The Boiler Shop Steamer

The Boiler Shop Steamer is definitely *the* way to kick off your month!
Held in a superb industrial warehouse setting (part of the former Stephenson works which gave us the first locomotive engines — one for you history buffs there), you will find a plethora of different street-​food vendors, local breweries, great live bands or funky tunes from the DJs — a general good-​time buzz echoes around the place.
We were there on a Saturday (seemed to be free entry before 3ish this time) as it was a bit quieter — this particular weekend was the BSS’s 2^nd Birthday, so the Sunday was going to be quite an extravanganza. When you arrive it is worth just having a wander about to see what is on offer and plan your attack — the line-​up changes from month-​to-​month, so there is bound to be something to tantalise your tastebuds.
On this occasion I was in a meaty mood. Round one was a delectable feast from Longhorns BBQ Smokehouse — pulled pork, smokie, beans, fries, doused in BBQ sauce and served up in a brioche bun, simply superb! Washed down with a pint of Dognobbler, a light ale from the Wylam Brewery (one of my particular favourite local breweries), the afternoon was starting very well indeed.
Later on, I came across the Fair Game stand, a newbie to the BSS event according to their website. This time, I opted for the Venison burger, which came hot off the griddle with a lovely cranberry sauce and crisp salad in the bun. The quality was second-​to-​none, so far I was having a very good foodie feast. Another pint of a different Wylam beer soon followed, this time it was Spring Thing, yet again it went down rather well.
The only little gripe I have is that prices can be a little steep, not really fitting the traditional ‘street food’ ethos of getting something quick, cheap and cheerful. You can quickly drop £20 without thinking about it (e.g. one token is £2, the burger was two tokens); nevertheless, for the quality of the food I experienced it was worth it.
The BSS gets busier as the afternoon blends into the evening, so if you really want to make the most of what is on offer, would definitely recommend going early, just so you’ve got some space to move and get stuck into the great food and tunes on offer.
So, get yourself and a few mates down to the next event, have a bite to eat and a beer or two, and soak up the great atmosphere provided by the BSS!

Not bad at all, I’m guessing it’s usually packed like it was when I was there :) I wanna go again… Next time

This vibrant monthly event is by far the best find in Newcastle showcasing the best local food, drink, music and art! Hosted in a refurbished warehouse tucked away behind Central Station I would highly recommend this event for all fellow foodies out there.
Local street vendors will have you spoilt for choice with my personal favourites being Fat Hippo and Papa Ganoush or if I have a sweet tooth La Petit Creperie! You can indulge in some local ales from Wylam Brewery for a post-​work drink or come along to soak up the array of entertainment from local musicians.
Perfect for families on a Saturday afternoon as it tends to be quieter and the free entry before 4pm makes a daytime visit attractive! There is outdoor catering and space for those many beautiful days we have in Newcastle.
On entry and inside the boiler shop you need to exchange your money for tokens if you want food but you can pay cash for drinks. It can be expensive but it is worth every penny and I think everyone should experience this event at least once… as for me I will be back every month!