With the “Season Of Goodwill” edging ever closer, I’m sharing the work Feeding Families do to make a difference to so many families here in the North East.
About Feeding Families: Feeding Families is a charity based in North East England that offers support, hope and security to those experiencing food poverty. Working closely with other organisations and agencies, Feeding Families ensure that thousands of families in desperate need have access to Emergency Food Boxes and Support Packages. Feeding Families offers more than just food, it shows compassion to those in crisis.
The History Of Feeding Families: In 2016, as part of a personal project, the very first Feeding Families hampers were delivered to people who were struggling to make their already stretched resources cover the extra expense of Christmas. On 29th October 2017, Feeding Families as an organisation was born and in 2020 they delivered over 3000 Christmas Hampers across the North East. Feeding Families now operate a weekly packing centre where food boxes are created all year round, they partner with other local charities and organisations to get them to the people most in need.
Get Involved With Feeding Families:
Volunteer
To ensure those affected by food poverty receive help, Feeding Families not only needs a constant supply of donated food, but a vast army of volunteers to work in their packaging centres and to deliver food boxes. Whether you would like to commit a few days a week, or hours a month or just help as a one-off, your time will make a valuable difference to Feeding Families and those they support.
Fundraise
Feeding Families is constantly humbled by the huge number of people wanting to fundraise in support of the charity and their mission. Much needed money has been raised through auctions, raffles, sponsored events, and appeals, by hundreds of supporters.
Food Collections
Feeding Families need a constant flow of food into their packing centres to support all the families that need help. Each box contains 20 items so you can imagine how much food Feeding Families need. If you can arrange a collection at your work or school, village, estate, or street Feeding Families can provide a collection box and flyers listing the food items that they need.
Give A Christmas Hamper
For many families, Christmas is another stress on top of the daily challenges of living. The added expense of providing special things for their family can be overwhelmingly difficult and none of us would want to see our children without a decent meal and a present under the tree. For others, especially those who are alone, it might not seem that anyone cares and it’s not worth making the effort. This is where Feeding Families can help. Feeding Families is built around the generosity of people willing to help those less fortunate than themselves to enjoy Christmas. Feeding Families accept requests for hampers from anyone who is in genuine need (subject to meeting criteria), and they match them up with kind hearted people who donate a Christmas Hamper full of everything to make a special Christmas dinner. It’s just one less thing for the recipient to have to worry about.
Every year since 2018, we’ve participated in the Feeding Families Christmas Campaign – whether that’s delivering a food hamper or donating the cash equivalent, it’s something both Evie & Harry are eager to help with. The whole process, from sign up to delivery, is very simple. For full details about the process, have a read of https://feedingfamilies.azurewebsites.net/give/information
Putting together a Christmas Hamper knowing how much it will help a local family is an emotional, and humbling, experience, one we will continue to do year on year for as long as the scheme is running.
A restaurant with an amazing view can elevate a dining experience from a mediocre event to the most memorable meal you’ve ever enjoyed. Whether you prefer looking out over our fantastic coastline or taking in the city’s famous silhouette, here’s a guide to my favourite North East restaurants with simply stunning views.
Caboose, Blyth
Address: Quay Road, Blyth, NE24 3PA
What’s On The Menu: Serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner with fantastic food at affordable prices for the ultimate dining experience.
About The View: The best way to see the historic Grey Street which is renowned for its beautiful Georgian architecture and has been named as one of the most instagrammed streets in the UK.
Image by The Botanist, Newcastle
Gino D’Campo, Newcastle
Address: River View, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3BE
What’s On The Menu: Serving real Italian food as it should be.
About The View: With a huge contemporary terrace overlooking the iconic River Tyne and it’s bridges.
Image by Gino D’Campo, Newcastle
The Jolly Fisherman, Craster
Address: Haven Hill, Craster, Northumberland, NE66 3TR
What’s On The Menu: At The Jolly Fisherman you will find a wide selection of fresh catches on the menu as well as pub classics and a selection of vegetarian dishes.
About The View: Showcasingone of Northumberland’s most iconic destinations, enjoy the picturesque Northumberland fishing harbour of Craster and the imposing ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle.
