Tag: chester-le-street

What’s On TV This Month

By on 3rd December 2016in Film & TV

Kirstie’s Crafty Christmas

Far from the world of Location, Location, Location, Kirstie Allsopp has built quite the reputation in recent years for her televised celebrations of all things humble, handmade and crafty, something that otherwise seems all too rare on British TV. This month, she returns with Kirstie’s Crafty Christmas, which sees many of the UK’s most talented crafters battle it out in a series of festive categories.

Who will be deemed the best in Britain at the hand-making of Christmas decorations? What about the honour of the best-decorated Christmas tree, the best decorated Christmas cake or the best handmade toy?

There are even competitions for the likes of the best gingerbread house, the best floral art and the best Christmas dish, among others. It all surely demonstrates once more that even in an age in which many of us seem to be glued to our laptop and phone screens, there are still plenty more of us who adore few things more than getting resourceful with our hands and the most basic materials found around the house.

Find out which crafters triumph in their respective categories on Channel 4 this month.

Doctor Who Christmas Special

Given the absence of any full Doctor Who series at all in 2016, it’s fair to say that the return of Peter Capaldi’s Doctor to BBC One ahead of a full 10th series next year is more than eagerly anticipated.

So, what do we know about the Christmas special? Well, its title has been confirmed as “The Return of Doctor Mysterio”, with the news accompanied by an image of the insignia for a superhero character played by Justin Chatwin.

It has also been reported that the special will see the return of Nardole, the character played by Matt Lucas and who first appeared in last year’s Christmas special, “The Husbands of River Song”. We’ve heard that Nardole will have a “sizable role” to play in the full 10th season.

A source recently told Radio Times that the Doctor wouldn’t have a temporary companion this Christmas, with that “space” essentially taken by Nardole. Nonetheless, we already know that the new full series will see Capaldi joined by new assistant Bill, played by actress Pearl Mackie.

The rumour is that Mackie only signed a one-year contract, and will depart with Capaldi after the 2017 Christmas special.

Blankety Blank

Simply mention the words “Blankety Blank” to anyone of a certain age (who may well be you!), and some of the most evocative images of 1980s British TV are conjured up – the stick-like microphone known as ‘Wogan’s Wand’, the similarly notorious ‘chequebook and pen’, the comedic double entendre answers (“Did you catch a glimpse of that girl on the corner? She has the world’s biggest blank“)… you get the idea.

So, depending on your point of view, it may be either welcome news or a certain kind of heresy that the show is being revived once more this Christmas, for the first full episode since the end of the Lily Savage era in 2002. Of course, the show hasn’t been completely off our screens in the intervening 14 years, as new one-off versions have been broadcast, not least a Comic Relief segment featuring the man who will fill the boots of the late and legendary former host Sir Terry Wogan, the similarly late and legendary Les Dawson and the still-very-much-with-us legend behind Savage, Paul O’Grady.

That man is Little Britain star David Walliams. Amid the whispers of this ITV Christmas Special marking the beginning of a full-blown revival of the show if it is well-received, needless to say that here at IN&AROUND, we can’t wait to see how he gets on.

Pub Review: The Company Row, Consett

By on 2nd December 2016in Food & Drink

While there are many fascinating aspects of the County Durham town of Consett, any discussion of its history cannot ignore that it morphed from a village into a boom town in the 19th century on account of the discovery beneath its ground of coking coal and blackband iron ore. With limestone also being found nearby, it wasn’t long until local blast furnaces were doing their bit for the North East’s then thriving Industrial Revolution by pumping out iron and steel.

What does any of this, admittedly compelling history have to do with one of the most unashamedly modern eating and drinking spots in today’s town? Well, this was always a pub conceived to recall Consett’s glorious past, with its very name – The Company Row – referencing the Company Rows of houses that the Derwent Iron Company built for its workers after its foundation in the 1840s. Sadly for the North East’s current-day history buffs, most of these Company Rows were demolished in the 1920s, with the site subsequently becoming a marketplace.

Still, it’s also very obvious that the pub that serves to remember these remarkable houses in its moniker is not merely paying tribute to a long-dead history, but is playing its part to make the 21st-century Consett a key social destination. The decor of this spacious JD Wetherspoon establishment feels up-to-the-minute, as do the amenities, with step-free access, TV screens broadcasting live news and Wi-Fi all present and correct. When you also consider the licensed outdoor area and the general family-friendly vibe, it becomes clear that this really is a pub serving all of Consett’s inhabitants.

