Once upon a time on the little island of Britain, a city called Newcastle-upon-Tyne was building 25% of the world’s ships. Today, the city produces the world’s wildest parties. Bottoms-up!

In fact, Newcastle-upon-Tyne is newly reinvigorated in more ways than one. The birthplace of the electric lightbulb, the gas turbine, and the steam locomotive, the city maintains its enterprising spirit, with its forays into the world of modern art, and public works projects, from a trendy waterfront area to concert halls and science museums.

The town’s residents are known as Geordies. You can detect a true Geordie by his thick accent and his ability to go with the flow—both of the situation and of the Brown ale, for which locals have a particular affinity. You may also be able to spot a Geordie by his black and white clothing. In the early days, the Black friar monks within the city walls wore white tunics and black cloaks. Now, however, black and white vestments mark a Magpie, a member of Toon Army—or, in more comprehensible terms, a fan of the Newcastle United Football Club.