....Bars depends on what floats your boat I guess, but some smart bars include Revolution (stunning interior) but you do get your typical Friday / Saturday night crowds in there - get a seat and you should be fine. Tokyo just over the road is also a tidy place, but I've only really been when it's quite quiet - it doesn't seem the biggest of places, so when busy may be a bit of an ordeal. If you want a quick drink before hitting the town, I suggest going to the Centurion bar at the train station (honestly, believe me on this one) - the decor inside is unbelievable, was also included in the Observer good bar guide in recent years. Good beers too! Hoko 10 on Dean Street is also good for some cocktails, great little booths to hide away in. The Trent pub, close to St James' Park (if you're at that end of town) is one of the best pubs in Newcastle as far as I'm concerned. Traditional boozer with great beers, free jukebox with so much good music on (think classic soul, groove, dance) - great laid-back atmosphere too. It's all down to personal opinion, but I would avoid the (in)famous Bigg Market - full of young chavs & tarts (sorry to offend anyone there) - the best bars do seem to be around the Central Station area - also of note is Camp David, a gay bar also close to the station which is very straight-friendly, not too in-your-face, and great music too! Oh, and for possibly the best views from a bar in the city, try the Pitcher & Piano. OK, it's a P & P, and they're everywhere (I think), but it's located at the Newcastle end of the Millennium bridge, right on the river with huge glass windows (well, being windows, they would be made of glass) and great for an early evening drink. The roof terrace may be off-limits in the current weather however. Enjoy, and let me know how you get on with you trip.