Play Hard
25th Jul 2025
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Friends in town? HLN’s ultimate itinerary for a weekend in Newcastle

Nothing’s better than having friends in town.

It’s your chance to show your loved ones around, try out some new places, take them to your regular spots and feel like a tourist in your own city.

And summer’s a great time to visit! There’s always something to do in Newcastle during the warmer (ish) months so keep an eye on our weekly things to do this weekend round ups for a curated list of creative workshops, pop-ups, and one off events.

FRIDAY

Take some time to settle in then head to Barluga to catch some evening sun. Their terrace is tucked away from the crowds and the wine list is LONG. Plus there’s beer on tap and tons of summer drinks – we can never say no to an Aperol spritz in the sun.

If you need another drink before dinner, you can’t go wrong with Café Mercy or WC two places that have great cocktails but you just might miss them if you don’t know they’re there.

Then head to dinner at Dabbawal. Easy to share Indian street food (yes there’s lots of vegan and gluten free options) and their kitchen doesn’t close until 10:45 pm on Fridays so you’ll have plenty of time to talk and eat no matter what time your friends arrive.

Barluga CHECK IT OUT

Dabbawal CHECK IT OUT

Café Mercy CHECK IT OUT

WC Newcastle CHECK IT OUT

SATURDAY

Start your day at Laneway & Co. for barista-approved lattes and a delicious brunch.

HLN TOP TIP: Laneway & Co. get fresh donuts from Proven Goods on Saturdays and they sell out quick!

Wander your way through the city centre stopping at the charity shops and cute bookstores. Here’s a few of our favourite vintage stores to be sure you find a true gem.

When you start to feel a little hungry, get yourselves to Grainger Market. The epitome of a place with something for everyone, there’s endless aisles of local and international cuisines with everything from dumplings and bao buns, to Greek food, Sri Lankan feasts, spanish tapas, and that’s just the first alley…

After lunch, stroll along the quayside and count the bridges. Once you’ve passed the seventh bridge you’ll nearly be at Tyne Bar so grab a table and order a round while you enjoy the live music.

Now, you can walk up the river towards Ouseburn where you’ll discover more independent shops and the adorable Ouseburn Farm.

When you’re ready to eat, Miso is the perfect place to enjoy authentic Japanese food and great cocktails. Don’t forget to check their specials board as their seasonal menu is always changing.

One more stop… the night’s not over yet. Ernest is just a short walk from the restaurant and regularly has DJs playing from 9:30 pm – late, so head over for a dance and their famous Pickle Margarita.

Laneway & Co CHECK IT OUT

Grainger Market CHECK IT OUT

Tyne Bar CHECK IT OUT

Miso CHECK IT OUT

Ernest CHECK IT OUT

SUNDAY

Time to head to the coast for a wholesome day out. As soon as you step off the metro, you’ve arrived at the Tynemouth market where you’ll find local makers and vendors and street food that tastes as good as it looks.

Have a little coffee and a treat while you browse, you could easily spend hours here. Don’t miss Jimmy’s Coffee & Books for a good read or Sweet Reminisce for some sweets to share.

Slowly make your way to the coast for some epic views and the sounds of the waves. You can walk for ages along the sea or head down to the shore to sit in the sand.

It truly wouldn’t be a trip to Newcastle without eating at Riley’s Fish Shack. Enjoy fresh food and small plates while sitting fireside and looking out across King Edward’s Bay. Their menu is ever changing and uses local produce, their latest addition? Hand Dived Scallop and Wild Sea Trout Ceviche, Cured Tomato, Scallop Roe Tarama, Wild Rock Samphire and Wild Garlic Flowers – need we say more?

The perfect end to a perfect weekend.