That impression becomes clearer still when you sample the food and drinks menu, which covers all of the pub lunch essentials and a bit more. Those arriving on a morning may order such Breakfast Club options as an all-day brunch, breakfast roll with Quorn sausage, bagel with cream cheese or even a gluten-free or children’s breakfast. Indeed, it’s vital to highlight just how welcoming a pub The Company Row is to the young ones, as is also signified by the presence of a dedicated children’s menu offering the likes of cheesy pasta, fish and chips with beans, beef burgers, chicken breast burgers and so many more well-priced and delicious kid-oriented dishes.

As a matter of fact, whatever the kind of meal for which you may visit The Company Row – perhaps one of its ‘Deli Deals’ like a BBQ chicken, bacon and cheese panini or a jacket potato with cheese, or instead something from the extensive small plates, sharers, burritos, pub classics or ‘fresh from the grill’ ranges – you are sure to leave with the feeling of having enjoyed a proper pub lunch. After all, for many North Easterners, while there may have been many pretenders down the years, no operator really knows how to do pub grub quite like JD Wetherspoon.

All of this is without us even touching on the various drinks options, which – as you would naturally expect from a Wetherspoon pub – are great and many. If you aren’t in the mood for something from the real ales and beers range such as a Ruddles, Shipyard or Devils Backbone, what about a craft beer or cider like Brewdog Punk IPA or Hazy Hog cloudy English Cider?

In fact, with everything from draught ciders, lagers and spirits to world beers, wine, champagne and cocktails available, as well as soft drinks and hot drinks such as a good old-fashioned cappuccino, hot chocolate or espresso, you may never even feel the need to venture into one of the local coffee shops when you have the option of The Company Row. Why not pop in to see for yourself on your next visit to Victoria Road?

What’s On In Chester-Le-Street And Durham

By on 1st December 2016in What's On?

Durham City’s Traditional Christmas Festival

If you’re set to be anywhere near Durham City over the weekend of Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th December – and why wouldn’t you be? – you really need to get to down to the Traditional Christmas Festival, which will take place across various venues in the historic centre.

Based principally around the Cathedral and Castle, the event will provide excellent opportunities for Christmas shopping, alongside festive entertainment.

So, where to head first? Here at IN&AROUND, we are certainly looking forward to the Craft and Gift Marquee on Palace Green, where more than 190 stalls are planned, although there will also be plenty of activity in the Cloisters of Durham Cathedral, where more than 30 regional food and drink producers will be present.

All of this is without us even mentioning the outdoor markets in Durham Market Place and Millennium Place, or the more than 50 additional traders in the Market Hall.

Oh, and there’s also set to be a wide range of family entertainment and activities, including live music performances and bands, live reindeer, Cathedral carol services and the Saturday afternoon Children’s Christmas Lantern Procession, which will see children leading a procession to the Cathedral for the St Nicholas service.

Please note that these details are not final and could change.

Christmas Market, the Bowes Museum

For a modest cover charge of £2.50, visitors to one of the region’s most esteemed museums can enjoy not only free admission to the museum itself, but also a feast of festive food and creative craft stalls, together with use of the Santa bus ‘park and ride’ facility.

Taking place from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th December, the event presents the perfect opportunity for visitors to sample quality produce – including breads, cakes, cheeses, gourmet scotch eggs, speciality hot chocolates, local beers and more – from some of the region’s finest suppliers.

Alternatively, you might look to pick up a quirky gift from an assortment of fascinating locally made jewellery, wreaths, ceramic and glass art, leather goods, toys and upcycled furniture. There will even be stalls for your dog!

Nor will there be a shortage of entertainment, with seasonal singing provided by the popular group No Added Sugar, and Barnard Castle Band and the Andreas Ensemble also on hand with a festive repertoire. Even Smooth Radio will be on site right through the weekend, playing festive music and offering gift wrapping master classes.

Throw in Christmas craft activities and the opportunity for your child to visit Santa in his grotto and even receive a gift from him (all for £5), and it becomes even more obvious that if you visit just one Christmas market this year, it should be this one.

