Fabulous food, drink and stuff to do near Newcastle Station
Feeling ravenous? In need of a flat-white? Or just way too early for everything (including trains)?
With our guide to Newcastle Station you’ll never be bored, hungry or stuck for something to read on the train.
Lattes, cappuccinos and crushed-ice coffees
At the station: Need to wake yourself up before you go-go onto your train? Grab a coffee in a paper cup at the new AMT kiosk on the concourse.
Rather take your time over a frothy cappuccino? Pull up a pew at Costa and watch everyone rush around outside.
A short walk away: Chat about last night’s telly or the dreaded morning meeting at hipster hangout The Settle Down Café. Coffee snobs will enjoy the brews of local roasters Ouseburn Coffee Co. You’ll find it just round the corner from the station, on Thornton Street.
Posh sarnies, superfood salads and fast food
Fast food: Hot, crispy fries and a burger stuffed with salad and sauce? Sometimes only fast food will do. Burger King will sort you out.
Sandwiches/deli: Pick up a panini or wrap at Costa – we love the mozzarella and tomato on sourdough. Craving puff pastry? Grab a sausage roll or pasty from the Greggs kiosk.
Need to rest your weary feet? Chill at the Centurion Café Bar and Deli. The building is a converted passenger lounge – and we think the decor is pretty impressive too. Treat yourself to a posh sarnie, jacket spud or sweet treat.
A short walk away: Super-posh hot dogs. The humble sausage is turned into something glorious at The Sausage Emporium. It’s a super-trendy café bar housed in an old railway arch on Westgate Road. Try the giant bratwurst or Wylam ale sausage pie. Totally delicious.
Holiday-reads, daily papers, your favourite mag
The Angel of the North. Durham Cathedral. There are some stunning sights to see from our train windows. For the rest of the time keep boredom at bay with something to read.
For magazines trashy and serious, newspapers tabloid and broadsheet and some cracking holiday-reads head to WH Smith.
A short walk away: Comics and graphic novels more your thing? Travelling Man is a funky orange and blue shop that leaps out at you on historic Grainger Street. Catch up on back issues you might have missed.
Real ales and peanuts, vino and posh crisps
At the station: One of the city’s most popular pubs is actually located within the station itself – how convenient! The exquisitely ornate Centurion Bar stocks northern favourites Alnwick Dark Rum and Newcastle Brown Ale. Footy fans can watch the match on Newcastle’s biggest screen. If you’re after some peace and quiet get cosy in the snug.
A short walk away: Follow in the menacing footsteps of Michael Caine at The Victoria Comet. It’s famous in Newcastle for featuring in the cult 1971 gangster film Get Carter. We don’t recommend snapping your fingers at the bartender though. The pub, which has recently been restored to its former glory, is directly opposite the station – result.
I’m too early for my train – entertain me!
Life Science Centre: Fancy yourself as the next Brian Cox (with or without the floppy hair and Britpop pedigree – he was in D-Ream, you know)? Unravel the mysteries of the universe at this uber-cool hi-tech museum in Times Square. Hold on tight for the 4D motion ride and play the mad scientist as you carry out fun experiments.
Eldon Square Shopping Centre: Get some new togs or gadgets at this vast shopping complex. Check out high-street favourites such as River Island and Argos, and peruse classy department stores John Lewis and Fenwick.
I need a breath of fresh air…
Quayside: Stunning enough to make a grown-man cry. Iconic landmarks like the awesome Tyne Bridge and newer Millennium Bridge are well worth a look. And the bedazzling architectural gem that is the Sage loom large on the horizon across the river in Gateshead. It’s a 20-minute stroll from the station though.
Make the most of your trip to Newcastle.