Newcastle Fashion And Lifestyle Blog

Nectar cocktail bar is a relatively new establishment in Newcastle, located in Pilgrim street in-between Alvino and where Popolo used to be. It’s on the top floor, the 3rd floor in fact, so be prepared to walk up a few stairs. I have only been in as a bar on a weekend night, however this place is also open through the day and is a restaurant as well as a bar.

The Place

It’s quite a small venue, which is fairly cosy with the set up being with comfortable seating and tables, and two areas for drinking or eating. As you walk in you have the bar immediately at the front, with the seating or standing areas either side. A cool kind of set up if you’re going with a girl or a couple of friends. It’s open late night which is a great, having been there quite late on in the night it’s a cool chill out kind of vibe with not too many people there and you can wind down and enjoy the rest of your night.

The crowd is a mix of 20-somethings and early 30s, with contemporary styles of music.

Drinks

This is a cocktail kind of venue, with a big cocktail menu for you to peruse. If they aren’t your thing, traditional drinks such as lager is always an option. Prices are quite average for this end of the town, expect to pay £3-4 for beers, and £6- for cocktails.

Essential Info

NECTAR BAR IS NOW CLOSED

Opening Hours: 7 Nights A Week, ‘Till 2AM (Weekends)
Weekend Entry Cost: £FREE!
Music: House, Chart, Hip Hop, RnB
Recommended Age: 25-35
Guestlist/VIP: NO
Bottle Service:NO
Stag & Hens: NO

Address / Directions

Nectar Bar, 86 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle, NE1 6SG
Closest Metro Station: Central Station
Other Nearby Bars: Alvino, Bacchus
Official Website:

Traditionally a vodka bar, Revolution is one of the finest bars in Newcastle. Located on the corner of Collingwood Street, It’s in a prime location situated close to the Central Station with plenty of nearby bars.

Recently refurbished you can enjoy the décor including the huge pillars and amazing ceiling of this building, which is a former bank.

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From real ales to cocktails, Alvinos has all the drinks you could want. One of the best bars in Newcastle, it manages to combines a cool chilled back atmosphere with a lively friendly spirit, a true old fashion cocktail bar with great music inside, great people and plenty of seating over 3 levels including a few cosy hideouts.

Drinks

As far as drinks go, you’re pretty much covered at Alvinos. bottled beers, draught, guest ales, a large selection of cocktails and more, classics such as a Mojito can be yours for under £6.

The Place

As mentioned, the bar has a sort of 3 levels, with the middle being tiny but space enough for a couple of friends, with a couple of hideaway spots on the ground floor too. The ground floor also houses plenty of seating and tables out in the open, and has classic bar games such as pinball and fuss ball. With 2 separate bars, you can get drinks on the ground or top floor. The top floor has tables and seating area inside, open but secluded enough to not be bothered by other tables. The top floor also leads to an outside terrace, the place to be in the summer with an outdoor DJ, or if you smoke you can go here and stay warm under the heaters in the winter.

Located on Pilgrim street, this is one of Newcastle’s best places to go if you’re a young person looking for a good time with a laid back attitude.

It was a shock yesterday when I heard about one of my favourite bars, in fact the 2nd best bar in Newcastle according to the latest index, Popolo announced it was closing down. Not only a shock to everyone who loves it, apparently the staff did not know a thing either. I love that end of the town, it’s a pretty cool place to go and chill, nice bars away from The Diamond Strip, and had a good number of people which is why it was surprising to many to hear about it’s closing.

Today it emerged that all may not be lost, and Popolo may be opening it’s doors again, but in a new location…The Quayside. The word is that they are moving there to a much bigger place, in fact 3x bigger across 2 floors. Where will this be? So far there is no word. I was down the quayside a few weeks ago and it’s a ghost town in comparison to the past; Offshore, Chase and Jimmyz all closed, and places such as Pravda, Blue/Julies 2 and Casa gone a long time ago.

If the size and fact it’s supposedly on 2 levels are anything to go by, Jimmyz could be the place as it was quite a size, Chase also has a basement and split level too, both of these venues have been on the market recently following their closure. Either way will they get back the atmosphere it created on Pilgrim Street? A firm favourite among 21-35 year olds, the award winning cocktail bar attracted the trendy-cool but down to earth crowd, with a laid back vibe.

So that’s another bar in Newcastle shutting it’s doors, at least for now.

Located right next to the Central Station you’ll find Jalou. Formerly known as Destination, Jalou has taken on a new look, with stylish décor and a vibrant cocktail menu to match. Perfect for meeting friends, going out with the lads or lasses, or having a casual drink. Upon entering you’ll have to walk down a couple of steps to get into the bar, where there is a large seating area outside complete with tables and heaters. Head on inside for the bar, with plenty of standing space, and lots of tables and chairs for you and your mates.

