In the Neighbourhood: Ouseburn, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Beneath the brick archways of a Victorian bridge, a walking trail runs alongside the Ouseburn River – a narrow tributary of the Tyne. Ouseburn, undoubtedly Newcastle’s coolest neighbourhood, spreads across this river valley. Once a hub of flax, coal and pottery, the area’s industrial past still peeks through as redbrick chimneys and towering mills. But what were once humming factories and packed warehouses are now artisan workshops feeding a litany of local independent shops. A pint of Newcastle Brown here comes from craft breweries, and nights out are less about cackling hen parties and more about intimate live music venues and artsy café-bars

Victoria Tunnel
Originally built as a wagonway to shift coal from Spital Tongue Colliery to the Tyne jetties, the Victoria Tunnel is probably best remembered as an air raid shelter during the second world war. The Ouseburn Trust runs guided tours along roughly 700 metres of tunnel, covering engineering, history and local stories from the underground passageway. Visitors are equipped with hard hats and torches as they take in the eerie darkness, culminating in a sound and light show around themes of war and refuge. ouseburntrust.org.uk/events/tunnel-tours/

The Biscuit Factory
The UK’s largest independent art, craft and design gallery, The Biscuit Factory is housed in a sprawling Victorian warehouse. This is where Ouseburn’s artisanry shines in exhibitions dedicated to local glass sculpters, printmakers, weavers, jewellery makers, potters and painters. Between the every-changing roster of exhibitions, a bookshop, street food stalls, café and artist’s shop provide a permenant reason to stop by. thebiscuitfactory.com

Kiln
Kiln began as an artisan pottery workshop in a dilapidated garage, serving coffees on the side. Slowly, the Mediterranean café/restaurant became just as prominant as the pottery. Fire is at the heart of everything; a log-burning stove heats the dining space, mezze dishes flavoured with za’atar and cumin are grilled over coals and served on the hand-fired ceramics made in the space next door. kiln.cafe

Ouseburn Farm
The biggest surprise in formerly industrial Ouseburn is the swathe of green space that makes up this working community farm. Glass-fronted farm buildings sit beneath the arches of Byker Bridge and a free sensory trail winds past animal paddocks, vegetable gardens and orchards. Visitors can feed the friendly pigs, cows, chickens and goats and there’s a series of events throughout the year including lamb feeding in spring. ouseburnfarm.org.uk

Ernest Café Bar
Part art and music venue and part pub, there’s usually something creative going on at Ernest Café Bar. There’s a mediterranean twist to the brunch and evening menus, local craft beers on tap, and a riot of colour in the beer garden. weareernest.com

Seven Stories
Named for being spread across seven stories of a former Victorian mill, Seven Stories is also known as the National Centre for Children’s Books. The collection of illustrations, manuscripts and printed books spans almost 100 years and over 250 authors, including Judith Kerr, Enid Blyton, Jacqueline Wilson and Philip Pullman. The first floor is dedicated to a shop and café and there’s always a literary event going on for kids, bringing the collection to life through arts, crafts and live storytelling. sevenstories.org.uk