- Play Hard
- 13th May 2026
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The martini edit – 10 bars in Newcastle that serve the best
There’s a shift happening in how we drink, and it tastes like a martini. Ice cold, crystal clear, and effortlessly chic, the martini has made its way from old-school cocktail bars and five-star hotel lounges to the top of every drinks menu worth its salt.
Whether you’re a dirty martini devotee (us), an espresso martini convert, or a purist who likes theirs bone dry with a twist, Newcastle and its surrounding suburbs are quietly building an impressive martini scene. Here’s where to order yours.
Hotel Gotham
Pilgrim Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6SE
Newcastle’s most glamorous newcomer has quickly established itself as a destination in its own right and the bar is every bit as considered as the hotel surrounding it. The Fire Bar at Hotel Gotham is the kind of place you dress up for, settle in, and let the evening unfold. If you’re lucky enough to be staying, ask about the martini trolley, because yes, in-room martini service is exactly the kind of detail that sets this place apart.
Mother Mercy
44 Old George Yard, Cloth Market, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1EE
Tucked beneath the city in a buzzing basement speakeasy, Mother Mercy has earned its reputation as one of Newcastle’s finest cocktail bars and one of the top 50 in the UK. Their martinis are proof of why. With a rotating seasonal menu and bartenders who genuinely know their craft, expect something a little more creative than your average pour. Low lighting, underground atmosphere, and seriously good drinks. Book ahead, this one fills up fast.
Wren
Foundry Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 1LH
Refined, intimate, and seriously cool, Wren is the kind of bar you tell people about like a secret. Nestled in the Ouseburn, this cedar-clad gem is all about precision and personality, with a cocktail menu that rewards the curious. When the weather plays ball, grab a spot on the small outdoor terrace and settle in. The martinis here are crafted with the same care and attention as everything else on the menu.
Miso
Unit 1, Ford Street, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 1NW
Japanese-inspired small plates and seriously considered cocktails, Miso has been an Ouseburn favourite for good reason. The drinks menu is as thoughtfully put together as the food, and their martini offering fits right into that creative, flavour-forward ethos. Whether you’re pairing it with dinner or just pulling up at the bar, the whole experience is one you’ll want to repeat.
Dakota
112 Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3DX
Dark, moody, and unapologetically luxurious, Dakota’s bar is one of the slickest spots on the Quayside. The hotel is known for its impeccable service and its drinks list lives up to the same standard. A martini here feels like the right drink in the right setting, cool, confident, and delivered with the kind of quiet polish that makes you want to stay another round.
Fuego at Fenwick
Floor 1, Fenwicks, 39 Northumberland Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7AS
A shopping trip just got a serious upgrade. Fuego’s spot inside Fenwick’s food hall is one of the best-kept secrets in the city centre, a buzzy, Mediterranean-spirited bar and restaurant where the drinks are every bit as good as the food. It’s the perfect midday martini moment, or a stylish early evening pit stop before a night out.
Vampire Rabbit
29 Collingwood Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1JE
Equal parts dark, dramatic, and delicious, Vampire Rabbit is a Newcastle cocktail institution. Named after the mysterious stone carving nearby, this bar takes its drinks seriously without ever taking itself too seriously. The menu is inventive, the staff know exactly what they’re doing, and the atmosphere is one of the best in the city. Martini lovers, this one’s for you.
Malmaison
104 Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3DX
A Quayside icon with serious staying power, Malmaison’s bar has long been the go-to for a well-made drink with a view to match. Sophisticated without being stuffy, it’s the kind of place that suits every occasion, from post-work drinks to date night. The martinis are classic, the service is polished, and the setting beside the River Tyne makes it all feel that little bit more special.
Gaucho
2-6 Market Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6JF
Renowned for its Argentine steaks, Gaucho is equally worth a visit for its bar alone. Sleek interiors, expert mixology, and a drinks list that matches the restaurant’s premium credentials, a martini here is the ideal opener to a long, indulgent evening. Stylish, grown-up, and reliably excellent.
The Uncommon
Harbour House, Little Bedford Street, North Shields, NE29 6NW
Worth every mile of the trip out of the city, The Uncommon is doing something genuinely special in North Shields. Intimate, beautifully designed, and with a real hosting mindset running through everything it does, this cocktail bar and restaurant has quickly become one of the North East’s most exciting spots. Order your martini alongside the Prosciutto or Anchovy crisp platter and you’ve got yourself a near-perfect evening sorted.
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