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Theate Royal Birthday Bash.jpg
The Nutcracker Theatre Royal
Alnwick Castle and Garden
A sumptuous snack
Seaburn Beach
Cleadon Hills
Breitling at Airshow
Pitch together
Christmas Light Switch On
The Sage Gateshead
Legally Blonde.jpg

A triumphant dance back to Newcastle19th January 2012The UKs longest established contemporary dance powerhouse, Rambert are back in Newcastle next month with a brand new show to mark 85 years at the heart of British dance. The Seven for a Secret tour, a show which is heavily inspired by the theme of childhood, comes to Newcastle Theatre Royal 7 - 9 Feb. The tour features two local dancers - Adam Park from Jesmond and Gemma Nixon from Newcastle. Seven for a secret, never to be told is artistic director Mark Baldwins fourth major work for the company. Taking its name from the nursery rhyme about magpies, One for sorrow, Two for joy the show presents the world as seen through the eyes of some mischievous children and transports the audience back to those bygone days when playful abandonment sparks the imagination and creative mind. Ramberts world-class dancers capture the buoyancy and natural comedy of play as the youngsters flit like grasshoppers from one idea to the next, moving seamlessly between reality and make-believe. This season, the company features two north-east locals - dancer and choreographer Gemma Nixon of Newcastle who has worked for the National Youth Dance Company, Scottish Dance Company and joined Rambert in 2006, and newcomer Adam Park, aged 20, of Jesmond who trained at Dame Allans and Dance City.Rambert appears at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tue 7 - Thu 9 February 2012 (Evenings: 7.30pm, Matinee: Thursday 2pm). Tickets are £10.50 - £26.50 and can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 or select your own seat and book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk==============================================New Year celebrations continue in the North EastMonday 9th January 2012In one of the biggest celebrations of its kind in the North of England, NewcastleGateshead welcomes in Chinese New Year on Sunday 29 January 11am - 5pm with a day of free events and performances which includes a unique opportunity to witness the auspicious Eye Dotting Ceremony of the new Chinese Dragon. The King of Beasts take centre stage in the Chinese calendar and to celebrate its arrival, the streets in and around Chinatown.Bath Lane and Thornton Square will be transformed into a funfair and Chinese market whilst The Chinese Centre on Westgate Road gives visitors the chance try their hands at Chinese calligraphy, card and calendar making, fortune telling and games. At 12noon, the Bath Lane Stage plays host to the lucky Eye Dotting Ceremony which awakens the new dragon from his slumber to the sound of firecrackers. Arriving sightless and dormant, the new dragon will be given sight, taste and power when the pupils of his eyes are painted in, giving his spirit life. The Eye Dotting Ceremony of a new dragon is considered particularly auspicious in the Year of the Dragon, and those taking part in the ceremony are blessed with good luck and plentiful fortune. At the other end of Stowell Street under the ornate ceremonial arch, the traditional dragon, lion and unicorn dances begin at around 12.30pm.For full details of all the events taking place during NewcastleGatesheads Chinese New Year celebrations, please visit www.NewcastleGateshead.com/ChineseNewYear==============================================Sunderland's celebrations5th January 2012Sunderland's Patron Saint, Benedict Biscop, will be celebrated this year with events taking place across the city.From Monday, January 9 to Saturday January 14, visitors can enjoy a free display about Biscops life and legacy at the City Library and Arts Centre. There will also be the chance to see replicas of the world famous Codex Amiatinus and Lindisfarne Gospels up close at two handling sessions. The manuscripts, which Benedict Biscop was instrumental in the production of, will be available for the public to view at pre-arranged sessions on January 10 at the City Library and Arts Centre and January 12 at St Peters Church. To book a place call 0191 561 8407.The regular Dads and Kids session at the City Library will have an Anglo Saxon theme on January 14.Services open to all will be held to celebrate Sunderlands Patron Saint at St Peters church and Sunderland Minster.January 11, 6pm - Eucharist at St Peters led by the Archdeacon of Sunderland. This will be followed at 9pm by a Compline led by Reverend Tom Gibbons.January 12, 6pm - Civic Service led by Right Reverend Bishop Mark Bryant, Bishop of Durham and Chair of the Wearmouth-Jarrow Partnership.Benedict Biscop made a huge contribution to Sunderland and the Christian Church by establishing the twin Anglo-Saxon monastery, which centres on St Peters Church Sunderland and St Pauls Church Jarrow. The monastery became an internationally renowned centre for learning and creativity and produced remarkable scholars including the Venerable Bede.Benedict Biscop was adopted as the Patron Saint of Sunderland in 2005. For further information on all activities please contact 0191 561 8407.