Seann Walsh: One for the Road

Given how he stormed his last gig at Stockton’s Arc a few years back, it’s unsurprising that this dishevelled comic with the eye for the absurd is primed for a triumphant return to the same venue on 9th December.

For someone known as ‘the Lie-in King’ with a penchant for staying in watching Sky Sports News, the Lewisham-born stand-up has shown remarkable stamina in building up his career to date, being nominated for the Foster’s Comedy Award and appearing on the likes of 8 Out of 10 Cats, Live at the Apollo, The Jonathan Ross Show, Alan Carr Chatty Man and Tonight at the London Palladium.

Walsh is also quite the sight to watch live, pacing the stage and working the room as he makes good use of his well-attuned observational mind to drive his audience to hysterics. Described as “Unquestionably the best observational comic of his generation” by The Guardian and “This generation’s Dylan Moran” by Time Out, Walsh is a man you won’t want to miss when he brings his brand new, perfectly delivered show to the North East.

10 Things Not To Forget This Christmas

By on 1st December 2016in Lifestyle

The festive season may be a time of fun and plenty (in theory, anyway), but there’s a huge amount of preparation that goes into a truly successful Christmas. Here are 10 of the things that you really shouldn’t allow to slip your mind if you are to avoid those last minute ’emergencies’.

  1. Planning

This is the single most important thing not to forget. After all, with everything from the office Christmas party to your children’s nativity play to think about, you’ll be overcome with anxiety if you fail to follow such basic steps as putting together a ‘to-do’ list and spreading out those essential duties over the coming weeks in your diary.

  1. Christmas cards

This is the time of year when you suddenly seem to remember all of those family members you never actually meet, and you won’t want to be the only one in the family not to have sent them a Christmas card. So, make sure you make a list of all conceivable recipients to avoid repeat trips to the card shop when someone else pops to mind.

  1. Postal costs

Sending off presents to your far-flung relatives can get pretty expensive. To alleviate this, look for gifts that are light, non-breakable and easy to wrap, and include your Christmas card to the recipient in the same package to save you having to buy another stamp.

  1. Budget

It seems that we all plan to be frugal over the festive period, but so often find ourselves plunging into our overdrafts due to that costly present that we hadn’t initially expected to buy, or that party where we overspent on the sherries. So, by all means, agree a budget with your family – not too strict, and not too costly – but then stick to it.

  1. Tidying up

Those weeks of calm before the Christmas celebrations are the perfect period in which to declutter your home – not least to make space for everyone set to descend on your humble abode. Put last year’s unwanted gifts on eBay to raise present-buying funds, find a cupboard for all of that wrapping and make a flattering space for the Christmas tree – accounting for height and not just width!

  1. Food and drink

This aspect of your Yuletide shopping threatens to be such a headache with all of the queues – unless you take steps to avoid this, such as ordering online for home delivery or purchasing all non-perishable products well in advance. The turkey’s a natural essential, so order yours well ahead of time for collection on the 23rd.

  1. Stress management

With so much to plan, buy and organise, it’s easy to become overwhelmed – but don’t shirk your duties. Instead, practice effective stress management techniques such as breaking down everything that you have to do into smaller, less daunting chunks, or delegating tasks to other people where you can. Are the kids helping out enough with the washing up, for instance?

  1. Fashion

You won’t want to lag behind anyone in the style stakes at your Christmas party. Get an instantly glamorous look by pairing a statement necklace with a lightweight knit, and for your footwear, opt for a medium heel or a block heel with a platform to ensure the utmost comfort on the festive dance floor. Nor will a tasteful handbag go amiss for completing your look.

  1. Everything you need for wrapping

Sellotape, scissors, wrapping paper that isn’t embarrassingly out-of-date… they’re all the kind of things that you might expect to already be in your cupboard due to all of that shopping you did last year. However, you should always double check far in advance. Don’t forget those labels either, and make sure everything’s wrapped up ahead of the last Christmas posting dates.

  1. A smile

If you’re the host of the Christmas party, you’ll need to remember to provide the best possible hospitality, including that all-important festive cheer. Try to avoid those heated debates about politics or who should have brought the food course – unless all of that’s your “thing”, of course.

