What To Do This Weekend
Fun new openings, the best cafés for winter walks, and the local footy you need to catch - here's how to make this weekend a great one
What’s New
Onda (sister venue of Meet Me on the Corner) in Whitley Bay is the new deli and coffee house we want to visit this weekend for deliciously fresh sandwiches, great breakfast options and hot drinks. In Crook, The Cornerstone is the sleek and contemporary new opening from Masterchef’s Mike Bartley. Expect a relaxed, Mexican-inspired menu with dishes like birria tacos and corn ribs. We’re already in love with Gosforth’s new self-serve wine bar and café Say When, where we recently stopped by for a cheeky tipple. Speaking of wine, we’re loving Once Upon a Vine’s most recent opening in Wetherby where diners can enjoy an amazing selection of wine and charcuterie, and we can’t wait for their third location in Headingley to open soon. If you’re looking to jumpstart your wellness journey next year, head to the newly opened Güs in Sheffield, which blends a sleek sauna experience with a café space.
Sing it Loud
Carols are always good fun at Christmas, and there are plenty of services to join in with this weekend. Ushaw House is hosting its Christmas service with Ushaw Chapel Choir on Sunday (14th) in the stunning St Cuthbert’s Chapel. Leeds Cathedral carol service also takes place on Sunday (14th), and Wakefield Cathedral’s stunning Carols by Candlelight takes place this Friday (12th). If your pipes are a bit rusty, try out Hexham Abbey’s Christmas Fair this weekend instead, on Friday (12th).
Out & About
A pit stop for coffee and cake improves any winter walk as far as we’re concerned. We love exploring the area around the award-winning Capheaton Tearoom in Northumberland. Independently run, this is their last weekend before closing for Christmas, so stop by for festive-themed cakes, sandwiches and maybe even some mulled wine. We also love The Old School Tea Room at Hebden, just a short distance from Grassington and the stunning Linton Falls. For more inspiration, here are some more of our favourite cafés for a quick winter pit stop.
Football Crazy
This Sunday (14th), the Tyne-Wear Derby returns with the Magpies taking on the Black Cats at Sunderland Stadium of Light. Kick off is at 2pm, and if you’re having folks over for the match, try making this easy tear and share cheese and onion bread for your guests. We’d also give these easy chicken tacos with sweet potato a try as they’re sure to be a hit (the most important thing to remember though is a well-stocked bar).
Winter Wonderland
From today (11th) the whole family can enjoy the inaugural Enchanted City on Northumbria University City Campus, where you’ll find illuminated astronomers charting imaginary skies, sculptures twirling like satellites in orbit, and immersive installations celebrating the magic of the night stars. Another first in the region sees Raby Castle open its doors for the festive period for the first time in 50 years, welcoming guests to marvel at the stunning decorations designed by Lady Barnard. In West Yorkshire, Georgian house Nostell has been transformed into a storybook adventure, inspired by the magic of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
A Good Cause
The North East’s biggest comedy-with-a-cause event, Laffs4Kids, returns to the Utilita Arena Newcastle on Sunday 14th December, marking a huge milestone: 10 years of laughter, community spirit and Christmas generosity. The line-up so far includes Chris Ramsey, Joe McElderry, Jason Cook and Adam Rowe. Laffs4Kids invites everyone attending to bring new, un-wrapped gifts for a child aged 0–18. All gifts are collected inside the arena and distributed to families across the North East through Cash for Kids: Mission Christmas.
