The best of the West

The western end of Newcastle’s CBD has undergone a rebirth in recent years with an impressive food and drink scene and plenty of choices for retail therapy.

It’s home to the city’s transport interchange including the light rail, but don’t catch that quick ride to Newcastle’s beautiful beaches just yet. Linger a bit longer and let us take you on a journey to the best of the West. Start your morning at Papa’s Bagel Bar for a hand rolled bagel. Enjoy these freshly boiled and baked creations with a simple cream cheese filling or go all out and enjoy one packed with hickory double smoked bacon, fried egg, hash brown, double cheese, house made chutney, onion jam, aioli and rocket. Are you up for the challenge?

For one of the best caffeine hits in Newcastle, stroll down to Sherwood Coffee Bar. Behind its signature black exterior you’ll quickly discover why they are famous for their delicious toasties, freshly made juices and coffee. Bank Corner Espresso is another excellent place for a quality coffee and some freshly baked treats. Sitting at Bank Corner’s cute outdoor tables and chairs on the tree lined sidewalk, it almost feels as though you’ve been transported to Europe.

Newcastle West can also transport you back in time with a visit to Miss Porter’s House, a heritage-listed Edwardian house museum. The terrace house was built in 1909 by Herbert Porter and was home to the Porter family until 1997. It was left to the National Trust with the interior intact, giving visitors a true experience of early to mid-twentieth century inner-city life.

A bit of retail therapy

For some beautiful boutique shopping pop into Scandinavian lifestyle store Pappa Sven on Union Street. The stunning little corner shop is filled with authentic and thoughtfully curated Nordic homewares pieces.

Or head to Marketown Shopping Centre and explore a fine range of custom jewellery at Enigma Jewellers or a selection of beautiful homewares, accessories and children’s toys and books at Zebra Finch Style.

Marketown even has its own community book swap. Donate your pre-loved books or simply take a book for yourself and when you are finished bring it back and swap it for another.

Ready to indulge?

You will be spoilt for choice in the West End with plenty of options for eating and drinking, from the super fresh Sushi Koo through to the sweet and colourful freshly baked cakes from Sweet Poison.
We recommend heading to The Edwards’ funky, renovated warehouse space for delicious breakfasts, generous share plates for lunch and dinner and a lovely selection of drinks. It’s simple and honest food with a focus on fresh, seasonal produce and top quality meat cuts.

Those who love fresh and flavourful Mexican food should make a beeline for Antojitos, a casual California Mexican street food restaurant specialising in burritos, tacos and nachos. Their corn tortillas are homemade using only 100% stone ground corn and all their salsas are made fresh daily.

For Italian, head on over to Parry Street Garage. The relaxed, industrial-chic eatery serves up modern, seasonally flavoured Italian dishes.

As day turns to night in the west you will find a truly memorable fine dining experience at Subo, one of Newcastle’s most acclaimed restaurants. Book a table for an expertly crafted, delicious meal in a relaxed, contemporary and modest setting. The six course degustation menu changes twice a season with a vegetarian menu also on offer. The meals are paired with an Australian only wine and drinks list.

For something more casual, or just to grab a cocktail or Aussie craft beer you can’t go wrong at The Happy Wombat, a friendly restaurant and bar with a native ingredient-inspired food menu stretching across breakfast, lunch and dinner.

If you’re up for some bar hopping head to the Rum Diary Bar for its creative collection of rum cocktails, Caribbean food and a hidden cigar lounge with its own cigar menu.

You can also check out The Koutetsu, an intimate and moody speakeasy bar with classy cocktails and a premium selection of Australian Gins and Japanese Whiskeys.

For some serious late night fun, you can wander down to Jam’s Karaoke and Bar. Their alleyway tachinomi bar is stocked with delicious whisky, beer, cocktails, sake, gin and late night Japanese finger food. Hire one of their fully-serviced private karaoke booths, pick your faves from the 260,000 songs on offer and sing your heart out with your mates right through until 2am.

Read more in the Summer issue of Hunter & Coastal Lifestyle Magazine or subscribe here.