Killer Queen Set To Bring A Kind Of Magic To Chester-Le-Street Fake Festival

By on 26th April 2016in Entertainment

With summer just around the corner it’s time to think about this year’s big days out – so we’re delighted to be back at Riverside Park for an amazing fourth year on Sat 6th August – when 3 world-class tributes to Queen, Arctic Monkeys & Stereophonics, will be headlining a Fake Festival that has something for everyone.

In a year that sees the real Queen & Adam Lambert touring major European cities – we bring you the next best thing – the amazing Flash – a tribute every bit as good as the original Freddie in sound, performance & attitude!

We’ll also be bringing you 5 of the very best local bands to support our headliners – already confirmed are the brilliant Riverain, Edenthorn, The Firelight Opera & Sean Hainey – who will be performing a fabulous mix of original music and covers for your enjoyment!

We’re also very excited about our new look festival food options – which include the Fat Hippo Burger Bar, delicious wood fired pizzas, speciality barbecued pulled pork and amazing local fish & chips! We guarantee they will whet your appetite and have your taste buds dancing too.

Families are welcome too and there’s plenty for kids to do – with a professional face painting team and a secure outside entertainment zone. Doors for the all-day event open at 12:30pm – and those who come down before 2pm to support the local bands will be rewarded with a free drink of your choice from the fully licensed bar.

Local event organiser Bec Evans says, “We’re amazed at the popularity of these one day music festivals – but the quality of the tribute bands, the atmosphere generated inside our giant marquee and sheer value for money have made it the local event not to be missed!”

So if you’re up for a great day out this summer – get in quick and take advantage of the Early Bird discounts which are available until midnight on Wed 6th July. Tickets are available now from www.fakefestivals.co.uk – or our outlets: Costcutter (Garden Farm Estate) & M J O’Brien’s Newsagents (Chester le Street High Street).

Tickets bought up to and including 6th July: Adults (18+) £17 – Young Person (10-17) £9 – Family (2 x Adult + 2 x Young Person) £43. Tickets bought from 7th July: Adult £20 – Young Person £11 – Family £51. Under 10s are always free with a paying adult.

Lumley Castle To Host Swinging Afternoon Tea This May

By on 19th April 2016in Entertainment

Enjoy afternoon tea with a difference at a special event at Lumley Castle Hotel this May…

On Sunday 22nd May, Lumley Castle, Chester-le-Street are hosting a swing afternoon tea in their breath-taking surroundings with live music by singer Alexander Lomas.

Starting at 2.30pm visitors will enjoy the ambience of the castle in their Garter room which oozes elegance and luxury. Combining historic architecture with views from the County Durham landscape the setting is truly a dream come true.

Alexander Lomas has 15 years of experience within the industry and has won many awards including North of England Wedding Awards for entertainment. He encapsulates his audience with classics from greats such as Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Bobby Darin and Tony Bennett.

Not only will guests revel in fabulous music, they will relish in Afternoon Tea designed by our top class restaurant team. Including a selection of finger sandwiches, scones and delicious cakes your taste buds will be tantalised.

“This event has always been a hit at Lumley Castle and we are very excited to be running it again,” said the hotel’s director of sales Tina Lowes, “Alexander Lomas is a great entertainer and makes the experience of our fabulous afternoon tea even more enjoyable.”

“We guarantee that anyone attending will have a fantastic afternoon in one of the castle’s most beautiful rooms, and we already planning more events like this for the future.”

Places for Swing Afternoon Tea at Lumley day cost £20 and can be booked by calling 0191 3895845 or emailing banquets@lumleycastle.com.

www.lumleycastle.com

Canny Beds Celebrate Newly Opened Team Valley Store

By on 31st March 2016in Local Biz

Leading North East furniture supplier Canny Beds are celebrating the opening of their brand new store…

We all know how difficult it can be to find good quality furniture and beds at prices you can afford, which is why Canny Beds & Furniture believe they have brought together the best possible furniture at down to earth prices.

Whether it is the bedroom, dining room or living room you’re looking to add beautiful furniture to, you can rest assured that you’ll find it here for the best price online.

CannyBedsApr 16

Canny Beds’ brand new store is now open in Team Valley, which means you can choose between that or the Chester-le-Street store to pop in and find your new furniture. Want to check availability beforehand? Call 0191 410 9994 to chat to one of their staff in advance.

