What To Do This Weekend
New openings, where to shop vintage and the best places to see the leaves changing colour - here's what not to miss this weekend
What’s New
Assemble has finally opened its doors on Old Eldon Square. This natural wine bar and café currently has Soku Kitchen in residence serving up exceptional small plates. Looking ahead into next week, Veeno in Durham will also be welcoming its first guests with an offering of Italian wine and traditional dishes. For a lively night out, cocktail and live music bar The Birdcage has opened in Alnwick. Further south, we’re loving the brand new larder, homeware and vintage store Moss in Settle.
Head in a Book
York National Book Fair returns to York Racecourse this weekend (Friday 12th to Saturday 13th). As Britain’s largest antiquarian book fair (with nearly 200 dealers), this is not one for bookworms to miss. Keep your eyes peeled for Whitley Bay’s own Keel Row Books who will be in attendance. We caught up with them shortly after they moved to the town to talk all things books. It would be a crime not to stop in at York’s other bookshops while you’re in the city. The Blue House Bookshop specialises in children’s books, and Criminally Good Books have cornered the market in all things crime-related (cosy crime, true crime, crime reference – they have it all).
Out and About
Not that we need an excuse, but as autumn creeps in there’s nothing better than a long walk and a pub lunch. A stroll around Bolam Lake in Northumberland finished with a stop off at The Beresford Arms in nearby Whalton is always welcome, and we also love to visit Derwent Reservoir before tucking into Sunday lunch at The Lord Crewe Arms in Blanchland. Further south, take a morning to explore the Tees Way footpath before enjoying something delicious at The Rose & Crown in Romaldkirk. In East Yorkshire, the village of South Dalton is pretty as a picture with the Dalton Estate only a stone’s throw away – spend a few hours exploring before stopping in at The Pipe and Glass (don’t be intimidated by the Michelin star, this is still a proper pub at heart).
Vintage Finds
Established by Oxfam, this month is officially Second Hand September so this weekend try seeking out some pre-loved gems. In the centre of Durham, Circle Vintage offers a curated assortment of vintage fashion and accessories we love (and in York you have to visit Dog & Bone Vintage). If you’re in search of homeware, RE in Corbridge is totally unique, specialising in fair trade and recycled pieces. For furniture finds, head to Flea Circus, and Bibelot Nook in Newcastle, Fern Avenue Antiques in Jesmond, Living Vintage in Skipton, or The Kelham Flea in Sheffield.
Put on a Show
Showing until Saturday (13th), this is your last chance to catch the chilling 2:22 A Ghost Story at Sunderland Empire. You can read our catch up with local writer Danny Robins here. If you’re after something more lighthearted, grab your tickets now for the hilarious Babatunde Aleshe’s show High Expectations at Leeds’ City Varieties Music Hall. In Bradford, the whole family will love Cirque: The Greatest Show Reimagined (Friday 12th). A spectacle like no other, the show is a mesmerising blend of musical theatre and dazzling circus acts.
Retail Therapy
Do we dare mention Christmas yet? We know it’s only September but there’s no time like the present to get a jump on gifts and take the pressure off further down the line. Tynemouth and Whitley Bay are both good spots to shop independents like Meander Gifts, The Bound, To the Moon and Back, and Bird and Fox. Clark’s Yard in Darlington is another great spot and offers a blend of foodie and homeware must-haves. Head to Harrogate for Seddon and Davison’s new opening on Albert Street, and Harrogate’s Montpellier Quarter is great for window shopping. Your ultimate shopping destination for Christmas in the North East is Living North Christmas Fair of course, returning to Newcastle Racecourse 23rd–26th October. Early-bird discounted tickets are on sale now.
