Angel's Share: Jesmond's Self-Pour Wine Lounge
A concept wine lounge on St George's Terrace with self-pour machines, artisan charcuterie, and a warm, unhurried atmosphere — here's what to expect at Angel's Share.
Jesmond's bar scene has never been short of options, but Angel's Share brings something genuinely different. Opened in June 2025 by husband-and-wife team Daren and Kate Knipe, this wine lounge on St George's Terrace puts the bottle — quite literally — in your hands.
The Concept
The headline feature is the self-pour wine machines lining one wall. You load a card, browse the selection, and pour exactly as much or as little as you want — a tasting measure, a half glass, or a full pour. The machines hold a rotating selection of wines including rare and premium bottles you wouldn't normally find by the glass.
It's a clever format. You can try a sip of something expensive without committing to a full bottle, and there's no pressure from waiting staff. Browse at your own pace, discover what you like, or ask the team if you want guidance — they're knowledgeable and happy to help without being pushy.
The name itself is a nod to the whisky world — the "angel's share" is the portion of spirit that evaporates from the barrel during ageing. Here, it's the spirit of generous exploration applied to wine.
Best for: Self-pour wine machines with rare and premium wines by the glass. Browse at your own pace — no pressure, no pretension.
What's on Offer
Wine
The wine list is grouped by flavour profile rather than region — think crisp whites, aromatic whites, smooth reds, bold reds — making it accessible for people who know what they enjoy drinking but not necessarily which grape or region produces it. The self-pour machines rotate regularly, so there's always something new.
Food
The food offering is deliberately simple and designed to pair with wine: charcuterie boards with artisan cheeses and cured meats, plus small plates and sharing boards. This isn't a restaurant — it's a place to graze while you drink. The quality of the boards is high, and they're well-matched to the wine selection.
Coffee
During the day, Angel's Share doubles as a coffee spot, using beans from Tynemouth Coffee Company. There's a loyalty card — your eighth drink is free. It's a quieter alternative to the busier cafes on Acorn Road and St George's Terrace.
Other Drinks
Beyond wine, there's a fully stocked bar with cocktails, spirits, beers, and a good non-alcoholic selection. Bottles of fizz are available for celebrations — they run a graduation promotion offering a second bottle at half price with a student ID.
The Space
Angel's Share occupies the former Boots building at 53–55 St George's Terrace — a good-sized unit that's been transformed by Pulp Studios into something warm, relaxed, and characterful. The interiors lean into vintage furniture and considered details rather than the stripped-back industrial look that dominates much of Jesmond's bar scene.
The result is a space that feels curated without being stiff. It works equally well for a quiet Tuesday evening glass as for a Saturday night with friends. Live music features on some weekends and bank holidays.
Practical Information
- Address: 53–55 St George's Terrace, Jesmond, NE2 2SX
- Phone: 0191 200 1975
- Email: jesmond@angelssharejesmond.co.uk
- Hours: Tuesday–Sunday from 10am (closing varies: 9pm midweek, 11pm Thursday–Saturday). Closed Mondays.
- Booking: Available via the Angel's Share website
- Nearest Metro: West Jesmond (5-minute walk)
Who's Behind It
Daren Knipe — formerly managing director of Blackrose Pubs — and Kate Knipe, an HR consultant, opened Angel's Share as their first independent venture together. The licensing and lease were handled by Newcastle firm Mincoffs Solicitors, who helped navigate initial objections to secure the premises.
The couple's background shows in the operation — it's professionally run but with the personal touch of an owner-operated business.
The Verdict
Angel's Share fills a gap in Jesmond that most people didn't know existed. It's not a pub, not a cocktail bar, not a restaurant — it's a wine lounge that takes its product seriously without taking itself too seriously. The self-pour machines are a genuine draw (not a gimmick), the charcuterie is well-sourced, and the atmosphere is a welcome antidote to Osborne Road's louder offerings.
If you like wine but don't like wine snobbery, this is your place.
Best for: A genuinely different addition to Jesmond's bar scene — relaxed, well-curated, and refreshingly unpretentious.
Have you been to Angel's Share? Let us know what you thought.