What To Do This Weekend
Brand new openings, must-see shows and the highly-anticipated return of The Late Shows - there's so much to do this weekend
What’s New
In Newcastle
On 1st May Kalimera Greek Bakery opened its second outpost, bringing authentic Greek treats and coffee, as well as salad options, to Nelson Street. Another great spot for brunch and good coffee is Café Eldon which will open its doors on Friday 8th May in Old Eldon Square. Stack Newcastle’s new sandwich shop, Breadwin, opened on 5th May serving a range of hot and cold sandwiches to take out or eat in, a perfect spot for a quick lunch in the city.
In Seaham
Workshop space Waves Studio on South Crescent is now home to By the Waves Deli where you’ll find focaccia sandwiches, pastries, cakes and deli delights to enjoy by the sea.
In Darlington
A new addition to Darlington’s Skinnergate is JJ’s Sushi Spot. Different to your average sushi restaurant – it’s raw-fish free. From veggie or roasted salmon rolls to crunchy chicken, there’s plenty of variety and it’s already proving a huge hit in the town.
In Hurworth
The Greedy Goat has opened in Hurworth with a farm-to-fork approach that celebrates honest food and organic produce. Whilst we eagerly await the opening of their new bistro, the café is currently serving sandwiches, cake and coffee.
In Staxton
Harry Ramsden’s has returned to its Yorkshire roots with the launch of a new restaurant in Staxton (on 2nd May) – a new go-to for fish and chips in the village near Scarborough.
In Leeds
Leeds’ new independent pub, The Smithfield on North Street, is already proving popular serving up good food and good pints, and Pole Pole is another new addition to North Street (pronounced ‘po-lay po-lay’) serving artisan bakes and brews. FenerBar is new to Sheaf Street, bringing a taste of the Med to the city, and Lunara, founded by former MasterChef: The Professionals quarter-finalist Bobby Geetha is a modern Italian trattoria concept inside Nesso Café Bar on Merrion Street.
Lock & Key
York Unlocked has announced a special free open day this weekend, in partnership with York Conservation Trust, to mark the Trust’s 50th anniversary
Two newly-refurbished historic properties are opening their doors on Saturday 9th May only, giving you the opportunity to step inside 60 Goodramgate and 77 Walmgate following extensive refurbishment. Herbert House will also be open, hosting a heritage craft demonstration during the day.
Out Late
One of the biggest events in Newcastle and Gateshead’s cultural calendar, The Late Shows returns on Friday 8th and Saturday 9th May with more than 60 venues opening their doors for free after hours
To celebrate the opening of the Streets Alive exhibition, join Newcastle Arts Centre for a unique opportunity to get creatively involved in The Forth & Pink Lane Urban Galleries (you can contribute to new artworks for the Lanes). Enjoy an evening of art, music and storytelling with Kathryn Williams at The Biscuit Factory, try your hand at being a live DJ at The Cluny, join an urban beach party in the middle of Gateshead, and this year, the Grainger Market is getting involved with live music from bands and buskers in the aisles as you enjoy some late‑night shopping.
Curtains Up
Spring shows are in full swing and we know you’ll love these top picks
Timeless fairytale and Academy Award-winning movie, The Red Shoes has been reimagined by Matthew Bourne and until Saturday 9th May you can catch this magical production at Newcastle Theatre Royal. Read our review here. Also until Saturday, at Sunderland Empire, see County Durham’s own Emma Lucia star as Jenna alongside Les Dennis in Waitress on a tour that marks the show’s 10th anniversary. Go behind the scenes and read our interview with Emma here. For a perfect introduction to ballet for children aged three and over, My First Ballet – Cinderella is at the Grand Opera House York on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th May.
New Heights
An exciting fundraising challenge is taking place at St James’ Park this weekend
Newcastle United Foundation’s Big Heights Challenge Weekend is offering you the chance to abseil 150-feet from the top of the Milburn Stand (on Friday 8th May) or launch on a zip line from Level 7 and fly across the pitch to the Gallowgate End (on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th May). Every donation helps to support health and wellbeing programmes in the community.
Best of the Fests
Food, music or literature – these are just a few of the best festivals taking place this weekend
Filey Literature Festival returns from Friday 8th to Sunday 10th May bringing together authors, readers and literary enthusiasts. Holmfirth Folk Festival (the 48th instalment to be exact) is also back across those same three days with a variety of workshops taking place, including sea shanties and the chance to learn ukulele fingerpicking. On Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th May The North Leeds Food Festival returns to Roundhay Park (celebrating its 10th anniversary) where, as well as good food, visitors can enjoy an Arctic Monkeys tribute, a dog show, a roaming samba band and a chance to experience traditional, authentic Viking cooking techniques.
On Your Bike
Get out and about this weekend with these top forests for family bike rides
Kielder Forest
With more than 100 miles of trail, much of it single-track and all of it traffic-free, Kielder has plenty of routes to choose from and the Reiver Trails offer even more for riders, ranging from six to 60 miles.
Hamsterley Forest
County Durham’s largest forest boasts more than 2,000 hectares of forest along 40 miles of way-marked trails and many more miles of forest road. We love the rocky Edge black mountain bike trail.
Dalby Forest
With graded trails for various abilities, Dalby Forest is a good choice whatever the weather. We love the trail through the beautiful Jubilee Plantation and the more gentle route around the top of the forest plateau.
