September 11, 2025

The Mercury Prize Comes to Newcastle

This October, the Mercury Prize leaves London for the first time, landing in Newcastle to celebrate the best British and Irish music of the year. The prestigious Award Show will take place on Thursday, 16th October, at the Utilita Arena, featuring live performances from shortlisted artists and culminating in the announcement of the 2025 winner.

The Mercury Prize champions the album format and shines a spotlight on groundbreaking talent across diverse music genres. Past winners like English Teacher, Ezra Collective, and Little Simz have gone on to achieve international success.

Fenwick and the Mercury Prize

Fenwick is proud to partner with the Mercury Prize, bringing the excitement to Newcastle with:

Mercury at Fenwick Fanzone: Step into the Mercury Prize Fanzone at Fenwick – a space created for fellow music obsessives. The Mercury Prize comes to Newcastle this October and Fenwick’s newly opened pub will host a special live lounge to mark the occasion. Dive into the shortlisted albums, connect with other fans and listen to live music, running 12pm - 6pm on the 16th October. Six artists from the North East will be selected through an open call run by Generator, the North’s leading music development agency. Each will perform their own original music alongside an acoustic cover from one of this year’s Mercury Prize-shortlisted albums. It’s a chance to hear shortlisted tracks in a new light and to see what the region’s next wave of talent has to offer.

The Mercury Prize Fanzone at Fenwick is part of the Mercury Prize Fringe Newcastle – more than 20 events across seven local authorities, celebrating Northern creativity and building towards the biggest night in the UK music calendar. It’s the perfect stop before heading on to the awards night at the Utilita Arena, a moment to connect with new voices, original songs, and the energy of Mercury Week in Newcastle.

Enjoy our full pub menu and bar, exclusively available for booked tables at Fenwick. Choose from three bookable time slots throughout the day, from 12pm, 2pm and 4pm, each offering the chance to enjoy performances from two incredible artists. With only 40 covers per booking, spaces are limited, so be sure to secure your spot. For those feeling spontaneous, additional space will be available on the day for walk-ins, drinks only.

Secure your fanzone table

Mercury Prize at Fenwick Food Hall – 15th October: Join us in the Fenwick Food Hall after hours, from 7:15 PM to 10:00 PM, for an unforgettable evening of music and culinary delights.

Enjoy the vibrant sounds of Beat Boutique, accompanied by a roaming saxophonist, as they bring the Food Hall and restaurant spaces to life with their captivating performances. Masters of blending timeless R&B, Soul, Funk, and Disco with modern Neo-Soul and Amapiano, The Beat Boutique craft soulful soundscapes that elevate any setting.

Enjoy the full à la carte menus at Porterhouse, Saltwater, and Blacks Corner, or indulge in Fuego's exclusive menu, specially created for this extraordinary week. For the first time, Fuego by Fenwick presents an exclusive tasting menu - a brand-new dining experience. Featuring one-off dishes crafted with premium, luxury ingredients, this is your chance to savour a truly unique culinary journey.

Fuego by Fenwick Tasting Menu: A Taste of the Mediterranean

Galician beef ragu on beef fat focaccia with cream & caviar
Cep mushroom & truffle arancini with saffron aioli
Lobster, shaved fennel & grapefruit salad
Pecorino & rosemary twice-baked soufflé
Iberico pork presa with Estrella Galicia sauce & garden herbs
Amalfi lemon tart with crème fraiche

Indulge in this one-of-a-kind menu, priced at £45 per person.

To attend the event, simply reserve a table at Porterhouse, Saltwater, Fuego, or Blacks Corner. Entry will be via the Northumberland Street entrance from 7:15 PM.

Reserve your table at Fuego via Eventbrite ↗

Reserve your table at Porterhouse ↗

Reserve your table at Saltwater ↗

Reserve your table at Blacks Corner ↗

Shortlisted Albums Display: From Monday 13th October, Fenwick Newcastle will showcase the 'Albums of the Year' covers within the Northumberland Street window.

The 2025 Mercury Prize 12 ‘Albums of the Year’ are: