What To Do This Weekend
New openings, National Pie Week and a fabulous new festival - here's what to do this weekend
What’s New
In the Tyne Valley
Hadrian’s Hotel in Wall has reopened under new management after the departure of Michelin starred restaurant Hjem, reinventing itself as a cosy community-oriented gastropub with rooms by the owner of Nest and Flight. On the opening menu of Willow, the new restaurant space, expect venison tartare with black truffle and Orkney scallops with lavender, plus Sunday lunch and classic pub options.
In Northumberland
Boutique hotel The Tempus have recently launched their new Self-Guided Star Bathing Experience. Perfectly situated within Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, this gives guests the chance to take in the beauty of the night at a leisurely pace at different locations on the estate, from the Lake Cabins to the Farmhouse, The Lookout and Stable Cottage. As part of the experience, guests can expect a bespoke Star Bathing hamper containing star charts by Northumberland National Park, blankets and warming drinks.
In Durham
Michelin recommended fine-dining restaurant Faru has announced the return of its complimentary wine pairing offer for Saturday lunch this March, when paired with the full tasting menu – the perfect chance to enjoy expertly-selected wine with an exceptional meal.
In Washington
Inside Washington Galleries, Books and Bakes is one of the North East’s newest bookshops. Expect a quiet space to enjoy a good read, as well as a café with plenty of comfy seating. Keep an eye on their socials for upcoming events.
In Ripon
Ripon has a brand new cheese emporium you have to visit. The Little Truckle is a sweet spot inside The Arcade where you’ll find a carefully-curated selection of local, British and continental cheeses.
Open for All
The National Lottery Open Week concludes this Sunday (15th) so enjoy a day out at a discount while you can
RHS Garden Harlow Carr
At this stunning garden, visitors who present a digital or physical National Lottery ticket, scratchcard or Instant Win game will pay just £1 admission per person for up to four people. Young visitors can also join Mr Toad, Ratty, Mole and Badger at the garden for a brand-new interactive garden trail, based on the much-loved book The Wind in the Willows.
RSPB Bempton Cliffs
Home to around half a million seabirds between March and August on the Yorkshire Coast, this Open Week visitors can enjoy free entry with a ticket or scratchcard for up to two adults and three children.
Segedunum Roman Fort
Covering up to two people, a Lotto ticket or scratchcard will unlock free entry to this fascinating ancient fort in North Shields. Discover the eastern end of Hadrian’s Wall including a museum, bathhouse and tower.
On the Big Screen
Beginning this Friday (13th), Tyne Valley Film Festival returns to independent venues in the area
In Hexham
This Saturday (14th) catch the classic Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves at Forum Cinema, and see the devious Sheriff of Nottingham brought to life by Alan Rickman.
In Newcastle
At the volunteer-run Star and Shadow Cinema, enjoy a rare screening of 5 Centimetres Per Second on Saturday (14th) alongside a selection of artist Petra Szemán’s own work.
At The Sill
The Sill: National Landscape Discover Centre is showing The Englishman Who Went up a Hill but Came Down a Mountain this Saturday in celebration of the great outdoors and Welsh pride this Saturday (14th).
For more upcoming screenings, visit tynevalleyfilmfestival.com.
Mother Knows Best
Mother’s Day is around the corner and if you’re still looking for ideas, here’s some last-minute plans she’ll love
At Raby Castle
For something new and unique, don’t miss Raby Castle’s new tea and tour experience, featuring a guided tour of the castle, and a classic afternoon tea with a choice of tea or coffee, served in the Castle’s opulent entrance hall (available 14th–15th).
In Leeds
A recent addition to Leeds’s culinary scene, for Mother’s Day India Bistro is offering a limited-edition menu this Sunday (15th) only. The kitchen will serve a four-course menu inspired by the childhood dishes of the India Bistro team, bringing together regional flavours from across India.
In Newcastle
Tyneside Cinema (recently ranked as one of the UK’s best independent cinemas by TimeOut Magazine) is hosting a screening of The Sound of Music with afternoon tea on Sunday (15th). Sing along with all the classics while nibbling on tasty treats.
Luck of the Irish
Next Tuesday (17th) is St Patrick’s Day so get the party started early this weekend
In Newcastle
Dirty Murphy’s, a new Irish bar, is set to open on Grainger Street this Friday (13th) just in time for weekend celebrations. Elsewhere, Cup & Craic is a recent addition to Collingwood Street, touting itself as an Irish tavern.
In Barnsley
Everyone’s favourite destination for baby Guinness and dancing, Katie O’Brien’s is opening in The Glass Works any day now and has promised a free pint of Guinness to all who sign up online ahead of their opening.
At Home
Create an Irish-themed feast at home this weekend. For the main event, give Irish stout cottage pie with crispy colcannon topping a try. For something sweet, this Irish cream pannacotta will go down a treat.
Top Tickets
The shows you can’t miss this weekend
In Sunderland
Russell Howard brings his show Don’t Tell The Algorithm to Sunderland Empire this Saturday (14th), and there are still a few tickets left so grab yours now.
In Leeds
Discover the extraordinary story of pioneering Yorkshire woman Anne Lister (AKA Gentleman Jack) at Leeds Grand Theatre until Saturday (14th) this weekend. Dressing as she pleased and loving as she pleased, watch her incredible life brought to the stage by Northern Ballet.
In Bradford
World famous hypnotist and performer Derren Brown will bring his new live show Only Human to The Alhambra Theatre this weekend (12th–14th) in what is guaranteed to be a mesmerising spectacle.
