Newcastle after midnight

[Merseysider]

Monday 19th Jan, I've got a 4 hour wait in Newcastle between the Slipknot show finishing at 11-12pm and my 0445 TPE to York (in the morning of Tuesday 20th Jan).

Now I've asked East Coast and they've said the station will be closed for a couple of hours in the early morning, hence my 'sleep in the station' plan being scuppered.

Any suggestions for things to do between 12-4am? Pubs/night venues would be great, alternatively if there's a library open through the night I could get some uni work done, or if there are any early services from Newcastle and back I'd be happy to sit on some local trains to pass the time and see a bit more of the North East.

All ideas greatly appreciated

 

[cuccir]

There will be pubs and bars open till at least 3 - Digital, and several of the bars in the Gate. This might all be a bit dancey/clubby might be your only bet. Digital is 80p in on a Monday. Some takeaways are open beyond that I think - so you can probably stay in places until at least half 3. McDonald's on Grainger Street is 24hour but not sure if you can sit in late.

The Casino is open until 6am if you have money to burn.

Northumbria Uni library is open 24 hours I think - if you have a SCONUL card from your uni you should be able to get in to there. Its near the Civic Center and Haymarket.

No public transport in this area at that time!

Note - it WILL be cold, below freezing tomorrow, so if you expect to be hanging around outside then be prepared

 

[fowler9]

Monday 19th Jan, I've got a 4 hour wait in Newcastle between the Slipknot show finishing at 11-12pm and my 0445 TPE to York (in the morning of Tuesday 20th Jan).

Now I've asked East Coast and they've said the station will be closed for a couple of hours in the early morning, hence my 'sleep in the station' plan being scuppered.

Any suggestions for things to do between 12-4am? Pubs/night venues would be great, alternatively if there's a library open through the night I could get some uni work done, or if there are any early services from Newcastle and back I'd be happy to sit on some local trains to pass the time and see a bit more of the North East.

All ideas greatly appreciated

Mate I am not from there but from various visits I can't think of anywhere on a Monday night at this time of year. We stayed in Albatross Backpackers dead close to the station last time I was there in November for the footy. Perhaps get yourself a cheap bed in a dorm there and set your alarm. Don't be wandering the streets in damp clothes from a gig like that at this time of year.

 

[tony_mac]

You may be able to use one of the University Libraries.

You would need to sign up to the Sconul access scheme - (http://www.sconul.ac.uk/sconul-access) and then get a Library card from the university you wish to visit. This will be during staffed hours only, but may also require some advance notice.
I have no idea if they will give you a card that allows 24 hour access, I think you would have to ask them.
(This may well be more trouble than it's worth!)

For other suggestions - how about a casino? The bars/lounges are usually comfortable and open all night even on a Monday (I guess that if you are going to a Slipknot concert, you may stand from their usual customers).

 

[fowler9]

Just a further thought regarding the 24 hour McDonalds. I spent from 3 am till 6 am in one in Canberra and there were a number of backpackers doing the same. The staff weren't bothered as long as you spent something. That was Australia though, not sure if the attitude is the same here. Just take care mate, if you plan on going down the front of the gig your clothes will be soaking wet. I'd suggest staying at the back and wrapping up warm if you have no where to go afterwards.

 

[D841 Roebuck]

I spent 01:45 to 04:45 in Newcastle a couple of weeks ago (small hours of Saturday 3/1/15 to be exact).

Greggs ( opposite the station to the left) was open until 4am; to the right from the station various bars were open - spent an hour in one called Perdu or something similar, which was decent enough.

The station re-opened at 04:00, and there was an all night loo open onthe first island platform over the bridge.

However, that was Saturday, not Monday...

 

[DarloRich]

Why is the Northumbria Uni library open all night? Is there a demand?

I know the last thing I wanted to do when a student there was go to the library during normal hours let alone after hours! All that beer to be drunk and all those woman to fail to sleep with!

 

[Searle]

Why is the Northumbria Uni library open all night? Is there a demand?

I know the last thing I wanted to do when a student there was go to the library during normal hours let alone after hours! All that beer to be drunk and all those woman to fail to sleep with!

Students work at weird hours; our university Library (York) is open 24 hours every single day apart from Christmas day and New Years Day; in term time there are always people staying in overnight. Whenever I have a large assignment in, I'll plan to start at about 10-11pm and usually finish at about 6am!

I've never ever been in a McDonald's where they haven't minded if I've been in there for hours, as long as you buy something then they're always understanding and welcoming.

 

[cuccir]

I spent 01:45 to 04:45 in Newcastle a couple of weeks ago (small hours of Saturday 3/1/15 to be exact).

Greggs ( opposite the station to the left) was open until 4am; to the right from the station various bars were open - spent an hour in one called Perdu or something similar, which was decent enough.

The station re-opened at 04:00, and there was an all night loo open onthe first island platform over the bridge.

However, that was Saturday, not Monday...

These close earlier during the week unfortunately.

If the station does reopen at 4, then you'd be OK in Digital till 3 and a takeaway can fill an hour.

