Summer on the Terrace at Hotel Du Vin, Newcastle

Nothing beats some al fresco dining in the Summer time. Long lazy evenings spent with friends sipping cocktails and enjoying the last few hours of the beautiful warm sunshine is my favourite way to spend Summer nights and the Terrace at the Hotel Du Vin has to be one of the best outdoor spaces in Newcastle.

Forget fighting for a seat in the crowded bars in the city centre, if you want a truly relaxing evening outside this Summer just take the short stroll along the sunny Quayside to the Hotel du Vin for a seat on their beautiful terrace. It's a bit of a well kept secret and a perfect sun trap (just don't tell everyone because I want to make sure there's a seat left for me!)

If eating outdoors is your thing then it really doesn't get any better than the al fresco menu at Hotel du Vin, with plenty of seasonal and local produce on offer. The fixed price Summer menu offers two courses for £17.95 or three courses for £20.95 - Seared Galican Octopus, Grilled Cornish Mackerel and Treacle Tart are just some of the delicious dishes available on the menu.

Originally home to the Tyne Tees Ship Company, Hotel du Vin is one of the most beautiful buildings in Newcastle and their outside terrace is a pretty special place to spend a sunny day. Sit in the shadows of the stunning red brick building, grab a table in the sunshine or hide away in the snug for hours of relaxation.

Once the sun begins to disappear the terrace is lit by beautiful fairy lights giving the terrace the kind of magical feeling that makes you feel like Summer might just last forever.

If you're very lucky you might be invited to a private party or wedding at the Hotel Du Vin (it's happened to me a few times in the short time I've lived in Newcastle) and then you can enjoy the delicious new barbecue style menu available for private hire parties, weddings and corporate functions. Designed to be cooked outside, the hotel's chefs get to show off their sills on the grill creating beautiful meat and fish dishes that are best enjoyed alfresco.

Of course enjoying the Summer isn't all about the food and relaxing with a glass of wine or a cheeky cocktail or two is a great way to enjoy the warmer evenings. The extensive cocktail list at Hotel Du Vin features classic and contemporary drinks. My favourite? A Mojito, classic but absolutely perfect for a balmy evening on the Tyne.

If the weather really isn't playing ball this Summer (which unfortunately is a reality when in the UK) then the Hotel Du Vin have recently unveiled their beautiful new look Bistro which is a great hideaway for cooler nights. Boasting a stunning makeover it's well worth a look once the sun has disappeared.

Safe to say, I've got everything crossed that we have many weeks of sunshine left in Newcastle so that I can make the most out of the Hotel du Vin Terrace, and as soon as it's all over I'll be heavily hinting at my husband that a staycation is in order - have you seen their suites? Hopefully a story I can share with you another time!

For plenty more inspiration of where to enjoy the sunshine this Summer make sure you're following New Girl in Toon on Facebook.

I was very lucky to receive an invitation to the bistro launch party at Hotel du Vin, I was so impressed by the beautiful food and terrace that I had to share!