The best beer gardens for outdoor drinking in Newcastle
Everyone loves a beer garden – you can’t go past a chill afternoon or evening out in the fresh air, sipping an ice-cold drink, immersed in a relaxed atmosphere beneath twinkling festoon lights.
We’ve done the hard yards for you to make the hunt for a perfect beer garden that much easier. Here are our top picks for the best beer gardens in Newcastle.
Clarendon Hotel
Established in the 1930s, this CBD spot is known for its killer weekend atmosphere. Step outside into the spacious beer garden as you enjoy the Clarendon Hotel's new cocktail creations, craft beers, fine wine, premium spirits, and if you’re lucky, live music.
Where: 347 Hunter St, Newcastle
Customs House Hotel
Right on the famous Newcastle Foreshore, Customs House Hotel is the perfect outdoor scene for a few drinks. Lounge on the daybeds or take a seat under the umbrellas next to the fountain to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and views of Newcastle Harbour.
Where: 1 Bond St, Newcastle
Hamilton Station Hotel
The beer garden at Hamilton Station Hotel has plenty of room to spread out with your mates and enjoy a laidback night. Make sure you catch a gig before or after inside – there's something on nearly every night.
Where: 2/6 Beaumont St, Islington
Honeysuckle Hotel
A mix of modern, rustic, and industrial styling, Honeysuckle Hotel stands tall on the shoreline of Newcastle Harbour with spectacular waterfront views. Head out the back onto the deck for the best harbour-watching vantage point and to soak up the sunshine with a drink in hand.
Where: Lee Wharf C, Lot 31, Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
Hotel Jesmond
This semi-outdoor beer garden provides the perfect mixture of sun and shade with one of the most inviting and impressive green spaces we’ve ever seen in a pub. It's a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal, whether the sun’s shining or the rain is pouring.
Where: 182 Newcastle Rd, Jesmond
The Bennett Hotel
The Bennett Hotel is Hamilton’s one-stop shop for daily food specials, Sunday sessions, live tunes, and a beautifully renovated outdoor beer garden! The atmosphere out here on a balmy evening is top-tier.
Where: 146 Denison St, Hamilton
The Commonwealth Hotel
The Commonwealth is a great place to catch up with your mates. Sitting out on Bull Street in the sun, enjoying a cold one, it doesn’t really get much better than that.
Where: Cnr Union & Bull St, Cooks Hill
The Cricketer's Arms Hotel
The Cricketer's Arms Hotel has a super spacious beer garden, with plenty of large tables for when you're getting together with all your mates. Complete with screens, there's a great vibe out here when there's a big sporting match on.
Where: 61 Bruce St, Cooks Hill
The Greenroof Hotel
Originally created with a party vibe in mind, this Hamilton pub offers a multifunctional, outdoor space that’s been used over the years for a whole range of purposes. Outdoor cinema? Markets? Whatever activity takes your fancy, the beer garden at The Greenroof Hotel is sure to provide a fun evening out.
Where: 71 Tudor St, Hamilton
The Lass O’Gowrie
Known for its quirky music scene, The Lass has become an institution among Newcastle locals. Head down to this eclectic, spacious beer garden to feel as though you’re catching up with friends in a mate’s backyard.
Where: 14 Railway St, Wickham
The Lot – Smokehouse & Beer Garden
Drop by this converted carpark in Islington and enjoy some live music, munch on some smoky eats, or sample local craft beer.
Where: 116 Maitland Rd, Islington
The Lucky Hotel
Whilst it’s technically inside and comes with a roof, the light, airy courtyard at The Lucky Hotel boasts such a high ceiling, you truly feel as though you’re outdoors, but with all the perks of being protected from the elements!
Where: 237 Hunter St, Newcastle
The Maryville Tavern
The beer garden at The Maryville Tavern is known for its light, bright, airy vibe, with plenty of space to get social, enjoy a couple of beers, and indulge in some excellent pub grub.
Where: 71 Lewis St, Maryville
The Orana Hotel
The Orana Hotel is a bit of a Blacksmiths local secret, but its fresh, landscaped beer garden is very worthy of a mention. It's mostly undercover too, so drinking at The Orana is an all-weather situation.
Where: 20 Pacific Hwy, Blacksmiths
The Ship Inn
Whilst not technically a beer garden, this corner pub in Newcastle CBD’s has some great outdoor dining spots right underneath some large trees. Perfect for people-watching.
Where: 102 Hunter St, Newcastle
The Young St Hotel
Whilst the front of the venue might look like a typical public bar scene, heading out the back of The Young St Hotel through the double doors exposes the impressive, expansive beer garden and family-friendly alfresco area.
Where: 132 Young St, Carrington
Queens Wharf Hotel
Queens Wharf Hotel needs no introduction, as it’s become one of Newcastle’s most iconic outdoor venues. Whether there's a live band playing or it’s just a sunny afternoon, Queens Wharf Hotel is a crowd favourite. You don't get much more waterfront than this!
Where: 150 Wharf Rd, Newcastle
Racecourse Hotel
Are you a Wallsend local? Racecourse Hotel's beer garden is the place to be for ice-cold drinks on a sunny afternoon or warm evening. Check out the cocktail of the month special for something a bit different to the norm.
Where: 11 Minmi Rd, Wallsend
Sydney Junction Hotel
Complete with wooden picnic tables, a beer garden bar, and a retractable roof, Sydney Junction Hotel's alfresco drinking and dining area is perfect to be enjoyed rain, hail or shine! While away the hours being social under the festoon lights and umbrellas.
Where: 8 Beaumont St, Hamilton
Toronto Hotel
With views right over Lake Macquarie, Toronto Hotel is an ideal spot for lazing out in the beer garden on a summer's afternoon. With lunch and dinner available from the bistro seven days a week, your next outing at the lake is sorted.
Where: 74 Victory Pde, Toronto
Wickham Park Hotel
More commonly known as ‘The Wicko’, this pub is a local favourite. With regular live music in the alfresco and front bar areas, make sure you get in early because it's likely to be chocka-block!
Where: 61 Maitland Rd, Islington
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