Customs House Newcastle
An elegant 1877 building on Newcastle's harbour foreshore, offering dining, events, and stunning views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy the sunny beer garden
Customs House Newcastle
Best Time
Enjoy the sunny beer garden
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An elegant 1877 building on Newcastle's harbour foreshore, offering dining, events, and stunning views.
"This is definitely one of Newcastle's iconic gems that must be experienced."
🎯 Book Wedding/Events Early
Highly recommended for events due to amazing staff & food. Book the Harbourmasters Lounge for its beauty!
☀️ Enjoy the Beer Garden
Perfect spot for drinks with friends, soaking up the sun and harbour views. Live music in summer!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Harbour Foreshore Views
Beer Garden & Verandah
Soak in glorious vistas of the harbour and foreshore from this iconic Newcastle gem. Perfect for drinks or a meal.
Historic Architecture
Interior
Step inside to be blown away by the ornate, historic interior of this 1877 building. A feast for the eyes.
Bella's Bistro
Ground Floor
Enjoy seasonal Mediterranean meals and fine wine in an elegant setting with a decadent terrace.
The Customs House Fountain
Outdoor Area
A refreshing spot to cool off and enjoy the atmosphere, especially on a warm day.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Events
Embrace the Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Wedding/Events Early
Highly recommended for events due to amazing staff & food. Book the Harbourmasters Lounge for its beauty!
☀️ Enjoy the Beer Garden
Perfect spot for drinks with friends, soaking up the sun and harbour views. Live music in summer!
🎭 Check 'What's On' Schedule
See theatre, cinema, and special events. Book tickets in advance for popular shows.
🍷 Urban Wine Walk
Participate in this popular event visiting various wineries, including one at Customs House.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Wedding/Events Early
Highly recommended for events due to amazing staff & food. Book the Harbourmasters Lounge for its beauty!
☀️ Enjoy the Beer Garden
Perfect spot for drinks with friends, soaking up the sun and harbour views. Live music in summer!
🎭 Check 'What's On' Schedule
See theatre, cinema, and special events. Book tickets in advance for popular shows.
🍷 Urban Wine Walk
Participate in this popular event visiting various wineries, including one at Customs House.
🍽️ Bistro Dining
Bella's Bistro offers delicious Mediterranean meals with a great outlook from the balcony.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Customs House is widely celebrated as an iconic Newcastle gem, lauded for its stunning harbour views, historic architecture, and excellent service, particularly for events and weddings. While the food at Bella's Bistro is generally praised, a few diners have found specific dishes to be overpriced or underwhelming.
"We booked Customs House Hotel for our wedding and we couldn’t recommend it more! We booked their Harbourmasters Lounge because of its beautiful wooden floors and natural beauty. Hannah was amazing at answering all of our questions and keeping us organised the day of! The staff throughout the night were amazing, the girls serving us went above and beyond and were so polite and nice to talk to and the food was amazing! I would highly recommend booking Customs House Hotel for any event."
Sophie Webster
"This beautiful, historic venue has it all. Overlooking the harbour foreshore, it's spacious beer garden is the perfect place to relax & enjoy drinks with friends, whilst soaking up some afternoon sun.
The picturesque setting with the fountains, & glorious vistas of the foreshore & harbour really make time spent here extra special.
Whether it be a cold beer, cocktail, lunch or dinner, this is definitely one of Newcastle's iconic gems that must be experienced.
As well as the sunny beer garden, (where live music plays during the summer months) as you walk up the steps, a grand verandah greets you with more seating options.
Stepping inside, you'll be blown away further by it's historic, ornate interior. Take time to look around & savour all it's delights.
I had lunch here a year ago & the food was top notch. My most recent visit was a week ago for some afternoon Birthday drinks in the beer garden.
The staff & service here is fantastic, & I couldn't recommend Customs House more for your next Newy experience."
Helen Bennett
"Wow you have got to go and try this place. Today we decided to venture to this excellent venue for a set price luncheon. It was absolutely delicious and the venue has an amazing outlook from the balcony out the back. This place is excellent for Friday and Saturday drinks overlooking the harbour. I would definitely recommend you check out Customs House. To all the staff your service was excellent and very polite staff just perfect thank you for looking after us for our luncheon."
Greg Hodson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Customs House is located on the Newcastle foreshore. It's easily accessible by car, with nearby parking options. Public transport, including buses and ferries, also serves the area, offering scenic routes to the venue.
Yes, there are several parking options available near Customs House, including street parking and dedicated car parks. It's advisable to check local parking regulations and fees.
