How Newcastle became famous for its cocktails | AD

Newcastle has a reputation for being somewhere that is brilliant to drink. For some that is down to the large student populations – to others it is the friendliness of the locals. But something increasingly true is the city has become famous for its love of cocktails and mixed drinks. Here we take a look at exactly how Newcastle has developed this reputation and what you can do to make the most of it.

A haven for masterclasses

There can be no doubt that Newcastle is renowned for its incredible nightlife, it is not only in the North of England as a hotspot for an amazing night out, but throughout the whole of the UK too. And part of what makes the city so vibrant and interesting is its desire to try new things and see how they go. It is no surprise then, that cocktail making classes have taken off here in a big way.

An ideal choice for stag dos and hen parties, cocktail masterclasses can also be enjoyed by just about anyone who likes a delicious mixed drink or two. And better yet, Newcastle boasts these sorts of classes all across the city, so there’s never the need to venture too far to find somewhere offer to train you in the ways of shaking or stirring up amazing drinks.

The world’s first whisky cocktail vending machine

Newcastle has become well known as a place for innovation and originality when it comes to cocktails. This is why it was chosen as one of the cities to launch the world’s first ever whisky cocktail vending machine. The machine serves up the delicious Old Fashioned drink with nothing more than pulling a couple of levers.

Launched last year by Whyte & Mackay, the vending machine, which is known as The Woodsman allows customers to get their hands of a tasty cocktail without having to queue up at a bar. It was certainly a big hit in Newcastle, and may well signify a new trend towards the availability of cocktails without the need to have a bar tender make the drink individually.

The opening of the stunning Banyan Bar

More and more fantastic cocktail venues open up in Newcastle every year, and 2019 has already seen one especially exciting new name. The Banyan Bar opened recently, looking very grand and sophisticated, truly making a mark on the cocktail bar scene in the city. Found in Monument Mall very close to the city centre, it is ideally located for nights out.

The venue boasts a very interesting and unique menu with twists on classics such as the Nordic Ice Tea, or the all-out Lemon Cheesecake – a vibrant mix of Ketel One Citroen vodka, limoncello, lemon and gingerbread. The bar is set across a 10,000sq foot space across two levels, and promises to be out of the hottest places to drink in the city.

An Alice in Wonderland themed cocktail bar

And, of course, it is not just the sophisticated and classy cocktail bars that bring out Newcastle patrons – the city also boosts a growing number of unusual cocktails venues, offering a drinking experience like no other in the city (or indeed the UK). A great example of this is the pop-up cocktail bar Those Who Know, which has an Alice in Wonderland theme.

The menu is unique in more ways than one. It is presented upside down and can be read both ways. The drinks themselves reference Lewis Carrol’s classic Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland, and there is a truly broad range of options available.

Some of the finest cocktail bars in the UK

Once again it is no surprise to hear that a number of Newcastle’s cocktail bars have made it onto the list of the best cocktail bars in the UK. The highest ranked on the list is that of Poison Cabinet – with it’s rather dark vibe, this bar has an atmosphere that simply has to be experienced (along with some absolutely wonderful drinks).

Also making the list is the All Seeing Eye, which has a storybook themed menu and drinks that taste as good as they sound. Laid back Alvinos also makes the list, offering stunning cocktails at very reasonable prices.