What To Do This Weekend
The new openings you need to know, fabulous woodland walks for families and where to see the Vikings in York - here's what to do this weekend
What’s New?
In Newcastle
This Saturday (21st) head to Newcastle’s Grainger Market for the grand opening of Rice Kitchen. Offering fresh, handmade onigiri and a variety of delicious matcha options, for Saturday only, guests can enjoy £1 drinks and 20 percent off the menu.
In Cullercoats
Adam’s Bakehouse has finally opened its third location on Beverley Terrace. This stunning spot by the sea will serve up the same great bakes as the other Adam’s locations – think seasonal sweet treats, freshly made loaves and savoury bites.
In Sunderland
Already popular at their outpost in Deptford, Wild Fire have launched a second site in the heart of Sunderland, bringing with them a real taste of Rome. You’ll find them firing up slices of the best, alongside arancini and doughnuts, on High Street West.
In York
With locations in Leeds and Manchester, The Cut & Craft has finally reopened in York on St Sampson’s Square following an extensive refurbishment. The restaurant is well known for fabulous steaks, but you can also find delicious seafood, cocktails, Sunday roasts and classic brunch options here.
In Sheffield
The Matcha Spot is Sheffield’s newest opening and you’ll find it on Campo Lane. The space is bright and completely Instagrammable, offering a range of speciality matchas in bright and bold colours. Alongside menu staples, keep your eyes peeled for their more exotic options too.
Out & About
Where to brave the wet with the family this weekend
Guisborough Forest
Forestry England has three different trails ranging from 1.5 miles to 2.5 miles to choose from in this stunning woodland on the edge of the North York Moors, so it’s easy to adapt your walk for little legs.
Wheldrake Woods
Near York, the flat terrain at Wheldrake Woods makes it easily accessible for families with pushchairs, but an alternative network of more informal paths means that there’s also plenty of scope for exploring off the beaten track.
Chopwell Wood
At Rowlands Gill, try the Old Railway Footpath walk for a route that will take you into the heart of the woodland, and along a disused railway, with restored examples of the railway trucks that once ferried coal from nearby collieries.
Visit the Vikings
This is the final weekend to see the spectacular JORVIK Viking Festival, on until Sunday (22nd)
Don’t miss Europe’s largest Viking festival in York! Visit the free-to-access living history encampment on Parliament Street for a real taste of Viking life. The popular Berserker Bootcamp returns to the Midgard Marquee until Saturday (21st), giving young warriors the chance to learn safe combat skills and battle stances. Stop by the incredible Kids Barbaric Battle which takes place on Saturday (21st) at the Eye of York, inviting children to take part in a playful, choreographed clash.
Bread of Life
Celebrate Real Bread Week (21st February–1st March) somewhere local this weekend
In Shipley
House of Bread is a small-batch, family-owned Polish bakery that’s been keeping customers happy for years. As you would expect, they take their bread seriously and as well as sweet bakes you can shop a wide range of speciality loaves.
In Northumberland
You’ll find Bread & Roses’s fantastic creations at markets in Hexham and Morpeth, as well as in local independents. Their speciality rye sourdough is made using traditional techniques and they have a strong commitment to using local ingredients too.
In York
Named one of Britain’s best bakeries by the Good Food Guide, Haxby Bakehouse bakes the traditional way, using slow fermentation methods and no artificial flour improvers and emulsifiers. Shop their bread in store.
In Newcastle
FAB bakery remains a top spot for the bread-obsessed in the city, with locations in Fenham and Gosforth. Get to the shop early or you’ll miss out, they sell out practically every day.
At Home
Baking at home can be intimidating but this honeyed wheat bread is so worth the effort, and this bread tart with greens and pine nuts is the perfect light lunch.
Eye for Art
The annual Northumberland Open, the largest exhibition of its type in Northumberland, returns to Woodhorn Museum this month
Each year the exhibition attracts submissions from artists from across the county and beyond, and works are selected by a professional panel of artists and curators. You’ll find the exhibition in the Workshop Galleries, and visitors are invited to vote for the ‘People’s Choice Award’ which will be announced at the end of the exhibition.
Happy New Year
The celebrations for Lunar New Year continue this weekend
In Sheffield
Concluding a week of events, at the heart of the celebrations in Sheffield is a free two-day festival in the Peace Gardens from Saturday to Sunday (21st–22nd), featuring world-class performers, street food, parades, music, a spectacular lion dance and family-friendly activities in the centre of the city.
In Newcastle
This Sunday (22nd), Lunar New Year celebrations will begin at Grey’s Monument with live performances and a historic dragon eye dotting ceremony followed by a parade from 11.30am, leading from Blackett Street into Chinatown. Keep your eyes peeled for Newcastle’s new 13-metre-long dragon leading the parade.
In Leeds
The second Saturday of celebrations at the Merrion Centre will see performances from local choirs, traditional Chinese dances and a traditional costume showcase – plus there’s plenty of fun workshops to get stuck into as well.
