MoneyPenny – The Broadwalk, Newcastle

When I first moved to Newcastle, I was pretty snarky about the whole dining scene.

I’d come from Sydney and had convinced myself that Newcastle hospitality was mostly pub schnitzels, sports bars and places trying very hard to look “industrial.” Then family took me to MoneyPenny and I remember thinking: ah okay, there are people here who understand atmosphere.

I’ve been back multiple times since.

The easiest way to describe it is somewhere between a retro harbour-side garden party and a really good cocktail bar that doesn’t disappear up its own backside. It has warmth to it. Dim lighting, cosy booths, ocean breeze drifting through from Honeysuckle, good music, genuinely friendly staff. You instantly relax when you walk in.

The cocktails are excellent. Properly excellent. Strong too, at least the way I order them. I honestly couldn’t tell you exactly what I drank last time because after a few rounds things became a little spiritually blurry. But I do remember being extremely happy.

Food-wise, the Cajun cauliflower bites are ridiculous. Same with the prawn baos and arancini balls. Great beer selection too. Sierra Nevada, Philter, Grifter. Whoever handles their drinks menu clearly knows what they’re doing.

What I appreciate most though is that it doesn’t feel performative. A lot of venues try to manufacture “vibe.” MoneyPenny actually has one. There’s a difference. It feels lived in and social rather than curated for TikTok.

It’s also one of the few places in Newcastle I’d confidently recommend to Sydney friends visiting up north without mentally preparing excuses beforehand.

That alone is high praise from me.