Sometimes the best bars aren’t always the most well-known ones, which is why we’ve picked out the toon’s best hidden drinking dens. From lively speakeasies to American-themed dive bars, discover the best secret bars in Newcastle with CrossCountry.
The Viceroy
If you know Newcastle, you’ve likely heard of Pleased To Meet You, the effortlessly cool spot on High Bridge, known for its craft cocktails and roast dinners. But tucked away beneath this popular venue is a hidden gem—a luxurious cocktail and tonic bar called The Viceroy.
Pleased to Meet You’s exotic little sister, The Viceroy is available for private hire for anything from engagement parties to baby showers to corporate events. The atmospheric basement bar glows with a warm yellow light, offering a menu of exquisite cocktails and tonics inspired by ingredients, recipes, and techniques from colonial ports around the world.
With weekend DJs spinning the best in upbeat house and disco, The Viceroy is the perfect spot to gather with loved ones and enjoy a VIP experience for the night. The Viceroy is an eight minute walk from Newcastle station which will take you through Grainger Street, an ideal opportunity to see some of the city's sights.
Billy Bootleggers
With American flags proudly draped on the walls, shadowy cubbyhole corners, and bourbon served by the jar, Billy Bootleggers is the epitome of a true dive bar.
While Billy Bootleggers bartenders serve up all manner of drinks, bourbon is the speciality here. And there is an eclectic mix of flavours to sample – from chocolate to peanut, raspberry and vanilla. For those brave enough, order the famous pickleback - a bourbon shot chased by a shot of pickle brine (supposedly it neutralises the burn!).
The bar also boasts an extensive cocktail menu, as well as the usual wine and beer. Hungry? You can chow down on gourmet hot dogs, dripping fries and spicy chicken wings. Billy Bootleggers is a short bus ride from Newcastle station or a twenty five minute walk.
No. 28
The rustic hidden bar No.28, is located in central Newcastle, nestled above the iconic nineteenth century Grainger Market, you’d miss it if you didn’t know it was there.
The bar is decorated from floor to ceiling in fairy lights, plants and wall hangings, making it as ‘Instagrammable’ as it is intimate. Add to that it's 3am closing time every night, and you’ve got the perfect spot to meet, eat, and drink—no matter the occasion.
With an extensive list of cocktails – all pleasingly affordable – visitors are bound to find a favourite. And if you don’t, the bartenders are happy to mix up something special for you. No.28 is roughly ten minutes walking distance from Newcastle station, or you can hop on the METRO and be there in six minutes.
All Seeing Eye
A ‘truly unique and out-of-sight’ venue with a stunning interior and innovative cocktail list, All Seeing Eye is one of Newcastle’s best secret bars.
A grand venue with vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows and gold foil walls, this is a bar like no other. The cocktail menu, which begins like a storybook, is filled with magical references and boasts an array of spellbinding drinks. With original concoctions and traditional favourites, you’ll want to sample more than one. All Seeing Eye is a short six minute walk from Newcastle station and a range of hotels to stay in for the night.
Prohibition Cabaret Bar
Prohibition Cabaret Bar in Newcastle is a stylish, 1920s-inspired venue known for live entertainment, including jazz, blues, burlesque, comedy, and drag. Located in the iconic former Jazz Cafe premises on Pink Lane, the bar offers a cosy, vintage atmosphere with free live music every weekend and regular performances. It's LGBTQ+ friendly, dog friendly, and fully accessible. The bar is well-stocked with a wide range of local and international beers, ales, spirits, and its own Prohibition 33 Pale Ale. Perfect for a lively, immersive night out.
Prohibition Cabaret Bar is just over the road from Newcastle station, making it an ideal first stop for a great night out in the city.
How to get to Newcastle by train
Newcastle Station is well-connected to the rest of the UK via CrossCountry trains. If you're coming from Scotland, you can catch direct services from major stations like Edinburgh Waverley, Glasgow Central, Dundee, and Aberdeen. For travellers from other parts of the UK, key stations such as Durham, Darlington, and Bristol Parkway also offer convenient routes to Newcastle.
Newcastle offers a wide range of accommodation options after visiting its secret bars. Beyond familiar choices like Travelodge and Holiday Inn, you’ll find gems like the Royal Station Hotel. Located just steps from Newcastle Station, this elegant Victorian hotel with its arched windows and intricate architectural detailing, offers an array of comfortable rooms and even has a swimming pool.
If you’re planning to discover some hidden bars in Newcastle, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
Written by Abby