Absolutely! Customs House is a pleasant walk from the Newcastle CBD along the beautiful foreshore, offering great views along the way.
Yes, Customs House is well-served by public transport. Numerous bus routes stop nearby, and ferry services also operate along the foreshore, making it easy to reach.
For events, consider arriving early to find parking or utilize public transport to avoid any last-minute rush. The foreshore walk is also a lovely option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the general public areas like the beer garden and bistro is usually free. However, for specific theatre performances, cinema screenings, or ticketed events, advance booking is required.
Tickets for theatre and cinema can typically be booked through the Customs House website or their box office. It's recommended to book in advance, especially for popular shows.
Opening hours can vary depending on the day and whether there are specific events. The bistro and bar generally have set hours, while event times are listed on their 'What's On' page.
Yes, it's advisable to book a table at Bella's Bistro, especially for lunch or dinner, to secure your spot, particularly during peak times or weekends.
Generally, there are no entry fees for the beer garden. You can enjoy the views and atmosphere, with charges applying only for food and drinks purchased.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Customs House features Bella's Bistro, offering seasonal Mediterranean meals. They also serve drinks, including cocktails and fine wine, with a focus on quality ingredients.
Yes, Bella's Bistro is the primary dining establishment within Customs House, providing a full menu for lunch and dinner.
Reviews suggest a range of prices, with some finding the food excellent value for money, while others have noted higher prices for certain dishes like the Sword Fish.
Absolutely! They offer a selection of beers, cocktails, and fine wines, perfect for enjoying with the harbour views.
While specific menus aren't detailed, Mediterranean cuisine often includes vegetarian options. It's best to check with Bella's Bistro directly for current dietary offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
The harbour foreshore views, the historic building's exterior and interior architecture, and the fountains offer fantastic photo opportunities. The verandah and beer garden are also picturesque.
Yes, you are generally welcome to take photos inside the public areas of Customs House to capture its historic charm.
Many couples choose Customs House for its beautiful setting, making it an excellent location for wedding photography with its harbour backdrop and elegant interiors.
While general photography is usually permitted, it's always a good idea to check if there are any specific restrictions for private events or performances.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) can offer beautiful lighting for outdoor shots of the harbour. Daytime provides clear views, while evenings offer a different ambiance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during daylight hours to fully appreciate the harbour views and the outdoor spaces. Checking the 'What's On' schedule for specific family-friendly events or cinema screenings is highly recommended to plan your visit.
💍 Couples & Event Planners
For a romantic outing, consider a dinner at Bella's Bistro with its harbour views, or enjoy a wine tasting during the Urban Wine Walk event. The venue's blend of historic charm and scenic location makes it a memorable spot for couples looking for a special experience.
🥂 Foodies & Drink Enthusiasts
While most reviews are positive, be aware that some patrons have found certain dishes to be pricey or lacking in flavour. Nevertheless, for those seeking quality food and drink in an iconic setting, Customs House remains a top choice in Newcastle.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Hub for Events and Entertainment
For those planning a visit, checking the 'What's On' schedule is crucial. This ensures you don't miss out on any upcoming theatre shows, film screenings, or special events. The venue's ability to transform for different occasions, from intimate art painting sessions to larger gatherings, underscores its importance in Newcastle's social calendar.
Beyond scheduled events, Customs House also serves as a gathering point for community activities. For instance, it has been a meeting point for climate strikes, demonstrating its role in local activism and community engagement. This multifaceted use of the space highlights its significance as a central point for culture, celebration, and community in Newcastle.
Culinary Delights with a View
While many reviews highlight the delicious food and excellent service, some patrons have noted that certain dishes, like the Sword Fish, were perceived as bland and overpriced by some. Despite these occasional critiques, the overall sentiment leans positive, with many recommending the venue for its food, ambiance, and the overall experience.
The beer garden and verandah areas are particularly popular for drinks and casual dining, especially during warmer months when live music often features. This makes Customs House a versatile destination, whether you're looking for a fine dining experience, a casual drink with friends, or a place to soak in the Newcastle atmosphere.
A Historic Gem Overlooking the Harbour
Visitors often marvel at the building's grandeur, with many recommending taking time to explore its delights. The spacious beer garden and verandah offer ample seating, providing perfect spots to relax, enjoy drinks, and soak up the afternoon sun while overlooking the bustling harbour.
This historic venue is not only a place of beauty but also a functional space that hosts a variety of events, from weddings to community gatherings, further cementing its role in the city's landscape. Its blend of historical significance and stunning natural surroundings makes it a must-experience destination in Newcastle.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit