Bigg Market

Entertainment

The Bigg Market has become synonymous with the drinking culture of today. With its many pubs and clubs however, it’s possible to find a pub to your taste. They range from old coaching inns, the Old George being an example, to clubs like the Blu Bambu, which has won the Club category gold award for Best Bar None. Weekends are very busy, with queues outside many of the pubs. If you fancy a quieter night go there on a Tuesday or a Wednesday. Make a point of visiting Balmbra’s. This is on the site of the old Balmbra’s Music Hall which is famous for the fact that the ‘National Anthem’ of the area ‘Blaydon Races’ was first sung here.

History

Although it is called the Bigg Market, this does not refer to size. The name actually comes from a type of barley grown locally. By some standards the market is quite small. It is interesting, however, with a wide variety of goods for sale. The market is held on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The Bigg Market was one of several along the Great North Road. This important road crossed the Tyne, protected by the castle, and continued up Percy Street (still a busy city centre thoroughfare). Like many markets, it has been held since the Middle Ages.

A nearby place, well worth a visit, is St Nicholas’ Cathedral, which is over 900 years old, and contains many references to the city’s history and the people who contributed to it.

After all your walking and sightseeing, return to the Bigg Market for a cup of tea and a meal or a snack in one of the many restaurants and cafes. You will be sure of a warm welcome!