Days like these

   -

Stepping outside today, it was hard to believe that summer could be almost over. After weeks of rain, horrible flooding, hailstorms and enough cloudy, overcast days to make me want to cry, today has just been a blessing. A day like today rates up there with fresh pasta and Jane Austen and boys in waistcoats and dress shoes. Having only just come back from Thailand (thereby relegating myself to the very low end of the poverty bracket) I should of course be entirely too used to sunny days, but having a couple here at home is just so special. Even the hardened traveller should be able to appreciate a good thing, and I've never been one to not make the most of days like these. 
Long rambling walks with the boy, coffees at Pink Lane, fresh flowers in the house and dramatic, fervid arguments with myself about whether I really need to go back to a full time job. But with Leeds festival and Northampton coming up, I can only pray that this weather holds for just a few more weeks. Pretty please? I'll be really, really good. 

Insta-Newcastle II

Insta-Newcastle

Things to do in Newcastle

Most cities get to be immortalised by the likes of Lonely Planet with a review of all their latest and greatest attractions. I thought I'd do my part for Newcastle with a list of my own creation. With a bit of luck, I might be able to lure a few visitors out of the nightclubs in the Big Market and get them looking at the actual gems NC has to offer.

Butterfly Cabinet, Heaton

Often still referred to as the Bell and Herb, this cafe offers some of the best food you'll ever eat in one of the coolest places you'll ever eat it in. Well, as long as you're prepared to wait for a table that is. This place seems to hit the spot for just about everybody, from young families to local bands so if you get there late at night be prepared for a very different experience than the Saturday morning breakfast crowd are likely to have. The cafe is also vegetarian friendly, without getting all weird about it.

Jesmond Dean
Whether you're after a peaceful afternoon stroll or you've taken a fancy to watching small children get bowled over by manic dogs, this beautiful park will surely meet your expectations. Plus, with Jesmond Old Cemetery barely a five minute walk away there's a ready opportunity to get your creep on and do some eerie graveyard exploring.  With or without the side-trip the park is definitely worth a visit if you've got a sunny afternoon and a picnic basket to spare or perhaps just a nasty hangover to nurse. Just as nature was always meant to be used. 

Quayside Markets
No longer as interesting as it was in the 50s (when I'm told you could buy monkeys and snakes here!) but still well worth an hour out of your Sunday morning. Once you get past the half a dozen stalls selling underwear and fake flowers, this market suddenly becomes quite charming. Start at Fresh and Frothy for a coffee to warm your hands for the rest of the walk. Then make your way all the way to the other end and pay a visit to the hilarious David Nash, whose stall will either excite your senses or scandalise your sensibilities. Either way is, of course, fine by me. 
(Tip: If markets are your thing, Tynemouth and the Tynemouth Markets make a nice daytrip)

Bacchus
I originally attended this bar on the dubious recommendation of an old guy on the train but it turns out old guys on the train know their stuff. Consistently voted the number one beer bar in Newcastle, this place is truly wonderful for those after a simple drink in stylish surrounds.

St James Stadium
Look at me doing my part to make friends here by still referring to it as St James! Despite all the naming rights controversies that seem to dominate any news story about football in Newcastle, a game at St James is still worth your time. After all, Newcastle has some of the most passionate supporters in the country. Be careful, though. As I'm writing this at the same time as there's a Newcastle/Sunderland game in progress, I'm fully aware of how important it is to stay as far from the stadium as possible right now. Beer and fights all round!