The music on offer is house, with most people being around the 21-30 age range. You can party all night long for free, with the bar staying open until 2am at weekends.

Drinks At Jalou

Jalou is a cocktail bar, which also sells a variety of other drinks such as draught lager, alcopops, bottles and of course wine. Cocktails are from £7 to £9, and they do a large selection of Mojitos if that’s your flavour. Classics can also be drank, classic martinis, old fashioned and margaritas are on offer. Something which should not be missed is the Cookie Monster for £7.50.

No VIP style bar would be complete without the choice of full bottles of spirits and champagne. Get a bottle of Prosecco, or if you’re a player upgrade yourself to some Cristal.

Under Pouring Drinks At Jalou

The cocktails at Jalou used to be brilliant, and something which you had to go to the bar just to experience. However lately, they have been rather disappointing. On several occasions I have seem cocktails being under poured, and no real care, time or effort has been taken to make the drinks. It seems now they are trying to churn out as many drinks for as little cost as possible, mixing up big batches of cocktails to split between glasses if you order more than one, and packing the glass with ice to fill it up. The image below was a Cookie Monster I bought a few years back, and they don’t look much like that anymore, with stale oreos used, and not a well made cocktail at all.

Jalou free pour cocktails, which means that the bartender should be skilled and trained to be able to pour out a legal measure accurately, but this does not seem to be the case. They offer a cocktail making masterclass which I think they should let their staff go on.

Sadly I would no longer advise getting a cocktail, and stick to a regular drink.

Jalou Dress Code

Dress code is an unusual smart-casual, with an edge on smart, although don’t be surprised when you see guys wearing baseball caps, as this is a common theme. You may not be admitted if you are seen to be dressed too casually.

Hit Or Miss?

Despite the problems with cocktails, Jalou is still worth going to. The atmosphere is good, with RnB music being played out, a good crowd, outdoor seating at the front and a dancefloor in the middle, it continues to be a good night out at the Weekend, and is free entry. Check out more Newcastle Bar reviews to find other great nightspots to visit in the city.

Other Info

Stag & Hens: Dress Smart
Guestlist/VIP Available: YES (at a cost)
Bottle Service Available: YES
Opening Hours: 7 Nights, ‘Till 2AM (Weekends)

Address & Directions

Jalou, Neville Street, Newcastle NE1.
Closest Metro Station: Central Station
Closest Other Bars: Head Of Steam, Long Bar, Revolution, Tokyo, Flortias, House Of Smith
Official Website: Jalou.co.uk

Situated near Revolution on Collingwood street aka The Diamond Strip, you’ll find Floritas. Dubbed as a Miami Bar and Tropical Garden, Floritas is a favourite for those looking to enjoy a cocktails or two, chill out or dance the night away. On entering the bar there’s seating, with a bar on the left side, and dance floor opposite. Nearer the back of the bar there is more seating, with an outdoor area to chill out in, which is primarily used as a smoking area.

Music on offer is the usual house beats, which goes on all night on weekends with occasional live music such as bongo playing. Dress code is smart casual, leaning towards the smart. The clientele can be a real mix, but at weekends this usually attracts the younger crowds of 20-25 year olds.

Drinks

There’s a vast array of drinks on offer; From draught beer to bottles, wine, alcopops, spirits and shots, as well as a large choice of cocktails. Cocktails start at around £6 which will get you favourites such as the Double Cush Wor Kid, Pink Lynchberg and classics such as a Mojito and Old Fashioned. If you’re in a large group of just feeling like you want to splash the cash, full bottles of spirits and champagne can be bought, with Absolut going for £95 and NV Moet for £70.

Where does it rank in the bars of Newcastle?

Check out more Newcastle Bar reviews  for more bars like Floritas in the Toon.

Essential Info

Opening Hours: 7 Nights A Week, ‘Till 3AM (Weekends)
Weekend Entry Cost: £FREE!
Music: House, Chart, Hip Hop, RnB
Recommended Age: 20-35
Guestlist/VIP: YES
Bottle Service:YES
Stag & Hens: Dress Smart (Fancy Dress may be allowed at discretion)

Address / Directions

Floritas, Collingwood Street, Newcastle, NE1
Closest Metro Station: Central Station
Other Nearby Bars: Madame Koo, House Of Smith, Revolution
Official Website: floritasbar.com

Newcastle Fashion Week 2014 has been announced. Now in it’s 4th year, the events will take place from 9th – 17th May and will once again showcase the fashion industry and retail in the North East including from the fashion institutes at Newcastle College and Northumbria University. The weeks events will be announced soon, and this year will see a model search for the first time, with the person being the face of the event.

