How to celebrate the May Bank Holiday in Newcastle

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

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.

If you’re in the mood to treat yourself, this is one of those places where a little bit of boujee luxury just makes sense. The quality, the setting, and the food all feel a step up from your usual lunch spot.

Their express lunch is a great way to sample the menu without going all in, with 2 courses for £27.50 or 3 for £31 – a solid option if you want something a bit special without completely blowing the budget. 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

Opened by a local food blogger, Cook House is an award-winning independent restaurant in Newcastle that’s built a reputation for seriously good food. Just a 5-minute walk from our City Co-Living Newcastle building, you’ll find it tucked away on Foundry Lane, Ouseburn and it’s well worth seeking out if you’re exploring places to eat in Newcastle city centre.

Part of what makes Cook House so good is that nothing ever feels static. Their menu changes regularly based on the season, what produce is available, and sometimes just because they fancy it, which means every visit feels a bit different (and gives you a nice excuse to keep going back).

From breakfast and brunch through to dinner, the menu keeps things interesting. You’ll find everything from simple done-right classics like bacon sandwiches to more creative dishes like whipped feta on sourdough, tempura cauliflower, or pan-fried hake, with plenty of options designed for sharing if you fancy trying a bit of everything.

They also offer a selection of pickles, jams and drinks to take home, so you can bring a little bit of Cook House with you because once you’ve tried it, you’ll get the hype.

Harry's Bar

Situated on Grey Street – aka, the place to be – Harrys Bar is a great choice, is a go-to spot if you’re looking for restaurants in Newcastle city centre that work for any occasion. Whether it’s a quick lunch, after-work drinks, or a full night out with friends, it’s got you covered.

The menu is broad and crowd-pleasing, with a full vegan menu alongside a wide range of Italian dishes.

Being right next to the Newcastle Theatre Royal, they also offer a theatre set menu in Newcastle, perfect for pre-show dining. You can get 2 courses for £19.95 or 3 courses for £23.95, available all day Monday to Thursday and from 12–5 on Friday and Saturday – ideal if you’re planning an evening in the city.

It’s not just about the food either. Harry’s hosts regular events, from Friday Fizz deals (Prosecco bottles for £24.75), cocktail masterclasses, to themed nights and late-night partying. It's a top hotspot to visit in Newcastle and has a lot going on. 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

Looking for Instagram-worthy restaurants in Newcastle? Aveika is one of the best spots for standout food, drinks, and views. Located on the Newcastle Quayside, this contemporary Japanese restaurant combines a sushi bar, grill, and late-night bar – making it a go-to for both dining and nights out in the city.

Aveika is known for its creative cocktails, taking things up a level with dramatic presentation and unique flavour combinations. Whether you stick with a classic Mojito or try one of their signature drinks, there’s plenty to explore. The Godzilla cocktail is our personal favourite.

Perfect for date nights, celebrations, or a night out in Newcastle Quayside. Give it a go!

The Jolly Fisherman

Located on the Newcastle Quayside, the Jolly Fisherman is a go-to spot if you’re looking for pubs with outdoor seating in Newcastle. With views across the River Tyne and a spacious outdoor area, it’s the perfect place to sit back, soak up the sun, and enjoy the atmosphere.

Known as a popular gastropub in Newcastle, The Jolly Fisherman serves up hearty, home-cooked food alongside a great selection of drinks, making it ideal for everything from casual catch-ups with your pals to laid-back afternoons by the water.

Behind the bar, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re into wine, local craft beers, coffee, or cocktails, you’ll be well satisfied. And if you’re thinking about skipping alcohol and having a chilled one, there's still plenty of soft drink options too. Their sparkling elderflower is unreal and well worth the try.

The Pitcher and Piano

The Pitcher and Piano is another must-visit if you’re looking for bars and restaurants in Newcastle with a view. It's 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.

Pitcher & Piano offers a mix of food, drinks and entertainment in Newcastle, making it a solid choice whether you’re heading out for casual drinks or planning a full evening with your mates.

There’s always something going on, from live music to guest performers, so it’s a great option if you’re searching for a night out in Newcastle Quayside with a bit of atmosphere.

If you’re after something a little more relaxed, one of the best things to do here is catch a view of the Millennium Bridge tilting. Time it right (the staff can usually help), and you can watch it lift to let boats through, from (inside Pitcher & Piano), which creates the illusion of a “winking eye”. It's one of the most unique things to see in Newcastle.

On a warm evening, with drinks in hand and views across the Tyne, it’s one of those simple Newcastle moments that’s hard to beat.

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

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 you'll never 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

Taking over Exhibition Park this May, the Newcastle Food Festival 2026 (May 2nd–4th) is one of the biggest food events in Newcastle and a must-visit over the Bank Holiday weekend. Bringing together street food vendors, local independents, artisan markets and live entertainment, it’s the kind of event you’ll want to arrive hungry for.

Expect everything from global street food to local favourites, alongside live music, chef demos, and pop-up bars. What more could you want?!

Whether you’re planning to relax in the sun with a drink, try something new, or get involved in the live cooking demos, there’s something for everyone.

👉 With events like this, plus others across the city like Wylam Brewery’s Food Battles (May 22nd–23rd) and Classics Fest at the Lit & Phil (May 16th), Newcastle’s food scene is looking stronger than ever in 2026.

The Great British Tribute Fest 2026

If live music’s your thing, the Great British Tribute Fest 2026 in Newcastle is a proper shout for the May Bank Holiday weekend (Friday 22nd May). Back in Times Square after a couple of sold-out years, it’s bigger and better this time round, bringing together some of the UK’s best tribute acts for two days of non-stop tunes.

You can expect all the big singalong moments, with tributes to artists like Oasis, Arctic Monkeys, Sam Fender, Blur and more – basically, wall-to-wall anthems and a cracking live music event in Newcastle city centre.

It’s not just about the music either. There are loads of street food, bars on bars, and a proper buzzing crowd, so if you’re after a decent day (or night) out in Newcastle, this ticks all the boxes.

Line-ups change across the weekend, so it’s worth checking who’s on when… but honestly, we wouldn’t blame you for doing both days. Looks like one of those weekends, doesn’t it?

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.