==============================================A royal birthday bash!3rd January 2012In February 2012, the grand old lady of Grey Street aka Newcastle Theatre Royal will turn the great age of 175, and an extraordinary fire-filled event The Birthday Blaze is set to take place in her honour. It will be the spectacle of the decade, is completely free, and everyones invited! On Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th February 2012, the magic of one of the worlds best-loved theatres, the Theatre Royal, will spill out onto the street and a spectacular and bewitching outdoor show will unfold. Mysterious compere the Master of Mischief will lead the revelling as Grey Street is ignited with flames and fireworks; phantoms of fiction and familiar characters from the theatre's history will commence a dazzling masquerade - the starcrossed lovers, the sisters of fate, the forlorn belle of the ball, a band of thieves, Old Nick and Lady Grey. As The Birthday Blaze approaches, passers-by can catch a sneak preview of the magic to come. On Thursday 16th and Friday 17th from 6pm to 10pm, every hour, on the hour, the striking architecture of the Theatre Royal will undergo a brief, but extraordinary transformation. Lights, music and pyrotechnics will animate the building, hinting at the spectacle to come. The event will take place on Sat 18 Feb between 6pm and 10pm and on Sun 19 Feb between 6pm and 9pm. Revellers may come at any point between these times and stay for as long as they wish. All events will take place outdoors and are free. Birthday Cake will be provided and warm and weatherproof clothing is essential!Other fringe events to celebrate the Theatres birthday are taking place across the region at various venues, please consult the website for more details: www.theatreroyal.co.uk/175-birthday==============================================Local theatre makes headlines again31st December 2011Newcastle Theatre Royals pantomime, Sleeping Beauty has once again hit the history books by selling more tickets than any other show in the Theatres entire 175 history, since records began. The figures reveal that it is the Theatres most popular show EVER in terms of footfall / people through the door, which is an important statistic in determining a shows actual quantitive popularity. Sleeping Beauty The Pantomime of Your Dreams! went on sale in 2010 to meet the high advance demand for tickets, went on to gross over a million pounds in the Box Office a month before it opened, and now has sold 81,033 tickets for all performances as early as half way through the run. This is over a thousand more tickets than were sold by the end of the run last year. Demand for tickets for the show, widely regarded as the biggest and best pantomime in the North, has been so high that in February this year the producers decided to extend the run by an additional week, and it will now run until Saturday 21 January 2012.==============================================Festive fun continues15th December 2011Christmas cheer continues across Sunderland this week with festivities including a special Christmas Farmers Market and a Christmas Craft Fair.The Farmers Market takes place in Park Lane tomorrow (Friday, December 16) from 9.30am - 3pm, with special produce including meats, cheeses and homebaked goods. The Craft Fair takes place on Saturday (December 17) from 10am - 4pm at the Arts Centre Washington. It is free admission to the fair, which includes a variety of stalls selling products created by local and regional artists and crafts people.Also, the story of Hansel and Gretel is being told at the Arts Centre Washington and tickets are still available for performances on Friday and Saturday (December 16-17). Tickets are £10 (£.8.50 concessions). For more information visit www.artscentrewashington.co.uk.For more information on the programme of Christmas festivities across Sunderland, visit: www.sunderlandlive.co.uk.==============================================All in a days work13th December 2011Visiting Wearmouth-Jarrow is now better than ever thanks to a £350,000 investment. New information panels, interactive displays, signage and display units have been installed to help tell the story of the 7th century Anglo-Saxon monastery, which is this years UK nomination for World Heritage Heritage Site status.The bid for World Heritage Site status centres on St Peters Church, Sunderland and St Pauls Church in Jarrow. The National Glass Centre, Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens and Bedes World are also key venues in the bid. Funded by One North East, the works are designed to help visitors understand the unique history of Wearmouth-Jarrow by linking up the different sites, which come together to tell the story of the Anglo Saxon monastery.==============================================Nursery gets top marks12th December 2011Sunderland's award-winning nursery receives its fifth Outstanding Ofsted in 15 years.Pennywell Early Years Centre has just received its fifth Outstanding Inspection Report from Ofsted. The Centre was congratulated by the Government Inspectors in this report for its inclusive approach in offering the highest standards of care with excellence in Teaching and Learning.This larger than average nursery school is located within the heart of the Pennywell community and was praised in the report for the outstanding progress all children make within a warm, positive atmosphere for learning and play.Ofsted reported that the childrens attitude and behaviour was outstanding; the children are nurtured so they are safe, secure and are able to thrive. The carefully structured, well resourced environment, and the high quality adult interactions, all contribute to the overall effectiveness of the provisionChildren are encouraged to be independent learners supported by highly skilled staff who intervene, support and challenge to help them get involved and motivated within the learning environment. ==============================================Best bar none10th December 2011Bars, pubs and clubs across Sunderland are taking part in this year's annual Best Bar None Award Scheme for responsible licensees.A total of 20 pubs, clubs and bars in the city centre and across communities have already received Best Bar None Accreditation this year, following a rigourous assessment period demonstrating their commitment to ensuring the safety of their customers and staff.They include Revolution, Infusion, Cooper Rose, Stadium of Light and more.