What To Do This Weekend
Food festivals, the best dog walks and the shows you can't miss
What’s New
Opening this Friday (19th), cocktail bar Vampire Rabbit is launching The Rabbit Hole, a new underground piano bar inside Vampire Rabbit’s vaults on Collingwood Street. Totally Instagrammable, this is not one to miss. In Northumberland, the Ox Inn at Middleton reopens following a refurbishment this Friday (19th). It's still a proper local pub (where dogs and muddy boots are welcome), just with a fresh look – and on Saturday they'll be hosting a pop-up from Trigo Wood Fired Pizza. In Sunderland, Rio Steakhouse has welcomed its first guests, serving up mouthwatering steaks, seafood and sides with a Brazilian twist. After much anticipation, The Banksia in Leeds has opened its doors. This stunning Mediterranean restaurant is under the direction of award-winning chef Craig Rogan. For a cheeky tipple this weekend, head to the newly opened Tavern on the Quays in Sheffield, a riverside bar with a distinctly steampunk vibe.
Football Crazy
This is a big weekend for football in the North East. On Thursday night, Newcastle United play Barcelona at St James’ Park in their first game of this season’s Champion’s League. If you didn’t manage to get tickets, why not watch from home and tuck into these caramelised apple sausage rolls and loaded sweet potato wedges. If you don’t bleed black and white, make sure you catch the Sunderland game against Aston Villa this Sunday (21st) at the Stadium of Light.
Dog Days
The weather might be dreary but a dog walk is always guaranteed to brighten up the day. Take on a circular four-and-a-half-mile walk around Simonside to the top of Simonside Crags. It’s worth it for the truly breathtaking views from the top. In Yorkshire, Ribblehead is a walker’s paradise and perfect for dogs (and their owners) looking for a challenge. There are a number of routes to take, but for a steady circular walk start at Ribblehead station and follow signposts to Whernside, where you are met with a spectacular view of the Ribblehead Viaduct.
Put on a Show
We recently got the chance to catch Inside No 9: Stage/Fright at Sunderland Empire and it blew us away. Showing until Saturday (20th) this has all the shocking twists of the TV show and is not to be missed. Also showing until Saturday (20th) is War Horse, the astonishing adaptation of the Michael Morpurgo book, complete with incredible life-sized horse puppets. If you’re staying in, don’t miss the return of Strictly Come Dancing on BBC One on Saturday night. Keep your eyes peeled for some familiar faces including the North East’s own Vicky Pattison, La Voix, and Emmerdale’s Lewis Cope.
Pop Along
When you’re out and about this weekend, we recommend you try something new by seeking out a local pop-up. Bessy’s Sweet Bakes is on South Shields seafront on Saturdays and Sundays until 2pm, and we also love Pascal’s coffee in Leeds (keep an eye on his socials to see where to find him next). For more inspiration, check out our list of our favouirte foodie pop-ups.
Food Glorious Food
York Food Festival returns this Friday (19th) for 10 days of fabulous food and drink with more than 70 vendors on Parliament Street, an entertainment marquee and live music from St Sampson’s Square. For something more low key, head to Dalton Moor Farm in County Durham for an Introduction to Foraging event, a leisurely three-hour walk around the sustainable farm learning the basics of foraging and sustainable living. For the ultimate foodie event of the year, don’t miss the return of Living North’s Christmas Fair, where alongside a whole host of foodie vendors, you’ll find some of the best independent festive shopping in the region. Returning to Newcastle Racecourse from 23rd–26th October, early-bird discounted tickets are on sale now.
