What To Do This Weekend
The best new openings for the New Year, the local running clubs to join and where to enjoy Dry January - here's what to do this weekend
Tasty Tipples
A stiff drink is always welcome when it comes to getting through midwinter, and Angels' Share in Jesmond is one of our favourites. Moody, contemporary and relaxed, this self-service wine bar is the perfect hideaway from the cold weather, complete with plush leather seating and low lighting. They have plenty of options to choose from, including an incredible range of non-alcoholic tipples for guests tackling Dry January, and staff are on hand to offer their expert advice if you’re struggling to choose. Pair your drink of choice with an array of small plates to share (or even a charcuterie board) – we can’t think of a better way to while away a dreary winter’s afternoon. angelssharejesmond.co.uk
On the Move
If your resolution for the year was to be more active, this weekend, why not join a running club or take up Pilates to get your January off to a flying start? ParcLife Runners is an established club in Sunderland with weekday and weekend runs open to everyone. They also regularly collaborate with local businesses for social events like Wild Fire and Waves in Roker. Pureform Studio in York recently launched its first classes and in Newcastle, Reform Studio is a new multi-floor wellness centre offering reformer Pilates sessions, barre, sound healing sessions and infrared sauna sessions. For those who want to relax a little, Steam and Salt at Tynemouth have announced their new Scandi-style wooden saunas on Longsands beach will be launching in early January (perfect after a swim!).
What’s New
Brazilian grill restaurant Estabulo opened the doors to its new Leeds location towards the end of 2025, and is preparing to open a brand new location in Darlington soon. The Café Next Door is an adorable new opening in Fulford, serving up excellent brunch options (including pancakes), bakes and coffee. Sunderland has had a host of new openings including Vallely’s on Sea Road (a café which also serves great cocktails and wine), and the new small plates venue Boca Chica. The Helm in Amble is a new family-run café and deli and tucked away, half-way up Newcastle’s Castle Stairs, Shapes is the cosy new café you need to try, serving up rustic sandwiches, sweet treats and seriously good coffee.
Out & About
Come rain, sleet or snow, we’re still looking forward to blowing the cobwebs off this weekend. In case it does stay icy, we recommend sticking to established and way-marked footpaths (save the more extreme adventures for another day). The Durham Coastal Footpath follows a beautiful section of the King Charles III England Coast Path, crossing grasslands and dunes. In Yorkshire, The Ebor Way is a long distance route linking Helmsley with Ilkley, with plenty of points to join with or depart the path.
Put on a Show
Leave pantomime season behind and enjoy something different at the theatre this weekend. Nearly 50 years since it first aired, Fawlty Towers is now a brand-new stage play adapted by comedy legend John Cleese and will be showing at Leeds Grand Theatre until Saturday (10th). At Sunderland Empire, The Night Sky Show will be taking place on Saturday (10th), hosted by astronomer Adrian West with fabulous visuals of the stars. Booking ahead? Here's the shows for January you need to know about.
In the Kitchen
If you can face going back into the kitchen after the festive rush, take the time to try some new recipes this weekend. We love this easy chickpea, berry and kale winter salad which uses plenty of seasonal ingredients, but is still light and fresh. If you’re struggling to bounce back after Christmas, try one of these gut-friendly recipes to get you back in the groove. If you’re still in the mood for something warm and comforting, this straightforward curry is a great way to use up any leftover veg.
