The Continental in Newcastle upon Tyne

We sat at the bar as we called in by chance without a reservation. The bar staff are great, very friendly and the guy serving us made a real effort to make us feel welcome. Drinks are fairly priced and the place has a good atmosphere. Live music with a good variation of songs. Only downside was when a gentleman came in asking for a cup to be filled with water for a homeless girl across the street, the man who was greeting and seating ushered him out saying he would take it out but didn't. 10 mins later another person came in and asked and he ushered him out but then did eventually take some water out. Not sure why he just couldn't help the first time.

Would like to say thankyou to the staff at the Vampire Rabbit. We booked a private room for 2 hours as part of a hen party celebration. The cocktails were delicious made by excellent mixologists and our waitress was really friendly. We will be definitely returning to try more of their amazing cocktails

If you want amazing cocktails this place is a must try, friendly staff and cool atmosphere

I can’t understand why this place isn’t busier: but we love it. Every bartender seems to know their stuff and I love the leisurely table service. It’s a wonderful place to sit and meet friends.

I like it here but they always seem to be understaffed, creating a long wait for drinks/service, not the staffs fault....

Good atmosphere, guy behind the bar was top notch! Knew the menu and asked how we’d like our cocktails! Would highly recommend! Definitely be back!

Excellent menu and staff happy to make off-menu drinks for similar prices to their menu offerings. When there was the slightest bit of confusion, they actually spoke to the customer to figure out exactly what they wanted instead of guessing. Probably best place I've been to in Newcastle

Super friendly bar staff, very knowledgeable and super sociable

Fabulous evening. cocktails amazing didn't eat

Friendly staff and nice decor, but cocktails are a bit left field!

Honestly what a beautiful place. Lush drinks!! 😍

Really innovative menu with some great takes on the classics. Super friendly service too.

Best cocktail bar I've ever been too. The staff is very friendly and the cocktails are amazing. You should go there when it's still quiet, so that they can tell you how the cocktails are made (there is more than meets the eye). The menu is an artwork in itself!

My friends and I visited just for drinks, and the atmosphere was fantastic. The setting was great, and the staff were very friendly.

Great drinks friendly service and good atmosphere.

Lovely little quirky place and cocktails are beautiful. Great service, friendly staff especially Craig behind the bar.

What a find, it was just after opening on Sunday so we were the only ones in asked the young man behind the bar if he could make us a couple of margaritas, they were perfect and what a lovely guy he was , chatted with us engaged with us then the manager came in and she actually gave us a guided tour of the place and was really nice, considering husband and I are both in our 60,s they made us feel really welcome

Lovely classy bar in former bank with table service and fantastic cocktails, live music really adds to the atmosphere. Seating downstairs in the old vault as well as a back room provides plenty of options for groups to get seated.

Fabulous place excellent staff and drinks

Only had drinks but absolutly loved the cocktails especially the flamingo 1. Lovely service too and great atmosphere

Lad behind the bar make's the best Mint Juleps I have ever tasted (Woodford).

Had a brilliant time at the Vampire Rabbit, Craig and his team were very welcoming and definitely know how to make a good cocktail. All cocktails are made to order properly and the atmosphere is excellent.

Hopped in for a cheeky drink before my train. Absolutely amazing place with the most incredible miso infused whiskey highball! Wonderful atmosphere and so friendly.

Great atmosphere and a really good live performer! Drinks are canny too!

Bloody wonderful place, truly amazing cocktails and the friendliest of staff! A real must visit if you're in the city

Nice bar with a good selection of cocktails and beers, nice atmosphere in the main bar and seating downstairs, staff were very helpful.

Decided to stop by was told no tables but was seating at the bar. We did and sadly took about 15 mins before we were served. One bar tender making cocktails one serving drinks to tables and another washing glasses. No way blaming staff but better management was needed for a busy Saturday as also North Run weekend. We were eventually served and charged for the service to which was poor sadly. Well I been tried it and won’t be returning. Walk down to the toilets is like a rabbit warren with different rooms and seating areas although this wasn’t open to patrons, as people were being turned away at the entrance door. Think this establishment has lost a lot of custom today on the afternoon.

Brilliant cocktail bar, great decor, fantastic menu of cocktails and staff knowledgeable and imaginative enough to make classics or invent and great service too (thanks Craig!). Excellent music too! One for cocktail connoisseurs!

