Step inside Newcastle’s newest and most stylish coffee and wine bar, situated next door to the historic Theatre Royal.
True to its name, new coffee and wine bar 100 Grey Street is located at this very address, on this architecturally-renowned street in the heart of Newcastle – once voted the finest in Britain.
It’s a mere few feet away from the grand entrance to the Grade I listed Theatre Royal, which originally opened on Drury Lane in 1788 and relocated to Grey Street in 1837. (You can spot the bar’s cream doorway in the picture below.)
The venue was Nitehawks cocktail bar once upon a time, but now the space is back under the theatre’s ownership and they’ve turned it into the most chic destination for some quality downtime.
Timeless elegance
In keeping with the historic backdrop, 100 Grey Street exudes an air of understated elegance from the moment you step through the door.
The decor is minimal, featuring ambient lighting peeping from under the bar area, complemented by warm honey hues and accents of sage green.
The theatre describes the bar as ‘laidback luxury’ and I think this description is spot on.
The result? An inviting space where you can bury your head into a good book while you sip on your coffee.
You can also perch yourself on a window stool to watch passers-by meander up and down Grey Street. I found myself staring outside and letting my mind wander. A mini digital detox if you will.
Come dusk, it feels more like a snug neighbourhood hideaway that you’ve accidentally stumbled upon, and it makes the perfect spot for a pre-theatre tipple or post-show natter.
The drinks menu
The venue itself might be petite in size, but the bar is well stocked!
You’ll find a good selection of hot drinks, including coffee from Baristocracy.
I thought the cocktail list looked sublime, featuring luscious concoctions such as the Geordie G&T, Spring Blossom Martini and Blue Coconut.
White, rose, red and sparkling wines are also available by the glass or the bottle (with currently 15% off the latter), alongside spirits, whiskies and beers.
Despite all this choice, I settled on my go-to drink: a frothy hot chocolate, which was just the right amount of chocolatey-ness!
Snacks and treats
If you fancy a bite to eat, you’ll find pastries and scrumptious cakes from local favourites, Pink Lane Bakery. You can also indulge in a sweet treat and a hot drink for just £5.
Savoury more your thing? Pair your drink with a tasty bar snack, reasonably priced around the £3 mark – think pretzels, olives, chilli crackers and gourmet popcorn.
Meet you there?
This classy coffee and wine bar is full of character and such a lovely addition to the city centre.
It’s open Wednesdays and Thursdays 11am – 8pm, Fridays and Saturdays 11am – 11pm, and Sundays 11am – 5pm.
For more information about 100 Grey Street, visit: www.theatreroyal.co.uk/100greystreet. And for more inspiration on stylish spots to visit across Newcastle, sign up to my free monthly newsletter.
