Bridges over the Tyne

Wednesday 28th December 2016

If you are visiting Tyneside, visit the Quayside in both Newcastle and Gateshead and take a look at the bridges across the Tyne. On this day we had great views of the High Level Bridge (the first railway bridge across the Tyne), the Swing Bridge (built on the site of 3 predecessor bridges - Roman, Medieval and Georgian) and the Tyne Bridge, now one of the great icons of the North East.

Marquis again

Monday 26th December 2016

A walk in Washingwell Woods brought us for a second time in a month to the Marquis of Granby near Fugar Bar. Another pleasant lunch had.

Vera Italia, Sunniside

Saturday 24th December 2016

Conveniently located less than 100 metres from my house, we decided to go in for a one course dinner, but ended up having dessert as well. It was rather nice!

Grainger Market, Newcastle

Wednesday 21st December 2016

The Grainger Markets is one of the oldest covered markets on the planet, dating from the early Victorian period. It's full of lots of small, independent shops but also includes a small Marks and Spencer branches, one of their oldest. There is also a rather pleasant shop that sells lots of different types of fresh coffee beans (it was the reason for our visit to the Grainger Market.) We were there when it was quiet but it is normally bustling. It's worth visiting even if you are not buying anything.

City Tavern,Newcastle

Monday 19th December 2016

We were in Newcastle-upon-Tyne on a rare shopping expedition. Lunch was required. We found the City Tavern on Northumberland Road. A busy establishment and well furnished. They certainly like their wall pictures here. Food was good though not cheap.

Bradley Hall Gardens

Friday 9th December 2016

Bradley Hall Gardens, near Crawcrook in Gateshead, is a walled garden with a Victorian greenhouse that has been converted to a restaurant. We called in for lunch. It was packed. Food was good quality but a bit expensive. I will make a return visit at some point in the spring or summer to see the gardens.

Lunch at the Marquis of Granby

Monday 5th December 2016

Another visit to the Marquis of Granby, near Sunniside where I live. Always good for lunch, even if it is not cheap.

Woodman's Arms, Whickham

Sunday 4th December 2016

It had been a few years since we had last been to the Woodman's Arms, on Fellside Road, near Whickham. We headed there for a Sunday evening dinner. There was only one other couple in having a meal. So it was a very quiet evening. Food and prices reasonable.

Pagoda, Whickham

Saturday 3rd December 2016

The Pagoda is a Chinese restaurant in Whickham and is well worth a visit but book a table in advance. It was busy when we were there. Good food and expect to pay a price that reflects the quality.

Heworth Golf Club

Saturday 26th November 2016

I had a meeting at Heworth Golf Club in Gateshead which was followed by a two course lunch. Reasonably priced and the food was okay. Nothing spectacular, but I didn't go for a fab meal out.