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The Guide

Clubs

Type of Venue	Location
Keywords

Attic

A great multi-floored bar/club which has four floors of top tunes with a sound and light system that is second to none. The music policy is drawn from the slinkier end of r’n’b and house and the club’s guestlist in the past has included everyone from Wayne Rooney to Prince William.

25-27 Mosley Street Newcastle | 0191 233 1396 | Central Station Metro

Beyond Bar & Grill

Beyond Bar and Grill is a stylish bar/restaurant with chic décor, expert chefs and live DJs (5 nights a week), giving it a fantastic atmosphere for drinking, eating and socialising.

The Gate Newgate Street Newcastle | 0191 222 1113

Blu Bambu

This loud and brash club has a south pacific tropical island feel with a contemporary twist. The funky decor is complemented by a wide range of music, from party to r'n'b and dance. Smart dress (or barely any dress if you’re a female judging by the lasses we see shivering, queuing outside waiting to get in…)

13-15 Grainger Quarter Bigg Market Newcastle | 0191 261 5811 | Monument Metro

Blu Bambu

The best beach party in town! Join in the big fun, with laser shows, bubble machines and mind blowing sound system. It also features top DJs, trendy lit upstairs for RnB lovers and classics guaranteed. Monday nights are top-notch for students.

2-4 Albion Place Sunderland | 0191 5670181 | Park Lane Metro

Campus

Sunderland’s first frat house bar located at St Peters University Campus. Campus offers great theme parties, celebrity appearances such as Coolio and Radio One’s Scott Mills. Their American style food is tasty and cheap, especially if you get your hands on a voucher that benefits your table, not just you. Campus brings a whole new experience to student life.

Manor Quay Charles Street Sunderland | 0191 515 2000 | St. Peter's Metro

Chicago Rock Cafe & Love to Love

On the cheesy scale, this club is stilton. It prides itself on its hen night packages and its ability to make you want to dance as though no-one is watching...which they probably will be. Bear that in mind. If you book a booth, you receive complimentary cocktails, which will help you on your way to dancing to those chart hits of the 90s! The club nights run on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and it is available to hire throughout the week, so if the telly is getting you down, check ‘em out.

Wilson Street Cleveland Middlesbrough | 01642 230400

Club Bongo

This is one of the oldest clubs in Britain having been open for a mammoth 46 years and it devotes itself to reggae music. It serves Jamaican lagers and it adopts the friendly and relaxed approach of the Caribbean. It’s reaching out to the student market more recently and rightly so, because who wouldn’t want an authentic ‘Boro experience to a reggae rhythm? It’s open Wednesdays-Saturdays, which gives you plenty of time to pay it a visit. It made it onto Middlesbrough’s edition of Monopoly, so pass go, collect £200 and go to Club Bongo.

11-12 Bridge Street West Middlesbrough | 01642 246697

Cosmic Ballroom

The longest running nightclub venue in the city (used to be The Stage Door) has been dragged into the 21st century. It has had a long and distinguished history in Newcastle and has really been put back on the map again. A grand refit has taken place with the entire venue being redsigned. Downstairs has been stripped to its bare bones and features many splendours from its Victorian past: beautiful original enamel bricks, fantastically featured metal girders and copper sheeting. This is complemented by a state of the art sound system and a fully integrated light and VJ set up. Upstairs you’ll find a boudoir, adorned with all manner of red velvety drapes, chesterfields & chandeliers.

Stowell Street Newcastle | 0191 232 0860 | St.James Metro

Digital

One of the biggest clubs in town and what a stunner! Two rooms, a 1,400 capacity and one of the best sound systems you'll ever encounter; namely the Funktion One Dance Stack (there's only a handful in the whole world and they've got four of them). Check out: Born In The 80s (cheapo dance night (cheap entry and cheap drinks) with music from the 80s to the present day); Stone Love (Thursday - an indie night institution and we're using indie in a very broad sense. You can hear anything and everything here from the last 40 years with the one criteria being it has to rock or groove or funk); a variety of nights on alternating Fridays); and their latest extravaganza Love (Saturday – three rooms of great music (room 1: club classics; room 2: FOX RnB from Play & Devon; room 3: VIP Room presented by NICE) with sensibly priced drinks and value for money entry deals). A stormer.

Times Square Newcatsle | 0191 261 9755 | Central Station Metro

Durham University Students Union

Nightspot of choice for the area's student population if only by virtue of the fact that it’s both the biggest and cheapest in the city. The Union runs a variety of nights which are a cut above and cater for all tastes. Often packed to the rafters, it's advisable to phone ahead to check on entry requirements; depending on the event an NUS card might be required.