Other thought - the Tesco at Trinity Square in Gateshead is 24 hour, and about a 20 minute walk from Central Station (use the High Level Bridge). If you were in a club until 3 then a walk there, 30 minutes wandering around it to warm up and buy a snack, and a walk back would see you until station reopening I reckon.

Alternatively, join the night-owls at the library!

Edit - or, the suggestion of the Albatross backpackers is a good one. Booking.com is offering a bed at £19 for the night at the moment.

 

[DarloRich]

Students work at weird hours; our university Library (York) is open 24 hours every single day apart from Christmas day and New Years Day; in term time there are always people staying in overnight. Whenever I have a large assignment in, I'll plan to start at about 10-11pm and usually finish at about 6am!

No wonder the country is on its knees - bloody studes working hard! madness! get down the pub

I planned my assignments/dissertation properly so didn’t have to work stupid hours . Insert smug face here!

 

[Greenback]

I don't know what it's like on a Monday night in Newcastle, but in other cities it tends to be quite a quiet night with places either closed completely or closing at a much earlier hour than on the weekend due to lack of demand.

I'd be looking at the casino myself, I doubt the McDonalds will have facilities for you to sit down that late, they don't around here.

 

[DarloRich]

I don't know what it's like on a Monday night in Newcastle, but in other cities it tends to be quite a quiet night with places either closed completely or closing at a much earlier hour than on the weekend due to lack of demand.

I'd be looking at the casino myself, I doubt the McDonalds will have facilities for you to sit down that late, they don't around here.

Without wishing to sound rude the dress code may be an issue. Slipknot types aren’t noted for their formal sartorial elegance I would check before you get there, and try to stay of the roulette wheels!

 

[DaveNewcastle]

I occasionally catch the 4:45 EC (not TPE) and pass the University of Newcastle library on the way. The lights are always on and I am surprised to see students in there sometimes.

There used to be a cafe in the waiting area of the bus station (not far from Central Station) which was open through the night, but I suspect that it's no longer there.

While the station is technically closed, it is staffed, and the same shift that work the platforms late at night also cover the early departures. They're a cheerful bunch and worth speaking to if you are genuinely stuck having exhausted other options.

 

[Greenback]

Without wishing to sound rude the dress code may be an issue. Slipknot types aren’t noted for their formal sartorial elegance I would check before you get there, and try to stay of the roulette wheels!

Sorry, I don't know anything about Slipknot! You must forgive the ignorance of a middle aged toad!

 

[Searle]

Students work at weird hours; our university Library (York) is open 24 hours every single day apart from Christmas day and New Years Day; in term time there are always people staying in overnight. Whenever I have a large assignment in, I'll plan to start at about 10-11pm and usually finish at about 6am!

No wonder the country is on its knees - bloody studes working hard! madness! get down the pub

I planned my assignments/dissertation properly so didn’t have to work stupid hours . Insert smug face here!

The thing is, I plan to work during these hours, I find them much more productive than working in the day.

 

[Tetchytyke]

McDonalds on Grainger Street is open to sell food, but it isn't open to sit down. They lock off the seating area with shutters, to stop people hanging around (they used to have a drive-through style window on the pavement,so you never even went in the shop, but they don't use that anymore).

The nightbuses don't run on a Monday night, the last Metros are about midnight but don't start up again until about 5am (which puts loitering at the airport out). I know the Union Rooms Wetherspoon officially stays open until 1am, but has a tendency to shut if it is quiet, otherwise you'll be looking at a nightclub until about 3am.

Most university libraries are open 24-hours, especially at this time of year, as its exam time. Access tends to be restricted overnight to University swipecard holders as they don't tend to be staffed (other than security staff) so even a SCONUL card might not work.

I'd say either a change of clothes and the casino, or a hotel room or hostel.

 

[DarloRich]

Sorry, I don't know anything about Slipknot! You must forgive the ignorance of a middle aged toad!

Neither do I! I just assume that smart casual at a thrash metal gig will be slightly different to the lounge lizard style at the casino Getting refused entry and trudging round the streets at stupid o clock will not be fun

The thing is, I plan to work during these hours, I find them much more productive than working in the day.

I did 9-5 uni days for 4 years so it was very much like a working routine. Instead of rushing in last minute for lectures ( or not bothering if I was ill ) I got up early and went to the library. It meant I got first crack at the resources and could be out before many of the others had even got out of their pits!

 

[Greenback]

Neither do I! I just assume that smart casual at a thrash metal gig will be slightly different to the lounge lizard style at the casino Getting refused entry and trudging round the streets at stupid o clock will not be fun

Indeed! I'm not completely familiar with thrash metal either, but I can imagine that the attire for it would not be compatible with a casino!

I did 9-5 uni days for 4 years so it was very much like a working routine. Instead of rushing in last minute for lectures ( or not bothering if I was ill ) I got up early and went to the library. It meant I got first crack at the resources and could be out before many of the others had even got out of their pits!

I used to do course work on Friday and Saturday nights instead of going out drinking.

I used to go drinking on Sunday and the rest of the week instead, when there were student offers on!