==============================================A winning weekend6th December 2011This weekend there is a Christmas Special Split Festival taking place at North Shore (Sunderland Uni) - Expect The Futureheads, Hyde&Beast and Frankie & The Heartstrings (DJ Set).It'll be The Futureheads first hometown headline show since September 2010 and the band is taking setlist suggestions from fans. There will also be festive themed food from BBC Masterchef finalist Stacie Stewart.Tickets are £12.50: BUY==============================================It's a mystery!6th December 2011A murder mystery trail around Sunnisides historic streets will add a puzzle to the Christmas Market and Family Fun Day this Saturday (10 December) in Sunniside Gardens and Coronation Street from 9.30am until 4.00pm. .Sunderland City Council has organised the trail which asks families to visit local businesses and buildings in and around Sunniside to find the clues to help them solve the mystery of 'who killed Bubble Maxim?' The mystery trail is one of the many activities and entertainments on offer at the Christmas event, with performances from The Salvation Army and Castletown School Choir and live festive music from young local bands to appeal to all musical tastes. Businesses from across the region have joined forces with Sunderland firms to create a bumper Christmas event in Sunniside, including Bubbles namesake, the local brewery Double Maxim who have opened up a micro brewery in the city. The legendary, award winning local brew will be on sale at one of the 32 stalls at the market alongside local producers of fine foods, seasonal floral displays, toys, gifts and jewellery. ==============================================Festivities continue in the North East30th November 2011The official switch-on celebrations begin on Thursday, 1 December with the official switch-on of the lights on the town councils Christmas tree at the entrance to Auckland Castle at 4.30pm.The ceremony will include carols around the tree, street entertainers and a lantern parade by children from Etherley Lane, St Andrews and Woodhouse Close primary schools.The days events have been organised by Durham County Council and jointly funded by Bishop Auckland Town Council and Bishop Auckland and Shildon Area Action Partnership.The fun continues throughout December with a variety of events and activities, visit the events page to find our more.==============================================Royalty comes to Theatre Royal, Newcastle29th November 2011A new independent theatre consortium, Music and Lyrics is bringing an extremely lavish new production of Rodgers and Hammersteins The King and I to Newcastle Theatre Royal with a stellar cast, 24 - 28 January. The King and I tells the heart-warming story of the British governess brought to the court of Siam to tutor the Kings children. Seen by millions of people across the world since it premiered in 1951, it is one of the best-loved musicals of all time, has been showered with awards and features one of the most beautiful scores ever written (still a bestseller today). It has also inspired two Hollywood blockbusters. This new production starring Ramon Tikaram (This Life, EastEnders) and double Olivier Award nominated Josefina Gabrielle (Oklahoma!), is a lavish, grand-scale spectacle of a show with giant gold Buddhas, sumptuous costumes, sliding screens, shadow puppets, a chorus of local children, acrobatic dancers, ballet sequences and live music. It is set to seamlessly transport audiences to the splendour and opulence of the Kings court in 19th century Siam. The sweeping melodies that have captured the hearts of music-lovers everywhere include Shall We Dance, I Whistle A Happy Tune, Hello Young Lovers, The March of the Siamese Children and the unforgettable Getting To Know You.Theatre Royal Box Office: 08448 11 21 21 or book online: www.theatreroyal.co.ukChristmas charity for children25th November 2011Over 700 hundred disadvantaged, poorly and disabled children and their carers from across the North East have been invited to see Newcastle Theatre Royals record breaking pantomime Sleeping Beauty The Pantomime of your Dreams before anyone else, in an exclusive Dress Rehearsal performance on Monday 28 November. Disabled, poorly and disadvantaged children from Metro Radios charity Cash for Kids and the Evening Chronicles Sunshine Fund, as well as from 14 other organisations and charitable groups from across the region will be given a sneak preview performance of the show, complete with full costumes and all special effects, before it opens to the public on Tuesday 29th November. The Dress Rehearsal is the last full run through the company will do before they unveil the show to the wider public, and as such it is highly polished yet has all the fresh excitement and anticipation of a rehearsal. Many of the children invited, ranging in age from four to eighteen, may never have had the opportunity to see the Theatre Royal Pantomime before, due to illness or circumstance, so the show will make a very welcome Christmas treat. Metro Radios Cash for Kids team will be bringing children from The Childrens Heart Unit at The Freeman Hospital these are kids who suffer from congenital heart defects and spend a large amount of their lives on the wards being operated on and recovering from their illnesses.Throughout the year, Theatre Royal Newcastle invites applications from charities, schools and disadvantaged groups to attend the free dress rehearsal, and so the children will be joined by a diversity of groups from across the North East. This year ticket recipients include The Percy Hedley Foundation, Haven Tyneside, the Children's Service at St.Oswald's Hospice (through Childrens Hospice Arts (chART)) and the Cyrenians, among others. There will also be a large group of poorly children and their parents and carers from the Great North Childrens Hospital at the RVI.Sleeping Beauty the Pantomime of your Dreams will appear at the Theatre Royal from Tuesday 29 November 2011 - Saturday 21 January 2012. Tickets are priced at £10.50 - £27.50 and can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 or select your own seat and book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk. ==============================================
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What's on