Image by The Jolly Fisherman, Craster
Portofino, Hartlepool
Address: Maritime Avenue, Hartlepool, TS24 0XZ
What’s On The Menu: Portofino mixes Italian, Mediterranean and North African cuisines to serve a delicious combination of Pizzas, Pastas, Fish, Poultry, Steaks and Tagines.
About The View: Situated on the bank of the river Wear this 500 year old building offers panoramic views of the medieval Elvet Bridge and the traditional City of Durham.
Dairy vending machines are popping up across the region and are booming in popularity.
The vending machine initiative provides customers with fresh, non-homogenised (and, sometimes, even raw) milk direct from the farm. Not only does the scheme support local dairy farmers, but it also brings a wealth of other benefits including reducing plastic waste, decreasing food miles and lowering the carbon footprint of the milk.
If you fancy trying one of the North East’s Dairy Vending Machines, I’ve listed the ones we’ve visited below (if you know of any others, leave me a comment so we can check it out)
Atley Hill Raw Milk, Northallerton
Address: Scorton Road Farm, South Cowton, Northallerton, DL7 0JD
Have you tried milk from a vending machine before? Or are you tempted to give it a go after reading this? Let me know in the comments what your thoughts are.
A quick guide to the quirky, TikTok and Insta famous drink from Taiwan that’s taking the region by storm.
Evie, one of the North East’s biggest boba fans, making the most of Tealive’s lush swing
What Is It?
Boba, Bubble Tea, Pearl Milk Tea, Tapioca Tea – whatever name you’ve heard it called, in it’s most basic form, the drink consists of black tea, milk, ice and chewy tapioca pearls all shaken together and served with the famously oversized straw.
The huge selection of boba on offer at Bubble Cha
What Does It Taste Like?
Sweet, refreshing and delicious with little popping balls that add a totally unique texture. Bubble Tea comes in many different flavours so you can pick and choose which you prefer.
Evie enjoying one of Manhua Cha’s specials
How Do I Order?
• Choose your base (either milk or fruit)
• Pick your topping (usually popping bubbles or jelly chunks)
• Make it yours (adjust the sweetness & amount of ice/serve it hot or cold)
The recently opened Bubble Ci-Tea’s setup
Where Can I Get It?
Below are a list of places we’ve visited to get our boba fix;
Bubble Cha, Newcastle
Address: 52 Stowell Street, NE1 4XQ
Opening Times: Daily from 11am until 8:30pm
Prices: from £3.20
Menu Highlight: Passion Fruit Tea
Our Thoughts: Located right in the heart of Newcastle’s China Town, Bubba Cha is our favourite place to grab a bubble tea – lovely staff, huge menu choice and excellent drinks
Our Thoughts: As well as selling Boba, Manhua Cha have a great selection in their Sweet Shop section. They also offer Bubble Tea kits so you can make their drinks at home
If you want to enjoy eating out during the Summer Holidays while watching the pennies, check out these “Kids Eat…” deals currently available.
Details are correct at time of publishing. Always check direct with the venue that the deal is still running before planning a visit.
North East Independent Businesses
Anglers Arms, Choppington
What’s The Deal: Kids eat for £1 with every adult meal purchased
When Is The Deal Available: Monday to Friday throughout the Summer Holidays
Any Restrictions: The offer excludes the “Beer Bait” menu and is valid on the Little Kids menu only. The deal can not be used in conjunction with any other promotion
What’s The Deal: Kids eat for £1 with every adult meal purchased
When Is The Deal Available: Monday to Friday, 3pm-7pm
Any Restrictions: No voucher needed and booking is advisable. All food must be ordered at the same time. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with the breakfast or any other offer or the set menu.
One of my favourite pastimes – sitting with a cup of coffee and a sweet treat watching the world go by. Below is a list of places I love to visit to indulge myself.
Blackberries Patisserie, Houghton-Le-Spring
Address: 4 Imperial Buildings, DH4 4DJ
About: Houghton-Le-Springs home of handmade, high quality patisserie goods
Currently Open: Tuesday to Friday 11am-5pm and Saturday 10am-5pm for takeaway only
Price Range: £
We Recommend: The Strawberry & Mascarpone Cream Tart
About: Opened in 2015, Cake Stories’ famous cake cabinet is always stocked with loads of cakes, brownies and bakes. Perfect with a coffee, tea, a glass of wine or a craft ale.
