Ruby Rae's, Newcastle's first dedicated country bar, has been extended to accommodate more partygoers ahead of hosting its first festival. The bar, located on Side, has undergone renovations that include moving the stage, removing a wall, and adding a resident photo booth.
Bar Expansion Details
Builders began work at the start of the week to extend the back of the premises, relocate the stage that has hosted several top American artists over the past year, and remove a wall to improve sightlines for audiences watching performers. The photo booth, which has proven popular at the York venue, has also arrived at the Newcastle bar in recent days.
The expansion follows the bar's opening last May, which drew large crowds over its opening weekend. Owners Dean Saunders and Dan Cooke also opened a second Ruby Rae's venue in York over the summer.
Ruby Rae's XL Festival
Ruby Rae's is set to host its first festival, Ruby Rae's XL, in Times Square on October 23. Confirmed acts include tribute performances to Shania Twain, Ella Langley, Morgan Wallen, and Dolly Parton. Over the weekend, the new stage is scheduled to feature musicians such as Ashleigh Bell, Bethan Amber, Bryan Watson, and Ste Wilson, along with weekly line dancing sessions.
The bar opened in the former Empress venue on Side, which closed in 2025, bringing a Nashville-inspired atmosphere to Newcastle city centre.
