Good things are on their way…still. A lot has changed since I first shared this post at the start of the year, but I promised I’d keep it updated as new places open. So here’s my updated list of what’s coming new to Newcastle for 2021, and across the North East this year. 

These are the ones I’m most excited about, and the list covers all sorts including bars, restaurants, cafes, even glamping huts. It’s a total mix and I will continue to add to this list if anything else pops up new to Newcastle through 2021. The new ones from the second update start after Sushi Me Rolling about half way through.

Above Bar

The Vermont rooftop has always been a great spot for views over Newcastle, and it’s been transformed to Above, the new rooftop bar with both indoor lounge bar space and an open air outside terrace. 

It looks fabulous and of course the view is the perfect backdrop. In addition to being a bar it looks like it will also be a function space for corporate events, a rooftop cinema and a wedding venue. I cant wait to visit.

Innside Melia Newcastle

The Innside Melia Newcastle hotel is the contemporary new hotel on the quayside, with modern rooms, some with balconies and river views, a gym, and a full range of services.

I’ve been invited to stay when we can and I’m really looking forward to it, the rooms look a bit different and it’s in a great spot to enjoy some of my favourite bars and restaurants in Newcastle.

If you live in Newcastle don’t think this place doesn’t apply to you, I love a hotel stay even in my own city as it just makes so much more of a day or night out in town, especially for an occasion. 

Crescendo Rooftop

This place was shared all over instagram just two days ago, and I’ve already had the tags from the girls bookmarking it as a spot we will be visiting this summer once we are released. Located on the rooftop between Livello and The Vermont, this urban roof terrace has the look of the sort of place you go for one or two and end up staying all afternoon.

You can access it from Livello courtyard, and it has multiple levels of seating and space. I can very much see myself on it with a vanilla espresso martini in hand. God what I’d give for that right now. Fingers crossed for spring/summer 2021.

Hard Rock Cafe Newcastle

I’ve actually received an invite to the opening of the Hard Rock Cafe but unfortunately I can’t go, so it’s definitely coming soon and I’m sure it will be a big hit for those who like the whole Hard Rock concept. It’s in a great spot on the quayside in the Guildhall building. I think its the perfect location for a place like that, not too far from other chains like Slug & Lettuce, and an easy choice for tourists.

Khai Khai Indian Restaurant

This place is getting amazing reviews from people I follow who have tried their takeaways, while they’re still unable to open properly. The food is apparently all made with an open fire oven and ‘smoke play’, which gives it a unique traditional flavour. 

When it comes to Indian food I much prefer to sit in, so I will be visiting when we can to get the proper experience. Khai Khai is located on Queen Street on the quayside.

Sushi Me Rollin’

The fabulous sushi spot at Stack are expanding, now with a coming soon location in my very own hometown of Whitley Bay. The sushi is amazing, and I really like how in normal times you can just have a chat with them and tell them what you like rather than always sticking to the menu.

I’ve had a couple of takeaways during the past year to get my fix while we can’t visit in person, so I hope they’ll also be offering takeaway from the Whitley Bay venue. They’re set to announce an opening date any day now based on their instagram updates. Very excited about this one.

Local NCL, Jesmond

A new one for the list, Local NCL opened about a month ago on Acorn Road, selling all things local to Newcastle including good coffee, amazing ice cream and a whole range of other delicious treats and products. I’ve been and wrote a full review on Local here.

Bellwoods, Whitley Bay

New to Park View in Whitley Bay is the gorgeous lifestyle store Bellwoods. They’ve had an online presence for a while but the real life shop opened not too long ago. I’m annoyed I’ve yet to get along, despite it being so close but I fully intend on going for a browse soon.

Naughty By Nature, Deliveroo

They market themselves as plant based junk food, Naughty By Nature opened at the very start of April for weekend deliver across Newcastle. High protein, they have mains, sides, dips, shakes…view the menu below. And they plant a tree for every order made.

Central Park Newcastle

Newcastle’s biggest beer garden opened at the end of April by the Life Centre, offering street food, sheltered tables, a big screen showing sport and plenty of special events. You have to pay a deposit for each table and it’s not that cheap, but you do get welcome pitchers when you get there and have a guaranteed spot.

Fern Restaurant, Jesmond Dene House

The main restaurant at Jesmond Dene House has had a major refurb and is reopening after 17th May with a new look and a new menu. I had the most amazing meal there a couple of years ago and I’m excited to go back and do it again when they open.

okana, Newcastle

The building that used to be Union Rooms opposite Central Station is now Okana, a bar with a good area of outside seating. I think it did open before Christmas but not for very long before it had to shut. It’s a good spot for a G&T with a view.

LRM Goods, Fenwicks

The girls behind LRM Goods opened a pop up in Fenwick’s Newcastle in April, selling their gorgeous leather bags and accessories that can be personalised there and then. It’s now a permanent concession in Fenwick’s and I just love their products. Have a look they have the most beautiful colours in all shapes and sizes. They make a lovely gift too.

Burn It Up, North Shields

Another beer garden, outside event and street food area is Burn it Up, that launched mid April in North Shields. They have a bit of everything in the different areas, drinks, live music, entertainment, a cinema screen and street food.

Secret Garden, Seaton

Another similar sort of concept, but I think there’s a bit more emphasis on the food here, Secret Garden in Seaton Delaval has opened. Like everywhere it sells out really quick and has limited walk in space so best to book in advance.

Hesleyside Huts Skylark

I’ve not yet stayed at Hesleyside Huts as they’re always fully booked – and I think their newest addition the treehouse named Skylark is largely booked up for the year now too. I did have a look at it but I found it SO expensive, it was over £1000 for three nights and I’d rather put that money towards other trips.

It does look incredible, with two bedrooms and an outdoor bath.

Snow Leopards at Northumberland Zoo

They may have technically arrived in 2020, but not until December so not many of us managed to see them before the January lockdown hit. When you can though, I couldn’t recommend going to see them at Northumberland Zoo more. We had such a good day out and they were absolutely beautiful.

Read my full blog post on the experience here.

Finally for now I want to mention two cafes, both of which opened in Autumn but barely got chance to trade before the November lockdown. Fork in the Rose is the cafe and florist found on Heaton Road, and Dil & the Bear’s opened their new location in Whitley Bay metro station complete with outside terrace. 

I was lucky enough to squeeze in visits and I have only good things to say about both. Well worth visiting and supporting them when hospitality reopens.

I can’t wait to see what else ends up being new to Newcastle for 2021, and like I said I will keep adding them here as I see them. For now though I’m counting down the days until they all open and I can book myself in.

Other posts you might like:

North East breakfast boxes and local coffee

Local Businesses to Support through lockdown

Bars and Pubs in Newcastle with outdoor terraces

Visiting the Snow Leopards at Northumberland Zoo

Where to get bottomless brunch in Newcastle

14 of the cutest cafes in Newcastle