Newcastle gay scene guide

Unless you’ve been completely unplugged from society recently, you’ll have heard, talked about, or possibly watched the notorious programme, Geordie Shore (insert cry of ‘why aye’ here). Attempting to portray the Great British Night Out (with boozing, pulling, fighting and sex) in under 60 minutes, the show gives viewers a whistle-stop tour through the locally renowned club scenes of the Bigg Market, Times Square, Quayside and the Gallowgate. However, as much as the programme may show Newcastle to be a beer-swilling, kebab-eating, punch-throwing, straight-acting club city, it does have a little secret tucked away in the form of the ‘Pink Triangle’.

If you take a little wander down to the Centre for Life and surrounding area during the day, you might see a few people scurrying about their daily business, perhaps visiting the nearby NHS walk-in centre, or maybe making their way home from the nearby train station. Come back a few hours later when darkness has fallen, and the area is transformed into a vibrant, diverse gay scene with plenty to offer for all.

The Eagle

The Eagle is adjacent to the NHS centre and something of a first in the North-east area: catering for those with a liking for leather, bears, and a little bit of a cruise. The drink prices are reasonable, with various genres of music playing throughout the bar. It’s not somewhere you’d arrange a date with someone, although if you want to meet a guy with similar interests, then you’re looking in the right place.

Bank Bar

Walking further along the street, you come across the gem that is the Bank Bar. Featuring a number of cabaret acts, fantastic drinks deals and awesome music, this is one of the better places to start your gay night out. Popular with locals, students and professionals, the Bank is definitely a melting pot of character, always promising an interesting experience. Scattered with tables, chairs and bar stools, it’s a comfortable bar to sit down, have a chat with your friends, and people-watch. Upstairs is a seated smoking terrace, with a pergola and a back entrance to Loft.

Switch

Situated underneath Loft, Switch is a firm favourite among students, hens, and stags. The bar’s raised dancefloor, curvaceous bar and lounge furniture create a mixed atmosphere, with some areas of the bar providing room to sit down and savour your alcopop, while others give you a chance to show off your moves (although most of the time, it’s rather tightly packed due to the popularity of the establishment). At weekends, Switch becomes a grill bar; food is reasonably priced, and is of a good quality. Drinks can be quite pricey during peak hours but it’s usually worth it, as there’s plenty here for all.

The Yard

Next up on the scene is the Yard; it’s on the corner, and has a rainbow flag dangling from the roof. Renowned for the regular karaoke sessions it puts on for customers and its bright, airy feel, the Yard is a favourite for local scene-goers during the week, with a mixed bag of clients at the weekends. Music, when available, is bright and chirpy, but with karaoke on most of the time, a soft Geordie warbling can usually be heard drifting through the speakers. Making your way to the back of the pub, you’ll find a staircase that leads to a small nightclub called Heavens Above. With a small capacity and stereotypical club music, it’s sometimes not as busy as the rest of the clubs. However, with dance poles and a fair few tables, it can be worth visiting if you’re with a large group of people on a bar crawl.

Boulevard

Behind the Yard is an enigmatic venue called Boulevard; not your usual bar or club, but a cabaret show bar with a variety of different acts performed by Betty ‘Legs’ Diamond and her dancing troupe. Inside, Boulevard is decorated in a rich purple and gold, with large mirrors and portraits throughout. It’s a classy night out, with VIP seating available and reasonable drinks prices, with food available either at seat or in the standing area. Boulevard brings the panache and glamour of Soho’s showgirls right to your doorstep at amazing prices and delivers a night you won’t forget!

@NE (at one)

If you’re looking for somewhere quiet to relax, enjoy a cocktail, or savour a somewhat classier atmosphere, then head over to @NE bar. Awaiting you is a warm, chic, stylish interior, with comfy sofas, a modern bar, and neon fittings. It’s perfect for taking someone on a date, as the music is at a manageable volume, and the lighting provides a comfortable, slightly romantic atmosphere. Drink pricing is fantastic all week round, and the bar also has free internet upstairs, allowing you to check your Facebook, Twitter, or perhaps even the odd gay dating account.

Rusty’s

Heading on up the road, there are three main bars in the quadrangle of the Centre for Life; Twist, Baron and Baroness, and Rusty’s Newcastle (a newbie to the scene, having opened literally yesterday). The first two have always been overpriced and under-attended. However, with topless waiters, classic cabaret and daring drag, Rusty’s should soon become a firm favourite of scene-goers.

Powerhouse

Truly the gem in the Pink Triangle, Powerhouse is where you’re most likely to wind up at the end of most nights out on the scene. Featuring three floors of music, a variety of club nights, and the most amazing dancefloor you’re likely to see in your life, it’s well worth popping in for a look. Entry prices are reasonable, the music is great, and the shot boys are rather dashing. On certain nights, there are celebrity hosts, and competitions for free drinks on others. The Powerhouse experience is not to be missed.

For some people in Newcastle, the gay scene doesn’t appeal. For others, it’s all they know. If you’ve never been to the Pink Triangle, why not head down and give it a try? Whether you’re a student, a local, or a professional, you’ll find yourself in a comfortable atmosphere, with a wide range of men to socialise with, and almost certainly a rather severe hangover in the morning.

You can also check out So So Gay‘s guide to the wider North East gay scene here.