Licklist guide to the best Stag-do locations!
So, you’ve popped the question and are beginning to make plans for the big day? Yes that’s right, the all-important stag do! First things first, where to go? This is one of the most important decisions of your life (well you only get one don’t you? Or at least that’s the plan!). Get on the phone to your best man (and perhaps a few other choice mates) and arrange a discussion date at your house, or better yet, your local drinkery (well you don’t want the future mrs looking over your shoulder do you?); just make sure that it has wifi, as Internet access is of vital importance! To help you along the way, here are four very different UK stag do destinations that all ultimately have the same end goal; to give you the perfect last night of freedom before you are sent into abyss of marriage.
The party capital of the North East, some might even say the UK, Newcastle offers everything that you could possibly need; take an outrageous nightlife, and combine it with an array of activities, from paintballing to 5-a-side, to make for the consummate stag do destination! Spread out across a number of bustling areas, there are a myriad of bars, pubs and clubs from which to choose; and don’t worry football fans, in this football mad city you won’t have much trouble finding the weekends live action!
One of the most popular places to start the night (though many have been known to stay for the duration), Osborne Road in the Jesmond area is a picturesque tree-lined street, boasting a number of upmarket bars that really get the tongues wagging! Be sure to visit Osbornes and be treated a diverse range of drinks in an atmosphere that is conducive to any age range (perfect for those who bring the dads along). And since it’s a special occasion, why not take advantage of the private bartender in their intimate cocktail area? Choose from a selection of sumptuous spirits in the relaxed atmosphere of Ru Bar; or indulge in some fine wines at Bar Blanc in the Whites Hotel, have a go of their game of chance and you could drink for free! Why not take yourself off the beaten path for a few hours and get those competitive juices flowing at The Lonsdale Hotel, a traditional British pub complete with pool table, big screen TV and a drinks menu to suit anyone’s taste! The bar is also right next to the West Jesmond metro station, from which you will be transported to the Central station, right round the corner from the premier nightlife destination in Newcastle, The Diamond Strip.
If Newcastle is the nightlife capital, then The Diamond Strip is its biggest attraction; famous for its numerous appearances on Geordie Shore, the area is home to a number of flashy and charismatic bars that really depict its name. To start, why not head over to Union Rooms? Part of the JD Wetherspoons chain, the venue offers value for money drinks, a varied food menu, and a quiet atmosphere that make it perfect to get the crowd together and line that stomach before descending into the madness of the night! Moving down the strip, you’ll find a congregation of venues that almost make it almost impossible to choose (so be sure to have a game plan before heading out!); from everybody’s favourite Vodka bar ‘Revolution’ to popular wine bar ‘The Vineyard.’ Floritas bar offers you the best in House music and will treat you to a night that is tailored to your satisfaction; whereas Tiki bar ‘Mimo’, offers a fantastic array of rum based cocktail in a Miami beach style luxury setting! Step into a Bohemian world of luxury at the Tup Tup Palace, where you can where you can delight in their indoor waterfall feature and drink from some of the finest brands whilst listening to some of the world’s finest DJ’s and artists; or enjoy the ‘anything goes attitude of Madame Koo’s, with a fusion beat of all the classic soul, disco, RnB, rock and pop that anyone dare play, indulge in one of their stag parties where they offer everything from the ultimate lads day out with live sport and ice cold beer to a three course lunch and wine or whiskey tasting followed by a night of live music and world class cocktails! To top off your night, why not enjoy a sneaky private dance at erotic bar ‘For Your Eyes Only’ (nobody has to know!).
For a stag do full of history and culture, look no further than Edinburgh; the Scottish capital is reputed for its collection of historical buildings, museums, art galleries and theatres that work alongside a number of bars, pubs and clubs to make for a culturally-charged stag do experience!
Located at the foot of Edinburgh castle, Grassmarket is the most popular area of the city for stag and hen parties; offering a friendly and engaging atmosphere that has led to many seeing it as the epicenter of Edinburgh’s nightlife. For a hearty meal to line the stomach, a decent selection of beers and fine wines to get you going, and an extensive spirit menu if you’re feeling naughty, The Castle Arms is a fantastic destination to begin any stag do. Take in the traditional Scottish pub vibe at The Fiddlers Arms, with live acoustic on show and an extensive list of over 100 whiskies; or party like an Australian at Oz Bar, with a selection of Aussie beers available and pool tables to help decide who’s king of the stag do! Enjoy a night of cabaret at Club Rouge, offering all things burlesque. Alternatively, make your way to Sneaky Petes and appreciate the live music on offer; but make sure you have booked a place, as the intimate venue only holds 90 people! One of the most diverse bars in the city, Espionage holds host to a range of bars, dance floors and secret spaces that that are presided over by some of the city’s best DJ’s, making it the best venue for every mood; just be sure not to lose your crowd! The area is also home to a number of strip clubs, from the recently revamped ‘Western Bar’ to the self proclaimed number one show bar ‘Baby Dolls’. Hop in and out as much as you like and make sure you and your best man claim your free t-shirts.
