Tickets: Newcastle’s must-visit cocktail bar

By Ania Askwith

Tickets, 4 Neville Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5DB

Since opening in Newcastle last summer, Tickets has quickly become one of our favourite spots. I really think it is a great addition to Newcastle’s grown-up cocktail scene; the decor, the atmosphere, and of course the main thing we come for – the cocktails – are always amazing!

Stylish interior of Tickets bar in Newcastle with Victorian-inspired decor and cozy lighting — Tickets, Newcastle

Advertisements

We have tried MANY of their creations, and some deserve a little highlight. My favourites so far are:

Toon ice tea. Long Island ice tea is a firm top 3 favourite cocktail for me, and if you think the original Long Island can’t be any better – you should try this take on the classic. I don’t like beer, but the addition of brown ale in this cocktail just blew my mind! It was actually amazing!!
Fruity cocktails are another personal favourite, and there are a few on the menu which I really like: watermelon mojito, rhubarb and rose, raspberry martini, and a cherry mai tai from their summer menu. Fruity cocktails can sometimes be too sweet, but Tickets managed to create something that’s very clearly fruity in flavour without it being too overpowering; I found their fruity cocktails to be subtle but really delicious.
If you are an espresso martini fan, they do them really well here.
But you can’t go to Tickets and not get their spiced margaritas. I’ve been telling anyone who will listen that they are THE place in town to go for spiced margs! The spicy smokiness is what elevates the traditional margarita to another level. We have had it so many times and we always get one whenever we pop in!

Close-up of Tickets' signature spiced margarita with a smoky, spicy rim served in a salt-rimmed glass, Refreshing watermelon mojito at Tickets bar, garnished with mint and lime for a fruity twist — Spicy Margarita and Mojito at Tickets, Nwecastle

A selection of cocktails from Tickets bar, including a watermelon mojito, spicy margarita, Festive Royale, and raspberry martini, displayed on a wooden table — Tickets, Newcastle

Most recently, we also tried their festive creations, which I think are some of the nicest Christmassy cocktails there are.

Festive royale – the most festive of them all in my opinion. Fruity, topped with Moët and served with edible glitter around the rim. It tasted amazing, and I loved the theatre of watching the glitter sprinkle inside the glass. Even though champagne gives me a headache, I had to try this cocktail, and it was worth it. I will definitely be going back for it on our next festive night out!
Tinseltini – it sounds festive and tasted that way too. Christmassy, fruity flavour with sherbet around the glass; it was a little nostalgic and really tasty.

Festive Christmas cocktails at Tickets bar in Newcastle, featuring a glittering Festive Royale and sherbet-rimmed Tinseltini. In the background is a giant nutcracker and 2 sweet mince pies on the table. — The Festive Royale and Tinseltini at Tickets, Newcastle

Butter beer – I did not expect it to be nice and ordered it out of curiosity (all in the name of research, ha!), but it was actually the nicest surprise of the night. A taste I can’t even describe; a little sweet but not overpoweringly so, and doesn’t at all taste like beer! A must-try whether you are a beer drinker or not. Weird in the nicest way!

Butter Beer cocktail at Tickets bar, served in a glass mug with a frothy top. Sat on a table with christmas candy and Christmas menu — Tinseltini and the Butter Beer at Tickets, Newcastle

I love a good festive cocktail, and I think Tickets’ festive creations are really up there. If you’re looking for a chilled venue with a lovely atmosphere and even nicer cocktails, you’ve got to give it a go this festive season!

Location:
Tickets bar is located at 4 Neville Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5DB, inside the historic Old Ticket Office next to Newcastle Central Station. Perfect for a metro ride home, as you really want to leave your car at home and try their cocktails!

Tips for visiting:

Ask for recommendations: The menu is full of creative and unique options, so don’t hesitate to ask the staff for their top picks, as we found them to be really useful. They always change up and refresh their menu for spring/summer and festive periods, so there is always something new to try.
Try the spiced margarita: This drink is a must-try. Simply one of the best margs in town!
Walk-ins only: No booking needed; this place is open daily for walk-ins only.
If you don’t fancy a cocktail, they do a range of wines and also hot drinks if you’d prefer a coffee instead.

Website:
Check out their website HERE and socials HERE for updates and some absolutely unreal cocktail photos.

Reviews:
Tickets is well-loved in town, with an average Google rating of 4.6/5 and an average Tripadvisor rating of 4.5/5. Visitors praise the stylish refurbishment of the venue, which retains its Victorian charm, including railway-inspired decor. The cocktail menu is also praised for creativity and regionally inspired options.

Best for:
Cocktails, date nights, catch-ups with friends, night out in town, Newcastle cocktail bar.

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!