Theatre Royal Grainger Town, Newcastle from Newcastle: Discover Sophisticated Grainger Town on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Discover Sophisticated Grainger Town on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Discover Sophisticated Grainger Town on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Discover Sophisticated Grainger Town on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Discover Sophisticated Grainger Town on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Discover Sophisticated Grainger Town on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Discover Sophisticated Grainger Town on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Discover Sophisticated Grainger Town on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Discover Sophisticated Grainger Town on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Discover Sophisticated Grainger Town on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Discover Sophisticated Grainger Town on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Discover Sophisticated Grainger Town on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Discover Sophisticated Grainger Town on Slow Down, See More from Newcastle: Discover Sophisticated Grainger Town on Slow Down, See More
Photo by Paul Shawcross
  • By Paul Shawcross

The old centre of Newcastle in England was torn down during the 1830s and replaced with a new development in the Neoclassical style designed by local architects Richard Grainger and John Dobson who did for Newcastle what Baron Haussmann was later to do for Paris, albeit on a much smaller scale.

Known as Grainger Town it radiates out from Grey’s Monument (yes, he of the Earl Grey Tea – enjoy some in a nearby café) at the top of magnificent Grey Street next to Monument Mall containing plenty of flagship stores to hit.

Stroll through Grainger Market featuring shopping as it used to be and imagine the excited theatregoers passing through the magnificent Palladian portico of the Theatre Royal, which regularly features great musicals and artists.

Before Breakfast in Newcastle-upon-Tyne

The Views

Check out the stunning view down Grey Street from below the junction with Market Street as it curves gently away down towards the River. The earlier in the day the better!

Best Places for Breakfast in Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Super Natural Café

A cafe, bar, restaurant in Grainger Street dating back to 1978 specialising in vegan food and drink and serving a super all-day breakfast including sausage, braised oven roasted potato, beans, tomato, scrambled tofu and toast.

Oliver’s Bistro Café

Located in the Grainger Market in the centre of Grainger Town this café is ideally located to begin your exploration of the Market itself and the wider area. Set yourself up for the day with the Northumberland Breakfast.

Best Things To Do in the Morning in Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Marks & Spaencers Original Penny Bazaar, Newcastle
Photo by Paul Shawcross

Markets

Explore Newcastle’s extraordinary covered Grainger Market with its Traditional Stalls which includes Marks and Spencer Original Penny Bazaar, the world’s smallest Marks and Spencer store, and Nan Bei, one of the best Chinese dumpling stalls in the area!

Retro clothing more your thing? Then find the Yesterday Society Vintage Boutique and check out their vintage dresses, high-quality denim jackets, an amazing selection of accessories, and much more.

Best Places for Lunch in Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Pani's Cafe, Newcastle
Photo by Paul Shawcross

Pani’s Cafe

Amazing Italian food with a Sardinian twist located in the heart of Grainger Town. Established in 1995  and family-run. They correctly claim to be ‘as authentically Italian as you can get without going to Italy.’

Côte Brasserie

Modern, all-day French brasserie chain in the Central Arcade, serving regional specialties and traditional classics. Everything you would expect from a French eatery. It even has its own butchery on the premises.

Best Things To Do in the Afternoon in Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Lantern Spire of St Nicholas Cathedral, Newcastle
Photo by Paul Shawcross

Newcastle Cathedral

A cathedral since 1882, this beautiful Medieval Gothic structure has a Lantern Spire to allow natural light to fall into the crossing below. Climb the tower for a wonderful view but beware, there are 162 steps.

West Walls, Newcastle
Photo by Paul Shawcross

The West Walls

Mr. Grainger did not tear down the medieval walls when he rebuilt Newcastle so they stand proudly in parts today at the western edge of Grainger Town, a reminder of the times they deterred marauding Scotsmen.

Best Places for Dinner in Newcastle-upon-Tyne

The French Quarter

Just a short stroll from Grainger Town and neatly located in an old railway arch, this smart  and unusual restaurant offers a superb balance between quality and value. Excellent choice of French wines and great service.

The Botanist Bar & Restaurant

Located in Monument Mall in Grainger Town, this friendly cocktail bar and restaurant serves food including brunch, dinner, hearty roasts, live music, and late-night drinks in great surroundings.

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Best Places to Stay in Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Hampton by Hilton

In the center of Newcastle adjacent to Grainger Town. An easy walk to restaurants, the train station, and the iconic Quayside. Have a drink in the lounge and enjoy free hot breakfast and WiFi.

easyHotel

Located on The Side which leads down the Quayside and a few minutes from the Central Station, convenient for all shops and Grainger town, this functional hotel in a red-brick Victorian building is adequate for a short stay.

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