Tag: places to go

Places to Go: NORTH BERWICK

By on 11th October 2018in Places To Go
Berwick

Alex Nelson

North Berwick is a small town in East Lothian, Scotland, not to be confused with Berwick upon Tweed which is in England. The latter is on the East Coast Main Line from London to Edinburgh.  North Berwick is on a spur off the main line, and the local trains serve five stations whilst the main line trains pass through.  As a result, to get to North Berwick, passengers from the north east go fast into Edinburgh and come back out on the same route on the local stopping train.  I did this journey on 29th August, staying at the Marine Hotel, and visiting the Sea Bird Centre and Tantallon Castle, but missed out on a visit to the NB Distillery making gin fairly close to the Castle, which I only found out about when I was back at the hotel.  Shame!

I arrived by train and walked to the hotel along the road, but came back – minus my luggage, of course – along the edge of the golf course towards the beach.  I tried some seafood chowder from a little shack on the harbour which was delicious, and they even took my contactless card which saved me from having to find a bank for some cash.  The Sea Bird centre is in the harbour between the two beaches, and the shop and café were open to all, but admission is charged for an interesting exhibition about the life of the gannets and puffins and other sea birds which inhabit this stretch of coast.  There were also boat trips available to go out to the Bass Rock, covered in guano, a polite word for birds**t, and the other islands in the Firth of Forth, and I considered trip later in the afternoon.  But, as the forecast was fine for my trip, I had not brought any wet weather gear.  I thought the boat trip was a bit risky, and plumped instead for the bus trip three miles along the coast to the mystically named Tantallon Castle.

Tantallon, built in the mid 14th Century is in the care of Historic Scotland, so my English Heritage life membership purchased in 1988 proved its worth again.  The bus service 120 to Dunbar operated by a local firm called Eve’s runs every two hours, but the 1 ¼ hours the bus takes to go to Dunbar and back is ideal timing to see the Castle, built by the 1st Earl of Douglas to consolidate his power base in the area.  It stood proud and strong until 1651 when an attack by Oliver Cromwell during his invasion of Scotland reduced it to a ruin.  It was never repaired or inhabited again.   This highly romantic coastal ruin is one where you can climb up two staircases right to the top and walk around, whilst underneath there are proper dungeons too.

Eve’s bus brought me back to town and I found out more about the famous Witch Trials of 1590-2, visited the shops, and noted how the fortunes of the town were revived when the railway arrived in 1850.  Since that time there have been many regular commuters going into Edinburgh every day.  The journey time now is 33 minutes.  Traditionally there has been a ferry north to Anstruther in Fife, and a passenger boat still makes the trip infrequently.  But I took myself to the spa in the Marine Hotel.  I expected to head into town for dinner with my Tastecard which offers 50% off for single diners, but found my hotel offered the best Tastecard deal so headed back there for an excellent dinner.

Tickets On Sale For Spring Shows At Gala Theatre

By on 20th December 2016in Events

A new production of Willy Russell’s classic play Educating Rita is among the highlights of another packed season at Gala Theatre.

The spring programme at the Durham City venue also includes a varied and exciting line-up of comedy, music, film screenings and much more.

Intelligent, funny, and as relevant today as it was when it was written in 1980, Educating Rita is a modern classic. Hairdresser Rita is unhappy in her job. With a thirst for knowledge, she signs up for an Open University course in English Literature, where her tutor Frank is a middle-aged alcoholic. Forming an unlikely bond, brash Rita and academic Frank begin to inspire each other.

The Gala-produced show follows September’s critically acclaimed The Fighting Bradfords, which was the venue’s first theatre production outside of its pantomime for six years.

Educating Rita runs from Tuesday, 4 April to Saturday 8 April, with a two-for-one ticket offer for Gala members on opening night.

There’s more live theatre in February, with The Empty Nester’s Club. Mum Vicky shares her story of empty bedrooms, fresher’s flu, boyfriends, long goodbyes, motorway service stations and trips to Ikea. She also tells how she fought back to be the woman she is today.

Presented by the John Godber Company and Theatre Royal Wakefield, who return to Durham after last year’s Shafted!, The Empty Nester’s Club is at Gala Theatre on Monday, 6 February and Tuesday, 7 February.

The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) presents The Tempest via the big screen on Friday, 3 February. The production sees Simon Russell Beale return to the RSC after 20 years to play Prospero in a ground-breaking and unforgettable show.

On a distant island a man awaits. Robbed of his position, power and wealth, his enemies have left him in isolation. But this is no ordinary man and no ordinary island. Prospero is a magician, able to bend nature to his will.

There’s a second RSC screening on Wednesday, 26 April with Julius Caesar. As the race to claim the empire spirals out of control, betrayal turns to violence in Shakespeare’s epic political tragedy.

