With the longer days, warmer evenings, and brighter weekends of summer now approaching, identifying the best places to go for an alfresco lunch or a drink in the sun has become a priority for many people across the UK. The lockdowns of the past two years have put a spotlight on 2022 as the year of holidays, get-togethers, and summer events – with Newcastle one such location which is primed and ready to receive an influx of international and national tourists this summer.
But it’s not all holidays and weekends away. In this blog post we share a selection of outdoor dining options and beers gardens in and around Newcastle for locals as well as visitors to the city to enjoy.
Whether you’re seeking a rural local pub or a high end dining solution, here are some of the best locations and businesses with outdoor seating in and around Newcastle.
Restaurants with outdoor seating
Cook House, Ouseburn
Known for delivering great food and highly picture-perfect plates of food every time, Cook House is one we had to include on our list – and for once it’s not simply for the way it sets our tastebuds tingling! With an outdoor roof terrace and dining area, Cook House lives up to its super cool Ouseburn location and presents an offering which is unbeatable in the summer!
Blackfriars, Newcastle City Centre
Photo from the NewcastleGateshead Initiative Flickr account (Public Domain)
An award-winning restaurant regardless of its seating options, Blackfriars Bar and Restaurant is made even better by the historic outdoor setting which is elevated with heated parasols for winter and a spring menu which perfectly compliments the rural and visually inspiring surroundings. If you have no holidays planned this summer but want to feel like you’ve hopped abroad for a lunch date, head to Blackfriars in the centre of Newcastle.
SIX, Gateshead Quayside
Indoor dining meets outside relaxing at SIX Riverside Terrace, where the year-round design of the restaurant means that when the weather is too cold or wet to actually sit and eat outside, you can still enjoy the views when you sit inside and face the large glass windows overlooking the river.
Pubs with outdoor seating
City Tavern, Newcastle City Centre
The City Tavern is a fantastic pub located just off Northumberland Street, which ticks every box for those seeking great food, a welcoming atmosphere, and plenty of comfortable places to sit both inside and outside.
The Ship Inn, Ouseburn
Ouseburn is known for being a popular, vibrant, and community-driven place to live, work, and hang out. The area was rated as one of the ‘coolest neighbourhoods in the world’ by Time Out magazine in October 2021 and The Ship Inn is just one of many highly rated pubs located here.
Urban Garden, Newcastle Quayside
There’s nothing we love more than a Covid-19 success story, with this pandemic-born business and outdoor pub one of the best in the area. Located on the banks on the river Tyne, this outdoor beer garden serves Brewdog beer to passers-by, tourists, and locals, and also offers a series of daytime classes and groups for its local community.
Ouseburn Garden, Ouseburn
Formerly known as ‘Under The Bridge’, Ouseburn Garden has become a go-to for sports fans, alfresco diners, and day drinkers in the summer months thanks to its relaxed vibe and the large screen which is perfect for televised events. The bar is set inside a shipping container while independent business ‘Brack Burger’ is on hand every day to supply the drinking accompaniment that everyone wants – a burger.
Jesmond Beach Box, Jesmond
Another Covid-19 success story which was first opened in summer 2020 as a way of allowing locals to enjoy time outside with food and drink, Jesmond Beach Box is an outdoor garden space where independent food trucks join together with drink stalls to create a relaxing, ‘beachy’ vibe.
Bars with outdoor seating
Leila Lily’s, Newcastle City Centre
Leila Lily’s bar offers a glamorous evening experience to drinkers in the heart of the city, with a year-round outdoor area expanding its offering. Complete with patio heaters, parasols, blankets, and a stylish and highly instagrammable vibe, this outdoor area gives the bar an accessibility that’s perfect for those who would rather sip their cocktail alfresco.
Revolucion de Cuba, Newcastle City Centre
Keeping it in central Newcastle, this bar and club may look like any other city offering from the outside, but when you realise it has its own roof terrace you will find yourself transported to the holiday environment of your dreams – without going anywhere! Sipping cocktails and listening to Spanish music, all in a floral and vibrant outdoor setting, gives this bar a charm that is unrivalled by many surrounding businesses.
Livello, Newcastle Quayside
The only thing better than alfresco seating is alfresco seating with views over the river – just like those on offer to the drinkers who snap up an outdoor table at Livello. This late bar pairs its relaxing outdoor setting with a bustling club inside, creating a fun place for everyone to spend their weekend nights.
