What To Do This Weekend
The coolest new openings, great local causes doing good things and the return of Living North LIVE to Newcastle Racecourse - here's what not to miss this weekend
What’s New
In Monkseaton
Brew & Bind is the sweet new café and bookshop you need to visit on Monkseaton’s Front Street. This cosy spot is a great place to lose yourself in a book for a few hours with coffee, and it hosts regular events for the community, including co-working Wednesdays where visitors can get 30 percent off drinks and bakes.
In Cullercoats
CBK Adventures have launched a new coffee spot, Kahvi. The space is small but beautifully designed, and can be found in the upstairs of their coastal headquarters at Brown Point between Cullercoats and Whitley Bay.
In Morpeth
The Pressed Club has your lunchtime covered, offering delicious sandwiches, salad boxes, coffees, matcha and juices from their new spot on the corner of New Market and Oldgate. The space is compact, so we recommend getting your treats to go.
In Newcastle
Until this Sunday (26th) head to Eldon Square for 10 tons of mystery ‘lost packages’ from King Colis. Thousands of undelivered packages will be piled high for the public to claim, with shoppers given a 10-minute window to scramble through the mountain of boxes and scout out their prizes. Guests won’t know what they have until they’ve bought their haul, at a flat rate of just £2.50 per 100g.
In Beverley
Merienda Bakery has recently taken over The Sessions House and we’re here for it. Enjoy delicate bakes and hearty breakfasts in this gorgeous space, and we can’t wait for the restaurant to launch soon.
In Leeds
Joining the city’s recent Salón Madre opening, restaurant Madre has just opened its doors around the corner. Expect oysters divorciados with salsa brava and salsa verde, green chorizo chipotle tacos, and barbecued octopus with orange, guajillo, and hominy corn. Elsewhere, The Swine Bistro has announced a fabulous new lunchtime menu, covering three courses for only £30, and its produce-led menu is not to be missed – think potato pancakes with braised chicken, leek relish and walnut ketchup.
Fun at the Fair
Living North LIVE returns to Newcastle Racecourse this weekend (24th–26th)
Living North LIVE is the North East’s leading homes, gardens, shopping, food and lifestyle event. With stylish shopping, live demonstrations, talks and tastings, Living North LIVE brings you inspiring ideas for your home and garden, great gifts, delicious food and unique accessories that you won’t find anywhere else. In our Live Lounge, get all the gardening tips you need from columnist and gardening guru Ross Pearson (check out the full lineup here), and in our Chef Demo Kitchen watch as Restaurant Pine’s head chef Ian Waller works his magic (find all the chefs who’ll be cooking live here). New for this year, you can also enjoy street food in our brand new street food area!
Find out everything you need to know here. Tickets available on the door all weekend.
Relax and Reset
Book ahead now for Yorkshire Spa Retreat’s immersive three-night wellness getaways
Need to switch off from the stress of modern life? Yorkshire Spa Retreat on the edge of the North York Moors is preparing to introduce its immersive three-night wellness retreats which will offer a guided antidote to burnout and digital overload. A true reset, guests can expect a blend of luxury lodge accommodation (complete with hot tubs) and a curated programme of wellness-boosting activities, giving guests structure and peace of mind. The spa lies at the heart of the experience, featuring a wild swim pond, hydrotherapy pool, Himalayan salt sauna and relaxation spaces. The first three-night retreat begins on Monday 4th May, with prices starting from £795 per person For more information and to book visit yorkshire-spa-retreat.co.uk.
A Good Cause
Newcastle’s Full Circle Brew Co have launched a new pale ale for a good cause
Full Circle Brew Co and The OddBalls Foundation have launched Hippy Jungle pale ale to more than 600 Tesco stores across the UK this April, with 10 percent of each sale donated directly to The OddBalls Foundation in support of their commitment to raising awareness for testicular cancer. Alongside the launch of the Hippy Jungle Pale Ale four-packs, The Oddballs Foundation will be popping up in various locations with the ‘OddPod’, a travelling pod where men can check themselves in a private booth, and their famous ‘Check Yourself Guides’ to help spread the word and continue their important work.
There will be regular giveaways for purchasers of Hippy Jungle four-packs who scan the QR code on the pack, and Living North readers can also enter for a chance to win a fabulous brewery tour, beer bundle and Hippy Jungle underwear here.
Out & About
Where to walk the pooch this weekend
In Staithes
The circular route between Staithes and Port Mulgrave is a great coastal option, and partly follows the Cleveland Way along the cliff-top paths.
In Great Ayton
Roseberry Topping is a popular choice and with good reason. It’s an iconic landmark with breathtaking views from the top, and although the walk is steep, it’s fairly short.
In Northumberland
Kielder Water is a magical spot offering more than 20 miles of shoreline and plenty of walking routes. For a moderate walk, begin at Hawkhope car park and follow the markers for the Lakeside Way Path.
Row Your Boat
Martin House Children’s Hospice’s annual Dragon Boat Race returns to Roundhay Park in Leeds this weekend
This Sunday (26th) head to the park to watch 48 teams (almost 500 rowers) go head to head to be crowned champions of Waterloo Lake and take home the coveted Dragon Boat Race Trophy. Since the event’s inception, it has raised more than £848,000 for Martin House Children’s Hospice, and guests can also enjoy a day of entertainment, including a tug of war contest, family funfair, food and makers’ stalls, and a Martin House donation station for preloved items.