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Music

Bridie Jackson, The Sage Thursday 12th January, 8pm

Heralded by The Journals Culture magazine as an extraordinary and untameable talent she appears tonight with her full band to play the songs from her highly anticipated debut album, Bitter Lullabies. Support comes from Nathalie Stern, Matt Stalker and Fables.

0191 443 4661

Katherine Jenkins, Newcastle City Hall Monday 16th January, 8pm

In the two years since Katherine released Believe, she has performed around the globe and took the world by storm. Now the Welsh beauty will visit Newcastle during her tour to sing songs from her new album, Daydream.

0191 211 6283

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac, The Sage Thursday 19th January, 7.30pm

The British rock anthology concert production has now established itself across the world and tours with Mick Fleetwoods golden seal of approval. Rumours of Fleetwood Mac bring back to the masses the classic hits of Fleetwood Mac.

0191 443 4661

Thin Lizzy, Newcastle City Hall Saturday 21st January, 8pm

In the two years since Katherine released Believe, she has performed around the globe and took the world by storm. Now the Welsh beauty will visit Newcastle during her tour to sing songs from her new album, Daydream.

0191 211 6283

Theatre

Sleeping Beauty, Newcastle Theatre Royal Until 21st January

Sleeping Beauty is one of the most traditional and popular pantomimes of all time. Join Theatre Royal favourites Clive Webb (The King), Danny Adams (Muddles) and Chris Hayward (The Queen) along with a fabulous cast, spectacular sets, stunning costumes and an abundance of laughs for the pantomime of your dreams.

0844 811 2121

A Bit Crack Storytellers, The Star and Shadow Cinema Friday 6th January, 7.30pm

The floor is open, the stories are waiting and the next teller could be you!

Here is a chance for listeners to become tellers and share the stories closest to your heart alongside A Bit Crack - or just come and listen, youll be just as welcome.

0191 261 0066

Back For Good, Sunderland Empire Saturday 14th January, 7pm

Following their smash hit 2010 national tour the boys are back!Recreating the magic of 'Take That' live in concert just for you.If you like 'Take That' you will love Back For Good!With their amazing dance routines, numerous costume changes and phenomenal live performances, you will be singing and dancing within minutes and left with little doubt that you are watching 'The Greatest Boy Band Of All Time'.

0191 566 1040

Henry Rollins, Journal Tyne Theatre Sunday 15th January, 7.45pm

For better than a quarter century, Rollins has toured the world as a spoken word artist, as frontman for both Rollins Band and Black Flag.

When hes not living out of a suitcase Henry currently hosts a weekly radio show on L.A.s renowned NPR affiliate KCRW, is a regular contributor to LA Weeklys West Coast Sound music blog, and is hosting National Geographics new three-part series Animal Underworld With Henry Rollins, following of a pair of Nat Geo television specials in late 2010 and early 2011.

0844 493 9999

Dreamboats and Petticoats, Sunderland Empire Monday 16th - Saturday 21st January

Written by Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran, the team behind Goodnight Sweetheart, Birds of a Feather, The New Statesmen and Shine On Harvey Moon. In 1961 emotions run high as young musicians Norman and Bobby compete to win a national song writing competition and, more importantly, the attention of the gorgeous Sue! But when Bobby discovers that shy Laura is no slouch on the piano, love and rock 'n' roll fame beckons

0191 566 1040

The King and I, Newcastle Theatre Royal Tuesday 24th - Saturday 28th January

The story of the British governess brought to the court of Siam to tutor the Kings children has captured the hearts of millions and told with one of the most beautiful scores ever written. Starring Ramon Tikaram as the The King of Siam, whose credits include Bombay Dreams and Jesus Christ Superstar, as well the part of Ferdy in the hit show This Life, and Josefina Gabrielle as Anna whose musical successes include The Witches of Eastwick, Sweet Charity and the lead in Oklahoma! at the National Theatre - this is one evening of musical theat re not to be missed!