Dunelm House New Elvet | 0191 334 1777

Escapade

You should be one of the 1,500 who will be raving in Escapade every night from Thursday-Sunday. Why? It has three rooms of pick-and-mix music all guaranteed to get your hips shaking. Thursdays host a £1 Party where every beverage is a cool £1, and Fridays are for frolicking to the tunes of the 70s, 80s, 90s and now. It is bound to keep you on your toes with its drinks offers and its guest appearances, with East 17 being a recent show-stomper at the venue.

67-69 Gladstone Street Darlington | 01325 460057

Grey's Club

For the more mature club goer, Grey's Club is open to over 25s but mainly appeals to people a tad older. None too threatening party music over the weekend is the soundtrack to desperate blokes trying to hook up with anyone with a perm.

Grey's Court Newcastle | 0191 261 4066 | Monument Metro

Independent

Really superb, independent (naturally) venue which has played host to the cream of up and coming indie music including: Klaxons, Maximo Park, The Futureheads, Pull Tiger Tail etc.

36 Holmeside Sunderland | 0191 5689770 | Sunderland Metro

Klute Nightclub

Whether or not you buy into the hype hailing Klute as “the worst nightclub in Europe,” a night spent on its infamously sticky tiles is sure to be an “experience,” though whether this is good or bad will depend on your perspective. Famed for cheesy music and a perpetually sloshed middle-class student clientele, you’ll either love this or loathe it. Open to students only.

Elvet Bridge Durham | 0191 386 9859

Legends

A basement club that proves a perennial draw for the region's rock lovers and beyond. They’re one of the main driving forces for the rock and alternative scenes in the north-east and you can expect to hear everything here from metal to classics, 80s electro, E.B.M., Ska, Punk and Emo.

77 Grey Street Newcastle | 0191 232 0430 | Monument Metro

Liquid & Envy

Open Monday and Thursday-Saturday, Liquid and Envy is a well attended club in the city centre playing an eclectic mix of dance/r’n’b/indie in the main room (Liquid) with more chilled sounds in the relaxed back room (Envy). Ever popular with students as well as stag and hen parties over the weekend.

49 New Bridge Street West Newcastle | 0191 261 2526 | Monument Metro

Liquid Diva

The venue is split into two distinct areas Liquid and Diva. The décor and vibe in Liquid is modern and stylish and caters for more of dance/hip-hop audience. Diva offers a more eclectic/alternative variation of music but once you pay in one of the clubs you can drift between the two as you see fit and get a 2-4-1 experience. Thursdays ‘Skint’ night are perfect if you are low on cash.

Galen Building Green Terrace Sunderland | 0191 567 0760 | Park Lane Metro

Loveshack

A veritable behemoth amongst Durham’s otherwise diminutive nightspots, the multi-million-pound Loveshack has everything you might look for in a nightclub. Everything, that is, apart from class. With invariably cheesy music and cheap drinks, the club will likely appeal strongly to some quarters while leaving others wanting more. Avoid this one at weekends as well.

Walkergate Complex Durham City | 0191 384 5757

Madame Koo

One of the latest clubs to hit Newcastle and it’s a bare-brick, red upholstery and lanterns goodie. Music is a fusion of classic soul, disco, r’n’b, indie, rock and pop with everything from Kylie to Wham to Dolly Parton given an airing.

36 Collingwood Street Newcastle | 0191 261 8271 | Central Station Metro

Market Vaults

Essentially a continuation from the old Warehouse, the Market Vaults build on that venue’s legacy, offering a more laid-back, classier and pricier club experience. Various DJ nights keep things relatively esoteric, while the broad range of cocktails wonfail to impress the ladies.

Back Silver Street Durham | 0191 386 7700

Newcastle University Union

Top nights at this university include: Brighton Beach (last Saturday of the month - indie, mod, 60's soul, psyche and freakbeat); 2 Many Rooms (very popular student night each Friday); and the termly mash up that is Arcane (last Saturday of the term - six rooms of madness including house, breaks, electro, reggae, hip hop and loads more). Also look out for one-off specials.

Kings Walk Newcastle | 0191 239 3926 | Haymarket Metro

Northumbria University Students' Union

There's a variety of club nights at this university including: Tuesdays (Get Y’Skates On, Newcastle’s longest running slab of ska, punk, hip-hop and drum and bass); Wednesday (The Pound In – quid to get in, drinks a quid); Friday (Flex – free night of r’b classics and killer grooves from some of the best local DJs in town with premium cocktails to boot); Saturday (Thai Full Moon Party – experience the madness of Koh Phangan. Expect the biggest live acts/DJs, glow-sticks, body paints, dancers and Thai cocktail buckets). Monthly club nights include Propaganda (1st Friday of month – huge indie night) and Wiggle (3rd Friday of month – anthems galore – it’s massive).

