Whether you’re keen to make the most of every second of the May Bank Holidays or are looking for something a little more casual to fill your time, we’ve put together a list of plenty of options for you. The May Bank Holidays are by far the best ones in our opinion – getting two long weekends and the chance for a tan? Yes please, sign us up. Here’s where we’re going to be this May – see if you fancy giving any of them a go too.

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3 places for top-notch scran

Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a proper sit-down dinner, these places are all a perfect opportunity for you to indulge and live your best life.

Saltwater Fish Company

Image Source: @saltwater_fish_company

Tucked away in the Fenwicks Food Hall, you won’t find fresher food than the Saltwater Fish Company. It isn’t a big joint, so you’ll want to get down there early to secure yourself a seat, but we promise you won’t regret it.

Their express lunch is a great way to sample their menu while keeping the costs down, getting you 2 courses for £24, or 3 courses for £28 – bargain, right? If you’re a hardcore fish-lover, or just want to try something a bit different, this is where you should be this Bank Holiday.

Cook House

Image Source: @cookhouse_anna

Opened and run by a local food blogger, Cook House is an award-winning independent food operator with a menu that will have you begging for more every time. Only a 5-minute walk away from our City Co-Living Newcastle building – yes, that’s how we found it and we’re SO glad that we did – you’ll find the Cook House just up Foundry Lane.

Whether you fancy a stunning brunch option, or you want to go all out for a 3-course meal, the Cook House have got you covered – offering a huge menu full of some of the best meals that you can get in the toon. They even have the option to shop some of their pickles, jams, and drinks, so you can take a little bit of them home with you to truly savour it. We’re drooling just thinking about it!

Harry's Bar

Image Source: @harrysbarnewcastle

Situated on Grey Street – aka, the place to be – Harrys Bar is a great choice, whether you’re looking for a quick lunch with a friend or a full night out with a group. There’s something for everyone at Harrys’ with a full vegan menu alongside a wide range of Italian options that will leave everyone satisfied.

It isn’t just food that Harrys’ offer either – they offer cocktail masterclasses as well as different themed nights too, so if you fancy getting dressed up and ready for a night of good food and even better music, this is where you need to be. Oh, and they have one of the best roast dinners that you’ll find across the North East, so make sure you get that in your diary too.

3 places to visit if you’re propa gaspin’ for a drink

Bottomless Brunch at Aveika

Image Source: @aveika

Ready to get some top-class photos for your Instagram posts? Then Aveika is right up your street. A contemporary Japanese restaurant, Sushi bar, Grill, and late-night bar in the heart of the Quayside, Aveika has absolutely incredible food, and the drinks that they have up for grabs are next level.

They don’t just do cocktails though – they’ve gone out of their way to bring cocktails to a different level, adding drama in both design and application, making them something you won’t forget in a hurry. Whether you like a classic Mojito or want to branch out into their specials, there’s plenty to try. Our personal favourite is a Godzilla – we reckon it’ll be your new favourite too.

The Jolly Fisherman

Image Source: @thejollyfisherman

You can find The Jolly Fisherman on the Quayside, with a stunning outdoor area for you to cadge a tan and admire the view of the Tyne River all in one. Offering up delicious homecooked meals and a wide range of tasty drinks, this spot is perfect for a casual meet-up with friends over a drink or two while you soak up the sun.

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a fan of a local brewed beer, or a sucker for the spirits, there’s plenty behind this bar for you to enjoy – or for those who steer away from alcohol, there are plenty of soft options to keep you going. Their Sparkling Elderflower is our favourite!

The Pitcher and Piano

Image Source: @thepitcherandpianonewcastle

The Pitcher and Piano is also found along the Quayside – can you tell that we really love this area? Well, with so many incredible places to visit, you can’t really blame us. The Pitcher and Piano have got plenty going on, not only offering up some tasty food and delicious drinks, but they also have regular entertainment on for you to enjoy while you’re having a catch-up with your pals.

From live music to performers, The Pitcher and Piano have always got something on that will suit everybody – but for those looking for something a bit more peaceful, one of our favourite things to do here is watch the Millennium Bridge tip. You have to get your timings right – the staff can help you with this – you can sit and watch the Bridge tip to allow boats through, and from the seats in The Pitcher and Piano, it looks like the Bridge is a winking eye as it tips. On a clear, warm evening, this feels like a rite of passage to enjoy, and it really is something to behold.

3 events that will fill you with FOMO

If you know where to look, you’ll never have a quiet night in Newcastle again. If there’s one thing that us Geordies nail, it’s a banger of a trip out – and these are all great options for you to explore.

Boozy Bingo

Image Source: @rachellfuller___

We don’t need to say much more about this one as the title gives you all you need to know. Head down to the Jubilee Club, drink in one hand, bingo blotter in the other, and get involved.

You’ve got bingo, you’ve got dance-offs, you’ve got on-stage competitions, you’ve got weird and wonderful prizes – we told you; it’s all going off in the toon. This is a night that you’ll not be able to forget, so get your dancing shoes on and your best mates on board, and your host will take care of the rest.

Newcastle Food Festival

Brand new for 2024, Exhibition Park is being taken over for a Food Festival that will have you absolutely starving the second you arrive. With live music, live chef demos (so for anyone out there who struggles to make beans on toast, this could be your turning point) various independent bars, and live entertainment, alongside art displays and artisan markets, this is by far what we’re most excited about attending this Bank Holiday.

Whether you want to bask in the sun with a drink and a snack or want to get involved in the demos and learn a new skill or two, this festival is going to be an absolute hit.

The Great British Tribute Fest 2024

Image Source: @greatbritishtributefest

We’re already backcombing our hair and bringing out the platform shoes for this one. This is the North East’s largest tribute festival, full of some incredible tribute acts that are ready to put on a show like you’ve never seen. Hosted in the iconic Times Square, you’ll be able to see tributes to bands including Queen, Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, Abba, Oasis, and so many more.

There’s different line-ups on Saturday and Sunday, so if there’s someone you’re extra keen to see, make sure that you’re signed up to the right day, so you don’t end up missing out. We’re struggling to pick our favourite day – so you might just see us there on both!

Well, now it’s all up to you. Reckon any of our ideas would be a good fit for one of your Bank Holiday weekends? Or do you have something else planned? We’d love to know – reach out on our socials to loop us in.