City-break tourism 'proving popular in Newcastle'

Stag parties seeking the perfect destination for a weekend of booze-fuelled celebrations might look to check out the trendy clubs and bars of Newcastle.

According to the Times, the city has seen a transformation since the mid-1990s, when significant investment was made in developing culture and public facilities.

As a result, the once-squalid areas of Newcastle are lined by smart, glass-fronted wine bars that are "buzzing with drinkers" and could prove the ideal location for a lively stag night.

The city's "diamond strip" is also home to a host of restaurants and clubs, while a 42 per cent growth in hotels since 2002 means revellers are unlikely to be stuck for a place to stay.

Andrew Dixon, chief executive of the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative that was set up to promote the region, said the number of visitors has surged in recent times.

"Ten years ago we didn't have city-break tourism here, but it's now worth £1.2 billion a year," he added.

Stag parties who make the trip to the north-east in the future might also be able to visit a new floating drinking venue on the River Tyne after local restaurateur Parviz Alizadeh said he had received interest from investors keen to fund his Bubble on the Tyne development plans, the Journal Live reported.