amble outdoor seating and always a great, local vibe.
The Ship Inn is a 'proper' pub with a fully vegan menu. The small local has recently expanded its outdoor seating to include an inviting wooden pagoda and plenty of benches to gather around making it an Instagrammable spot in the Ouseburn for alfresco catch ups.
The Tyne Bridge makes an excellent canopy whatever the weather. The Bridge Tavern's outdoor terrace area is also given a cosy boost with the help of patio heaters. Dine out or just catch up over a beer under cover at the Quayside pub. Nearby pub The Redhouse has a bustling pavement seating area and just over the river at The Central Bar - punters can enjoy a pint on their roof terrace.
With premier views of the Quayside, Urban Garden is an outdoor beer garden on the banks of the River Tyne. Established during the pandemic - it has proved a versatile space having hosted evening yoga, morning family events as well as its bread and butter beer garden function of serving Brewdog beer to revelers, Quayside strollers and party-goers.
The award-winning and independent Blackfriars Restaurant in Newcastle city centre is a must-visit restaurant on any visit to the toon. Enjoy dining out with a touch of class and book an outdoor table at Blackfriars to tuck into Sunday Lunch, afternoon tea or fine-dining in its historic setting. Never fear, Blackfriars are prepared for the chillier weather too providing heated parasols to snuggle beneath. With a new Spring menu available which includes the likes of grilled North Shields langoustines and vegetarian Yorkshire pea risotto with tempura of Spring vegetables - you'll think you're on a continental city break!
Dine alfresco in the heart of Newcastle city centre at Fenwick Newcastle's Roof Thirty Nine. The stylish outdoor eating area is available for a refined breakfast of bacon and Gruyere cheese croissants or crushed avocado, lime and chilli on sourdough, lunch time catch ups or early evening drinks. There is a retractable awning and plenty of patio heaters so you will not feel the nip of the northern breeze! Roof Thirty Nine is open from 10am - 8pm Monday to Saturdays and 11am - 7pm on Sundays. Book online here
Gino's on Newcastle Quayside is a must-visit for those looking for stylish Mediterranean vibes - especially if you need somewhere to rest your legs after a Sunday stroll on the Quayside. Head along to Gino's restaurant for a cocktail, Italian coffee and bite to eat. The outdoor terrace area is expansive and feels truly continental!
Stylish hotel bar, The Hudson has a intimate pavement cafe with outdoor seating for you and friends to catch up seven days a week. Just turn up and take a seat, or why not head inside for a cocktail?
The perfect indoor / outdoor dining experience for all weathers, SIX at BALTIC's Riverside restaurant offers stunning views and outdoor seating on their terrace but also has the option for you to dine indoors and just peer out of the glass fronted venue. Open Wednesdays - Sundays, you don't need a reservation to enjoy a meal or drink on BALTIC's terrace.
Stunning Thai restaurant Chaophraya in Eldon Square has a covered rooftop bar and restaurant area as well as bird's eye views of Newcastle city centre and Grey's Monument.
A firm favourite in Newcastle, Kafeneon serves up colourful plates of Greek mezze and some top notch cocktails! The city centre restaurant has expand its outdoor dining area so that even more of you can tuck into their flavour-filled Greek food, alfresco in Newcastle.
Nestled under the arch of Byker Bridge, Arch 2 has a ready made canopy and is home to a microbrewery and Thali Tray which specialises in some of the best independent Indian cuisine in Ouseburn. Choose a seat in their courtyard for you and your guests and chill out with an excellent Indian meal. The fire pit is a cosy addition which belts out the heat for dinners across the court yard.
Situated on Grey Street, Barluga is a classy bar serving up food and cocktails seven days a week. The city centre bar and restaurant has an impressive (and importantly, covered!) alfresco terrace too. Book a table and sit outside at Barluga where you will be well looked after with electric heaters, blankets and protection from the elements.
Book a delicious meal out in one of South Causey Inn's private dining pods. Under the twinkle of fairy lights, enjoy a unique dining alfresco experience at the hotel and restaurant not far from Gateshead. Choose from Sunday lunch, afternoon tea, cocktails or evening meals in their cosy outdoor pods which are fitted with internal heaters, solid floors and doors.
The Muddler is a hot ticket in Newcastle and often fully booked. But with a menu inspired by South East Asian cuisine and its proximity to Newcastle Theatre Royal - its easy to see why. The popular restaurant has an outdoor pavement seating area which has some umbrellas as covering (but not in a heavy rain or if blowing a gale).
