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Saturday's in our house are family days and we like to have a day out somewhere. We were recently invited along to The Gate complex in Newcastle city centre for an afternoon of family fun so we visited with our 4 and 5-year-old on Saturday afternoon.
The Gate is somewhere that I have such fond memories of, I partied there with my friends in my 20s, I visited for first dates with my soon to be husband. However it is not somewhere we have visited much with our younger two children (aged 4 and 5 years old).
The Gate
The Gate is an entertainment complex right in the middle of Newcastle, spread over three floors it is home to bars, restaurants, casino and entertainment venues. The top floor is home to a top of the range Cineworld cinema with a 4DX screen.
The Gate is really easy to get to as it is just outside of the Eldon Square shopping complex and just a short walk from the Haymarket bus and Metro stations, there is also an onsite car-park at the rear (fee applies).
On the second floor we noticed lots of giant games dotted around such as table football and table tennis which were free to use. We didn't get a chance to try them out as we visited on a Saturday afternoon so they were busy but we will try and have a game next time we visit as the kids were keen to have a try.
Dining In The Gate
There are lots of dining options in the Gate and also a few bars. As we were dining with the children we opted to dine in Nando's which is always a firm favourite in our house.
Despite being busy we were seated after a short wait and the kids were giving colouring sheets and crayons to keep them entertained whilst we waited for the food to arrive. Service was quick and friendly and we did not have to wait long for our food, which is always a blessing when dining with young kids. The children ordered off the Nandinos kids menu which was only £5.95 for a main with two sides and a drink.
My 5-year-old daughter ordered a plain chicken burger with side of chips and corn on the cob and apple juice to drink. My 4-year-old son went for the chicken breast strips with sides of garlic bread and corn on the cob and apple juice to drink.
I am a creature of habit and always order the same thing when we visit Nando's lemon & herb spiced grilled chicken burger with peri-peri chips and spicy rice (£9.95).
The other half had the hot double chicken wrap (£13.25) with peri-peri chips and coleslaw sides plus a portion of grilled halloumi (extra £1.50). We also got a couple of refillable soft drinks.
The 4DX Cinema Experience At Cineworld
After our meal, we headed upstairs to the Cineworld cinema to watch the new Avengers film 'End Game' on the 4DX cinema screen. I used to visit the cinema in the Gate loads back when it was Empire cinema (many years ago) but haven't been since Cineworld took over and I have to say I was impressed.
We went to see End Game which is a 12a, I was a bit worried that my kids would be too young for this film but as my son is a huge Avengers fan we decided to let them see it. My 5-year-old found one part of the film a little scary but my little boy loved it.
It was our first time trying out the 4DX screen and I was not sure what to expect if I am honest but we loved it and it was a whole new cinema experience. The film is in 3D so you are given glasses to wear to watch the film with but also the seats move throughout the film, there are blasts of wind throughout the film and flashing lights and even squirts of water hit you through the film. The extra features definitely made the film more enjoyable.
The kids absolutely loved the experience of moving seats and water and wind machines, although they were just old enough to get in as it is not suitable for under 4s.
We had a really lovely afternoon at The Gate, I was impressed with the changes that have been made to The Gate recently and we found it so family-friendly with lots of families enjoying meals, the cinema and the games area.
The Gate Newcastle
Newgate Street
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE1 4XQ
Close to local bus and metro stations in the city centre, on-site car park available (fees apply).
Open 7 days a week until late, opening times and further details can be found at www.thegatenewcastle.co.uk
Ah it looks like yous had a lush day out - we love it there too. x
ReplyDeleteI was really impressed with the changes they have made x
DeleteI haven't been to The Gate for years. I think of it just for the pubs and TGI Friday's.
ReplyDeleteI've never actually been to Nando's before. Their food looks so good.
It sounds like you had a fab afternoon x
You should take the girls next time you are in town, they have loads of free giant games they can play and a gaming lounge they would enjoy. xx
DeleteNewcastle is on my visit list for this year so will keep this in mind
ReplyDeleteI hope you manage to visit it is a lovely city with so much to do, The Gate is perfect for somewhere to get lunch or visit the cinema or gaming area x
DeleteI want to try the 4D cinema experience, try it in Seoul and absolutely loved it.
ReplyDeleteIt is really good, makes the experience so much better x
DeleteThis place sounds great for a fun family day out and especially when its raining as everything is under cover. A trip to the cinema is always a hit in my house too
ReplyDeleteLaura x
It is perfect for rainy or cold days x
DeleteWe love the Gate. It's just so convenient having everything so close together as a parent isn't it? I'm dying to try out that new cinema experience!
ReplyDeleteThe new cinema experience was brilliant, well worth a visit x
DeleteI haven't been in the Gate for ages. The cinema looks fab, I must try it out
ReplyDeleteThe cinema is really good x
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