Play Hard

10 cool child-friendly restaurants and bars in Newcastle

When it comes to things to do in Newcastle with kids, bottomless brunch, coffee catch ups and cocktails with the girls shouldn’t be off your list…

Written by Becky Hardy
Published 18.03.2023

TWENTY TWENTY

5 Bigg Market, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1UN

Bottomless brunch, pizza with pals or catch ups over coffee don’t need to exclude the kids at Twenty Twenty. Little ones can make their own pizzas (complete with their own chef’s hat) while the grown-ups enjoy any of their 20 signature cocktails and 20-inch pizzas.

Kids meals: pizza, ice cream or popcorn and a drink for £6.50

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LAS IGUANAS

62–74 Grey Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6AF

You’d be forgiven for thinking a Mexican restaurant may not offer the most child-friendly flavours, but at Las Iguanas kids can build their own “wacky tacos” and tuck into churros for pud – while you can sip 2-4-1 cocktails all day, every day.

Kids meals: a main, two sides and a dessert for £7.00

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THE BOTANIST

Monument Mall, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7AL

Stylish drinking spot The Botanist know that a way to a child’s heart is through novelty. That’s why kids will love tucking into the more sophisticated dining options like tomato gnocchi and curly Cumberland sausage when they’re served in plant pots, mini wheelbarrows, trowels and watering cans.

Kids meals: main, dessert and a Cawston Press Fruit water for £8.45

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FAT HIPPO UNDERGROUND

2–6 Shakespeare Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6AQ

We’re huge fans of Fat Hippo Underground anyway – hello, doughnut burgers complete with sprinkles, anyone?! – but even more so when we discovered how accommodating it is to little ones. Kids can build their own burgers, too, which is a godsend for fussy eaters. 

Kids meals: burger, side and a drink for £7.00

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LEILA LILY’S

2–12 Grey Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6AE

The ever-opulent Leila Lily’s is an award-winning rosette bar and restaurant, but that doesn’t mean their refinement can’t extend to their smaller visitors. Your mini-mes can get their glam on and tuck into a mini afternoon tea, while you can make yours sparkle.

Kids meals: two courses for £6.00

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FUJIYAMA

35 Bath Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5SP

Newcastle’s first teppanyaki restaurant is still among its best for family-friendly dining. Kid’s will be entertained as well as fed here with their own personal chef preparing their meals in front of them. Plus, they can try their hand at special chef’s challenges while you sit back and relax.

Kids meals: starter, soup and hot plate main for £13.00

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PIZZA PUNKS

34–40 Grey Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6AE

The spray-painted, neon lit interiors at Pizza Punk vibe with kick-ass playlists to add a little anarchy into your teatime. This urban eatery is ideal for tweenage punks who fancy taking a little control back, as they can create their own Neapolitan pizza with unlimited toppings for no extra cost.

Kids meals: pizza, ice cream and fruit juice for £11.50

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URBAN GREEN CAFÉ

Red Walk, Jesmond Dene, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7BQ

Pair your next cuppa and catch up with a walk around Exhibition Park and feel your endorphins soar. Then you can easily justify that slice of something nice afterwards. Better still, the park’s Urban Green Café overlooks a playground for kids to continue blowing off steam while the only steam you blow is from your coffee cup.

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THE WONDERBAR

The Gate, Newgate Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5TG

Popular matchday haunt The WonderBar is a certified party spot. By night you’re more likely to find folk clad in black and white stomping the night away in the bierkeller. But by day, book a booth and enjoy street food with one of their famous interactive dart boards and see the newfound respect in your children’s eyes.  

Kids meals: main and a fruit shoot for £4.99

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BABUCHO

Lower Dean Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3JD

Stylish Quayside brasserie bar Babucho takes catering to kids seriously – in the sense that it’s all about fun. Little ones can make their own pizza, decorate their own chef’s hat and meet the chefs themselves while you can tuck into sophisticated Italian cuisine and any number of their £5 cocktails.

Kids meals: starter, pizza and ice cream from £14.15

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