0844 811 2121

Places

The Arts

Gardens

Pubs

Restaurants

Page 5

The Arts

The Arts
BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art (Contemporary)Gateshead Quays, NE8 3BA0191 478 1810The Biscuit Factory (Commercial)16 Stoddart Street, Newcastle, NE2 1AN0191 261 1103Cineworld CinemasBoldon Leisure Park, Abingdon Way, Boldon Colliery, Tyne And Wear, NE35 9PB0871 220 8000City Library & Arts Centre28-30 Fawcett St, Sunderland, Tyne And Wear 0191 561 1235The Customs HouseMill Dam, South Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE33 1ES0191 454 1234Empire CinemasSunniside Leisure(Formerly Limelight Entertainment Complex)4 Lambton Street,Sunderland, Tyne and Wear,SR1 1TP08714 714 714Hatton Gallery (Historical & Modern)Newcastle University, The Quadrangle, NE1 7RU0191 222 6059Hyena Cafe (Comedy Club)12 Leazes Lane, Newcastle, NE1 4QT 0191 232 6030Journal Tyne Theatre111 Westgate Road, Newcastle, NE1 4AG0844 493 9999Laing Art Gallery (Historical & Modern)New Bridge Street, Newcastle, NE1 8AG0191 232 7734Live Theatre27 Broad Chare, Newcastle, NE1 3DQ0191 232 1232Monkwearmouth Railway StationNorth Bridge Street, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR5 1AP0191 567 7075The National Glass CentreLiberty Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR6 0GL0191 515 5555Northern Print (Gallery and print-making)Stepney Bank, Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle, NE1 2NP0191 261 7000Northern StageBarras Bridge, Newcastle, NE1 7RH0191 230 5151Opus Art (Commercial)Milburn House, Dean Street, Newcastle, NE1 1NR0191 232 7389Playhouse Whitley BayMarine Avenue, Whitley Bay, NE26 1LZ0844 277 2771Side Gallery (Film & Photography collection)1-3 Side, Quayside, Newcastle, NE1 3JE0191 232 2208Shipley Art Gallery (Design & Contemporary)Prince Consort Road, Gateshead, NE8 4JB0191 477 1495The Sunderland EmpireHigh Street West, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR1 3EX0191 566 1040Sunderland Museum and Winter GardensBurdon Road, Sunderland, Tyne And Wear, SR1 1PP0191 553 2323Theatre Royal100 Grey Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE1 6BR0191 244 2500Vane (Contemporary)Kings House, Forth Banks, Newcastle, NE1 3PA0191 261 8281

Gardens

Gardens
Alnwick GardenDenwick Lane, Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 1YU01665 511 350Cragside (National Trust)Rothbury, Morpeth, Northumberland NE65 7PX01669 620333Farne Islands (National Trust)North Sea, off the Northumberland Coast between Bamburgh and SeahousesGibside (National Trust)Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE16 6BG01207 541 820Hadrian's Wall and Housesteads Fort (National Trust)Housesteads Farm, Bardon Mill, Hexham, NE46 6NN01434 343344Lindisfarne Castle (National Trust)Holy Island, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland TD15 2SH01289 389244Sunderland Museum and Winter GardensBurdon Road, Sunderland, Tyne And Wear, SR1 1PP0191 553 2323Souter Lighthouse and The Leas (National Trust)Coast Road, Whitburn, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear SR6 7NH0191 529 3161Wallington (National Trust)Cambo, Morpeth, Northumberland NE61 4AR01670 773967

Pubs

Pubs
The Blue BellFulwell Road, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear0191 549 4020The Harbour ViewDame Dorothy Street, Roker Seafront, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR6 0NL0191 567 3878Pete Zulu _ The Black Horse Rectory Bank, East Boldon, NE36 0QQ0191 536 1814The Promenade1 - 2 Queens Parade, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR6 8DA0191 529 2919The Queen VicHarbour View, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR6 0PQ0191 565 4732The Roker HotelRoker Terrace, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR6 9ND0191 5671786The Wolsey Millem Terrace, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR6 0EF07769 746480

Restaurants

Restaurants
BRITISHPete Zulu _ The Black Horse, Rectory Bank, East Boldon, NE36 0QQ0191 536 1814Throwing Stones Restaurant (British)The National Glass Centre, Liberty Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR6 0GL 0191 565 3939CHINESEParadise Garden (Chinese)3 - 5 Whitburn Bents Road, Sunderland, Ryne and Wear, SR6 8AD0191 529 2572INDIANMidnight Moon (Indian)1 Olive St, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR1 3PE0191 514 5141Priti Raj (Indian)6 Queens Parade, Seaburn, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR6 5DH0191 529 2229Shagorika (Indian)3 Queens Parade, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR6 8DA0191 529 3194ITALIANAmore (Italian)11 Tavistock Place, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR1 1PB0191 565 0077Gabrieles (Italian)4 Queens Parade, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR60191 529 2282Little Italy (Italian)Lower Promenade, Whitburn Road, Sunderland, SR6 8ABLuciano Ristorante (Italian)278 High St West, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR1 3DZ0191 564 0200 Marchellos (Italian)4 Albion Place, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR1 3NG0191 567 1032Martinos (Italian)Seaburn Dykelands Road, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR6 8AA0191 529 5295Trattoria Due (Italian)North Dock, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR6 0PW0191 510 0600THAIThai Manor (Thai)5 Folye Street, Sunniside Gardens, Sunderland, SR1 1LE0191 567 6297

Page 5

Tea Rooms
Coming soon...

