This bohemian corner of Newcastle is one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the UK for 2026

When it comes to the trendiest postcodes in the UK, conversations usually centre around spots in London, Glasgow and Bristol. So it’s a big win for Geordies, as Time Out has just named one of its neighbourhoods one of the coolest in the country.

Handpicked by experts up and down the country, Heaton in Newcastle was chosen among locales in Edinburgh, Belfast and Glasgow. What makes a neighbourhood cool, you ask? The criteria as diverse as the UK. Places with the hottest dining scenes, thriving indie businesses, n array of cultural options. Something that's vital, though, is a strong sense of community.

A few miles east of Newcastle’s centre, Heaton has had a serious glow up since its mining days in the 18th century. Driven by an energetic student crowd and a creative wave of young families, Heaton has evolved into a bohemian and foodie hotspot where natty wine bars and New York-style burger and pizza joints are popping up faster than you can say biodynamic chilled red.

Contributor Kitty Chrisp said Heaton is ‘the Toon’s current gastronomical place-to-be, giving its swankier (and historically cooler) neighbours Ouseburn and Jesmond a run for their money’.

This is down to new openings like Stupid Good pizza and Burts burgers – sister to mouthwatering nearby pizza spot Flin. The gastronomic delights don’t stop there, though. There are further breaded joys at Dot Bagel and Handsome Sandwich, as well as some serious beverage offerings: interesting craft beers at Elder Beer brewery, Twin Peaks-inspired cocktails at Mother Mercy, and both wines and beer at the hybrid House.

If you visit in August, the annual arts event Novum Summer Festival will be on, and performers will spill onto the streets of Heaton.

Read the full list of the coolest neighbourhoods in the UK right now.

More news for northerners: A major new train station is coming to Yorkshire.

Plus: Why this ‘under-the-radar’ Sheffield suburb is one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the UK for 2026. 

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