This Newcastle bar specialises in laid-back hedonism

The Venue

Popolo is tucked away near the top of Pilgrim Street just ten minutes walk from Monument Metro and Central Station. This gritty, sexy and 1950s style bar cannot be missed with its red-lined windows and neon-red sign above the door. You can expect to find comfy sofas, bar stools and booths to relax in. The exposed pipe works and lighting make you feel as if you just walked into the basement of an abandoned building in Soho. With a selection of the daily rags you might like to come in after University and grab a bite while catching up on what’s new in the world. Alternatively, you might like to unwind and watch a classics such as The Birds or One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest projected onto the wall.

The DJs

Five local DJs are resident at Popolo’s decks offering a fusion of funk, soul, left-field hip-hop and acid jazz from 8pm onwards Wednesday to Saturday. This blend of music really captures the mood at Popolo, a trendy, funky, chilled place where you can get warmed up for the weekend and settle into the groove.

The food

If you fancy a nibble you can find anything from sandwiches, tapas, brunch, main meals and pizza to home-made chunky chips or a Sunday lunch. My personal favourite has to be the Sirloin steak sandwich with caramelised onions and Mediterranean leaf salad for just £5.95. Pizza and main courses such as Sausage and Mash, Pasta or Chicken come in between £5.95-£6.95.

The drinks

This den of hedonism is home to a wide range of European beers, cocktails, wines, champagnes, spirits, whiskies, bourbons and alcohol free fruity numbers. My top five include; Koku Kanu and coke, Mojito, Passionfruit lemonade, Talisker and Peroni. Cocktails are priced from £5.25 and every Wednesday its Mojito night where you can pay as little as £3.95. Beers range from £3.00-£3.95 for a pint and spirits £2.40-£5.00 plus mixer. Be sure to get a great view of the baristas as they conjure up some award-winning cocktails. Popolo won the Grand Marnier Grand Masters competition, a battle of the baristas, for the second year running in 2006.

The crowd

Popolo is host to a whole mix of people who all have one thing in common - they’re out for a good time. The students and young professionals who are regulars at Popolo keep the atmosphere suitably laid-back.

The final say

The drinks are in abundance and are reasonably priced, food is delicious, music is upbeat and funky and people are young and pretty. It definitely gets my thumbs up! Popolo was also awarded Best New Bar in 2002 by Theme Awards and Newcomer of the Year in 2003 by Metro Magazine.

Open 11am – 1am Wed-Sat and 11am – 12am Sun-Tues, situated on Pilgrim Street, Newcastle upon Tyne (near the fire station).

See www.popolo.co.uk for more information.

Popolo
Pilgrim Street,
Newcastle upon Tyne