The almighty return of Newcastle’s beloved waterfront bar
Perched over the water on Newcastle’s iconic harbour, Battlesticks is back, bringing its signature blend of relaxed charm, live music, and exceptional food and cocktails to Newcastle’s hospitality scene.
Originally launched in 2016 as a casual yet refined counterpart to the iconic Scratchley’s restaurant, the venue quickly built a loyal following before its closure at the onset of the pandemic.
Now, under the guidance of Neil Slater’s son, Jackson Slater, and Venue Manager Cooper Tegg, Battlesticks has re-emerged, determined to reclaim its status as Newcastle’s go-to spot for waterside drinks and eats.
“When we first opened, we had a really nice mix of weekly and biweekly regulars who used us like their living room. It gave the place a cosy feel while still having plenty of people discovering us for the first time,” Jackson said.
Following its hiatus, Battlesticks quietly relaunched in November 2023 and has steadily gained momentum.
“We keep hearing some version of, ‘we didn’t realise you were open again,’ but with Cooper as manager, we’ve been constantly improving and we’re incredibly proud of what we’re offering now.”
At its core, Battlesticks remains committed to three key elements – a welcoming service, an adaptable yet consistently delicious menu, and a cocktail selection that balances creativity with approachability.
“We take pride in making drinks that are fun and visually striking but still maintain the integrity of the cocktail. We only use quality ingredients, house-made syrups, and our own infused flavours.”
Some of the standout drinks include the extraterrestrial elixir, the pain killer, the mermaid margarita, and the lemon meringue-tini – each crafted with precision and a touch of playful elegance.
“Cocktails need to have that wow factor, that Instagram-worthy effect, but they also need to taste amazing.”
The food menu mirrors this balance of innovation and comfort, offering a dynamic selection of share plates inspired by global flavours with a Western spin.
“We don’t stick to a set theme or genre. Our chefs adapt to trending foods and seasonal availability.”
A rotating ceviche keeps things fresh and exciting while fan favourites like the honey & thyme halloumi, sweet potato croquettes, and tiger prawn roll round out the menu.
Beyond food and drink, Battlesticks thrives on its atmosphere – one brought to life by their live music offering.
“Live music is a big part of creating that welcoming feeling that we love when we go out. We work with artists who can read the room and adjust their set to match the energy of the night.”
Currently, you can expect a rotating cover gig offering, but Battlesticks has plans to spotlight original artists and give them a platform to showcase their own work.
Looking ahead, the team is focused on solidifying Battlesticks as Newcastle’s default destination for every occasion, from casual after-work drinks to milestone celebrations.
“We want to be the place people think of for date nights, catch-ups with friends, birthdays, or just a great night out.”
Open Friday to Sunday from 12pm, Battlesticks comes armed with top-tier cocktails, a welcoming ambiance, and a renewed commitment to excellence, but it’s more than just a waterside bar, it’s a Newcastle institution that’s ready to welcome you in once more.