Newcastle Fashion Week 2014 Schedule

Search For Newcastle’s Most Stylish
10th April – 3rd May

The search for Newcastle’s most stylish has already begun around the city, and are looking for stylish people in town. Photographers and scouts will be in and around Newcastle including Northumberland Street and Eldon Square. Thursdays from 17:30 – 19:30 and Saturdays from 12pm – 14:00 The photos will be seen on the official Facebook page, with a chance for the winner to bag a £500 shopping spree at Cruise and a weekend hire of a Mercedes Benz convertible.

Newcastle Fashion Week Official T-Shirts
On sale from 28th April

This years official t-shirts have been designed by DR Martins and Prefab 77 and will be on sale in Fenwick for £10 with all profits going to Cash For Kids.

Friday 9th May
Newcastle Fashion Week Launch Party
Where – Bonbar

The official Newcastle Fashion Week 2014 launch will take place at Bonbar, one of Newcastle’s newest establishments (The old assembly rooms).

Saturday 10th May
Company Magazine Presents NFW
Where – Bonbar

A day filled with catwalks, Company Magazine and Carlene Thomas-Bailey and Alexxia Elizabeth have teamed up with NFW. Showcasing the fashion alphabet A – Z with 2 shows at noon and 14:00. The daytime catwalk events are ticket only which are priced at £3.

In the evening Company will present Vivienne Westwood with Cruise at a VIP invitation only event at 20:00, with an after party at Bonbar.

Sunday 11th May
Clueless Class of 2014
Where – House Of Smith

Enjoy a lazy Sunday at House of Smith with a screening of the classic 90s film Clueless. Dress up like Cher Horowitz, Dionne Davenport, Tai Frasier or maybe Murray Duvall and Travis Birkenstock for a day of 90s fashion. The event starts at 14:00 with prizes being awarded to the best dressed. This event is FREE.

Monday 12th May
Martini Manicure Monday
Where – Fat Buddha

A spring/summer catwalk show from Van Mildert, free mini manicures courtesy of international nail art winners, Spoilt for Choice, Nail & Beauty Lounge and cocktails by the Cocktail Project.

Tuesday 13 May
Northumbria University: Fashion
Where – The Baltic

The Northumbria University Catwalk Show at The Baltic showcasing the latest design talent from the university.

Wednesday 14th May
Fashion Front Row
Where – Tiger Tiger

Luxury lingerie, Tallulah Love will take centre stage in this year’s showcase for North East design talent, Fashion Front Row. Entry is free with donations welcomed for children’s charity Cash For Kids.

Thursday 15th May
intu Eldon Square’s Fashion Frenzy – Exclusively Eldon Garden

The fashion frenzy shopping event will happen across Eldon Square with activities in stores from noon until 20:00. Eldon Garden will be hosting catwalks from it’s own retailers and emerging talent from Newcastle College with shows at noon and 18:00

Friday 16th May
Rox Royalty in association with Luxe magazine
Where – Rox Jewellers

A VIP ticket only event at Rox with cocktails and entertainment will be happening from 20:00 – 22:00 for those fortunate enough to be there.

Saturday 17th May
Official NFW Closing Party
Where – Tup Tup Palace

It all comes to a close on Saturday night at Tup Tup, with the official closing party for Newcastle Fashion Week. Dress to impress.

Better later than never! :p Each year for the past few I have featured the infamous Fenwick window on my blog, and this year is no different. This year’s theme is fairy tale forest, and as usual there is the reflections aka free advertising for the shops across the road 😉

Fenwick Christmas Window Through The Years

2015 | 2014 |  2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010

When I go out in Newcastle I keep hearing people talk about Geordie Shore, or are asked by tourists and people who have come up to Newcastle where so-and-so bar is, or in general people talking about bars which are seen in Geordie Shore. Well here is a guide to Newcastle, and the bars featured in Geordie Shore.

Background

First of all if you are coming to Newcastle then you probably want to go to more bars than the ones featured in the show; You will probably be here for a whole night or two, and Newcastle has so many bars to choose from. Not only that, most bars are set in areas, the main ones being:

• The Diamond Strip (Collingwood Street)
• The Gate
• The Quayside
• The Bigg Market
• Everything In Between

As you can see from the map, if you wanna do a Geordie Shore style bar crawl then you don’t have far to walk; All these bars are more or less on the same street, almost next door to each other. For the purpose of this I have included some other bars since some are similar, in the same area or just on because you should go to more bars! 😀

You’ll also notice it’s really close to the Central Station, so easy to get to 🙂

The Diamond Strip

It’s currently considered the cool and trendy place to go, and has bars such as Madame Koo, Floritas, House Of Smith, Perdu and Bijoux. Round a couple of corners you have Tup Tup Palace (nightclub) and Ohso. Geordie Shore were famously banned from Perdu and all the bars it’s associated with (The Fluid Group), but I have included it in this guide because it’s the same type of bar as the rest.