Ernest is an independent cafe bar in Ouseburn which has some great outdoor seating for dining or just drinks. Brunch is a popular choice at Ernest of a weekend - the versatile cafe bar starts the day serving wholesome hash bowls and huevos rancheros before evolving throughout the day to take in lunches and evening dinners of flatbreads, small plates and grazing platters and running late into the night for revelers who fancy a glass of wine, canned beers or a cocktail.
One of Newcastle and Gateshead's best restaurants, Cook House has a very Instagrammable outdoor roof terrace and dining area which is ideal for relaxed group catch ups. Find out more about Cook House here.
City centre bar, Banyan Newcastle has an outdoor seating area at the foot of Grey's Monument in the centre of Newcastle - right in the midst of all the action! Whatever your reason for being out and about in Newcastle, enjoy socialising with 2-4-1 cocktails seven-days a week! So gather your friends and make a weekend of it.
Livello is a top nightclub and late night bar tucked away on Newcastle Quayside. It's outdoor courtyard area is a great place to sip a cold beer or glass of fizz before taking to the dance floor inside.
There is a small but perfectly formed outdoor seating area at the front of glamourous bar Leila Lily's. Located at the bottom of Grey Street in the heart of Newcastle, the flower-adorned bar brought out patio heaters, parasols and blankets for its outdoor visitors in the winter so you can be sure you'll be looked after when you visit this spring.
If you've not been to Market Shaker for a slice of pizza and a cocktail then what have you been doing? Market Shaker is a popular and lively bar beside Newcastle's Bigg Market which has a great outdoor bar area and often has a big queue to get in. Their outdoor space has fire pits, obligatory twinkly lights and bags of atmosphere.
Horticulture serves brunch, drinks and small bites as well as lunch and main meals in the evening inside their fabulous restaurant. They also have a stylish outdoor terrace which has an abundance of flora and fauna and twinkling lights.
The Botanist in Newcastle is a great place to dine out or enjoy a drink in the centre of Newcastle. They have a covered roof garden and bar area with views of Newcastle city centre and the bustling streets below. Find a nook to cosy up or catch up under the twinkle of lights in The Botantist's atmospheric outdoor terrace.
You might not have realised but Revolucion de Cuba in Newcastle's Cloth Market has an excellent roof terrace complete with canopy so you can enjoy cocktails, Latin-inspired flavours and pretend you're on holiday, all year round! Turn up to find a space for cocktails on the terrace or enjoy a meal indoors (or alfresco) with friends. Tuck into tasty Spanish tapas, Bottomless Brunch, long lunches or learn a trick or two on a Cocktail Masterclass.
At the first whiff of sunshine and lighter evenings, Pitcher and Piano on Newcastle Quayside is flooded by those who want to soak up some vitamin D while enjoying the view of Newcastle's iconic bridges. There is ample outdoor seating, a bustling atmosphere and great views along Newcastle Quayside so expect Pitcher and Piano to be a popular choice.
Jesmond Beach Box launched in July 2020 as a way for visitors to enjoy time outside, eat street food (including Greek-food favourite Acropolis) and catch up over a drink. The outdoor garden area is home to a wide variety of food and drink stalls, lots of beach-vibes and even a tented area for anyone ready to brave the outdoors during the chillier North Eastern days and evenings. Jesmond Beach Box will return in Spring 2022.
A lively outdoor area to look out for in spring / summer 2022 is Central Park at Times Square Newcastle. A packed programme of events - including live music, karaoke, performances, entertainment and more - will accompany your alfresco drinks. Cosy up on a bench and grab a craft beer or be in the thick of the lively North East party when guest DJs and performers bring the festival feel to the city centre. Follow on Central Park on Facebook to find out more.
Live music venue Riverside brought the party to the Quayside with their popular beer garden in 2021. The Quayside bar transformed their outdoor space into a lively spot for food and drinks complete with fake grass and fire pits. We're keeping our eye out for any signs of its return this spring. Check Riverside's Facebook for up-to-date information.
Ouseburn is the place to be when the sun shines and Ouseburn Garden is ready to welcome you for some good times this spring. A designated outdoor haven ideal for sports fans who want to gather to watch the match on the big screen or grab a pint while tucking into a juicy Brack Burger from local independent business.
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