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UpSide Down Presents (61 Side) — Quayside Gift Shop

Quirky Geordie gifts, original cards and locally made keepsakes tucked beneath a Tyne-side railway arch.

4.7

A compact, independent gift and card shop tucked beneath a railway arch near Newcastle’s Quayside, UpSide Down Presents specialises in Geordie-themed souvenirs, original greeting cards and locally designed keepsakes. The shop’s packed displays, witty merchandise and friendly service make it a quick, characterful stop for visitors seeking regionally specific gifts and playful mementos.

A brief summary to UpSide Down Presents

  • 61 Side, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3JE, GB
  • +441914473034
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.25 to 0.75 hours
  • Budget
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 10 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Browse the greeting card racks for locally illustrated and humour-led cards not found in mainstream chains.
  • If space is tight inside, use the window displays to shortlist items before entering to speed up your visit.
  • Look for small framed prints and locally produced textiles as higher-quality keepsakes that travel well.
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UpSide Down Presents location weather suitability

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Discover more about UpSide Down Presents

A snug shop beneath the arches

UpSide Down Presents sits tucked under a brick railway arch at 61 Side, close to the Tyne Bridge and Quayside; the space is small but intelligently used, with shelves, hooks and stacked displays arranged to showcase a large variety of items in a compact footprint. The exposed brick and curved arch give the interior a cosy, slightly vintage feel that contrasts with the colourful, contemporary designs of many of the products.

Products with a local voice

The core of the shop is its Geordie-focused stock: novelty gifts, locally illustrated prints, mugs, tea towels and souvenir trinkets that reference regional phrases and landmarks. Alongside these are racks of original greeting cards — many of them humorous or hand-illustrated — plus small homewares and accessories from independent designers. Much of the merchandise leans playful and tongue-in-cheek, aimed at visitors hunting for an unmistakably local keepsake.

Character and curation

Despite the limited floor area, the shop feels curated rather than cluttered: thematic groupings and window displays draw the eye and help customers browse efficiently. The layered presentation—cards by the till, postcards and magnets by the doorway, specialty prints framed or rolled—gives the impression of a small gallery as much as a gift retailer. The human scale of the space encourages personal interaction with staff, who are often able to point out locally made items or special pieces.

Setting and sensory notes

Outside, the rumble of trains in the archway and the distant activity of the Quayside form a lively soundtrack; inside, colours, paper textures and the scent of new stationery dominate the senses. The light is often softer under the arch, which makes bright packaging stand out and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere even when the shop is busy. The spatial intimacy means sounds—soft conversation, a laugh at a witty card—carry pleasantly through the room.

Who it suits and what to expect

This is a stop for collectors of local design, shoppers seeking small and distinctive presents, and anyone who appreciates independent retail. Expect quick browsing sessions rather than long stays: the store’s size encourages fast discoveries and impulse buys, from small novelty pieces to a framed print that can become a more substantial souvenir.

Local connections and small-business feel

UpSide Down Presents occupies a niche in Newcastle’s retail fabric: a locally owned shop that combines souvenir essentials with a steady rotation of independent and regional designers. Its placement near key riverside landmarks and beneath a heritage arch gives it a particular sense of place—an intimate retail pocket that reflects the city’s blend of industrial architecture and creative energy.

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