Bar Review: Rusty’s Newcastle (Newcastle Upon Tyne)

Featured image courtesy of NENightlife.co.uk

Rating: ****

If you go down to the Scene today, you’re in for a big surprise. We’re not talking about a group of picnicking bears – don’t be absurd – we’re talking about Pure Leisure’s latest venture on the Newcastle scene; Rusty’s Newcastle. With a bright pink neon exterior, this isn’t the most subtle of venues: standing out against the inky walls of Digital and the contemporary fittings of Twist, it’s nearly impossible to walk past Rusty’s and not gaze in at the revelling crowds.

Having commandeered the dark, disused and ageing Baron and Baroness, Pure Leisure has ripped out the mezzanine level of seating, replacing it with a sizeable stage, adorned with gorgeous red curtains and laced with gold. They’ve also refurbished the bar and polished up the gothic interior.

The shows are intermittent – one every 15 minutes or so – and have the usual immature appeal. When not being entertained by Rusty herself, you’re almost certainly guaranteed to be distracted by her bar staff, the ‘Rustettes’. Sporting little more than a bow-tie each, and serving up surprisingly cheap drinks all night long, they add tremendously to the experience.

The music is an eclectic mixture of cheese, club, classics and of course, cabaret, which ensures an excellent atmosphere. There’s a range of ages in attendance, so from Cher to Wicked, there’s something for everyone. What we loved best about the bar was the relationship that Rusty has with her audience. We asked for some Cher; she played three tracks for us, while dancing alongside us on the stage.

With fantastic company, chatty clientele, awesome music, and great cabaret, we loved our visit to Rusty’s so much that we decided to return later on, instead of going to our usual choice of club, Powerhouse.

Perhaps the only downside of the bar is that the majority of patrons were to be found standing down by the stage, seemingly unaware of the large amount of seating available both to the rear and on the first floor of the venue. The upstairs bar also appeared to be deserted.

That aside, Rusty’s is a must-visit venue on the Newcastle scene. If you previously frequented Eazy Street or Bank Bar, then why not drop in? You never know: you might just see us there!

Rusty’s Newcastle can be found in Times Square, NE1 4EP. For more information see their Facebook page.