RIGHT POSH NIGHT ON THE TOON

ABOVE: Newcastle's Angel of the North

14th November 2009

By Ella Buchan

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THE windows of Newcastle’s grade-II listed Grey Street Hotel are a minor miracle. It is not that they are unusual – just panes of glass that let in the light.

But it is when you shut them that the miracle happens.

Suddenly the roar of hundreds of raucous revellers disappears, leaving you to recover from your own partying in peace.

Grey Street boasts that it is Newcastle’s original boutique hotel: the muted colours of the rooms are perfect to help you relax, the beds are dressed in Egyptian cotton sheets and the toiletries are posh.

The hotel stands right in the heart of the Toon so I started my quest for local attractions right next door, in The Living Room, which also provides room service for the hotel’s guests.

Despite having 120 tables in the restaurant, it still manages to feel cosy. One of its leather booths is the best place to enjoy tasty starters such as garden pea and mint soup, and clever mains – roasted sea bass with buckwheat noodles and oriental greens.

For an after-dinner cocktail, I headed to the tiny Popolo on Pilgrim Street, which conjures up memories of Tom Cruise’s film Cocktail. Ice-shakers are thrown and caught and the sounds of general showboating fill the air. Like most bars in Newcastle, from the “old man” variety, such as the Bee Hive in the Bigg Market, to those that attract the suits, it is just fun.

Coco V, tucked away from the main road on Forth Street, is a safe bet for late-night drinks.

A couple of steps away is The Forth, with good foreign beers and a roof terrace where you can smoke without freezing to death.

But by far the best I saw of these was at Tokyo on Westgate Road. The semi-sheltered area is busier than the bar
downstairs.

Classy late-night bars have overtaken the club scene, but there are still a few choices. The Powerhouse, on George Street, is the town’s biggest gay club, but the cheesy music may deter you. If so, World Headquarters offers funky soul and Motown tracks.

On the way to my bed, passing the long taxi queue, I was smug in the knowledge it was just around the corner.

FACT FILE:

Grey Street Hotel, 2-12 Grey Street, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Prices start at £141 for a standard double, room only.

See greystreethotel.com or call 0191 230 6777.