Reviews

Places

Places

Glass Centre

South Shields

Glass Centre

Matfen Hall, Newcastle
Expect quality food and surroundings that provide the perfect backdrop for a trip out.Matfen Hall Hotel is set in 300 acres of parkland, beautiful gardens and a golf course. So if youre dining and you can manage to get a window seat in The Conservatory - then do. It is the perfect way to enjoy good food and do a little people watching. The day we visit there is a wedding taking place, so the place is buzzing with excitement which adds some atmosphere. The Conservatory menu is available from 12 - 6pm, offering starters, light bites of steak or smoked salmon served in various different ways. Main courses such as fish and chips, beef and peppercorn sauce and a Matfen burger are available and a selection of desserts. I went for a starter of homemade tomato soup served with a crusty bun (£3.95), it was homely and fresh with a nice kick from the pepper. However this could have been a meal on its own because the portion was huge, having said that the bowl was empty when it was collected. I then opted for an open flatbread with basil, goats cheese and roasted red onion (£7.95) which was delicious. The ingredients are a classic combination and I personally could have done with a little more cheese but that is choice rather than necessity. The meal was presented on a wooden block and looked very rustic, topped with fresh salad. I also had a small glass of white Pinot Grigio that was very dry, again the way I like it. My mother went for the seared chicken breast with pink grapefruit and mange tout salad drizzled in red wine vinegar dressing (£9.95). The chicken was succulent and worked extremely well with the fruit and the dressing was not overpowering leaving a fresh, clean taste in the mouth. After a five minute break, David, our waiter who could not have been more helpful, tempted us with some delicious desserts (£2.50 - £5.50) such as panna cota, scones or a chocolate tart. Bingo! The tart came with chocolate sauce and a hard white chocolate drizzle stick as part of the presentation. It was wonderful the short crust pastry was crunchy and soft and the milk chocolate was perfect. I could have eaten it two times over and I can vouch that my mother also thoroughly enjoyed the morsel that I very kindly gave to her. If none of the particular dishes on the menu do not appeal to you, Afternoon Tea is served until 6pm, with a selection of beef, tuna, salmon, ham and egg mayonnaise sandwiches, scones, pastries and cakes all served with tea or coffee for £12.50 or you can have the Champagne option for £19.95. And if needs be, order extra sandwiches at £4.95 each and desserts from £2.50 - £5.50. Matfen Hall is definitely recommended for a relaxing atmosphere surrounded by glorious gardens and if the weather permits why not sit outside and watch the golfers making their way around the course as you tuck in? I will certainly be returning just to try out the scones!Matfen HallNewcastle Upon Tyne, NE20 0RH01661 886 500www.primahotels.co.uk/matfen

South Shields

National Glass Centre
Make time for the National Glass CentreSunderland has often been accused of having little to offer in the Arts department especially compared to its rival Newcastle. Although the National Glass Centre celebrated its decade in October 2008, based on the riverside it is beaming with things to do and see.In a city known for its shipbuilding and glass-making it is exciting to have a building that promotes the history of Sunderland situated right on the river Wear it showcases exhibitions, sculptures and artwork from university students, established artists and children. Curatorial assistant, Sarah Rothwell, says: "We are not just an exhibition centre we are here as an educational centre here as well we want to be a centre of learning for people in the region and we want to be able to display internationally renowned artist in this region."On the first floor the Space-Time exhibition is to the left, reflecting upon the relevance of astronomical observations and the role of time in our everyday lives, memory and future, taking a look at how stars provided maps for ships, as well as looking at various cultures and myths surrounding time.Featuring small glass animals positioned in their astronomical positions, a video discussing space travel and paintings all appealing to arrange of ages, Sarah continues: We always try to be as accessible as we can be, we have to be family orientated and we want to capture everyones interests from a small childs up to a grandma and granddad as well so we try and put on a diverse range of exhibitions and have different events from workshops to artists talks to culinary sessions.Judging by the comment book filled by a school trip the childrens comments state how great Space-Time is.Designed by Gollifer Langston Architects - who won a competition initiated by the Tyne and Wear Development Corporation and funded by the European Regional Development Fund, that helps stimulate economic development in various regions and The Arts Council/National Lottery the Centre was aimed at highlighting the history of glassmaking in Sunderland. It was also the first major building to open in the UK funded by the Capital Arts Lottery award and was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles on 23rd October 1998.The balcony at the end of the entrance hall allows you to gaze out onto the river from a height and looks down into the well-known Throwingstones café and restaurant where you can have a meal or just a coffee. The shop is on the same floor where you can buy original on site made pieces of glass vases, coasters, jewellery and many other objects, there are also limited edition pieces available from local artists like fashion designer Gareth Pughs Silver Poodle.There are also candles and bags that would make good gifts and for the little ones various toys and educational books are on sale.You can also take a peek into the glass-making rooms where they have huge machines and tables ready for business.Another highlight is the glass roof, or floor depending where you are, you can stand directly above the centre and look down on everyone it is this type of character and quality that helps the NGC attract at least 150,000 visitors a year and as a result receives 17,000 visitors to the website every month.Rothwell said: "We are popular with school children as we give them a chance to make little pieces themselves and we appeal to the older generation too with our classes."All exhibitions are free and there are adult glass and jewellery making courses available that are range from £70 to £100 for five to seven sessions meaning you can have a go at making something yourself out of glass.National Glass CentreLiberty Way, Sunderland, SR6 0GL0191 515 5555