2 Sandyford Road Newcastle | 0191 232 6002 | Haymarket Metro

Onyx Rooms

The Onyx Rooms is the latest reinvention of the Albert Road corner building, and it seems to be giving the punters what they want. “Play” Saturday’s provide four rooms of happy-go-lucky indie, hip-hop, electro and a VIP Secret Funksoul Bedroom. Say what?! Yes, team that with The Velvet Room, the Onyx Rooms is like a boudoir from home only better, and they even make your tea and toast to thank you for your company. Now that’s utterly butterly.

2-6 Albert Road Middlesbrough | 01642 213658

Powerhouse

The largest gay club in the north-east offers three floors and a roof terrace … Open six days a week and attracting top international pop acts and world class DJs, this venue has loads to offer.

7 -19 Westmorland Road Newcastle | 0191 261 6824 | Central Station Metro

Privilege

Located above Brogans pub. If you’re looking for a bit of a rave-up in Sunderland it has to be here, one of north-east’s number one nightclubs for dance music. Privilege continues to build on its reputation for getting some top quality DJs with some of the more recent artists including Sasha, Lisa Lashes and Judge Jules.

8/10 Crowtree Road Sunderland | 0191 514 3555 | Sunderland Metro

Riverside

Overlooking the river Tyne this club has been part of the bustling Quayside scene for a good while now and their popular nights include Vice City (each Friday playing party tunes – cheap drinks promos are the order of the day here) and Simply Heaven (Saturdays – house, soulful house, funky house and r’n’b). The odd Newcastle United footballer has been know to get in here (to chat lasses up, not to DJ…)

(previously Sea Night Club) 1 The Close Quayside Newcastle | 0191 230 1813 | Central Station Metro

Spensley's Emporium

There's been many a stormin' night at this venue, but they're more up for intermittent nights than regulars. That just makes 'em more special though... Usually house stuff, more of the tasty variety. Upstairs is Middlesbrough's only lap-dancing club - Secrets, open Thurs, Fri and Sat 10pm - 2am.

Albert Road Middlesbrough | 01642 218 484

Studio Durham

Studio stretches across two floors and plays host to diverse club nights and live bands along with its infamous 50p nights. Fridays, for example, bring Revolution; a rock extravaganza over both floors with punk, indie and even electro alongside the usual rock fare plus live touring bands. New nights regularly start during university term time, though campus/NUS cards may be required.

15-17 North Rd Durham | 0191 384 3900

Studio Middlesbrough

One of six Studio locations in the north, Middlesbrough’s Studio boasts a variety of different nights. Saturday offers the coolest R’n’B sounds with Dirty Habit, with big name DJs such as David Morales and Louie Vega offering their services to the punters. The ever-popular Rivive graces the arena every Sunday evening too, so don’t keep hush about this one.

2-6 Albert Road Middlesbrough | 01642 213658

Tall Trees

Tall Trees is the mighty oak of nightclubs in the Teesside area. It’s based in a hugely luxurious site, neighbouring the lavish Tall Trees Hotel. It has been keeping up with the Jones’ recently as it has been given a facelift. It now has a capacity of over 6,000 and covers three levels; two for you and I and one for the VIPs. The club night, “Retro” comes around every 2nd Saturday of the month and you can feel the electrons in the air buzzing as people tear the shops apart looking for the perfect clobber. The entry fee is £10, but it can be more expensive on the door, so don’t let the door get the better of you.

Worsall Road Kirklevington Yarm | 01706 604200

The Arena

The recently rejuvenated Arena is, and always has been, a club where music rules the roost. Friday night’s “RGB” is a springboard for indie, rock and soul. There are three different rooms, each one decked out differently. The downstairs dancing area is sultry and suave; the backroom is glamour-nanna chic and upstairs is as dark and broody as Batman’s soul. “Soundclash” Saturdays see the club open until 6 in the morning and it bangs out the indie, rock and nu-rave hits quicker than a bullet leaving a gun...and you can hit the Mcdonald’s breakfast menu just as quickly once the club has closed.

204 Newport Road Middlesbrough | 01642 358928

The Cornerhouse

This is a literal and metaphorical cornerstone to Middlesbrough’s clubbing scene. The Cornerhouse attracts a wide range of up for it punters who love good music. Take caution: dress cool in every sense of the word because it can get very hot in here! It is an intimate club of nooks and crannies, but be careful not to become too engrossed in them because it doesn’t make for a pretty sight when the lights come on!