 

[Merseysider]

Thanks guys.

I've brought a coat and spare change of clothes (suited and booted) in case I need to access any civilised establishments

I've had my SCONUL access approved and I've tweeted NU to check permission ahead of arriving in Newcastle. Uni of Salford also has a 24/7 library and it's incredibly useful when you leave assignments till the deadline!

If the wait were any longer I'd definitely look at booking somewhere overnight - for the safety aspect mainly. Tesco is a good idea, I'll need to get breakfast and 50p energy drinks from somewhere

I suppose if everything fails, there's always the option of a Google-guided tour of the city by foot

 

[fowler9]

Indeed! I'm not completely familiar with thrash metal either, but I can imagine that the attire for it would not be compatible with a casino!



I used to do course work on Friday and Saturday nights instead of going out drinking.

I used to go drinking on Sunday and the rest of the week instead, when there were student offers on!

Well here is what the band look like for anyone interested.

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgu...M&itg=1&ved=0CJ4BEMo3&ei=zza-VIq5D4SuU7Hzg9AE

I wouldn't really call them a Thrash Metal band. Thrash is quite 80's, Slipknot are a bit heavier. I certainly wouldn't expect to be allowed in a Casino in what I wear for Death and Black Metal gigs.

Anyway, I digress, I would be interested to know how the OP got on.

 

[Greenback]

Ah, yes, I see. highly unsuitable attire for a casino!

Jake, please let us know how you get on!

 

[fowler9]

Ah, yes, I see. highly unsuitable attire for a casino!

Jake, please let us know how you get on!

As an additional aside the band have been going some 20 years now, most of them are older than me and I'm 40. Old enough to know better really.

 

[Greenback]

As an additional aside the band have been going some 20 years now, most of them are older than me and I'm 40. Old enough to know better really.

Good on them, who wants to get old!

 

[fowler9]

Good on them, who wants to get old!

Indeed mate. My mates band reformed in 2007. Never see him now, he's always on tour and rarely in the UK and he's in to his 40's n'all. I'm jealous, he moans about it but it's got to be better than sitting in an office dealing with complaints. Ah well I'm off to Warsaw in May to see a Swedish band who also recently reformed. It's cool to see how many young folk turn up to see them because for a lot of the people at the gig the band are from a completely different generation.

Back to the OP, I kind of hope he stayed in the Albatross, its a nice hostel bang in the centre of town and cheap. Mind you when I was in my late teens I only ever had enough money to get to the gig and buy a t shirt and a few beers. Mind you if there was a big death metal band playing somewhere in the north you could always get a ticket at the Royal Court box office (In Liverpool) which included a coach there and back and it would cost buttons.

 

[Arglwydd Golau]

Why is the Northumbria Uni library open all night? Is there a demand?

I know the last thing I wanted to do when a student there was go to the library during normal hours let alone after hours! All that beer to be drunk and all those woman to fail to sleep with!

I hadn't realised that University libraries were open all night either 'til recently...my daughter was spending most of the night in her Library in London a few nights ago whilst waiting to catch a very early train to Stansted for a flight. Seemed a good use of the time.
In my day I suppose that there was a real jobsworth who was delighted to chuck students out...I don't know exactly as I can't recall being anywhere near a library at closing time.

 

[Merseysider]

Well I survived the night!

Arrived in Newcastle about 3pm and had a bit of a walk, figured out where everything was. Still managed to get right at the front for Slipknot

The Tesco in Gateshead were more than happy to let me wait in the (empty) cafe until 4am, playing sudoku to keep myself awake. This was after I'd put a shirt & tie on... I wonder if they'd have been as accommodating if a sweaty metalhead had turned up? The cafe would have been 'closed'!

But all in all, a great trip, great people and a city I'll definitely be returning to at some point.

 

[fowler9]

Well I survived the night!

Arrived in Newcastle about 3pm and had a bit of a walk, figured out where everything was. Still managed to get right at the front for Slipknot

The Tesco in Gateshead were more than happy to let me wait in the (empty) cafe until 4am, playing sudoku to keep myself awake. This was after I'd put a shirt & tie on... I wonder if they'd have been as accommodating if a sweaty metalhead had turned up? The cafe would have been 'closed'!

But all in all, a great trip, great people and a city I'll definitely be returning to at some point.

Great stuff mate! How was the gig? What were Korn like? I've seen both bands but in festivals. Newcastle is a brilliant city, really beautiful.

 

[Tom B]

I hadn't realised that University libraries were open all night either 'til recently...my daughter was spending most of the night in her Library in London a few nights ago whilst waiting to catch a very early train to Stansted for a flight. Seemed a good use of the time.
In my day I suppose that there was a real jobsworth who was delighted to chuck students out...I don't know exactly as I can't recall being anywhere near a library at closing time.

Whilst mine was not officially open 24h, the security fatblokes would usually wander in at midnight (official chucking out time) and say something along the lines of "If I didny see you, you didny hear me tellin yer to leave", smile, then wander out. Unfortunately the patrols changed so alternate guards did checks of the building at alternate hours, hence you had to get two decent ones to be able to stay!