The new season also brings more screenings from the National Theatre’s NT Live programme. Game of Thrones star Lucian Msamati takes on the role of Amadeus on Thursday, 2 February, while The Affair’s Ruth Wilson stars as Hedda Gabler on Thursday 9 March.

Spring also brings music to Gala Theatre with songs and sounds to suit all tastes.

The Pitmen Poets share songs and stories on Sunday, 5 February and there’s a chance to relive the music of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr on Saturday, 25 February with The Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular.

Elkie Brooks, one of the most popular singers the UK has ever produced, performs on Sunday, 5 March. With numerous hit singles and million-selling albums, Elkie promises an evening that will be a treat for fans new and old.

Also taking to the stage are the Yamato Drummers, who will be captivating audiences with an explosive visual spectacular on Tuesday, 11 April, while guitarist and singer-songwriter Chantel McGregor, showcases a bigger and bolder rock sound on Thursday, 13 April.

There are also plenty of laughs lined up with a gaggle of top class comedians set to entertain audiences over the coming months.

Susan Calman celebrates her 10th year in comedy with a brand new show, which she brings to Gala on Sunday, 12 February.

And, later in the month, on Friday, 24 February, audiences can expect a heady mix of spontaneous stand-up and outlandish musical talent courtesy of Alex Horne and The Horne Section.

In The Sound of Mucus, showbiz legend Count Arthur Strong pays tribute to one of the best musicals he can remember, recreating the salient and poignant moments for the audience’s enjoyment. Demand for tickets has led to a second date being added, with the show now running on Wednesday, 22 February and Thursday, 23 February.

Publican, politician and philosopher Al Murray – The Pub Landlord embarks on a common sense campaign to re-Great Britain in his brand new show at Gala on Saturday, 18 March, while Lee Nelson is back on the road, visiting Durham on Sunday, 30 April.

Other comedy highlights include Love Island narrator Iain Stirling (Monday, 27 February), Mock the Week’s Andy Parsons (Sunday, 23 April) and writer, journalist and DJ Danny Baker (Wednesday, 8 March).

Fans of Gala’s regular The Comedy Store slot, meanwhile, can snap up a season ticket. Valid for three shows (Sunday 29 January, 26 February and 16 April), it means a saving of £2 per show.

The new season at Gala also includes plenty of fun for all the family with a selection of shows aimed at younger theatre-goers.

Sponge is a fabulously kitsch adventure for babies aged from six months to children under four and their grown-ups. At Gala on Friday, 24 February and Saturday, 25 February, the show is infused with audience participation, improvisation and multi-sensory experiences.

Dare you take on the dangers of Dinosaur World? Grab your compass for a journey across uncharted territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing and remarkably realistic dinosaurs. The whole family can enjoy the interactive show on Saturday, 15 April and Sunday, 16 April.

The Scarecrow’s Wedding is at Gala on Tuesday, 18 April and Wednesday, 19 April. From the creators of The Gruffalo, this truly heart-warming show is bursting at the seams with style, wit, drama and wedding bells.

Robin Byers, Durham County Council’s service manager for place and experience, said: “Gala is well established on the touring circuit for many of the country’s top comedians, musicians and performers, and each season we try to select the very best of that work for our audiences.

“We feel we have a really strong season this spring, and we know it will appeal to our regular Gala customers, as well as bringing new people to the venue.”

To view the full spring programme and book tickets, visit Gala Theatre box office, call 03000 266 600 or go online at www.galadurham.co.uk

Adults Only Sleepover Announced For Newcastle’s Great North Museum: Hancock

By on 19th December 2016in What's On?

The Great North Museum: Hancock in Newcastle has announced that it will host an ‘adults only’ sleepover for the first time early next year.

The ticketed event on Saturday 4 March 2017 is part of the new Great North Nights programme of late events at the museum.

Visitors will get the chance to bed down next to the museum’s iconic exhibits, including its Egyptian mummies and T. rex, as well as after-hours access to the forthcoming exhibition Bones: Skeleton Secrets of the Animal World.

There will also be live music from North East band The Cornshed Sisters, a cash bar, late night DJ, food and activities led by the museum’s experts.

Caroline McDonald, Manager at the Great North Museum: Hancock said:

“We’re excited to try something new with this event and allow visitors to live that dream of spending a night at the museum.”

“We have had youngsters stay overnight in the past but this is our first sleepover designed solely with grown-ups in mind. I’m pleased that we’ll be able to show the museum in a different light.”

Tickets for the sleepover are limited and priced at £75 (plus booking fee) for adults and £70 (plus booking fee) for concessions. The price includes a complimentary welcome drink, hot buffet dinner, late night snacks, all entertainment, activities and breakfast the following morning.

Musical headliners for the night The Cornshed Sisters are four singer-songwriters who weave together pop, folk, protest, ballad and gospel music into a unique and distinctively English style.