Currently Open: 7 days a week until 6pm for outdoor dining and takeaway
About: Les Petits Choux is a family-run coffee shop & patisserie owned by a mum and her two daughters. Everything is lovingly hand made on site using only the freshest and finest ingredients to give exceptional quality.
Currently Open: Monday to Saturday from 10am for outdoor dining and takeaway
About: Operating for almost 100 years, Patisserie Valerie have 67 patisseries throughout the UK. They offer everything from whole cakes to delicate patisserie as well as their famous Afternoon Teas.
About: Recently opened in STACK Newcastle, Secrettaart owner, Patricia Marques, is passionate about creating elegant, luxury, edible gifts that will leave a lasting memory for every customer
About: Taking diners back to 1910 (the start of Spanish City’s journey), Valeries Tearoom offers a selection of teas, coffees, juices, smoothies, pastries, muffins and cakes as well as sandwiches, salads, quiches and a full breakfast menu
Currently Open: Daily for outdoor dining and takeaway
Whether it’s homemade or chef prepared, I love a Sunday Roast. I think it might be my favourite meal; roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, vegetables and meat covered in gravy – perfect combination.
Below are a list of North East places that I think are serving up the best Sunday Dinners (try not to drool while reading)
Branches, Jesmond
Address: 9 Osborne Road, Jesmond, NE2 2AE
Mains Options: Roasted Sirloin of beef, roast loin of pork, chicken breast, spring vegetable risotto or pan roasted salmon and shellfish
Sunday Lunch Description: All mains are served with crispy roast potatoes, freshly made Yorkshire pudding, slow braised spiced red cabbage, crushed carrot and celeriac, cauliflower cheese and seasonal vegetables
Sunday Lunch from Babucho (click the pic for venue website)
Cog & Wheel, Sandyford
Address: 131 Sandyford Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 1QR
Mains Options: Roast chicken, spiced roast beef or vegan sausages
Sunday Lunch Description: Mains are served with braised red cabbage, honey glazed parsnips and carrots, broccoli, mash, rosemary and garlic roast potatoes and Yorkshire pudding
Price: 1 Course £11.95, 2 Courses £15
Open For Diners At The Moment: ✅
Offering Takeaway: TBC
Sunday Lunch from Cog & Wheel (click the pic for venue website)
Sunday Lunch from Davanti (click the pic for venue website)
The Impeccable Pig, Sedgefield
Address: Front St, Sedgefield, TS21 3AT
Mains Options: Roasted belly pork, roast chicken, roast sirloin of beef or roast leg of lamb
Sunday Lunch Description: All of the main courses are served with duck fat roast potatoes, mash, carrot & swede mash, seasonal greens, carrots and Yorkshire pudding
Price: 2 Courses £20, 3 Coursed £23
Open For Diners At The Moment: ✅
Offering Takeaway: TBC
Sunday Lunch from The Impeccable Pig (click the pic for venue website)
The Merchants Tavern, St Peters Wharf
Address: 1 Saint Peter’s Wharf, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE6 1TZ
Mains Options: 12 hour slow roasted beef brisket, lemon and thyme chicken, grilled fillet of salmon or baked aubergine stuffed with cous cous
Sunday Lunch Description: Served with roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, seasonal vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes
Price: 1 Course £10
Open For Diners At The Moment: ✅
Offering Takeaway: ✅
Sunday Lunch from Merchants Tavern (click the pic for venue website)
As COVID restrictions begin to ease, outdoor hospitality is back and Multi-Purpose Outdoor Entertainment Venues are popping up throughout the region. Here’s a guide to the ones we’ve visited recently
As always, COVID guidelines will be in place and must be followed at all times. Check details with the venues direct before planning a visit.
