My May Days

I always love May, it's my month of anniversaries. I celebrated my six year anniversary of moving to Newcastle closely followed by the birth of this blog and becoming Facebook official with Simon (remember when that was a really big deal?) - there's been plenty of bottles of fizz chilling in our fridge. This month was also a month of new discoveries and revisiting old favourites and I can't wait to share them with you. Here's what didn't make the blog this month.

Coffee on the Quayside 

When we found ourselves strolling down the Newcastle Quayside desperately wanting a coffee I suddenly remembered that we were yet to visit St Vincents on Broad Chare. Although better known as a wine bar it also has a really lovely offering in the morning including a very nice weekend brunch menu and a rather fine selection of pastries to go with your morning coffee. The place is beautiful with red brick walls, ornate mirrors and gorgeous cafe style seating. For a moment I forgot I was in Newcastle, I was in a charming little cafe in Europe! Who needs a holiday when Tyneside is this good?

Everyman Cinema Opens in Newcastle

I feel like we were waiting forever for the arrival of the Everyman Cinema in Newcastle, so when it finally opened its doors this month I was through them like a shot. The bar area is lush and offers a lovely quiet place for a nice drink and light bites (available for non-film goers too!) and the screens get a very enthusiastic thumbs up from me - they have snug little sofas with cushions (very comfy) and even have little tables so you can take wine into your film! I've only seen one film there so far but I can't wait to go back!

Anyone for Chicken?

You know it's officially Summer when the street food market at By The River Brew Co has reopened for the season. Simon and I welcomed the season in style with a visit to one of our favourites, Fowl Play. We demolished the Mother Choocka Bucket (made for four, yet can be enjoyed by two if you're feeling hungry) - we munched our way through naga hot sauce wings, smoked chilli butter thighs, buttermilk waffles, ziggy fries and sauces.  Typical Tyne weather saw me doing a rather fantastic catch of Simon's waffle after an overenthusiastic gust of wind tried to blow it away, I have obviously been trying to recreate it ever since!

Alnmouth Rediscovery

I rediscovered a Northumberland gem this month after having "the great Alnmouth debate" with Simon. Every time we drive past the village along the coast road I'm hanging out the window to see the beautiful views of the boats and colourful houses so have been wanting to stop there for a mooch for a while.  Simon was convinced that last time we visited there wasn't much to see on our last journey we decided to settle the argument. Guess who was right! Such a lovely little spot, beautiful boats, pretty little harbour and a damn good coffee from Scotts of Alnmouth

Cake at The Running Fox

The Running Fox are slowly taking over Northumberland with their lovely little shops popping up across a few different locations. I tried out the new cafe at Shilbottle this month and I have to say I think it may be my favourite. Lovely decor, a decent sized carpark and, of course, their cake is as good as ever. I indulged in a big slab of Victoria Sponge complete with raspberry pieces and ate it whilst reading the breakfast menu (no surprises I decided I'll need to return for breakfast soon!)

Breakfast by the River Wear 

Simon and I recently realised that it had been a long time since our last visit to Durham so we decided to venture south, trying out the Durham Park and Ride for the first time which I have to say was a bit of a game changer - I don't think we'll ever be getting the overpriced train there again!  We had the loveliest time exploring starting off with a picture perfect breakfast at Riverview Kitchen where we nabbed a table with River Wear views and I polished off a cheese scone with fried egg and bacon (sounds a little odd but wow it worked!)

Lola Jeans Burgers

Lola Jeans Burgers are legendary in the North East. Having won Battle of the Burgers every year there's a reason why everyone is buzzing about their delicious inventions. They really do come up with some amazing combinations, last week I revisited their 2017 winner The James P Sullivan - two beef patties, mature cheddar, prime rump steak, shoestring onions, BBQ sauce, red onion jam and pickled onion Monster Munch - yes crisps in a burger! It might sound odd but it really is so good!

As always for more adventures from New Girl in Toon make sure you follow me on Instagram I post a new photo every day sharing our latest discoveries across the North.

Fowl Play and Lola Jeans treated me to complimentary meals in exchange for social media coverage. Everyman Newcastle invited me to enjoy a complimentary preview film. All other features in this post were paid for by ourselves.

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