FRATE Newcastle: A festive wonderland in the heart of the city

By Ania Askwith

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Frate, Highbridge Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1EN

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FRATE, just off High Bridge in Newcastle, has done it again this festive season, bringing us Alpine village vibes complete with twinkling lights, Christmas trees and decor dotted around, as well as festive food and drinks.

Festive Cocktails to Try

FRATE’s festive cocktail menu is a hit. It is simple, but every item is delicious (yes, we have tried all of their festive cocktails – all in the name of research, of course!)
We had some last year and I still remember how delicious they were (and also how sticky they made my hands, but this didn’t put me off from getting more of the same this year! It’s all part of the experience, right?)

This time, we tried four of their creations.

• S’more Martini – Creamy, rich, and topped with gooey toasted marshmallows, it screams Winter Wonderland in my opinion.
• Mistletoe Mule – It was super refreshing; festive, but had a summery vibe to it too – gorgeous!
• Pumpkin Spice Martini – Like an espresso martini but with a festive vibe; super rich but in the nicest way.
• Candy Cane Martini – My absolute favourite! It just doesn’t get any more festive (your hands will get sticky but it’s 100% worth it!!)

Festive food to go with your drinks

The festive food menu at FRATE is as tempting as the drinks, offering hearty Christmas classics in a street food style. I think their setup is brilliant; you get the Christmas market vibe without being squashed amongst the crowds, and there is actually somewhere to sit to eat your food – I think they got the memo that most of us are getting a little over the super crowded festive markets and need something that delivers on the festive vibe, while being a little more chilled.

My highlights include:

• Yorkshire Pudding Wraps – stuffed with all the festive staples – an absolute must-try.
• Pigs in Blankets – served sticky and sweet. I never knew this would be such a good street food option!
• Festive Pizzas – because we need a pizza for every occasion!

Winter Wonderland atmosphere

But the festive drinks and food aren’t the only things we love about this place. The atmosphere is great—cozy, lively, and filled with Christmassy vibes. It’s the perfect place to sip on festive cocktails, watch sports, or just chill with friends. We love to pop in after Christmas shopping in town.

Location

You’ll find FRATE tucked away just off Highbridge Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1EN.

Tips for Visiting

• Try the Candy Cane Martini – If you only have one drink, make it this one. It’s soooo festive!
• Dress warm – While the heaters do a great job, a few extra layers will keep you cozy during your visit.
• Their opening hours are:
  • Wednesday–Thursday: 5 PM–12 AM
  • Friday: 5 PM–2 AM
  • Saturday–Sunday: 12 PM–2 AM
• Don’t give up if you can’t find it at first; it is well hidden, so you won’t just stumble upon it.

Link

Check out their socials here for updates and events. There is always something going on here, from live sports to live DJs.

Reviews

FRATE has a 4.4/5 rating on both Google and TripAdvisor reviews, with visitors commenting on its lively ambiance and events, though some note crowding at peak times. We visited on a weekend, and it was fine, but if you’re going to watch football, it’s good to arrive a bit earlier and get a seat.

Best for: après ski vibe, festive cocktails, night out, Newcastle bars, festive night out, cocktails, date nights, catch-ups with friends, night out in town, Newcastle cocktails

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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A post shared by Ania | NEWCASTLE blogger and content creator (@ania.askwith)