Another month, another stag do completed - although I've had an incredible time on all of the stag do's I've been on this year, this was perhaps the most challenging as I was best man and so had to organise everything. Initially I attempted to do it all myself but attempting to arrange everything with several different venues so that it slotted together perfectly proved pretty challenging (and time consuming!) so I looked online for a specialist stag do company. As the groom and most of his mates live up north I plumped for Newcastle and spoke to Eclipse Leisure who gave me some great ideas for the weekend which I thought were worth sharing. So here're some top recommendations in case you find yourself in the same predicament as me:
If you're a mixed bunch
The Gate entertainment complex is an ideal spot for anything from afternoon drinks to late night parties. It's filled with a range of bars, such as Bannatyne and Opera and nightclubs such as Tiger Tiger, with seven individually designed rooms. With so many night-time spots in one area, there's plenty to keep your whole group entertained all night without having to wander too far. There's even a casino for those who like to release their inner Bond and try their luck with roulette, poker or blackjack.
The Bigg Market is one of Newcastle's most famous party hubs and hugely popular with stag and hen parties visiting the city. With clubs like Bambu and City Vaults offering dance anthems and drinks offers every weekend and bars like Bar24 and great pubs like Balmbra's all spaced closely together, this is a great starting spot to give your stag group a full taste of what Newcastle has to offer.
If you just love to dance
For a Saturday night in Newcastle, Cosmic Ballroom on Stowell Street has to be one of the best spots to head. The music downstairs caters for techno and dance music fans while upstairs there is more of a party feel, with a mix of funk and great party tunes. Coupled with a friendly atmosphere, there's sure to be a good crowd here all weekend.
Another great option for a night on the dance floor, super club Digital on Times Square regularly features top named DJs and acts. Saturday night's play host to the club's 'Love Saturdays' night, with three rooms offering dance, R&B and disco - perfect for all music tastes and sure to keep even the most uncoordinated member of your group throwing shapes all night.
If you fancy a few laughs
If your stag group prefers laughs to dance moves, then Newcastle has some great comedy clubs on offer. The Stand on High Bridge Street has a bistro restaurant, nice bar upstairs (where you'll sometimes spot the comedians mingling before or after their act) and a relaxed atmosphere, making this a good spot to spend a relaxed, laugh-filled evening together. Weekends usually see prime stand up with five acts on in two hour shows.
Or you can combine a night on the town with a night of comedy at Jongleurs Comedy Club on New Bridge Street, located in Newcastle's biggest club, Liquid. Here you can eat, drink, laugh and dance all under one roof, as your ticket allows you to carry on partying at the nightclub after the acts have finished.
If you love your music live
Newcastle also boasts an energetic live music scene, so consider pre-booking some tickets to see a top musical act, or head to some of the smaller venues for some great local performers. The O2 Academy Newcastle is situated in the historic former City Centre bingo hall on Westgate Road and boasts both well-known and newer acts. The atmospheric main auditorium hosts well-known touring acts, whilst the smaller venue onsite showcases new talent and breaking acts.
For a touch of class, Hoochie Coochie is a luxury bar featuring phenomenal live acts playing funk, soul, rare grooves, jazz, disco and more. With a cool, relaxed vibe, this elegant bar is a great spot for dancing and enjoying a different side to Newcastle's live music scene. You can also pre-book a private booth with table service for a special treat for the whole group.