97 & Social

Walk into 97 & Social and you've entered the kind of place that gets better after 9pm. Osborne Road in Jesmond's got plenty of spots pulling pints, but this one's carved out a loyal following because they actually know what they're doing behind the bar. The cocktails aren't fussy or overly Instagram-friendly; they're just well-made. You'll find regulars nursing Old Fashioneds alongside groups of mates catching up over beers, which tells you everything about the atmosphere—unpretentious but polished enough that you won't feel underdressed. It's the sort of neighbourhood bar that makes you understand why people choose to spend their Friday nights in Jesmond rather than heading into town.