EDITION 14
Five Hospo Hotspots to add to your list
2024 has been a great year so far in terms of the number of new venues opening across Newcastle. From small bars to cafés and restaurants, the list of new spots to try just keeps growing. Here’s just five of the fresh new hospitality venues that are worth a visit within Newcastle City and Beaches.
Humphrey’s Takeaway
One of the masterminds behind The Falcon and The Ship Inn, Brendhan Bennison has opened Humphrey’s – a classic takeaway shop in Newcastle East which combines token American fast food favourites with all the best Australian takeaway items. There’s their signature hot beef rolls, classic burgers, fish and chips, chicken rolls and deli-style signature sandwiches, and you can also pick up some house-made hot sauces and merch. The shop itself has been decked out in checkerboard flooring and red accents, and the name is a dedication to Brendhan’s late beagle – Humphrey. Head here for a quick lunch or grab takeaway to eat down by nearby Newcastle Beach.
12 Pacific Street,
Newcastle NSW 2300
Granddad’s Bar
The team behind Granddad Jack’s Craft Distillery have opened a new bar on Hunter Street, dedicated to their signature craft spirits. Originating in Queensland, Granddad Jack’s spirits include a core range of gin, vodka, whiskey and coffee liqueur, and while you won’t find any other brands at this bar, you won’t be disappointed with their impressive cocktail list. In a unique spin on traditional bar eats, you can opt to grab a snack (as recommended for each drink), or you can actually BYO food. Order something from any nearby venue, and the bar staff are more than happy for you to enjoy it there.
515 Hunter Street,
Newcastle NSW 2300
Castle del Mar
The top end of Newcastle has welcomed a new elegant lounge bar this year – Castle del Mar. Owners Peter and Tim saw a gap in Newcastle’s nightlife scene for a cosy bar that also offered plenty of space for those wanting a dance too, in line with many of those they’d enjoyed themselves in places like Ibiza (which is what inspired the name). You’ll find a long list of cocktails, with all the usual favourites and a range of signature drinks too. Pair your drinks with a charcuterie board, some bar snacks or even a jaffle, before putting in a request with the DJ and dancing the night away.
31 King Street,
Newcastle NSW 2300
Mr Potato
Loaded potatoes – need we say more? This recent addition to Darby Street is a perfect quick lunch spot, with the option to load up your choice of potato, sweet potato or salad with any ingredients you like, or pick from one of their recommended options. With plenty of gluten free and vegan options and a monthly special, we recommend ordering ahead online, picking it up and heading down to Bar Beach to enjoy.
108 Darby Street,
Cooks Hill NSW 2300
Mad Poet
The West End of Newcastle is now home to an intimate listening bar called Mad Poet. Musos Dylan Oakes (of The Family Hotel and the West Best Bloc Fest music festival) and Gary and Sophie Seeger were inspired to open a low-key and welcoming space where good music and good wine go hand in hand. The idea of a listening bar dates back to 1950s Japan, but has been gaining popularity in creative cities like we have here in Newcastle. With just under 2500 records to choose from (thanks to the owners’ impressive collection), you can be guaranteed a tune (and a good drink) to suit any mood.
537 Hunter Street,
Newcastle NSW 2300