The Cluny

This converted warehouse is right by the river and is the perfect antidote to the brash excesses of Haymarket. (Though as it’s a little off the beaten track compared to most of the city’s nightspots, it’s also not the easiest place to find if you don’t know it a cheap cab ride from the city centre is your best bet to avoid getting lost). With a décor that reflects its industrial heritage, this is an unpretentious and pleasing space that offers one of the best nights out in town. As bars go the Cluny is more for the artistic crowd, and a knack for attracting both local and international talent has seen this place rapidly become the heart of the city’s alt-rock, alt-folk, blues and indie scene. There’s also a gallery to the back with new exhibitions every six or so weeks. Although generally fairly laid back, like any bar in Newcastle it can get pretty lively, though the crowd tends to be cheerful indie types rather than the full-on partiers that the city is best known for. There’s a decent range of beers and ales on offer (though anything more complicated isn’t really the Cluny’s style, so it’s not the place to expect a precision-made martini) and should you feel the need to soak up all that booze, there are bar snacks and decent sandwiches, as well. The Cluny 2 is a relatively new addition, a theatre space right next door to the main venue that has already become part of the city’s vibrant drama scene and also hosts music gigs.