The Exchange 1856

About The Exchange 1856

The Exchange 1856 occupies a restored former corn exchange on pedestrianised Howard Street, in what has become North Shields' cultural quarter. Grade II listed, it has been brought back into use as a cafe-bar and restaurant with a natural-wine and good-food leaning.

Its real distinction is its live-music programme, with a busy calendar of gigs and events in a roughly 450-capacity room, making it the town's main live venue. As a cornerstone of the regeneration of the upper town, it pairs food and drink with a genuine cultural pull.

Featured in These Guides

Blog posts and guides that feature The Exchange 1856.

Best Places to Work Remotely in North Shields

A free library with WiFi and bookable rooms, flexible workspace in a restored corn exchange, and the town-centre cafes worth a laptop session: where to work remotely in North Shields.

Corporate Christmas Party Venues in North Shields

North Shields has no ballroom, so the work Christmas do comes down to three choices: a sit-down for twenty to sixty on the Fish Quay, a bigger and much cheaper room at one of the clubs or halls, or the Metro into town. A guide to who takes what.

Christmas Markets in North Shields

North Shields Christmas Market returns to Northumberland Square on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December 2026, free to get in, with a food and drink village and fairground rides around the square. Here is what to expect and what is on nearby.

The Best Wedding Venues in North Shields

From a restored Victorian exchange with a sea-view chapel to warehouse celebrations on the Fish Quay, our guide to the best wedding venues in North Shields.

The Best Pubs in North Shields

The oldest pub in town, a riverside local with six hand pumps, and a restored corn exchange turned music venue — a guide to the best pubs around North Shields and its Fish Quay.

Mother and Baby Writing Circles at The Exchange, North Shields

MotherFolk runs a weekly mother and baby writing circle at The Exchange 1856 on Howard Street, a gentle, baby-friendly space to write, reflect and meet other new parents in North Shields.

Georgian North Shields: A Walk Up the Banks

Above the Fish Quay lies a hidden Georgian town of elegant squares and grand streets. Our guide to Georgian North Shields, from the riverside banks to Howard Street and Northumberland Square.

The Best Places to Eat and Drink on North Shields Fish Quay

North Shields Fish Quay has become one of the North East's best places to eat and drink. Our guide to the quayside restaurants, bars, pubs and fishmongers, from waterfront warehouses to the oldest pub in town.

Getting Married in North Shields

Planning a North Shields wedding? Our guide to getting married in the town, from the Grade II listed register office overlooking the Tyne to approved ceremony venues, reception spaces and local suppliers, plus North East wedding fairs.

Upcoming Events

Events that feature or are connected to The Exchange 1856.

Past Events

Recent events connected to The Exchange 1856.