Newcastle Upon Tyne: Rain, Records, and Really Loud Pigeons
okay, so newcastle. it’s…a lot. i’m a touring session drummer, which means i spend approximately 78% of my life in vans and the other 22% trying to find decent coffee. this trip was supposed to be about a gig at the *O2 Academy, but honestly? the city stole the show.
first off, the weather. i just glanced outside and it’s…actively weeping right now, which seems pretty standard. apparently, they measure sunshine in minutes here, not hours. bring a waterproof jacket. seriously. don’t even think about leaving it at the hotel.
my airbnb was in Heaton, which is…well, it’s full of students and people who own a lot of houseplants. the neighbors are mostly quiet, but if you need a bigger scene, Sunderland and Durham are just a quick train ride away. i overheard someone at a pub saying that Durham’s cathedral is “basically hogwarts, but with less magic and more tourists.” which, fair.
gear-wise, for navigating this city, i’d recommend:
*Waterproof everything: seriously, everything. shoes, bag, soul.
*A good pair of walking boots: those cobblestone streets are brutal.
*Earplugs: not for the gigs, for the pigeons. they’re…aggressive.
*A portable charger: you’ll be taking a lot of photos.
*An open mind: newcastle is weird, and that’s a good thing.
speaking of photos, i spent an afternoon wandering around the Quayside, and it’s genuinely stunning. all those bridges…it’s like someone decided to build a city around a really impressive Lego set. i found some cool vintage shops near Grainger Market too - check out this guide for more info.
someone told me that the best fish and chips in town are at Colmans but you have to queue for like, an hour. i didn’t have an hour. i’m a drummer, not a patient person.
food-wise, i mostly ate pub grub. it’s…substantial. and the beer is good. i tried to find a fancy restaurant, but everything seemed to be either a chain or booked solid. i did stumble upon a tiny little cafe called The Bakehouse - Yelp reviews are pretty solid - and their scones were life-changing.
the gig itself was…loud. newcastle crowds are enthusiastic. i’m still finding bits of confetti in my drum kit. i heard a rumor that the Cluny* is a good spot for smaller, more intimate gigs - their website has a calendar.
apparently, there’s a whole underground scene of secret bars and gigs. someone at the bar (after several pints) swore they knew where one was, but i suspect it was just a story.
overall? newcastle is a chaotic, charming, and slightly damp city. it’s not going to win any awards for sunshine, but it will win your heart (and possibly your eardrums). i’m already planning my return trip. maybe i’ll bring waders. Here's a local forum if you want to get the inside scoop.
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