The Bar Crawl – Old skool style, no pre-drinking, this is Newcastle, go out for the whole night, not at 11PM!

Start Off – Union Rooms

Let’s make this easy, you can walk pretty much in a straight line for this bar crawl and have a great night. We’ll start at Union Rooms. The Union Rooms is a Wetherspoons chain and is usually a good place to start. It can be busy, but it’s a good place to get a couple of early drinks in, they are cheap, sell a big variety, and you can just chill a little bit before the real start of the night 😀 If you want to start with food, you can get it there, since they do meals. There is no music in this bar, it’s definitely a “meeting” or talking bar.

This is what Revolution looks like, on the corner, with the other bars just down the road

Inisde Revolution on the higher level, it’s pretty full!

Revolution – Cocktails, racks of shots, music, vodka

I love this place, the building is big and amazing, it was actually a former bank. Cool architecture, but let’s talk about the drinks. Revolution is typically a vodka bar, but it does sell beer and other drinks. They do racks of shots, where you can get 12 shots, as well as pitchers of cocktails for all your mates. It’s usually always packed, lots of girls, good music. Price is not the cheapest, but if you get a cocktail you WILL taste the alcohol in these. It’s almost always busy, sometimes it can take a while at the bar but this is a great place.

Floritas Bar
Official Website

Walk past Madame Koo and you will find Floritas next door. Here you will be able to get more drinks, listen to the house music, dance, chill, talk, whatever floats your boat. Have a cocktail, get a beer, or if you wanna splash the cash get a bottle of your favourite spirit or champagne.

You can sort of see the queue for Perdu, this part of Newcastle gets busy at peak times

Perdu
Official Site

They banned the Geordie Shore cast from going here, but I have included Perdu because it’s a similar type of bar and in the same area. If you are going on a Saturday night at the end of the month expect to queue at peak times, and their door policy can be quite selective. The music is house, and the drinks are not the cheapest, it’s still a decent spot and can attract a good crowd. If you don’t wanna queue, head round the corner to….

Ohso

Just round the corner from Perdu is Ohso. Walk in and you have a choice to make; Go upstairs, for a slightly quieter experience where there is music, or to the larger downstairs. Be wary of the times you go, despite it being a bar and not a club they charge after a certain time to get in.

Bijoux
Official Site

A favourite of the Geordie Shore lot which means it’s got a lot busier, Bijoux is down the street from Perdu/Floritas and across the road. It’s quite a small bar with a back area with seating, the main bar area has tables with a bit of a dancefloor, with a small VIP area. Book yourself a comfortable table which is basically on the dancefloor for an amazing night.

House of Smith, used to be Baby Lynch

Madame Koo, House Of Smith or Tup Tup Palace

It’s probably time to hit a club now, and the choice is yours. You can head back up the road to Madame Koo or House Of Smith, or check out Tup Tup Palace. Koos is a place for everyone, various music and a diverse crowd. Tup Tup and House Of Smith are the places to go if you are looking for a more upscale end to your night, with house music pumping at Kinky Disco in Tup Tup you can dance the night away. Both clubs embrace the “Dress to impress” statement, to fit in with the crowd you have got to be looking your best.

It’s probably 3AM now, so time to get something to eat and go home! 😉

Official Sites: House Of Smith, Madame Koo, Tup Tup Palace

Mimo, billed as a cocktail bar, just round the corner from Revolution

Other bars – Mimo
Official Site

There are a few more bars I have added which are in the area. Mimo is just round the corner from Revolution. They offer a load of cocktails at a reasonable price, if you are looking for a drink or two early on it could be the place.

A night I had in Empress, check out the lazers!

The Empress
Official Site

A late bar which can be good, The Empress is really jumping with loads of great music and a good crowd. The drinks are pretty good, it can take a while to get served depending on how busy it is, and there is usually some kind of offers on.

“A good night out is more about the people you are with, rather than the places you go. You can have an amazing night out anywhere with the right group of people.”

Have fun in my amazing city, Newcastle 😀 If you want to know more about all the best bars in the Toon, check out my Newcastle Bar Reviews which has the latest information and updates on Newcastle nightlife.

Credits
Photography: Michael84.co.uk (iPhone/Sony HX5/Canon 600D) do not use this pictures without written permission.

Fashion Front Row from As You Like it for Newcastle Fashion Week 2013.