Burn It Up North Shields
Location: Outside of Gutterball Alley, next to Royal Quays
About: Live music, food, drink, arts and entertainment in 4 unique areas. Open now for food and drinks. Events to start from May 17th (guidelines allowing)
Entry Cost: Free but a £5p/p fee will be held on booking. This will only be charged if you don’t show for your booking
Booking Needed: Advisable
Covered Areas: ✅
Child Friendly: ✅
Dog Friendly: ✅
Food Options: Food from Lane7 as well as pop ups from the regions favourite street food businesses
On-site Parking: ❌
Metro Station: Percy Main
Opening Times: Monday to Thursday from 3pm, Friday from 11am, Saturday & Sunday from 9am
What We Thought: We visited early on Bank Holiday Monday, the recommended parking (behind Premier Inn) was full so the only option was to park on the road. We were told to wear face masks by security who, ironically, had his face mask below his chin. We were seated and told how to order. There were 3 other tables of customers in the venue when we ordered and yet we still had to ask the staff where our order was. We paid £2.75 for one small cappuccino from a machine and waited 17 minutes for it to arrive. We had booked the table for 90 minutes but left after 40 mins. Overall, we didn’t enjoy our time at BIU and won’t be returning.
Pros: All ordering is done through QR Codes/Website so no need to try and catch a server
Cons: On busy days, parking can be a nightmare. Expensive. Long wait for drinks.
Recommended: ❌
Burn It Up
Central Park Newcastle
Location: Times Square outside Centre For Life
About: A pop-up park in the heart of the toon embracing this years Sunmer Of Sport on a huge live 4k LED TV
Entry Cost: Tickets from £6p/p which includes first drink
Booking Needed: Advisable
Covered Areas: ✅
Child Friendly: ❌ (although family session will be held on certain days)
Dog Friendly: ✅
Food Options: Pop ups from the regions favourite street food businesses
On-site Parking: ❌
Metro Station: Newcastle Central
Opening Times: Opening on Thursday 29th April at 5pm. Then every Thursday & Friday from 5pm, Saturday & Sunday from 12pm. Also open on Bank Holiday Mondays and for all dates of Euro 2021.
What We Thought: Visited Central Park for their first Bairns & Barkers Sunday and we absolutely loved it. Brilliant setup with everything ordered through the W8R app. Lovely staff and fab atmosphere.
Pros: No kids 🤣
Cons: No kids 🤣
Recommended: ✅
Central Park Newcastle
Hardwick Hall’s Beer Garden
Location: Grounds of Hardwick Hall Hotel
About: The biggest beer garden in County Durham with street food, container bar, ice cream van and children’s rides
Entry Cost: Free
Booking Needed: No, first come first served basis
Covered Areas: ❌
Child Friendly: ✅
Dog Friendly: ✅
Food Options: Pop ups from the regions favourite street food businesses
What We Thought: We thoroughly enjoyed visiting the garden after a walk around Hardwick Park. Gorgeous way to unwind with a drink and bite to eat while overlooking the pond.
Pros: Perfect location & no booking needed
Cons: Can get super busy
Recommended: ✅
Hardwick Hall Hotel
Jesmond Beach Box
Location: Behind the Holy Hobo/As You Like It
About: An urban oasis nestled just outside the city centre in the leafy suburbs of Jesmond. With food, drinks stalls, pub corner (featuring games from darts to shuffle board) and, as the name suggests, they have a beach complete with buckets and spades.
Entry Cost: Free
Booking Needed: Advisable
Covered Areas: ✅
Child Friendly: ✅
Dog Friendly: ✅
Food Options: Food from The Holy Hobo as well as pop ups from the regions favourite street food businesses
What We Thought: Proper chilled out vibe, perfect afternoon sat in the sun listening to live music
Pros: Bar games available
Cons: Limited parking
Recommended: ✅
Beach Box
Rainton Arena
Location: Houghton-Le-Spring, DH4 5PH
About: Rainton Spring Fair is currently at Rainton Arena with loads of rides, an outdoor beer garden and food vendors. Events at Rainton Arena are planned to restart from May.
Entry Cost: Free
Booking Needed: Advisable
Covered Areas: ✅
Child Friendly: ✅
Dog Friendly: ❌
Food Options: Onsite food vans
On-site Parking: ✅
Metro Station: N/A
Opening Times: Monday to Thursday 4pm-9pm. Friday to Sunday 11am-9pm.
