What To Do This Weekend
From new bakeries and cafés to local comedy shows and the best bars for English Wine Week, here's what not to miss this weekend
A Weekend of Wonder
Get the kids out of the house this weekend and head to the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford, an exciting and immersive space exploring how image, sound and technology impacts our daily lives. Think like a scientist in their Wonderlab interactive gallery, discover the history of photography in the Kodak gallery, and take gaming to the next level in their hands-on Power Up gallery. The current temporary exhibition You:Matter explores how each of us is connected to the natural world.
What’s New?
Food lovers, there are plenty of new openings to keep you happy this weekend. Over & Above remains our favourite new addition to Harrogate, offering creative cocktails in a hidden speak easy-style bar. In York, the new Greek restaurant Inos has welcomed its first guests – think lamb kebabs, prawn souvlaki, traditional meatballs, and plenty of baklava. Further north, another Greek gem has opened its doors in Gosforth. Kalimera is the new bakery-cum-café to visit, with pastries, fresh bread and plenty of sweet options. For caffeine fiends, Tommy’s has recently opened inside St Thomas’s Church next to Haymarket in Newcastle – friendly, trendy and with their very own house roast, this is a real gem. In Northumberland, Indian restaurant and bar Savoy by Le Raaj opens in Morpeth this weekend, taking over the location previously occupied by Novo.
Here Comes The Sun
The temperatures are high, the weather will (hopefully) stay dry and we’re in the mood for a day at the beach. There is no end to the stunning spots found along our coast and they all have their own different draw, but if you’re looking for something quieter and off the beaten path, head to Sugar Sands in Northumberland halfway between Boulmer and Howick. For the adventurous, the Emperor’s Bath at Filey Brigg is a hidden saltwater pool at the base of the cliffs which was supposedly enjoyed by the Romans. Access at low tide is difficult but well worth the effort.
Put on a Show
Don’t miss out on a chance to see the superb smash hit show Hamilton at Sunderland Empire – tickets are selling fast so get them while you can. We caught up with Northern actor Ashely J. Daniels ahead of his run as Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson. Legendary comedian Jack Dee is coming north this weekend as part of his latest comedy tour and you can catch him at Leeds Grand Theatre on Thursday (19th) and then at Durham Gala Theatre on Saturday (21st).
Wine Time
Saturday marks the beginning of English Wine Week and (not that we need an excuse) there are plenty of local wine bars to stop by to sip on a glass of the good stuff. Crush in Durham remains a favourite, as does Whitley Bay’s KORK. In York, 22 Yards is a chic spot with an excellent menu to boot, and Hoc Loco is a vibrant recent addition to Horsforth’s food and wine scene.
Cool Off
There’s nothing like local ice cream on a sunny day – and with this weekend promising to be a scorcher, you’ll need to cool off. Amble’s Spurreli is one of our favourites, but if you’re heading out and about, check out our pick of the best ice cream shops near you. Staying at home? Here’s how to make refreshing kiwi and strawberry ice pops.
