Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

In out

Out and about in… Newcastle

Text Tabitha Lasley

January is In Out’s least favourite month – darkness, looming credit-card bills and general back-to-school gloom means there’s an almost irresistible temptation to hide under the duvet until spring. But if you must brave January’s bitter temperatures, then Newcastle – last bastion of the great northern night out – is as good a city as any in which to do it

START YOUR NIGHT… Tokyo

17 Westgate Road, www.tokyonewcastle.com

Tokyo is spread over four floors, which means plenty of room to throw your money about. And you’ll need to – the bar’s Dom Perignon Brut Rosé doesn’t come cheap.

Do Your level best to blag your way into the VIP area – a candlelit enclave based on the Resident’s Room at the Sanderson, it’s accessible only by swipe card.

Don’t Forget to wear sensible shoes for proper dancing – Tokyo’s music policy blends upfront house with Balearic beats, and holding up the walls here is frowned upon.

Drink A Floral Martini – pomegranate and fresh basil leaves blended with gin.

MOVE ON TO… Perdu

20 Collingwood Street, www.perdubar.com

Housed in a Grade I listed building, Perdu comfortably marries old-school grandeur with cool, contemporary design.

Do Bring your iPod – Wednesdays here mean myPod, a modern-day spin on request night.

Don’t Be shy – Monday is open-mic night.

Drink A Russian Spring Punch – Absolut vodka and crème de cassis topped with Champagne.

FINISH UP IN… Apartment

28-32 Collingwood Street, www.apartment-luxebar.com

The award-winning Apartment couches the chicest of modern comforts in a grand, turn-of-the-century setting – think low leather chairs surrounded by exposed brick walls, and velvet drapes at the huge warehouse windows.

Do Bin those opaque tights – this is Newcastle, and bare legs are mandatory, even in winter.

Don’t Be put off by the fact that it’s technically a members’ bar – all are welcome.

Drink An Italian Job – peach nectar, grapes and Stolichnaya muddled with limes and vanilla sugar.

Cocktail corner

Cognac

Winter cocktails are all about warmth – step forward Cognac, the most soothing of all spirits. You could up the indulgent ante by adding a slug of cream to make a classic Brandy Alexander – one part Courvoisier (www.courvoisier.com), one part crème de cacao and one part double cream, topped with nutmeg. Or you could really go for broke with a Brandy Flip – two shots of Hine VSOP (www.hinecognac.com) blended with an egg, two teaspoons of sugar and a good grating of nutmeg. If that all sounds a little rich, how about playing it straight with Rémy Martin’s newest offering, Coeur de Cognac (www.remy.com)? Unlike other cognacs it’s made to drink over ice.

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