Maldron Hotel Newcastle

You wouldn't necessarily think to pop into a hotel bar for a proper night out, but this spot on Newgate Street has quietly become one of the better drinking holes in the city centre. The space feels more like a standalone cocktail bar than your typical hotel offering - there's actual atmosphere here, with locals mixing alongside hotel guests over well-made drinks. The cocktail menu is surprisingly comprehensive and the bartenders know what they're doing. You're not getting groundbreaking mixology, but you are getting solid, well-balanced drinks without the tourist-trap pricing you'd expect. It's particularly handy if you're already in town and want somewhere reliable that won't be rammed on a Friday night.