Decided to go check out the new exciting venue in town with a friend on a quiet Wednesday night. Upon arriving we were told to wait to be seated even though there was only 6 people in the venue, and had to wait over five minutes for the only server at the bar to come over and seat us (who told us to sit anywhere but only after we were granted his permission). Sat for another 5/10 minutes flicking the menu looking for a non alcoholic option as my friend was driving. The menu said ask the server about our non alcoholic options, so my friend walked over to the bar, only to be told by the server that it was table service and to sit back down and somebody would be over to take our order. The server finally came over another five minutes later and my friend asked about their mocktail range, the server said they could make any mocktail she could think of and they would try and replicate it. She asked if they could make a mocktail version of any of the drinks on their current menu and he rudely scoffed and said “well no because it would taste different”. We decided not to stay at that point after being put on the spot with no mocktail options available and no price range for said imaginary mocktails, and the staff were rude so we left. Really disappointed to be alienated by such a common request, especially in a busy city centre on a very quiet night. Such a shame for a new venue to lose business so easily over lack of accommodation. The aesthetic was nice but again disappointing that it wasn’t gothic and didn’t match the “vampire rabbit” aesthetic.

Amazing cocktails, excellent staff and service.

Beautiful cocktails, amazing venue and great atmosphere

This is a beautiful new cocktail bar with a uniquely curated cocktail menu of great tasting & looking drinks. The staff are very friendly & knowledgeable about everything on the menu. A must visit!

Great atmosphere, decor and drinks!

**A Hidden Gem in Newcastle's Heart - A Must-Visit Cocktail Haven* Nestled in the vibrant heart of Newcastle city centre, this new cocktail bar is a breath of fresh air, offering a truly unique experience that stands out in the city’s bustling nightlife scene. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by an interior that’s both chic and inviting. The design seamlessly blends contemporary elegance with a hint of quirky charm, creating an ambiance that’s perfect for anything from a relaxed evening with friends to a special celebration. The bar’s interior is a masterclass in modern design, featuring plush seating, ambient lighting, and thoughtful decor elements that exude both style and comfort. The attention to detail is evident, with each corner of the space offering something different, whether it’s the cozy nooks for intimate conversations or the more vibrant areas perfect for people-watching and socializing. But it’s not just the aesthetics that make this place shine. The staff here are exceptional, knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about what they do. From the moment you arrive, you're treated with a warm welcome, and the service throughout the evening is attentive without being intrusive. The bartenders, in particular, are a standout, demonstrating a genuine craft in cocktail making that’s as impressive to watch as it is to taste. Speaking of cocktails, the menu is a delightful mix of inventive creations and expertly executed classics. Each drink is beautifully presented and bursting with flavor, showcasing a creative blend of high-quality ingredients. Whether you're a fan of the tried-and-true or eager to explore something new, there’s something here to tantalize every palate. And if you’re not sure what to try, the staff are more than happy to guide you to something that suits your taste. In a city known for its lively bar scene, this cocktail bar is a standout, offering something truly special. It’s more than just a place to grab a drink; it’s an experience, and one that I can’t recommend highly enough. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, make sure to add this gem to your must-visit list. You won’t be disappointed!

Next level cocktails & amazing interiors - love this place because it reminds me of my favourite London bars!

FANTASTIC COCKTAILS!!! Thankyou to Eryk who took amazing care of our table and Harley who makes the best drinks! Great atmosphere too! I will 1000% be returning

Service was incredible, got seated straight away and the servers were all so well mannered and welcoming. Had a couple drinks, all of which were delicious, and just overall really enjoyed the vibes of the place

Absolutely brilliant venue and fairly priced, I will be back again.

Potentially the best cocktail bar in Newcastle right now. Definitely worth your time and effort to come along on your night out in town.

A great venue with a fantastic vibe, really friendly and knowledgeable staff and an incredible cocktail menu

We’ve always called at Continental with our well behaved children after the football for a couple and by ourselves on nights out for quite a few more! Turned up today and a first we’ve seen at this premises, a doorman, who was lovely by the way. He wasn’t sure if children were allowed so went to ask. The landlady came to the door and told us as they didn’t do food they didn’t have a license for children. This to anyone in the pub trade will know that at 18:15 this was either an ignorance or a Pinocchio moment. We said we’ve always gone with our children after the footy. Rather than be polite I got a smarmy look and ‘How many times since it changed hands three days ago?’ Having a no children policy doesn’t need to entail lies and rudeness. Needless to say we won’t be back until ‘Vampire Rabbit’ 👈🏼🤣 changes hands, which with her attitude I predict won’t be long.

