By Ania Askwith
Christmas In Newcastle, Unit 3&4 International Centre for Life, Times Square, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4EP.
Rusty’s has pulled out all the stops to create a Christmas wonderland that feels straight out of the 80s! Complete with retro decorations, multicolored lights, cozy touches like a festive fireplace, classic festive films playing in the background, and TINSEL EVERYWHERE (now I know who still buys tinsel!!), the pop-up bar is by far the most Christmassy place in town.
Festive cocktails to try.
But the decorations, as amazing and over the top as they are, are not the only highlight of this place. Their festive cocktail menu is so good, it took me ages to decide what to have as everything looked so tempting!
We decided to go with:
- Winter Spiced Pornstar Martini – Delicious and how cute, with the customised edible ‘Christmas in Newcastle’ design on top!
- On Dasher – I didn’t read the full description, and when it arrived, Ryan told me it had a full egg in it! But don’t be put off—this was delicious, and I guess you can never have too much protein, right?
- Spiced Carajillo – I can only describe it as tequila meets Christmas and tastes like a very Christmassy margarita; I feel like this is a drink Pitbull would be having at Christmas 🤣 just delicious, with a Latin touch.
- Gingerbread Martini – Served in a chocolate Santa; this was the most delicious Christmas cocktail I have ever had. EVER! It’s gorgeously festive, I can’t even describe what makes it so good – it is a must try. Most of the themed drinks are priced at £9.95. Mocktails are also available, and for an extra touch, you can buy and take home branded mugs (super cute!).
Festive Nibbles
If you’re feeling a little peckish, they have amazing deals on food—£6 each or 3 plates for £15. The menu is packed with festive classics like sticky maple pigs in blankets, turkey-topped nachos, and sweet mince pies.
We went for:
- Mini Yorkshire Puddings served with slow roasted beef, stuffing, and gravy (I’m obsessed with the gravy pour!).
- Cauliflower Wings with vegan sriracha mayonnaise (I love cauli wings, and these were delicious!).
- Baked Camembert Rounds (super crispy on the outside, but sooooo gooey when you open them. Christmas is here!)
The 3 options we chose were the perfect side for drinks and soooo Christmassy!
Festive Cheer
The decor, the food, and the drinks were all incredible, but I also have to mention the lovely and super helpful staff, who were full of festive cheer. They definitely made the experience even better.
We actually had the loveliest time drinking festive cocktails and eating Christmassy nibbles. I’d normally say mid November is way too early to start festive celebrations, but this changed the second I stepped into this place; it is magical, it is over the top, and it is simply wonderful!
If you’re looking for a place to get into the festive mood, or want a Christmassy activity to enjoy with a partner, friends, or for a Christmas work night out, you have to pop in. We even made another booking straight after our visit—that says it all!
Location:
Rusty’s is located at Unit 3&4 International Centre for Life, Times Square, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4EP. It’s a short walk from Newcastle Central Station, with a multi-storey car park nearby.
Tips for Visiting:
- Try the best seasonal cocktails: The Gingerbread Martini (served in a chocolate Santa) is a must-try— it’s as delicious as it is Instagrammable! We tried 4 different cocktails and they were all delish – the best festive drinks in town – yes I said it!
- Festive atmosphere: If you’re not a fan of Christmas, do not go in. But I guess you wouldn’t be reading an article about a Christmas pop up bar if you weren’t into festive activities – so get ready to fully embrace and soak in the nostalgic 80s-style Christmas vibe.
- Bookings: Reserve in advance to secure your time slot, as this pop-up is only open until 23rd December. They have a few booths so if you’re thinking about booking for a Christmas night out with a larger group – I’d definitely recommend booking. A small deposit is required but it comes off your bill at the end.
Link:
For more details, visit their website here or check out their socials for the latest updates here.
Reviews:
Rusty’s festive pop-up has already captured attention, with visitors talking about the unique drinks and immersive decor.
Best for: Christmas cocktails, nostalgic holiday vibes, festive food, Newcastle nights out, unique seasonal experiences.
Enjoyed this post? If you love discovering things to do, places to go, and the best spots to eat and drink in the North East and beyond, be sure to follow my blog for more reviews, recommendations, travel tips, and hidden gems. And for a closer look at my day-to-day experiences, follow me on Instagram@ania.askwith for behind-the-scenes content and even more discoveries! Let’s explore together!
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