Following the release of their debut album ‘Tell Tales’ they performed a live session for Marc Riley (BBC Radio 6 Music), toured the UK with The Futureheads, appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Loose Ends and played Glastonbury acoustic stage in summer 2016. Their second album is currently being recorded and produced by Peter Brewis at Field Music’s Studio on the banks of the river Wear.

Tickets for Great North Nights: Grown-up Sleepover are available now via www.greatnorthmuseum.org.uk

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.

Fascinators Are Odds On Favourite As North East Women Prepare For Ladies’ Day

By on 13th June 2016in Lifestyle

Ladies from across the North East are being encouraged to dress to impress for Redcar Racecourse’s Ladies’ Day with superb designer prizes up for grabs…

The Teesside racecourse’s annual Ladies’ Day Premier meeting, on Saturday June 18th, is always a glamourous occasion and this year won’t disappoint, as thousands of women will don their most fabulous outfits for an afternoon at the races.

In keeping with the tradition of Ladies’ Day there are fabulous prizes to be won for the ‘Best Dressed Lady’ and the ‘Best Hat’, which have been kindly donated by Market Cross Jewellers, Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty, Lynne Young Chic Hats, and Eastwood Photography.

Amy Fair, Redcar Racecourse’s general manager, said this is one of her favourite Premier meetings of the season as it’s always a magnificent event.

She said: “With fascinators, dresses, bubbly and glamorous prizes to be won, what more could a girl want? This is the most highly anticipated event of the racing season and we’re looking forward to welcoming ladies from across the region to Redcar Racecourse.”

“This is the perfect event for social racegoers and racing enthusiast alike. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a great excuse to get dressed up, then you need to attend Ladies’ Day.”

Competition ‘spotters’ will mingle with the crowds throughout the afternoon and select the ten finalists for the hotly contested ‘Best Dressed Lady’ and ‘Best Hat’ competitions.

The lady judged to be the ‘Best Dressed’ will be invited to represent Redcar Racecourse in the Go Racing In Yorkshire Grand Final at Doncaster Racecourse on Saturday 22nd October.

The prizes for the ‘Best Dressed’ ladies are: (1st) A Gucci necklace and bracelet and £150 gift voucher from Market Cross Jewellers, and a cut and blow dry voucher from Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty; (2nd) Links of London necklace, Chlobo pearl star ring, Chlobo pearl bracelet, and £100 gift voucher from Market Cross Jewellers; (3rd) Daisy heart necklace, Swarovski slake bracelet, £50 Nomination gift voucher from Market Cross Jewellers. All three placed winners will also receive Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty gift packs.

The prizes for the ladies with the ‘Best Hat’ are: (1st) Bespoke fascinator and matching bag from Lynne Young Chic Hats, a makeover photoshoot for two from Eastwood Photography, and a gel nails voucher from Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty; (2nd) Lola and Grace collier crystal necklace from Market Cross Jewellers; (3rd) Michael Kors logo stud earrings from Market Cross Jewellers.

Racegoers are being encouraged to put on their best accessories for a chance to win one of 20 #TopSpot goodie bags on the day.

The racecourse has teamed up with local charity Teesside Hospice to showcase a ‘Dress For Less’ fashion show after the 2nd race at 2.05pm. All of the outfits have been sourced through the Teesside Hospice shops proving that you can look fabulous without spending a fortune and you’ll be supporting a great cause at the same time.

In the run up to the big day, Redcar Racecourse is also giving one lucky racegoer the chance to win a VIP day for four. The winner and their three friends will receive a three course meal with wine in the Voltigeur Restaurant, VIP Grandstand Admission badges and racecards, and a luxury gift, all with an estimated value of more than £500.

Anyone who wants to be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize should head over to Redcar Racecourse’s Facebook page and follow the instructions.

Amy added: “Ladies’ Day is always an incredible event and winning a VIP day at the races would make it extra special for any racegoer.”

Alongside the seven races, local performing arts company, Page2Stage, will help to deliver another grand day with entertainment for all the family, including appearances from princesses Snow White, Cinderella, and Rapunzel.

Admission prices on the day start from £5 per adult with free admission for accompanied children aged 17 and under. The admission gates will open at 11am and the first race is scheduled to start at 1.35pm.

Parties of 10 or more can also save over 20% when they book their Grandstand or Course Enclosure admission tickets in advance.

For more information visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/ and to enter the Ladies’ Day VIP competition, visit https://www.facebook.com/RedcarRacing/.

