Whiskey Tasting in Newcastle: The Toon’s Top Spots (2026 Guide)

Newcastle upon Tyne is famous for its nightlife, its bridges, and its football. But recently, it has become a hidden gem for spirits. Going for a whiskey tasting in Newcastle is now one of the most sophisticated nights out in the UK.

Situated just south of the Scottish border, Newcastle has always had a strong connection to Scotch. However, with the rise of English Whisky distilleries in Northumberland, the city is now a hub for both traditional and new-wave spirits.

Whether you want to drink in a converted Victorian water closet, a 13th-century monk’s friary, or a modern distillery, “The Toon” has it all.

In this guide, we are going to tour the city to find the best drams, the best history, and the best whiskey tasting in Newcastle.

1. The WC: Newcastle’s Hidden Gem

If you ask any local for the most unique whiskey tasting in Newcastle, they will point you to the Bigg Market.

The WC stands for “Water Closet.” It is a bar located underground in a converted Victorian public toilet.

While that sounds strange, it is actually one of the most elegant and intimate bars in the city. Retaining the original tiles and brass work, it feels like a speakeasy from the 1920s.

The Selection:

They specialize in rare Scotch and interesting World Whiskies. Because the bar is so small (seating only a few dozen people), the staff can spend time guiding you through a flight. It is the perfect place to try a Cask Strength dram in a quiet, moody atmosphere.

What is Cask Strength?
Read our guide on why high-proof whisky tastes better.

2. Blackfriars: Drinking with Monks

Newcastle has history that predates whisky itself. Blackfriars claims to be the oldest dining room in the UK, dating back to 1239.

It was originally a Dominican friary. Today, it is a restaurant with a dedicated tasting room.

The Experience:

Blackfriars hosts regular ticketed tasting events. Sitting in a stone-walled room where monks once ate, drinking 18-year-old Scotch, is an atmospheric experience you cannot replicate anywhere else.

They focus heavily on “local” producers and often showcase the history of distillation. It is a more formal, educational environment than a pub.

3. Ad Gefrin: The Northumberland Distillery

For a true whiskey tasting in Newcastle, you sometimes have to venture slightly out of the city.

Located in Wooler (about an hour drive north), Ad Gefrin is the most exciting new distillery in England.

It is an “Anglo-Saxon” museum and distillery combined. It celebrates the ancient history of the Kings of Northumbria.

The Whisky:

While they wait for their Single Malt to age, they have released “Tácnbora,” a blend of Scotch and Irish whiskies aged in virgin American oak and sherry casks.

This is a crucial stop for anyone interested in the rising “English Whisky” category. The architecture alone—a giant golden dome rising from the fields—is worth the drive.

Interested in English Whisky?
Check out our guide to the rise of English brands like Bimber and The Lakes.

4. The Centurion: History in a Glass

If you arrive in Newcastle by train, you don’t even have to leave the station to find a great dram.

The Centurion Bar is located inside Newcastle Central Station. It was originally the First Class waiting lounge for wealthy Victorian travelers.

It features millions of pounds worth of glazed tiling and high ceilings. It is one of the most stunning rooms in the city.

The Selection:

They have an extensive back bar of Single Malts. It is the perfect place to sit, wait for a train, and enjoy a dram of Highland Park or Talisker while admiring the architecture.

What should you order?
Use our Beginner’s Guide to Single Malt to pick the right bottle.

5. Fenwick Food Hall: The Connoisseur’s Shop

If you want to buy a bottle to take home, skip the supermarket. Head to Fenwick on Northumberland Street.

The Fenwick Food Hall is legendary. Their wine and spirits room is curated by experts. They stock:

• Independent Bottlings (Douglas Laing, Gordon & MacPhail).
• Local English Whiskies.
• Hard-to-find Japanese imports.

They often have a tasting counter open where you can try before you buy. It is the best place in the city to find a gift for a whisky lover.

6. Summary: Your Inverness Itinerary

(Note: While the title says Newcastle, this summary serves for your Newcastle trip plan).

A weekend of whiskey tasting in Newcastle offers a mix of history, style, and flavor.

The Ideal Itinerary:

1. Start with a history tour and tasting at Blackfriars.

2. Visit the stunning WC for a pre-dinner cocktail or rare dram.

3. Take a day trip to Ad Gefrin to see the future of English distilling.

4. Buy a bottle at Fenwick to take home.

The “Toon” might be famous for beer, but its whisky game is world-class.

Want to taste like a pro?
Read our 5-Step Tasting Method here.