Article 3

South Marine Park
Indulge in the Natural During these tough times it can be hard to go out and not spend a penny especially if you have children in tow, so why not pack up a picnic and go to South Marine Park in South Shields? (OK, you might need £1)Pick a hot summers day to travel down the coast of South Shields beach passing the amusements and cruise past the hustle and bustle of the main road turn to your right and peer through the huge green trees to take a peek at South Marine Park. Entering through the East entrance there are some astonishingly clean walkways with big Greek inspired statues called Park Ladies to the side leading the way to showcase a beautiful garden area with a spectrum of flowers boasting greens, purples and whites.Then theres a vast area of lush green grass, the perfect place for a spot of lunch at one of the picnic tables but will you face the bandstand or the lake? Both choices suffice for a rather picturesque view.Originally designed in the 1880s by Matthew Hall the Boroughs surveyor and Engineer, the park has played host to a number of past and present memories for over 100 years: walks, dances and strangers becoming friends. The restoration process in 2008 was inspired by the diary left behind by the original head gardener, John Peebles.The project was supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and South Tyneside Council culminating in the return of the bandstand - a replica of the original Macfarlanes of Glasgow model that was erected in 1904 and even lights up for special occasions.Now on to the children, the two huge play areas have water features, adventure climbing frames and digger arms in the sand and if that doesnt do it for them the lake provides pedal boats for a leisurely sail around the parks huge lake that is home to swans, ducks and geese and if that still fails to get them going, the train is almost certainly one of the highlights and a quick way of seeing the whole park, for the small fee of £1 how could you not?Train driver Mike Henderson, 59, said: I have driven the train for thirty seven years and the day I stop enjoying it is the day I quit.The park is also a great help to outsiders by providing activities to the Outdoor Education Team (OET) at Simonside Youth Centre the teams aim is to build young peoples self-confidence and encourage teamwork - it seems to be succeeding as the group kayaking today are taking to it like ducks to water.An art trail, made of ten sculptures projecting the heritage and natural environment of the park, is the result of a project which involved local school children teaming up with artists to develop the figures - one of the models represents an animal that children imagined might have once lived in the park.The attention to detail is astonishing as benches have the design of an iron squirrels, mice and griffins encrusted in the armrests and with plenty on offer there is hardly any risk of being denied the chance to rest those weary feet and after a day here why not walk a small distance to Minchellas ice cream parlour on the sea front for a deliciously smooth 99 to top of the day.All aboard!South Marine ParkSouth Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE33 2PE0191 454 6612

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Restaurants

Matfen

Pete Zulu

Black Bull

Matfen

Matfen Hall, Newcastle
Expect quality food and surroundings that provide the perfect backdrop for a trip out.Matfen Hall Hotel is set in 300 acres of parkland, beautiful gardens and a golf course. So if youre dining and you can manage to get a window seat in The Conservatory - then do. It is the perfect way to enjoy good food and do a little people watching. The day we visit there is a wedding taking place, so the place is buzzing with excitement which adds some atmosphere. The Conservatory menu is available from 12 - 6pm, offering starters, light bites of steak or smoked salmon served in various different ways. Main courses such as fish and chips, beef and peppercorn sauce and a Matfen burger are available and a selection of desserts. I went for a starter of homemade tomato soup served with a crusty bun (£3.95), it was homely and fresh with a nice kick from the pepper. However this could have been a meal on its own because the portion was huge, having said that the bowl was empty when it was collected. I then opted for an open flatbread with basil, goats cheese and roasted red onion (£7.95) which was delicious. The ingredients are a classic combination and I personally could have done with a little more cheese but that is choice rather than necessity. The meal was presented on a wooden block and looked very rustic, topped with fresh salad. I also had a small glass of white Pinot Grigio that was very dry, again the way I like it. My mother went for the seared chicken breast with pink grapefruit and mange tout salad drizzled in red wine vinegar dressing (£9.95). The chicken was succulent and worked extremely well with the fruit and the dressing was not overpowering leaving a fresh, clean taste in the mouth. After a five minute break, David, our waiter who could not have been more helpful, tempted us with some delicious desserts (£2.50 - £5.50) such as panna cota, scones or a chocolate tart. Bingo! The tart came with chocolate sauce and a hard white chocolate drizzle stick as part of the presentation. It was wonderful the short crust pastry was crunchy and soft and the milk chocolate was perfect. I could have eaten it two times over and I can vouch that my mother also thoroughly enjoyed the morsel that I very kindly gave to her. If none of the particular dishes on the menu do not appeal to you, Afternoon Tea is served until 6pm, with a selection of beef, tuna, salmon, ham and egg mayonnaise sandwiches, scones, pastries and cakes all served with tea or coffee for £12.50 or you can have the Champagne option for £19.95. And if needs be, order extra sandwiches at £4.95 each and desserts from £2.50 - £5.50. Matfen Hall is definitely recommended for a relaxing atmosphere surrounded by glorious gardens and if the weather permits why not sit outside and watch the golfers making their way around the course as you tuck in? I will certainly be returning just to try out the scones!Matfen HallNewcastle Upon Tyne, NE20 0RH01661 886 500www.primahotels.co.uk/matfen

