For a totally tropically experience, look no further than these tiki and exotic-themed bars, serving up a slice of paradise in the heart of Newcastle.
Hula
Hula brings all things aloha to Newcastle, thanks to its stylish Hawaiian vibe. The decor is super chic, with a muted palette of light pinks, beige tones and splashes of green, and cosy booth-style seating.
The cocktail list is extensive, crammed with tropical delights and summery flavours. Plus, they serve 241 cocktails all day, every day. You can also tuck into a selection of small plates, curries, poke bowls, and Hawaiian chicken.
El Guapo
El Guapo is a swanky margarita bar tucked upstairs on Pilgrim Street and it’s the latest venture from the people who brought us brunch hotspot, Horticulture.
It lays claim to having the world’s largest margarita menu, featuring 30 different varieties. From chocolate, bubblegum and coconut to watermelon, apricot and chilli – you’ll be sure to find the marg of your dreams here.
Turtle Bay
You might just think of Turtle Bay as a Caribbean restaurant, but it also has a fabulous bar inside that’s stocked with more than 40 varieties of rum from far-flung destinations such as St Lucia, Cuba, and the West Indies. Fruity, creamy and sour – its cocktail menu hits all the right tropical notes.
The vibe? Think Caribbean beach shack with wooden furnishings, colourful murals and fairy lights set against an uplifting soundtrack of beach pop and reggae.
Friki Tiki
This funky tiki bar is located on the ground floor of No28 on Nelson Street.
Bamboo canes, palm tree murals and Polynesian wall art create a colourful, immersive setting – and the drinks look the part too! On the menu, you’ll find classics and ‘signature serves’ alongside thirst-quenching slushies and real pineapple cocktail sharers.
Revolucion de Cuba
This Cuban rum bar and cantina on the Cloth Market is decked out in a vibrant Art Deco style, featuring clashing prints, mosaic tiles and tiki tables. It’s a cool hang-out spread over several floors and its rooftop terrace is a must-visit in the summer.
As for the drinks menu, this is a sun-kissed variety of Cuban classics, margs, sangria, spritzes, and other mouthwatering concoctions.
Motel Mexicana
Motel Mexicana on Mosley Street is a Latin American-inspired bar, at what used to be Bijoux nightclub.
As you’d expect, there are plenty of Mexican classics on the menu, with nods to Latino culture in the decor. The next phase of the development will see a bedroom open on the third floor (the ‘motel’ part of the venue’s concept) and a roof terrace with a retractable glass roof – so, lots to look forward to!
For more inspiration, check out this blog post on the best cocktail bars in Newcastle and follow me on Instagram at @nclsparkles.
