What To Do This Weekend
The best new openings, where to pick flowers with the family, and the foodie events you won't want to miss - here's what to do this weekend
What’s New
In Bamburgh
In Bamburgh, Wyld Flowers is the place to go for a special summer experience. Pick a jar or bucket full of wild flowers to take home from the stunning fields just outside the village, with views of the Cheviots in the background.
In Houghton le Spring
Kaya Nori is a new spot serving up homemade sushi and Asian comfort food on Sunderland Street. The full restaurant is opening soon, but the menu is currently available for takeaway.
In Whitby
The Sand Bar on Whitby’s Market Place has recently reopened under new owners and is a great spot for a light bite in the heart of the town. The space is small, but there's a good amount of room outside for a pint in the sun.
In Leeds
All-day dining destination Moods has just welcomed its first guests in First White Cloth Hall. The kitchen is led by Michelin-trained chef Craig Rogan whose background includes stints at L’Enclume and The Grand, York. The menu is split by ‘moods’ including morning moods, boozy moods and post-noon moods, offering a more flexible approach to dining, with a dinner menu set to launch later this autumn. Those with a sweet tooth will be thrilled to hear that Manchester-favourite café Misú has opened within Trinity Leeds Shopping Centre, serving up their speciality individual tiramisu.
In Sheffield
New Catalonian-inspired wine bar and café Cats has opened on Glossop Road. Expect a cosy atmosphere, a great variety of wine, speciality coffee and fresh croissants, baguettes and sourdough daily. Elsewhere, local favourite Bakers Yard Bakery in Kelham Island have recently expanded, moving into a bigger space just next door. Expect an even larger offering of cakes and bakes, with future plans to launch an evening bistro.
In the City
NOVUM Festival takes over Newcastle from the 7th–9th – here’s what you won’t want to miss
For one weekend only, NOVUM will be transforming the city into the ultimate playground with a fabulous, family-friendly programme of free events, performances, workshops and music. Highlights include Possé by Sound de Secà, bringing an explosion of percussion and dance to Northumberland Street on Saturday and Sunday. Visitors won’t want to miss BLOCK either, an outdoor dance-circus spectacle taking over Grey Street on Saturday and Sunday.
Families will love NOVUM’s Playing Out at Newcastle Civic Centre, where they can expect to find mud kitchens, den building, giant swings, face-painting, giant bubbles, colourful theatre and playground games. Then take the the kids exploring and set off on The Secret Parade, a city centre family art trail starting outside Brunswick Church, to uncover Newcastle's medieval hidden history.
A full programme can be found at novumnewcastle.com.
Family fun
Summer holiday family fun on a budget
In Northumberland National Park
The Simonside Hills stand guard above Rothbury. There’s a designated circular Family Walk of just over three miles through pine forests and moorland which takes less than two hours with a few inclines. Older kids will love the challenge of the Simonside Ridge Walk. Marked with red trail markers, the four-mile trail leads up to the famous Simonside crags with stunning 360-degree panoramas over Northumberland at the top, all the way to the coast.
In Sunderland
A special party is taking place on Sunderland’s Blandford Street this Saturday (8th), and it’s completely free. From 10am until 3pm local businesses will showcase their offering with a great blend of family-friendly activities, live entertainment and hands-on experiences. The day will include circus skills, bike repairs, face-painting, drawing sessions and more.
Near Thirsk
Spilmans Pick Your Own is expanding again this Saturday (8th) with the launch of their sunflower fields, which joins their strawberry and wildflower experiences running until the end of August. There are four different varieties of sunflower planted across the fields and tickets to the sunflower fields are included with entry to the strawberry fields. There are discounts available for families and groups.
Near York
Home to more than 100 species of exotic mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates, Askham Bryan Wildlife & Conservation Park serves as a hub for the local community. Over the school holidays, book an animal encounter (age 7+) and you can get up close and personal with some of the animals and get a taste of what it’s like to be a real zoo keeper. With plenty of space for everyone to let off steam, it’s also home to the college arboretum, a collection of rare and exotic trees from around the world.
Fabulous Foodies
Exclusive events, festivals and trails foodies will love
In Newcastle
This coming week is National Stottie Week (10th–16th August) and Shieldfield's Big River Bakery have a whole host of events planned throughout the week. It will also coincide with the new Great Digital Stottie Trail which families will love – follow Scotty and Dotty the Stotties as they search for 20 mischievous Mini Stotties hidden across the region. To access the trail, simply scan the QR code at participating locations and stopping points on the trail.
In North Shields
Afuera, the trailer which pulls up outside the main entrance to Northumberland Park on Tynemouth Road, is loved for its delicious coffee, and owner Jake has recent introduced a new scheme for those in difficulty. His pay it forward programme – totalling more than 150 drinks so far – has been paid for thanks to the generosity of the local community.
In Hovingham
Michelin-starred restaurant Mýse has announced a fabulous new culinary event you won’t want to miss. On Sunday 4th October, the team will host their inaugural Churn Supper, welcoming some of the UK’s best chefs into the kitchen to cook alongside owner Joshua for one night only. Each guest chef will take on a course in the kitchen including Pam Brunton of Inver, Danny Africano of Lignum, Ian Waller of Pine, and Paul Leonard from The Forest Side. Tickets go on sale this Monday (10th) so grab yours now.
In Settle
Settle Victoria Hall Beer Festival returns from 6th–8th. Every pint served will help support both Settle Victoria Hall and The Principle Trust Children's Charity, which provides free respite holidays for children and their families across Yorkshire. Entry is free and there promises to be an excellent array of drinks on offer, as well as live music.
Matcha Made in Heaven
Some of our favourite places for matcha in the North
In Newcastle
Haku Haku has become one of our favourite spots for the green stuff in the city, after recently opening in the Grainger Market with a great variety to choose from.
In Roker
Ruhe’s spot at Roker Bandstand makes it a great destination for matcha by the coast. We love their seasonal drinks and colourful treats.
In Durham
Café Cenno in Durham Market Hall is a lovely hidden spot you need to try. They regularly update their matcha flavours and go big on pimping their drinks – think strawberry shortcake, cherry Bakewell and mango and coconut.
In York
Rise is known for its colourful and inventive brunch options, and their matcha is just as exciting. Sit in with your drink at their location on Fishergate, or head to their new grab-and-go spot on Museum Street.
In Leeds
Popping up in rooftop restaurant Habbibi until 12th August, don’t miss The Matcha Kyoto, serving up seriously good matcha. The team like to get creative, with seasonal options like banana pudding and tiramisu floats.
In Sheffield
The Matcha Spot is a relatively recent addition to Campus Lane (with a new spot coming to Ecclesall Road soon). Think relaxed vibes, signature drinks and plenty of seasonal specials too.
