Explore Newcastle's engineering heritage in a restored Victorian hall hosting gigs, exhibitions, talks and cultural events with an on-site café bar.

The Common Room is a historic charity venue housed in Neville Hall, a beautifully restored building in Newcastle that has been home to the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers since 1872. The venue preserves and celebrates the North East's rich industrial and engineering legacy through its archives, collections, and public programming. Visitors can experience a diverse programme of cultural events including live gigs, lectures, film screenings, exhibitions and specialist talks that connect the region's industrial past with its contemporary future. The distinctive historic spaces, featuring original architectural details like stained glass windows and wooden bookcases, provide atmospheric settings for exploring heritage and culture. The venue also houses 5|Quarter Café Bar, offering coffee, drinks and light refreshments in the heart of the building. The Common Room welcomes the public to its events and collections, making it accessible for families interested in history, engineering heritage and cultural experiences. Located just two minutes from Newcastle Central Station, it serves as both a working heritage venue and an active community hub for ideas, events and gatherings. The venue is dog friendly and pushchair friendly, with free entry to the building and reasonably priced ticketed events.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

M

M De

2 months ago

Fabulous little cafe. A bit of peace and calm really ght next to the bustling station. My friend and I stopped in for a cuppa and a flapjack after her long journey. We were served by the lovely Katie, who was very knowledgeable and helpful both with ingredients and allergens in the cafe and also about the buildings history. We really enjoyed chatting with her. She made us feel very comfortable and looked after. ☺️

F

Freddie Douglas Events

3 months ago

This is a great wedding venue in Newcastle city centre, as a content creator the stunning decor make it easy

M

Margaret Forward

5 months ago

What a fab venue for a gig. Saw Steve Knightley last week and the acoustics were great!

J

John Robbie Clark

10 months ago

A brilliantly beautiful building. We came here to watch a rendition of Frankenstein: Or The Modern Day Prometheus and it was fantastic. The Wood room is stunning and contributed to the ambience excellently.

A

Ahya Hernandez Cruz

3 years ago

Only managed to get into this place just recently (since arriving in Newcastle in 2015) for a Candlelight Concert in the Wood Room. The room was absolutely stunning! Eventhough the room was kept dark, it was clear that it could easily accommodate an ample number of people. When you first walk in, a beautiful and towering carved statue is situated in front of you as a welcome. The stained glass windows, I believe is one of its focal points, and was amazing to behold, even in the candle lit room. Metal staircases flank the stained glass windows on either side, leading up to an array of paintings on the walls. I am hoping to come back soon, and during the daytime - to clearly see what other experiences this room holds!

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026