The Railway Quarter – which you can find nestled among the iconic railways and bridges on the Gateshead side of the Tyne – is one of THE most up and coming places in the north-east. Home to a plethora of independent businesses, and some of the best pubs you’ll find anywhere in the region, in 2025 it’s full steam ahead for this local success story.

Is the Railway Quarter hot right now? Or is it cool? For me, this part of the north-east – centered around Wellington Street and surrounding areas, just up from the Gateshead side of the High Level Bridge – has the kind of vibe that Ouseburn did in the years before it started to attract the attention of the national press (“Ouseburn! It’s Newcastle’s answer to Shoreditch!” – The Sunday Times, the Guardian, Lonely Planet, etc).

There’s a buzz about the Railway Quarter and that’s reflected in the superb bars that are now established there. While the self-styled ‘Diamond Strip’ on the Newcastle side of the river continues to attract the fake tan and Geordie Shore crowd, the bars huddled around the Railway Quarter attract a more – discerning, is it? – bunch: i.e. those of us who are keen on a decent pint but are rather less interested in swapping hair extension tips. And you’ll always find a decent pint at The Central Bar – which has long been one of the real jewels of this part of town. An historic and old school pub, this place is renowned for its distinctive look (think a miniature version of New York City’s flatiron building) and it keeps one of the best cellars you’ll find anywhere in the north-east with up to 13 handpulls and two kegged ales on offer, along with bottled beers from around the world. They also have an incredible whisky selection and, when the sun has got its hat on, one of the best roof terraces around. They’re no slouches on the entertainment front either and stage everything from music gigs to comedy. Another place known for its lively music nights, and quirky charm, is Station East. Brought to us by the redoubtable Hadrian Border Brewery, this looker incorporates beautiful natural stonework that had been previously hidden for many years. (And keep an eye out for those railway arches at the back of the pub.) Open and spacious, Station East also has a lovely mezzanine floor above the main room, and a back room that is available for functions. Another “must visit” on the pub front is Microbus (pictured). This glorious micropub – in the spot that was once the “sleazy snack bar” mentioned in Lindisfarne’s ‘Fog on the Tyne’ – is now anything but sleazy. Indeed, it was CAMRA Gateshead pub of the year in 2023, 2024 and 2025. Needless to say, the beer served here is real top of the hops stuff and they have six handpulls and 14 taps. They also stage gigs – usually of acoustic solo artists or duos – but sometimes they squeeze the odd band in, too. Bar and bottleshop Axis is another place that has won themselves a loyal following. Founded by Alice and Alex – who originally met behind the bar of a Sydney brewery – the pair used their extensive knowledge of the hospitality sector down under to open their own interpretation of the bars and pubs they were lucky to call their locals in the Southern Hemisphere. To that end Axis is easy-going with a focus on fantastic drinks. These include nine taps, which carry a constantly rotating range of different styles, along with an ever-changing list of wines from small winemakers all over the world. And speaking of wine, you simply must give Victor Indigo November a whirl. Opened in 2023, this wine shop and tasting room stocks a carousel of quality tipples – stuff from around the world but specialising in French wines. They offer around 20 wines by the glass, as well as wine flights. They also have cheese and charcuterie boards – from a well-stocked deli counter – and host regular wine tasting events. But when I hit the Railway Quarter, it’s not just booze and good cheer I’m in the market for. It’s donuts! The Big Fat Donut Co. is an independent bakery that has been serving up fresh, handmade and deliciously oversized donuts since 2020. Lovingly crafted to a vegan-friendly recipe they serve everything from 10” show-stoppers to custom message boxes. If you prefer your well-being to be less sugar-coated then make a bee-line for hotpod yoga. This urban oasis offers classes for all levels, whether you’re a downward dog veteran, or you’ve not yet ventured into the wonderful world of lycra. And then there is Sereniti Salt Retreat, a place which contains the north-east’s first Halotherapy treatment room. Also known as “salt therapy”, this treatment can aid with respiratory problems, skin ailments and give you a general feel-good factor. More strenuous work-outs come courtesy of the JG Fitness Academy. Led by James Garrity, this place offers people of all abilities the chance to lead happier and healthier lives. And, more on the beauty side of things, it would be remiss of me not to mention the Hidden Heights Studio – a space that offers a commercial hair studio for all, as well as a creative workspace that allows brands to create, connect and grow.

The Railway Quarter is also a hub for seasonal and special events, which range from pop-up markets, featuring local makers and food vendors, to gigs and cultural celebrations. And close by it should also be noted that you’ve got venues such as The Glasshouse International Centre for Music on hand (making the quarter ideal for post or pre show drinks) as well as art galleries such as Vane, which is based within the Orbis Community of creatives in Gateshead town centre. The Quarter is also handily situated for Gateshead’s “green getaway” otherwise known as Tyne Derwent Way, a nine-mile route that links many attractions along the rivers Tyne and Derwent.

So then, I’m slapping the Railway Quarter with a “Hot” and “Cool” rosette. It’s both. Just don’t say it’s Gateshead’s answer to anything.

Seek: newcastlegateshead.com/business-directory/food-and-drink/railway-quarter; facebook.com/Railwayquartergateshead; instagram.com/railwayquarter; tynederwentway.co.uk/