Keep your spirits high this winter by enjoying some unique Newcastle experiences.
Explore life through art
How do you imagine going to prison would change your life? Broken Chains: Prisoners unlocking potential is an art exhibition highlighting the accomplishments of current and formerly incarcerated people. Damien Linnane saw prison as an opportunity to pursue writing fiction and teach himself to draw. He is now a published novelist and a contracted illustrator working on a project for Random House. Explore his story and more through drawings and biographies at this unique exhibition on display at Wallsend Library. Bookings not required, just drop in!
Keep your 'gin' up
Make the most of the cold weather by popping into Earp Distillery at Carrington. Not only is it a cosy spot for a drink and bite to eat, but there's plenty of hands-on experiences to keep you entertained. Just make sure you book in ahead of time!
Intrigued by the next generation of spirits but unsure where to start? Be tempted with a guided tasting of the full Earp Distillery gin range. Learn how the gins are produced on their ultra-modern equipment, explore the flavour development process, and find out what makes their spirits so unique.
Spirit School runs every Thursday and Sunday and is all about providing you with an interactive experience where you become head distiller for the day. Tailored for the spirit curious, the two-hour class is run in pairs. Enjoy a complimentary No. 8 Dry G&T and twin share cheese board before learning about the history and process of distilling. Next, choose from a wide selection of Australian and exotic botanicals to distill your very own bottle of hand-labelled gin!
Every Friday and Saturday you can join the Gin blending class. Enjoy a complimentary No. 8 Dry Gin and Tonic before the distillery team take you through the history of gin and distilling, exploring traditional and contemporary gin profiles, before assisting you with your very own gin blends. Taking the multi-award winning Just Juniper as your base spirit, select from more than 20 quality botanicals to craft two gins unique to your taste and designed for your palette. Name and hand label your gins before taking them home to show off to your friends.
Distillery Tours also run every Saturday & Sunday in the next generation distillery and spirits lab, housed just next to the bar and cellar door. Enjoy a complimentary No. 8 Dry Gin and Tonic while you explore the spirits lab and botanicals before moving into the distilling hall. Learn about traditional vs. modern distilling, and the processes used to produce the Earp spirits range.
Looking for more?
If you need further inspiration for your local adventures around Newcastle, check out some of our recent blog articles which are full of great ideas...
COVID safe ways to enjoy Newcastle – for inspiration on current exhibitions at the City's cultural venues, best outdoor spaces for leisure, how you can be a tourist in your own city, plus things you can do from the comfort of your home using the Library App.
Simple weekend pleasures – for inspiration on amazing picnic possies with a spot of whale watching, plentiful parks & sportsgrounds, delicious coffee, plus where you can take your bike for a spin.