For once the North East seems to be having its fair share of proper summer sunshine and most of us can't quite believe our luck.
The Hoppings fair on Newcastle Town Moor has had a near-unbroken dry spell for its run which is almost unheard of and now we seem to be heading full-tilt into a weekend that promises more of the same, with just a low risk of a shower. So we hope.
With many people having had to swelter in offices during the rising temperatures of the working week - so missing out on a chance to make the most of the ice cream and shorts weather - they no doubt will have made early plans for their two-day break. And bars and restaurants around Newcastle will be gearing up for a busy weekend as the crowds flock to the city to enjoy themselves.
Read more: Kenny Atkinson's new Newcastle restaurant unveils £140 tasting menu
In particular demand will be those with outdoor space and there are plenty around, especially with so many having come up with inventive ways during lockdown of transforming previously-unused exterior areas when indoor hospitality was forced to close. With their attractive seating, florals and greenery, these have helped create a real continental look in the city centre which comes into its own on hot weather days.
Newcastle will be buzzing this Saturday, with families out to the enjoy the last day of The Hoppings and Plate Day making a return to form at Newcastle Racecourse, with revellers set to descend upon the town after their day out. To offer food for thought for this weekend of summer celebrations, here's a pick of bars, pubs and restaurants where diners can have a meal outdoors and make the most of the sunshine.
To spice up the mix here is a round-up too of favourite beer gardens around the North East as recommended by Chroniclelive readers.
15 top spots around Newcastle to eat outdoors this summer
Gino D'Acampo
The celebrity chef's Quayside restaurant at INNSiDE hotel boasts an outdoor terrace, with parasols, right on the riverfront where customers can drink in cocktails - and those views - and make a real meal of it. From June 30, the restaurant will be adding another al fresco option - a 25m island bar. Situated at the side of the building, this will be serving spritz-style cocktails, wines, spirits and beers against a DJ soundtrack of summer beats. From 5pm-7pm - aperitivo time in Italy - there will be complimentary cicchetti (Italian small plates) to accompany drinks. For menu details see here.
Central Park
The summer pop-up will be soaking up sun in Times Square until late August and, alongside the likes of big screen sports and music nights, it includes a street food court showcasing local favourites Brack Burger, Acropolis, and Gingerino’s pizzas to be enjoyed with cocktails and beers - or whatever is your drink of choice - available at its the outdoor bars. See its menu and entertainment programme here.
Gusto Italian
A new Aperol Terrace - as inspired by the terrazza sun spots of Italy’s Amalfi coast - was recently revealed at the Newcastle Quayside restaurant and its orange decor shouts summer. Sourdough pizzas and frozen cocktails are on the menu and guests are advised to pre-book. Check out pictures of the summery makeover here.
Banyan
Bang in the city centre, the plant-decorated tables outside the blue canopyed bar-restaurant tempt customers to take a seat and enjoy the Monument views and do a bit of people-watching. See its menu and bottomless brunch options here.
The Hancock
This traditional Newcastle boozer, which underwent a big revamp in 2018, has a beer garden which, heated in the cooler weather, is attractive in the summer with its green views. Its Hancock Street location is well placed to attract sports fans and university students with its menu including stone-baked pizzas, tapas and classics like fish and chips, sausages and mash and steak and Guinness pie.
Barluga
It may not have a view down the beautiful Grey Street, where it's located (there are also branches in Gosforth and Morpeth), but what the restaurant's outdoor terrace - which is up the stairs and out the back - does have is an environment and atmosphere that conjures up the vibe of being on holiday. See what's on offer here.
Fenwick
The rooftop of the city centre store was transformed last year into a rooftop dining and cocktail venue, now called Alpine Roof Thirty Nine, and in keeping with that name it serves a menu including fondue, tartiflette and Bratwurst sausages. Cocktails and occasional music events are on the menu too. Read more here.
Ouseburn Garden
Formerly known as Under The Bridge - which is where it is, in Stepney Road, Ouseburn Valley - this outdoor pit-stop for food and drinks features a shipping container bar and 'Bowie-inspired' diner. For more about its Brackburger menu see here.
Horticulture
The Market Lane venue - recently named as one of the best in the UK at the National Restaurant Awards, and which is opening a new cocktail bar in the fomer Don Vito's next door - has a tucked-away cool-vibe terrace at the back which many people don't even know exists. See here for menus including brunch which offers the likes of sweet potato hash bowls.
Pitcher & Piano
On a good day crowds tend to gravitate to the quayside which has an unbeatable combination of lively bars and restaurants - including Kenny Atkinson's Michelin star House of Tides and his new Solstice - plus views of the Tyne and its bridges. A prime dining spot is to be had at this bar-restaurant which, besides the main outdoor terrace, had an upper level balcony too: see here.
Uno's
We're still on the quayside and hard-pressed to make a selection from the number of venues now offering lovely outdoor dining spots, including - at the bottom of The Side - Babucho and, across the road, the Red House where city visitors ofen pack out tables in the summer sunshine on a Saturday. But here's a shout-out to this much loved Italian - one of Newcastle's longest-running - whose basement restaurant has now spilled out onto the pavement. See here.
Kafeneon
Time it right and you can enjoy the best of the sunshine in the Bigg Market where al fresco dining is on offer at a number of bar-restaurants and Kafe Neon is often the first to get busy laying out its tables and chairs in the morning to attract passing trade. Expect Greek classics like hummus, moussaka and gryos and a great cocktail list. It rubs shoulders with Simply Greek - which echoes those favourite dishes - and with Hibou Blanc if you're in the mood for the likes of top seafood or an a la carte treat.
Kiln
If you're looking for something more casual, here's a popular cafe with outdoor seating in the Ouseburn - Hume Street to be exact - where you can combine a stop-off with a walk to explore the area's nearby attractions, which include Ouseburn Farm, Cook House restaurant - which also has outdoor seating - and Brinkburn Street Brewery which is right next door. Kiln, which is also a pottery, serves brunch and dinner including mezze and steak. See here.
We've launched our Newcastle Loves awards again - nominate your favourite city venues
The Botanist
Back up to the Monument in the city centre this is another bar-restaurant with an outdoor area you may not know about if you're not a regular. Climb up those stairs beyond the main mingling areas and you'll find a roof-top terrace with views down the city's most famous - and beautiful - street. Besides the attractions of Grey Street, discover more about its menu here.
HWKR Market, By The River Brew
Ok this one may be just over the river but it's worth a mention as if offers a unique vantage point for those who take a bench seat right on the Gateshead bank of the Tyne, with its views under the Tyne Bridge and down the river. The HWKR market is open Friday to Sunday with food available from an array of local street food traders.
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