Went to Silo for a work Christmas get-together. The service was poor right from the start - staff acted like they were doing us a favour by getting us a drink, then the beers were warm. They were politely sent back and replaced with cold ones. The problem arose when I went to settle the bill and they tried to charge us for the 4 beers we sent back - each of which were still full bottles. I queried this with one waitress and she waved over the girl who had served us and she backed up my story but then a guy intervened who seemed to be "in charge" and he grabbed the docked we'd been going over and said "they're to pay for all the drinks." He was rude, would not listen to me or my explanation and since we had reservations at a Thai restaurant close by, I paid up! That was almost two years ago and I've never been back. There was a rude and fairly obnoxious group next to us. Maybe he thought I was part of their group and wanted to make a point. Either way, it was very poor form, unfair and unprofessional!

Arguably the grooviest place to have a drink on a Friday. Faux felt textured wallpaper, chandelier lighting, ornante mirrors within a contemporary space. The best cocktails in Newcastle with an innovative new menu and creatively written too. David Cartwright does great work in the kitchen and Silo deserves its many awards.

Approximate cost: $35

The place where the young people love to eat at night and a great place for a meal anytime. On the boardwalk at Newcastle Harbour, eat inside or out, and experience a really enjoyable meal.