Great new bar, love the vibe as the live music is great but not over loud! I had the miso highball after Connor recommended it, lovely guy and knows his stuff

Cocktails were unbelievable, the staff are soooo nice, honestly could not recommend this place more. We went before the NewC match and we went back after too! But most of all Eric!! What an absolute star that boy is, such a lovely person and honestly made our night so special, he was amazing and so kind, just all round a great person!! Definitely going back soon 🩷🥰

Didn't have food and they've just opened do cant comment on atmosphere just yet, but love the vibe. Beautiful decor. Fantastic cocktail selection and decent beers too. Super friendly service, which is becoming rarer in town. Will be back to give it a more thorough road test.

10/10 Amazing atmosphere, amazing drinks, massive cocktail selection, staff are undeniably genuine; cannot ask for anything more.

One of the best bars in Newcastle, been going for about 2 years now and love it, great drinks and staff

Glad to see it has reopened and wish them all the best. Nice to see they have live music back on. Great original style cocktail menu

Popped in for a cocktail and ending up spending the whole evening there. Absolutely fantastic cocktails made by the manager, Connor, who is an absolute master. Great conversation too, really made our night. Paul Reed provided the music, really talented musician and singer. First time at the Continental but definitely won't be the last.

I've always liked this bar. The choice of drinks and the decor is lovely. But they have recently added live music on a Friday and Saturday night and it is fantastic! The singers are great and the whole bar has a very relaxed but lively atmosphere. The live music has really has made it a must visit for us! Nice cocktail menu has also been a great addition.

Awesome cocktails. Each was a work of art. Bring your Instagram Escaped work drinks and found salvation in a glass. Lovely atmosphere. Very Newcastle. A hidden gem.

Amazing venue that we found by accident when walking past. Really friendly staff and great choice of interesting cocktails. Ended up staying longer than intended as the live music was brilliant. Will defo be back.

Enjoyed a cocktail not named on menu x staff very knowledgeable x

This was a fabulous gin bar with an extensive range of gins. Now it's a shadow of its former self; a very average cocktail bar with a small selection of mainstream gins and a small cocktail menu. No wonder it was empty when we visited.

Great cocktails and friendly staff.

Absolutely great little bar, the cocktail menu is quite small but every one I tried was delicious, and made by great bar staff (once I was able to get served). I'm normally not a fan of live entertainment in bars but the lad they had on when I was there was exceptional

Great place good choice of drinks reasonable prices

Fantastic staff, tasty tapas, amazing gin selection and a really nice venue. It can get busy but the staff are incredible at handling the pressure. Always feel welcomed and never disappointed.

First time in the Continental. Meeting friends before a meal Great range of Gins and spirits Mostly bottled beer but draught lager available San Miguel I believe Friendly atmosphere Trip to rest rooms is an experience and quite an eerie route deep below the bar. Quite exciting. To make it clear toilets are clean and well maintained btw

Great place live the cocktails.

We stopped in for a drink after diner and ended up staying for three. There’s a great cocktail menu, at good prices (two of the same for £15). We enjoyed their take on a negroni, plus live music, the cosy atmosphere and great service. Highly recommend.

Love this place!! The vibe is amazing and we went when they had live music on last time which made it even more special! We love the range of drinks they have available and the staff as always were brilliant! We will definitely be going back 😊

A classy gin and cocktail bar. Great service.

Nice building friendly staff drinks where a bit pricy.

fabulous selection of gins, lovely atmosphere

Nice staff but but bar had no atmosphere and vault looked nothing like I saw on picture such a shame. Good selection of Gins

Small, but well presented bar. I think they could benefit from a larger selection of sparkling wines (only have prosecco or champagne). Friendly service, good atmosphere

the flattest pint of San Miquel ever! should've taken it back to be honest! the wives loved their gins though!

Service was friendly and they have an excellent choice of wines and spirits.

Huge choice of Gin and that is it.

My favourite “go to” in Newcastle Close to the Central station and packed with class This former bank retains some of the original features (go to the toilets down stairs) This is the place Gin and Tapas originate A must do in the Toon

Recommended a visit. Unfortunately Closed!! Not good!

Always good and great atmosphere, however they did turn volume of music up which spoilt it a bit

Cool bar, great selection of gins.

Not as great as we remembered it. The gin menu has been massively cut back and most of them come with fluorescent tonics. I miss the old menus with 100s of gins, nice tonics and paired tapas. The atmosphere is still pretty great.

