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Colonel Porter's Emporium

Newcastle's 1920s explorer's paradise: botanical gardens, vintage cocktails, live music, and hidden discos in historic Milburn House.

4.5

Step into the whimsical world of Colonel Porter's Emporium, a 1920s-themed haven in Newcastle's bustling city centre. This eclectic bar and restaurant blends botanical gardens, secret discos, rhum and gin bars, and a tavern of wonders with vintage cocktails, live music nightly, and hearty fare like burgers and Sunday lunches. Housed in historic Milburn House on Dean Street, it offers cosy corners for secrets, master mixologists crafting tipples, and an adventurous vibe perfect for nights out or private celebrations.

A brief summary to Colonel Porter's Emporium

  • Ground Floor, Milburn House, Dean St, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1LF, GB
  • +441912617600
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 5 pm-12 am
  • Tuesday 5 pm-12 am
  • Wednesday 5 pm-12 am
  • Thursday 12 pm-12 am
  • Friday 12 pm-1 am
  • Saturday 12 pm-1 am
  • Sunday 12 pm-12 am

Local tips

  • Book ahead for live music nights on weekends when the secret disco and DJ sets draw big crowds.
  • Opt for the tipsy afternoon tea for a boozy twist on classics, available from noon Thursday to Sunday.
  • Seek out the rhum bar for rare tastings and masterclasses led by expert mixologists.
  • Visit the botanical garden early afternoon for serene sunlight and lighter bites before evening energy ramps up.
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Colonel Porter's Emporium location weather suitability

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Emporium of Explorer's Tales

Nestled in the historic Milburn House at the foot of Dean Street, Colonel Porter's Emporium channels the spirit of the famed explorer Colonel Porter, who legend says brewed Newcastle Brown Ale with Chief Chemist Archie Jones. This multi-roomed venue revives tales of adventure through its themed spaces: a tavern celebrating local ales, a rhum bar stocked with rare spirits, and hidden nooks evoking forgotten expeditions. The air hums with the clink of glasses and whispers of old-world intrigue, drawing you into a narrative woven from Newcastle's brewing heritage.

Botanical Garden Retreat

Escape the urban pulse into the lush internal botanical garden, a verdant oasis where sunlight filters through glass ceilings onto cascading plants and twinkling lights. This sunlit haven serves as a perfect daytime perch for afternoon teas laced with cocktails or relaxed lunches. Surrounding the greenery, eclectic décor—vintage maps, brass fixtures, and quirky artifacts—blends 1920s chic with modern whimsy, creating a serene yet playful atmosphere amid the city's energy.

Cocktail Alchemy and Mixology Mastery

At the heart of the emporium, master mixologists wield shakers like alchemists, conjuring vintage cocktails from Prohibition-era recipes alongside innovative rhum and gin creations. The bar lineup features house-infused spirits, tipsy teas bubbling with bubbly, and flights of Newcastle Brown Ale in its traditional form. Each drink tells a story, paired with small plates of belly-busting burgers, vegan options, and hearty Sunday roasts that fuel late-night revelry.

Live Rhythms and Secret Shenanigans

Music pulses through the emporium every night, from open mic sessions midweek to live bands and international DJs igniting Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Discover the secret disco tucked away behind velvet curtains, where beats throb and dancers sway under glowing chandeliers. Cosy corners invite intimate chats, while larger spaces host private hires for hen dos, birthdays, or weddings, transforming the venue into a personalised playground of festivities.

Eclectic Spaces for Every Mood

Wander through the tavern of wonders, where bold colors and Instagrammable backdrops—think floral arches, neon signs, and explorer memorabilia—frame every corner. The outdoor terrace extends the magic in warmer months, offering al fresco dining until late. Whether sipping a solitary rhum in the gin bar or joining the lively crowd, the emporium's layout encourages exploration, blending intimacy with exuberance in Newcastle's vibrant nightlife scene.

Gateway to Quayside Nights

Positioned as a launchpad for evenings on Newcastle Quayside, Colonel Porter's fuses historic charm with contemporary flair. Its doors swing open from noon on weekends, serving food until 8pm and drinks till the wee hours, ensuring seamless transitions from daytime indulgence to nocturnal adventures. This jewel in the city's crown captures the Toon's fizzing bar culture, where every visit uncovers new layers of delight.

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