Did you know that it is really hard to single handedly fill the boot of a Mercedes with massive helium balloons? Planning a small impromptu baby shower was hard work! This is how my first trip to Jesmond Dene House for Afternoon Tea began and thankfully it ended on a much less stressful note!
Tucked away in the coastal village of Craster, The Jolly Fisherman draws customers from far and wide. A favourite spot with walkers and visitors to Dunstanburgh, the posh pub ticks all the right boxes.
Fighting howling gales and torrential rain, arriving at bang on 12, we were lucky enough to bag the last spot right in front of the pub. Given the grim New Years weather, we opted for a seat in the bar by the cosy roaring fire – something which would prove to be a hot commodity with all the drenched walkers.
With a stellar reputation in it’s back pocket, the gang behind Flat White in Durham have expanded onwards and upwards. With Shaun Hurrell at the helm, Flat White Kitchen makes Saddler Street it’s new home.
Bit out of our stomping ground but as Paul’s Dad lives in Tynemouth, we made the trip North for a good old fashioned Sunday Roast at Barca.
Barca Art Bar & Restaurant is slap bang amongst the action in the middle of Front Street with a cosy, quirky bar downstairs and a more spacious and even quirkier dining room upstairs. With an obvious nod to the Art part of the name, the walls are lined with pieces from local artists both for display and sale.
I am more than happy to rave about the Rib Room at Ramside Hall. Impeccable service and an even higher calibre of food. With the launch of the new and oh so swish Ramside Spa, the Fusion restaurant was introduced to the hotel site. Would I like it just as much? I hoped so.