8-8a Exchange Place Middlesbrough | 01642 890588

The Empire

Much like a creme egg, The Empire is as good as it is on the outside as it is on the inside. The art deco Victorian Theatre has been a stable clubbing venue for the longest of ages and it’s easy to see why. It has its mix of DJs and dance on Fridays at ”, and indie-electro-mosh on Saturdays at “Metropolis”. There are three floors so you get a triadic atmosphere under one roof! The admission prices vary depending on who is playing, but you always get your bottom-dollar’s worth.

Corporation Road Middlesbrough | 01642 253553

The Fishtank

If good things really do come in small packages, Fishtank ought to be one of the best nightclubs on the planet. Only slightly larger than your average garage, the venue nevertheless hosts a truly eclectic selection of DJ nights and live showcases with an independent edge. Also plays host to comedy offerings and frequent open mic nights.

29-33 Neville Street just off north road Durham | 0191 384 2685

The Ku Bar

The Ku Bar is your reliable venue for your indie, rock and alternative bands. Friday is their usual day of fancy, but don’t be surprised to hear the floor moving throughout the course of the week.

Regent House Prince Regent Street Teeside Stockton | 01642 860068

The Loft

Not the most eye-catching of places on the outside, The Loft has nevertheless managed to keep going for a number of years under various guises by dishing out “quality” cheese, up-tempo house and indie music for those who crave it. Last year attempted to gain permission for lap dancing only to be thwarted by locals’ protests. Avoid at weekends.

15-17 North Road Durham | 0191 384 3900

The Lounge

Usually popular over the weekend, The Lounge has a canny bar upstairs while the downstairs area is the place to cut a rug to everything from glittery '70's stuff to current pop sounds. About as cutting edge as a beach ball but hey, beach balls can be fun.

8 Neville Street Newcastle | 0191 261 2211 | Central Station Metro

The Medicine Bar

The Medicine Bar is where the cool cats and the funky felines hang. Saturdays in the infamous Cellar Bar spins soulful house and funk. Fridays vary from dirty-prog-tech “Riff Raff” on the first Friday of the month, to “Club Spadger’s” theme night every second Friday of the month, to the underground techno of “Distorted Audio” on the last. “Church-a gathering of people” is held every last Thursday of the month and it mixes everything and everything into a giant mash-up. Get stuck in.

(formerly the Purple Onion) 72-80 Corporation Rd. Middlesbrough | 01642 222 250

The Other Rooms

The sister bar/club to mega club Digital (see above) and one of the best live and club venues around. Well worth a particular gander is Jukebox every Friday which is all underground indie and electro barnstormers (and live bands). A real goodie and if you’re a fan of indie, rock and roll, punk, garage, rockabilly, garage, electro, new wave, post punk, new rave, glam rock, art rock, Two Tone, Trojan, surf, psych, Northern Soul, hip-hop and drum and bass – check it out.

Times Square Newcastle | 0191 261 9755 | Central Station Metro

The Venue

This decent sized venue has a variety of regular nights vying for your attention including: Debauchery Fridays (indie, house, old skool and drinks promos galore); International Club (Wednesday – salsa, reggaeton, chart, r’n’b, world music); and the popular Krash (Saturday – ska/rock/punk/alternative – they also have live bands on).

Market Street Newcastle | 0191 261 9071 | Monument Metro

Tiger Tiger

A variety of environments, spread over several floors, the individually designed rooms include the laid-back Lounge Bar, funky Kaz Bar, sophisticated restaurant and up-beat club area - perfect for a lunch, dinner with friends, a relaxed drink or a night out until late.

The Gate Newgate Street Newcastle | 0191 235 7065 | Monument Metro

Union

One part of three part complex, The Point has anything you want when it comes to mainstream music, everything from dance to pop to RnB. Definitely worth checking out if you like a boogie and drinks are cheap once you’ve paid in.

The Point Holmeside Sunderland | 0191 510 8680

World Headquarters

Fabulous club that’s something of a legend in the region and with good reason. During the week they have an ever changing line-up of some of the best independent clubs in Newcastle where you can literally hear anything and everything, and come Friday and Saturday they host their storming weekend sessions where you'll encounter the best in uplifting block party action. They reckon 'cool people who really dig music come here' and it's true. A Newcastle institution and rightly so.

Curtis Mayfield House Carliol Square Newcastle | 0191 261 7007 | Monument Metro

Zanzibar

Here’s the run-down on Zanzibar: you get free admission and a free drink with an NUS card most Fridays and Saturdays. There are two rooms of party tunes and retro dance. This is a standard weekend at the Z-Bar. However, the venue dabbles in monthly blow-outs on the first weekend of every month. There’s a foam party on the Friday and “Bass Slammers” on a Saturday, which is a Ministry of Sound-a-thon. Beats aside, at least you know where to go if you ever run out of shaving foam.

89-91 High Street Stockton | 01642 671 671