- Play Hard
- 22nd Aug 2025
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Live like a local: 6 under-the-radar Newcastle hotspots you (probably) haven’t tried
There’s always something going on in Newcastle.
From the busy high street to the independent shops and restaurants but that also means that the city has a TON of underrated spots that are just waiting to be uncovered.
Here’s a few of our favourites…
Amnesty Bookshop
Unit 5, Charlotte House 92 Westgate Road
Tucked away from the crowds, this quiet bookstore has a large range of new and used books starting from just £1. There’s always something new to see as they are constantly receiving donations and keeping their shelves stocked. Find a mix of second-hand books including non-fiction, creative writing, history and even a few rare titles.
Bubble T break
1 Cross Street, Newcastle, United Kingdom ne14xe
From classic bubble tea flavours like Taro and Lychee all the way to less than common flavours like Asian Pigeonwings Flower Extract, Bubble T break is reimagining bubble tea right here in Newcastle. Build your own fizzy, milk or fruit bubble tea with tons of topping options and customisations then enjoy it in their colourful and eclectic space.
Bubble tea lovers will also need to try their Taiyaki, a perfectly crispy, sweet snack to pair with your milk tea!
Details Art Materials
67 Westgate Road
You may have heard of Newcastle Arts Centre and browsed their collection of locally sourced ceramics, art cards and unique creations. But if you didn’t head straight to the back of the shop and turn right you would have completely missed Details, where you’d find everything you need for your next project. With friendly staff to help you find what you’re looking for and everything from canvas’ to paints to clay to pastels to books, Details has a huge range of supplies to bring your creative ideas to life.
Lubber Kitchen
79–83 Blandford Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3PZ
Part café, part neighbourhood hangout, Lubber Kitchen is one of those places you walk into once and wonder how you ever missed it. Tucked away just off the beaten track, it’s serving up seasonal small plates and natural wines in a relaxed, effortlessly cool setting. Think fresh, ever-changing menus with dishes like torched mackerel with pea and beetroot, plus the occasional live DJ set from Slacks Radio next door. It’s walk-ins only from Thursday to Saturday, but trust us – it’s worth the wait.
Mosaic Tap
Arch 7, Forth Goods Yard
Under one of Newcastle’s iconic railway arches, Mosaic Tap is serving up a variety of beer from local breweries such as Vault City Brewing, Glasshouse Beer Co, Hudson Valley Brewery, the list goes on and on. But it’s more than just pints, don’t miss their weekly pub quiz every Wednesday or their recent collab: Mosaic Tap X Hake for sophisticated seafood.
Sorcerer coffee
Arch 4, Forth Street
Coffee, subs and delicious desserts, what more could you ask for?
This little coffee shop is only a 4 minute walk from Central Station and serves fresh food and drinks until 3pm Tuesday – Friday. Whether you need a quick lunch and cup of coffee, fresh OJ, or a slice of lemon meringue pie, Sorcerer coffee will be your new go-to.
Have a local favourite that you just have to share? Submit your go-to to our Little Black Book so everyone can discover new independent shops and keep track of the best places in the North East.
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