The area in and around George Street is another hotspot for any prospective stag-doers; just a five-minute taxi ride away from the Grassmarket (or a fifteen minute walk if you’re feeling adventurous, or cheap), the area is known for its upmarket venues and upmarket prices, but I’ll reiterate, you only do this once right? Unwind in style at Opal Lounge, with a selection of highly respected DJ’s that lay down an imposing blend of classic dance tracks, current club favourites, soul, funk and RnB; or enjoy an exotic night of stylish drinking, carefree dancing and vivacious service in the bounty paradise that is tiki bar ‘Lola Lo’. Why not try their Cocktail Masterclass and learn some new skills to impress the mrs. Le Monde Hotel offers two different night scenes; sophisticated venue ‘Dirty Martini’, where you can enjoy live music and comedy whilst supping on one of their many cocktails; and Shanghai Club, which brings the pulsating energy of China’s nightlife straight to Scotland. Perhaps the most popular nightclub destination in Edinburgh, the Whynot Nightclub can be found nestled beneath the famous Edinburgh landmark that is The Dome Bar and Grill, offering the perfect location for any occasion; featuring four cocktail bars, a large central dancefloor with onlooking private booths, a stunning outdoor heated courtyard, it really does offer an unique experience.
Perfect for the stag do on a budget, Cardiff was named amongst the top three best value cities in the UK by top travel company ‘Trip Advisor.’ Enjoy both the old and the new in a city that is undergoing a major renaissance; breathe in its splendour and snap away at the many famous landmarks! From sports venue ‘The Millennium Stadium’ to Cardiff Castle.
Once you’ve seen all that you need to see, then Mermaid Quay at Cardiff Bay is well worth a visit. With a number of waterfront bars, it’s the perfect place to kick back, relax and enjoy the view as you warm up for the nights festivities; the calm before the storm if you will. Catering for both traditional and modern tastes, the Terra Nova bar offers a full range of Brains cask ales and smooth beers that work alongside a selection of wines and champagnes to achieve an understated level of sophistication; whilst the VIP Piano lounge oozes sinful luxury through its deep red velvet drapes and dark lacquered wood. With floor to ceiling windows displaying the best scenic views, snug sofas combined with roaring fires adding that extra cosyness in wintertime, and an outdoor terrace seating area for the summer, Salt is seen to be one of Cardiff’s most stylish bars; alternatively, the Glee club offers everything that a comedy enthusiast would want, with a host of stand up comedians and comedy shows on display all year round!
So the evenings drawing in and it’s time to get closer to the action. Don’t worry, the Cardiff city centre is just a ten minute taxi ride away from the Mermaid Quay area! Take a trip to Glam in the Cathays student area for a night of sophistication, ambience and luxury. Try out one of their champagne and booth packages, and make your night extra special; or take in some sport at Gassy Jacks, where chilling out with friends is the order of the day. Moving further towards the city centre, there are a multitude of brilliant bars , from Australasian themed bar Walkabout to Revolution, the Vodka bar. Experience the weird and the wonderful at Lab 22, where you will be treated to an array of liquid delights that are uniquely created by some of the cities best mixologists, before taking a trip back in time with 90’s bar ‘Retro, where you’ll have the chance to party like it’s 1999 and enjoy shooters modeled after sweets from the era. And for the perfect happy ending, why not visit Fantasy Lounge? Open until 6am, the club offers the best erotic entertainment that Cardiff has to offer; top off your night with one of their stag party packs, and better yet, a ‘Stag Fantasy Dance!’
Enjoy a stag do on the beach in Brighton; alive with all the vigour of a capital city and the energy of a seaside resort, Great Britain’s premier coastal town is perfect for those that enjoy sun, sea, sand and Sambuka.
Get yourself over to Brighton Pier for the best action the city has to offer; with a varied collection of venues dotted about the popular seaside landmark that will allow you to tailor the trip to your specifications. Brighton’s best loved venue, Coalition is known for its raucous late night club events, premium DJ names and mind-blowing gig nights. Get there early and relax on their huge terrace with one of the tasty hotdogs. Alternatively, Bohemia offers all of the style and sophistication one would expect from a ‘Champagne Late Lounge’, where funky bar grooves are played by skilled DJ’s on vinyl! Book yourself onto the Barman’s Table and get your own personal barman for the night! Enjoy the relaxed and friendly atmosphere at Fishbowl, where some of Brighton’s best DJ’s will treat you to an eclectic, soulful experience; or test out your vocal cords at Lucky Voice, with private karaoke rooms and weird and wonderful cocktail and shooter flavours. For the best in current and forward thinking Electronic music, look no further than Life, offering everything from House and Techno to Drum & Bass; alternatively, look to Seventy6 Bar and Club for those pure party anthems. Book one of their many booths and receive a free shot for each member of your party amongst other fantastic offers! Escape to the multi award winning Oceana and take a trip around the world with their seven themed rooms; from a seductive Parisi pad, perfect for a bit of relaxation, to a New York style disco, where you can dance the night away!
By Calum Dewsbury