Lovely place, fab gins, excellent staff.

Great cocktails and great staff

Great gin bar and good gin deals, 2 singes for £10 and 2 doubles for £15, the wine ordered wasn’t the wine from the menu but was corrected quickly, would totally recommend

Brilliant bar, really friendly happy staff and a great selection of drinks. Definitely recommend.

We went here on a Friday night for drinks with friends. Great gins on offer 2 singles for £10 and 2 double £15. Staff were really friendly and we paid at the table. Only thing was we were in the back room and the music was really loud so was hard to hear others talk.

This is consistently great. Fantastic staff, can't do enough to make your visit pleasurable. Tappas is excellent...gins are exceptional. Great value for money if you choose the 2 for £10/ £15 options other special gin menu. I love the place, relaxing, chill out and a great place to chat.

Really nice bar! Two gins for £10 offer is brill. Just a nice place to start or end your evening 😊 Highly rate and i don't even like gin haha

Food and drinks were great unfortunately atmosphere was ruined by a bunch of chavs swilling drinks and causing trouble who continued to be served all night even after starting a fight... What could have been an amazing evening was ruined could do with a doorman!

Great little place near central station with selection of authentic Spanish tapas and larger plates. Very efficient and friendly, huge selections of gins, great cocktails and small selection of good wines.

We had lunch at this lovely bar/ restaurant yesterday. The tapas was lovely and the bar is spotlessly clean . The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable about the food and huge selection of gin. We will definitely be back to this excellent restaurant which fully deserves a five star rating. Highly recommended.

Lovely tapas! Hidden away! Great place to catch up with the girls!

Great gin and tapas bar! The food was incredible as too were the gins and all at a great price!

Had goats cheese aubergine and mushroom risotto. Orgasim in a plate! Wine selection perfect to pair. Gin galore w delicious tonics. Weel.worth a visit

Myself and partner were visiting Newcastle for the weekend and I found this place online so booked in. The gin menu is enormous I didn't know where to begin. We made our way through numerous gins and ordered some lovely tapas which were delicious and the portion sizes were very healthy! They were passing out free tapas tasters too which was a nice touch. The manager was extremely nice and suggested different gins to try and the waitress was also extremely helpful and friendly! (Sorry I didn't catch your names!) We loved this bar so much we ended up coming back the second night for some more gins. Its a beautiful bar with great atmosphere I would definitely recommend a visit. I wish we had something like this in Edinburgh! I don't usually write reviews but I thought this was was too brilliant not too!

I came as part of Eat Out To Help Out, I had the squid rings and tempura vegetables. The waitress looked super confused when I asked for a good menu, which may be because it's primarily a gin bar, but the food more than makes up for it. The portions were fantastic for the price and everything was perfectly cooked. The batter was crispy but the squid and vegetables were tender and juicy. It's certainly not the cheapest tapas restaurant, and their menu isn't the largest, but what they do they do it well.

Excellent gin range and staff really pleasant and helpful.

love this place for a Gin and Tapas

Absolutely beautiful surroundings. Bloody huge selection of gin and mixers but they also do the other regular spirits and beer. The hosts are attentive and accommodating. Huge thanks to our server, Paloma xxx

Absolutely stunning dinner at the Continental. Staff are the most approachable and friendly people. The tapas and drinks were excellent and I will be highly recommending this to all my friends. Amazing night, and really good value

Great gin bar, always friendly and helpful with choices, very knowledgeable staff

Lovely pub cocktails 2 for ten pounds they are lovely if you go down stairs to the toilets you will be amazed

What a cracking place. We went in to try a few guns and were not disappointed. Huge , huge selection. We were offered free tapas to try. Very much reminded me of bars in Granada. For me it’s a got to revisit place.

Love this bar. Gin and tapas what more do you need. Fantastic array of gins...you wont be disappointed. New chef too who is Spanish so food is authentic with a good choice

Friend of ours brought us here as he knows we love our gins and this was a place you can hear yourself talk. They offer a small tapas with your gin and as both tasted lush we decided to make tapas our dinner and ordered some real ones from the menu. Bliss. All of them. Would love to add pics but somehow they are messed up in the app, all in the wrong order...

If your a fan of gin, this is the place for you. Try the Martin Miller. Complimentary tapas with first drinks and the staff are excellent.

Nice and quiet with a superb selection of gins. Even has a gin vault downstairs!