Tasty: Flatbread with basil, goats cheese and roasted red onion

Pete Zulu

Pete Zulu _ The Black Horse
Enjoy quirky surroundings and fabulous food.Walking into Pete Zulu's at The Black Horse in Boldon is like walking into a Cave of Wonders. The walls are covered in weird and wonderful memorabilia such as old cameras, skis, classic posters and most of all, a fantastic collection of Pete's own photos.If you're wondering where you've heard that name before, you may remember a band called The Toy Dolls, of which the lead singer was Pete Zulu. But those days are behind him and he has since made a name for himself in the cheffing world and has been sourcing local ingredients for his exciting and creative dishes and also finding time to write a book called Wills Diamonds.Expecting the pub to be quiet around 2pm on a weekday, Mr Watson and I are pleasantly surprised when practically all of the tables are occupied. But this is not unusual - the food at Zulus is fantastic. The Black Horse offers the Classic menu, one for peasants & cheapskates, 2 courses for £15 and 3 for £18, which changes every fortnight and if you get there on Grill Night (Monday or Tuesday) there are 2 soups and 2 grills for £20.We opted for the peasant menu, I chose the spring vegetable bruschetta and Watson had the duck salad to begin with. The bruschetta was a beautiful salad of garden peas, asparagus, radish, rocket and tomatoes drizzled with a goats cheese dressing. It was fresh, tasty and the plate couldn't have been emptied any quicker. The duck salad came on a bed of red cabbage served with three thin triangle crackers and oozed with flavour as soon as you took a bite. For main I had the chicken Milanese with spaghetti and Watson went for the liver. The chicken covered in breadcrumbs was tasty and succulent and the spaghetti did not disappoint either - especially as a pasta perfectionist - which was mixed in a subtle, yet tasty tomato sauce.The dessert options sounded delicious, with apple pie, white chocolate bread and butter pudding or a cheese board on offer, however we could not fit in another scrap of food.Having been back to Zulus since, I can also highly recommend the crab lasagne (£8.50) from the Classic menu, served with chips and a crispy salad. The lasagne has just the right amount of crab in it and is so creamy and smooth - it is possibly my favourite option on the menu and keeps drawing me back time and time again.But back to being a peasant and for the record, if this is what being a peasant means - I am more than happy with that! This is gastro food at its best.The Black HorseRectory Bank, East Boldon, NE36 0QQ0191 536 1814

Black Bull

The Black Bull
The pubs history certainly adds flavour.Sausages are one of Britains well-known comfort foods, so after building up an appetite with a stroll along Yarms high street looking in the quirky antique shops I was excited to be dining in The Black Bull, famed for its sausages.Once inside the pub is bursting with atmosphere and full of friendly faces, the partition type walls confirm the idea that it originally boasted three separate rooms that are now combined into one with two bars, each with a fantastic Belfast sink to keep the wines chilled. There are various serving points so that all customers are taken care of, and as you make your way round there is an original fire that you can imagine, when lit in the winter is a real treat.As we sat down at the large wooden table in amongst many others and decided what to drink, I indulged in a glass of dry white wine, him in doors had a pint of lager. We noticed the huge timbers holding the ceiling up which are thought to be from the original building and over 300 years old. This comes as no surprise as the whole place is filled with history, an engraved brass plate tells the tale of a regular, Bob Tillston who in 1990 climbed up the 16ft chimney probably after one too many and to everyones surprise emerged on the roof covered in soot from head to toe.Having had a large breakfast, we opted out of a starter not that they werent tempting, from soup to nachos and chicken goujons available as a platter from £2.95 to £3.50 and it is refreshing to know that all their coffee is made with organic milk.The menus first page, offering a variety of sausages, is helped along by a blackboard on the wall informing us of what sausages are in season. These just arent any sausages, supplied by butchers John Pettit and Arnold McGuckin, who are multi-winners of Great Taste Awards, not to mention McGuckin also supplies his sausages to Harrods so he must be doing something right. All sausage meals are served with mashed potato and red onion gravyThe menu is very informative about the local produce and the pub itself. Main course prices range from £4.75 to £8.95 and side dishes such as chips are on offer from £1.75. I opted for the original Lincolnshire sausage with added Lincolnshire poacher cheese while him in doors went for goats cheese and red pepper with fennel risotto, topped with goats cheese, and also took the option of corn-fed chicken.Not long after our food arrived, piping hot and giving off a very inviting aroma, beautifully presented with parsnip strips on top of the sausage and mash tower. The perfectly cooked sausages melted in my mouth and, with the poacher cheese seeping through, the mash was delightfully fluffy and with the red onion gravy making this a clear winner for my pallet. Him in doors reported that the risotto was a perfect consistency and had just the right amount of goats cheese with the moist chicken nicely completing the dish.There is also a huge beer garden available to the back of the building with plenty of table and chairs. The friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere completed by delicious pub cuisine makes The Black Bull a must-do in Yarm.The Black Bull42 High Street, North Yorkshire, TS15 9AE01642 793 001

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