Facebook & Twitter: @Redcarracing

2016 remaining Premier meetings:

Saturday 18th June Ladies’ Day

Sunday 17th July Help for Heroes Family Fun Day

Saturday 6th August Caribbean Carnival Day

Saturday 27th August Ladies’ & Gents’ Evening

Saturday 1st October Totepool Two Year Old Trophy Day

Park Up And Picnic At Katherine Jenkins Concert This Friday

By on 3rd May 2016in Entertainment

Classical music fans are being given the chance to park up and picnic at a special concert taking place next week…

Singing superstar Katherine Jenkins will be performing live in Herrington Country Park, Sunderland on Friday (May 6).

As part of the event, organised by Northern Sessions, fans can now enjoy a luxury, organic picnic platter made up of ethically-produced ingredients from nearby RIVERFORD Farms.

The British-themed platter, which comes complete with biodegradable plates, cutlery and cups, will be available to take away from the Big Green Café Bus, a customised double decker with a fully fitted commercial kitchen.

Each serving will include a mix of carrot and celery sticks, baby tomatoes on the vine, bruschetta biscuits, marinated olives, homemade hummus, baby back ribs in BBQ sauce, salt and pepper honey glazed chicken wings, prawns with a picante dip and strawberries.

Two homemade soups will be available at an additional rate, with a choice of carrot and coriander or broccoli and stilton, both served with French stick slices.

To help cater for those travelling to the concert from around the North East and wider UK, Northern Sessions, part of events company Sunderland Live, have also arranged on-site car parking.

This is priced at £5 per car but must be booked in advance at www.thenorthernsessions.co.uk

“This is a huge event for the North East and we wanted to make it as easy as possible for people from around the region and further afield who are planning to attend,” said Alison McDonough, Chief Executive of Sunderland Live.

“The addition of on-site parking and those amazing, organic picnic platters, will hopefully allow everyone to make the most of their evening watching Katherine, as well as helping to protect the stunning setting of Herrington Country Park.”

A limited number of tickets for Katherine Jenkins, featuring the National Symphony Orchestra and acclaimed violinists Vladimir and Anton, are still available priced at £33 each.

Doors will open at 5.30pm, with live music beginning at 7pm.

Picnic platters, priced at £15 each and soup, priced at £3.50 each, will served throughout the evening at the Big Green Café Bus.

For more information visit www.thenorthernsessions.co.uk, follow @thenorthernsess on Twitter or search The Northern Sessions on Facebook.

North East Restaurant Brings Unique Twist To Piri Piri

By on 29th April 2016in Lifestyle

A new Piri Piri restaurant that brings a unique twist to the popular Portuguese cuisine, has opened on Middlesbrough’s bustling Linthorpe Road…

Frango’s, which specialises in Piri Piri dishes with an African and Portuguese twist, held an exclusive launch event on Sunday (24 April) to announce its long-awaited arrival in Teesside.

The project is the brainchild of former owner of Bahia Bistro, Eddie De Melo, who was convinced he could produce tastier, healthier cuisine at better value than the competition.

As a result, Eddie teamed up with partner, Iffy, to create a 130+ seat restaurant which employs almost 30 members of staff from the local area, and will cater to the growing demand for fresh, authentic food in the North East.

Born in Mozambique, Eddie was brought up in Brazil and then moved to South Africa, where he jointly owned a Mediterranean restaurant. It’s his 20+ years’ experience in the restaurant industry, combined with his heritage, that he believes gives him an edge over other Piri Piri style restaurants.

Eddie said: “Middlesbrough is very multicultural, so it was the perfect place for me to settle. I bring with me a unique insight into Portuguese cuisine and my experience of African atmosphere, which has influenced things such as including a space for customers to put their names on the menus.

“No matter where I have lived throughout my life, I have learned there is nothing more important than the best, traceable ingredients, and that is why we stress the need for the freshest produce, like our British chicken.

“As a concept, Frango’s will deliver great tasting Piri-Piri cuisine, served in a relaxed and informal environment at affordable prices. We have even installed a state of the art kitchen to ensure speed and efficiency for every order.”

Frango’s is the only Piri Piri restaurant in Middlesbrough that uses fresh, 100% British chicken, and also features specials that complement its multi-ethnic heritage.

Partner Iffy said: “There is a gap in the market for fresh, tasty food that isn’t mass produced, and that’s a gap we plan to fill. Unlike the larger chains, we’re not restricted to a particular format and as such, the food we serve at Frango’s will evolve over time.

“Anyone who visited Eddie’s previous venture, Bahia, will know he’s renowned for serving excellent food, so pulling off dishes that he’s grown up with should be a piece of cake!”

Frango’s has worked with local craftsmen AD Property Maintenance, KJS Woodwork, Wainwright Upholstery and artists Alan Morley and Steve Badger, to prepare the restaurant which has had almost £500,000 invested in it.

For more information, visit the Frango’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Frangos-Piri-Piri-524693127710622/

Twitter and Instagram: @FrangosPiri

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

ADVERTISERS