Going out guide: Newcastle
Featuring the city's best club night, record shop, rappers DJs and morning after breakfast spots, all recommended by a local.
Life
Words: Leanna Thomson
Leanna is an “honorary Geordie”, a music writer and the co-owner of a local gig guide.
Best club night
Filling the hallowed dancefloors of World Headquarters – Newcastle’s most beloved independent nightclub since 2008 – Ape‑X is aptly named. Initially founded by Gabriel Day as a party for friends, it quickly grew into a community of young, engaged clubbers, and the Ape‑X label was launched in 2019. As well as supporting local DJs, Ape‑X has attracted renowned selectors like Objekt, Shanti Celeste and Batu to Newcastle for the first time. Expect forward-thinking music and daring rave outfits made for movement.
Three local DJs to look out for on flyers
Maralara, Mollcub, Vinny and Diz.
Local rapper who could blow up
Since he started dropping music on Soundcloud in 2020, The97Renn has brought fresh energy to the North East music scene with his Geordie-accented raps and spaced-out beats that are in tune with the UK’s contemporary alt rap scene. At THE FACE’s New Noise show in Newcastle in October, Renn proved he knows how to move the crowd.
Legendary artists you need to have listened to
Best boozer
The Bridge Tavern is a beauty of a pub nestled beneath the Tyne Bridge. For a more old school vibe, the legendary Crown Posada is just across the road.
Bar that serves past midnight
Lady Grey’s is open until 3am all week and it’s got one of the best-stocked bars in the Toon.
Nightlife photographer who want to be snapped by:
@3flavourscornetto is a local club legend who captures the dreamy essence of Newcastle nightlife in shots that are drenched with colour and personality.
Beloved takeaway
Greggs, of course. Testament to the popularity of the beloved bakery in its home city, some of the Newcastle branches stay open to serve you sausage rolls at 3am.
Cafe for the morning after
Aidan’s Kitchen does an unbeatable array of delicious breakfasts and beverages… Possibly too good to visit while you’re really hungover, actually.
A shop to buy your outfit
We’re blessed with our sustainable shopping options here: Waceland offers a hand-picked selection of unique vintage pieces from around the globe while Analog specialises in high quality ’90s streetwear and sportswear from iconic brands like Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein.
Hyperlocal fashion trend
NUFC shirts.
A welcoming dancefloor
Though Newcastle has its famed pink triangle of gay bars, Ouseburn’s DIY venue Cobalt Studios provides an alternative as an inclusive space for progressively-minded ravers and creatives and LGBTQ events.
Local hero
Anthony Daly. He’s the owner of 586 records, one of the best record shops in the area which he set up after 25 years as a DJ and promoter.
Coolest local radio station
Slack’s is a self-proclaimed “weird radio” station. It’s independent, ad-free and broadcast live from one of Newcastle’s best venues, The Lubber Fiend.
What not to say to a local
“I support Sunderland”