Testimonials:

“Seamless ordering and delivery. Bed of good quality and assembled easily. Great price.”

“Brilliant communication, bought bed for my 3 year old and it is excellent quality and very easy to assemble. All round excellent product for price.”

“Speedy delivery and the cheapest I found the bed anywhere!”

“Brilliant. Lovely comfy mattress. Great price and service.”

Lumley Castle Hosts Wild Food Event

By on 20th March 2016in Entertainment

Foodies keen to find out more about foraging are invited to a special event at one of the North East’s most historic venues…

On Sunday 22 May, Lumley Castle Hotel, Chester-le-Street, is giving visitors the chance to learn more about ‘wild food,’ with the help of bush craft and survival expert Bruce Ferguson, of Wild North Discovery.

Throughout the morning he will take them on a tour of the 600-year-old castle’s ancient woodland in the search for wild ingredients, such as garlic, herbs, edible roots and berries.

Not only will he teach them to seek out and identify wild ingredients during a one and a half hour walk, but chefs from the hotel’s renowned Black Knight restaurant will then serve lunch, incorporating the foraged food.

Between courses, Bruce, who has been foraging for wild food for more than 30 years and recently took actor and presenter Robson Green seashore foraging for an upcoming episode of hit TV show, Tales from Northumberland, will give a talk about safe, legal and sustainable foraging.

He will also talk about food to look out for later in the year that may not yet be in season and the various types of location at which wild food can be found.

“This is the first time we have held an event of this sort,” said the hotel’s director of sales Tina Lowes “and we are all very excited to see what edible treasures can be found in Lumley Castle’s grounds.

“Not only will visitors enjoy an interesting and informative morning but they will then be served a wonderful lunch, incorporating the fruits of their labours.”

Places for the Foraging at Lumley day cost £29.50, to include lunch and can be booked by calling 0191 3895845 or emailing banquets@lumleycastle.com.

Canny Beds & Furniture Open New Team Valley Store

By on 11th March 2016in Local Biz

Leading North East furniture supplier Canny Beds are celebrating the opening of a brand new store this month…

We all know how difficult it can be to find good quality furniture and beds at prices you can afford, which is why Canny Beds & Furniture believe they have brought together the best possible furniture at down to earth prices.

Whether it is the bedroom, dining room or living room you’re looking to add beautiful furniture to, you can rest assured that you’ll find it here for the best price online.

CannyBeds

This month (March), Canny Beds’ brand new store will be open in Team Valley, which means you can choose between that or the Chester-le-Street store to pop in and find your new furniture. Want to check availability beforehand? Call 0191 410 9994 to chat to one of their staff in advance.

Testimonials:

“Seamless ordering and delivery. Bed of good quality and assembled easily. Great price.”

“Brilliant communication, bought bed for my 3 year old and it is excellent quality and very easy to assemble. All round excellent product for price.”

“Speedy delivery and the cheapest I found the bed anywhere!”

“Brilliant. Lovely comfy matress. Great price and service.”

Lumley Castle Appoint New Director Of Sales

By on 29th February 2016in Local Biz

A former Barclays business leader has been appointed Director of Sales at a top North East hotel…

Tina Lowes, from Sunderland, who worked at director level for the bank as head of premier and small business for the North East, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, has joined the team at Lumley Castle Hotel, Chester-le-Street.

In her new role, Tina will be tasked with introducing the historic four-star venue to a wider corporate and leisure audience.

As well as consolidating the hotel’s reputation as one of the region’s favourite wedding and event venues, she will aim to raise its profile within the business community both regionally and nationally.

“Lumley Castle Hotel is not only magnificent; it’s unique,” said Tina, who has also just completed a six-month contract as Director of Partnerships and Commercial Development at Tyne Metropolitan College.

“With spectacular state rooms, opulent bedrooms and, of course, its renowned Black Knight restaurant, there really is nowhere else like it, and increasingly corporate clients are looking for places which offer something a little bit different.

“Lumley Castle is fast becoming a key venue for meetings, conferences, private lunches and large scale events and I shall hope to build on that.”

Christine Gott, General Manager at Lumley Castle Hotel, said: “Tina has a strong business background, along with great energy and enthusiasm, and we are delighted to welcome her to our team.”

For more information, call 0191 389 1111 or visit www.lumleycastle.com.

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