What We Thought: We’ve been to a few live events at Rainton Arena and couldn’t fault the setup. Everything ran smoothly and it all felt very COVID secure.
Pros: All ordering is done through QR Codes/Website so no need to try and catch a server
Cons:
Recommended: ✅
Rainton Arena
Secret Garden Seaton Delaval
Location: The Old Laidlers site, NE25 0PP
About: Expect the once worn out wholesale site transformed in to a unique floral garden hosting the very best food, drink and entertainment the North East has to offer
Entry Cost: £5p/p booking fee that will be deducted from your final bill
Booking Needed: Advisable
Covered Areas: ✅
Child Friendly: ✅
Dog Friendly: ✅
Food Options: Secret Garden Kitchen plus pop ups from the regions favourite street food businesses
What We Thought: Absolutely loved it! Very spacious and all very COVID secure. Massive thumbs up from us, definitely worth a visit
Pros: If you haven’t booked, the back uncovered seats are always kept for walk ins
Cons: Booking fee required
Recommended: ✅
Secret Garden
STACK
Location: Newcastle and Seaburn
About: STACK is a container village come creative social hub for entertainment, culture, work and play.
Entry Cost: Free entry however a booking fee is required. This fee starts from £15 per bench. The amount paid on booking is given as drink tokens on arrival
What We Thought: We’ve always enjoyed previous visits to STACK
Pros: City centre locations
Cons: Bookings for 2 – 4 guests will be located on a shared bench. This means you could end up sharing your seating area with an unknown group
Recommended: ✅
STACK
Sunderland Beach Box At The Palm
Location: Timber Beach Road, SR5 3XG
About: Newcastle’s legengary Beach Box is coming to The Palm. From April 12th, The Palm is being transformed into Sunderland’s biggest beach party. With 8 bars, 7 street food traders, live sports, covered outdoor seating, live entertainment and beach area
Entry Cost: Free
Booking Needed: Advisable
Covered Areas: ✅
Child Friendly: ✅
Dog Friendly: ✅
Food Options: Pop ups from the regions favourite street food businesses
About: A new market in the great setting of Blaydon Rugby Club offering a range of top notch street food, baked goods, preserves, local meats and cheeses, artisan wines and spirits.
About: Hexham Farmers Market is a long established market in the heart of the historic town of Hexham in Northumberland. The producers come from within a 50 mile range of the town and they are all passionate about what they do. They make the products themselves using a high percentage of locally produced ingredients.
Bao Buns. Maybe you’ve heard of them, maybe you haven’t (if you have, skip to the next section). Baos are a popular street food originating in Taiwan. They consist of meat (or vegetarian alternative), vegetables and condiments sandwiched between a flat steamed bread known as lotus leaf bread. A good bao is warm, fluffy and slightly sweet. Delicious!
I’m a huge fan of baos and have tried (almost) all of those listed below. If you fancy giving baos a go, here are my recommendations:
Bao Down, Grainger Market & STACK Seaburn
About: Serving bao buns, gyozas and fries in the Grainger Market and STACK Seaburn.
Price: 2 Baos For £7.50
Menu Highlight: I haven’t experienced Bao Down yet but the Sticky Teriyaki Chicken sounds like a must try
About: A proper hidden gem nestled away in the Grainger Market. Dumpling & Bun proudly serve freshly handmade dumplings, stuffed buns & noodle soups plus high quality green teas.
About: Breakfast and brunch covered – Pablo Eggs-Go-Bao is open daily serving fusion fun in a bun
Price: From £5
Menu Highlight: The Breakfast Bao – crispy hash brown beneath sausage patty topped with melty cheese, soft omelette and a slightly spicy & sweet sauce. All nestled into a super soft, warm, big, bouncy bao bun
About: The chic, pan Asian restaurant, that draws in bold flavours from the orient with a contemporary twist, has recently launched their Make-It-At-Home Bao Kits.
Price: The £10 kit comes with everything you need to make 3 Baos
If you’re feeling creative and want to make your own bao fillings, check out Wing Hong Cash & Carry on George Street in Newcastle. They sell loads of frozen, pre-made steamed buns. We bought a bag for a couple of £, deep fried them and made dessert baos – they were flippin’ lush!
North East Eats and Kids 