Newcastle upon Tyne is one of the most vibrant cities in the UK, heralded as a veritable hotbed of iconic architecture, first-class food and oodles of culture. But if you only had 24 hours to spare, how best should you spend them?
Well, that’s exactly what we’re here to talk about today. We’ve been chatting with Sachins’ owner and head chef, Bob Arora, and have put together an exclusive hotlist of Bob’s favourite ways to spend a day in the Toon. Keep reading to find out more!
The accommodation
First things first, where are you going to stay for your whirlwind city break?
Bob’s top recommendations are the Hotel du Vin, the Malmaison or the Crowne Plaza. All of these gorgeous hotels provide lashings of luxury and comfort whilst being ideally located to explore the city centre at your convenience.
We’d be hard pushed to choose a favourite personally, although the Malmaison does boast those incredible views of the River Tyne…
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, Leonardo Hotel (formerly Jury’s Inn) is a great option and is located just a 5-minute walk from Newcastle Central Station.
The entertainment
There’s plenty to do and see around the Toon, so this was a difficult one to narrow down.
For a touch of fun and games, there’s plenty on offer. Bob recommends the much-loved Lane 7 for bowling and Ghetto Golf if you’re looking to practise your swing. There’s also Team Sport Go Karting located on Scotswood Road just outside of the city centre.
Looking for something a little more off-the-wall? Bob’s got you covered with this next suggestion: “If you’re looking for a real laugh” he says, “I have to suggest Hatchet Harry’s Axe Throwing”. A particularly good choice if you’re keen to let off some steam, and yes, it really is as simple as it sounds, axes will be thrown!
However, for something a touch more laid back and lowkey, you might like to head to Newcastle’s most iconic cinema, the Tyneside, which comes highly recommended from Bob if you’re looking to catch a flick. The Tyneside Cinema is proud to be the region’s leading cinema and has been dearly loved by locals for over 80 years. Originally established as a Newsreel Theatre in 1937, a trip to the Tyneside provides not only a solid bit of cinematic entertainment but a healthy dose of the city’s history, too.
The drinks
Now, a visit to the wonderful city of Newcastle upon Tyne certainly wouldn’t be complete without a tipple, would it?
If you’re looking to do a spot of bar-hopping, the Toon is the place for you, hands down. After all, the city’s iconic nightlife is somewhat legendary across the country. So, where would Bob head for booze?
For head chef Bob, it’s all about quality venues such as Revolución de Cuba or Tiger Hornsby, where you can grab a first-rate cocktail and relax in an opulent, vibrant environment. Or, for a spot of classic Geordie nightlife, Bob suggests heading to Flares, which boasts a colourful, energetic crowd and classic disco tunes to boot!
The scran
If there’s one thing that Newcastle certainly isn’t short of, it’s culinary hotspots.
When it comes down to it, though, Bob’s favourite place to grab a knockout lunch “just has to be Peace & Loaf”, he says. This iconic Jesmond eatery – which holds fast to its promise of ‘fine dining without the fuss’ – proudly boasts two AA Rosettes, along with a mention in the Michelin guide. Bob is, of course, a veritable foodie, and so with its reputation for excellence it’s no surprise that Peace & Loaf wins gold in his mind.
Of course, no trip to Newcastle upon Tyne would be complete without a visit to the city’s best-loved Punjabi restaurant, a title that Sachins is incredibly proud to hold. What better way to round off a long day of sightseeing than with an expertly spiced, lovingly prepared curry, complete with all of the trimmings and cooked to perfection in Bob’s very own kitchen?
We may be a little biased, but we think that hundreds of locals would agree: Sachins is the place to be.
Looking for the perfect dining spot for your upcoming trip to Newcastle upon Tyne? Make a reservation with us today, we promise you won’t be disappointed.