North East Lifestyle Magazine

01/01/2025

🎉 Happy New Year from North East Lifestyle Magazine! 🎉

As we step into 2025, we want to take a moment to thank our wonderful readers and community for your support throughout the past year. Here’s to new adventures, fresh beginnings, and exciting stories waiting to be shared!

May this year bring you joy, health, and inspiration. Let’s make 2025 unforgettable together! 🌟

Cheers to a fantastic year ahead! 🥂✨

#2024

31/12/2024

✨🎉 Thank You for an Incredible Year! 🎉✨

As we approach the end of another amazing year, we want to take a moment to say a huge thank you to all our readers, followers, and friends. Your support and love for North East Lifestyle Magazine mean the world to us! 💖

We can’t wait to kick off the new year and bring you even more inspiring stories, exciting features, and everything you love about the North East. Here’s to a bright and beautiful year ahead! 🥂✨

28/12/2024

🎉 LOOK BACK WITHOUT ANGER: A Year in Review by Barry Speker 🎉

As 2024 draws to a close, OBE Barry Speker takes a thoughtful look back at some of the most impactful moments from Speker’s Corner. From national treasures to political shake-ups, cultural debates, and more, here’s a glimpse at what shaped the year:

🌳 Sycamore Gap: The heartbreaking loss of this iconic tree resonated worldwide. But hope persists, with saplings donated far and wide—even to King Charles himself—ensuring its legacy endures.

📊 Election Reflections: A landslide win for Labour, Wardrobegate, and the charisma debate—2024’s political drama kept us talking.
🎤 Taylor Swift & Security: Even pop stars weren’t immune to 2024’s tensions, with cancelled concerts and heightened security making headlines.
📱 Smartphone Domination: Have our digital devices taken over our lives? Barry reflects on the impact of technology on how we experience culture and connection.

🎭 Cultural Cancellations: Book and arts festivals faced funding withdrawals and protests, raising questions about free speech and democratic values.

🚨 Civil Unrest: From urban riots to packed prisons, Barry dissects the challenges faced by the new government in a turbulent year.

🎤 Taylor Swift & Security: Even pop stars weren’t immune to 2024’s tensions, with canceled concerts and heightened security making headlines.

Barry’s thoughtful reflections remind us of the triumphs, trials, and transformations of the past year as we prepare for 2025.

✨ Wishing all our readers a wonderful Christmas and New Year! Here’s to more insightful stories and vibrant discussions in the year ahead.

27/12/2024

🎭✨ Don't forget, the festivities aren't over yet! Our local pantomimes are still running, bringing joy and laughter to the season!

Catch these enchanting shows:

🌟 The New Adventures of Peter Pan
📍Whitley Bay Playhouse, Newcastle
🗓️ Ends - 4th January 2025

🌟 Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs
📍 Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle
🗓️ Ends - 5th January 2025

🌟 Jack & The Beanstalk
📍 Sunderland Empire
🗓️ Ends - 5th January 2025

🌟 The Little Mermaid
📍 Theatre Royal Newcastle, Newcastle
🗓️ Ends - 12th January 2025

🌟 Beauty & The Beast
📍 Durham Gala, Durham
🗓️ Ends - 31st December

🌟 Mother Goose
📍 Customs House, Newcastle
🗓️ 21st November - 5th January

🌟 A Christmas Carol
📍 Northern Stage, Newcastle
🗓️ 30th November 2024 – 4th January 2025

Gather your family and friends, and enjoy these magical performances before they disappear! 🎉✨

25/12/2024

🎄✨ Merry Christmas from North East Lifestyle Magazine! ✨🎄

Wishing you all a joyful holiday season filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments with family and friends. As we reflect on the past year, we’re grateful for your support and engagement. Here’s to a wonderful Christmas and an exciting New Year ahead!

Stay warm, enjoy the festivities, and don’t forget to indulge in all the seasonal treats! 🎁❤️

22/12/2024

🌊✨ Have you seen Moana II yet? ✨🌊

We want to hear your thoughts! Is it as magical as the first? Join Moana on her new adventure, directed by David G. Derrick Jr. and Jason Hand, featuring stars like Dwayne Johnson and Nicole Scherzinger.

After a surprise call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana sets sail into the far seas of Oceania for a thrilling journey through dangerous, long-lost waters.

Share your reviews and let us know what you think! 🌺

20/12/2024

🎅 ALL ABOARD THE SANTA EXPRESS! 🚂

This Christmas, climb aboard one of the Santa Specials at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and meet Santa Claus and his merry helpers!

Kick off the festive season at the beautifully decorated Pickering Station, where you’ll be greeted by twinkling lights, real Christmas trees, and the joyful sounds of holiday music. 🎄✨

Capture the magic with a Christmas selfie, indulge in treats at the charming tea rooms, or browse the Christmas Emporium for unique gifts. Don’t forget to let the kids visit the festive Signal Box!

🗓️ Trains depart from December 20th to 24th.

For tickets and more info, visit www.nymr.co.uk.

Get ready for a magical adventure! 🎉🚂

Railway Conservation. Run by Volunteers. Not for Profit.

19/12/2024

🎶 FEATURED ALBUM RELEASE: THE CURE - "SONGS OF A LOST WORLD" 🎶

After a 16-year wait, Robert Smith and the band have delivered an album that's truly worth it! With 8 tracks that beautifully blend The Cure's signature sound, this collection explores themes of love and loss, reflecting Smith's recent personal experiences.

The opener, "Alone," sets a haunting tone, following the classic "Disintegration" style with its moody buildup. But don’t worry—this isn’t the end; it’s just the beginning of a new chapter.

Exciting news: The Cure plans to tour extensively next year and will release two more albums and a documentary before their big anniversary in 2028. Here’s to the next 3 years of music! 🌌

13/12/2024

🌟 Sophistication on a Plate at Saathi! 🌟

We recently visited Saathi, and the stunning refurbishment paired with a fresh new menu truly elevates the dining experience! From the moment we entered, the shimmering interiors and elegant blue accents set the mood.

We started with the Surprise Platter, featuring delicious onion bhajis, lamb chops, and prawns on Kulcha bread—simply sublime! For mains, I tried the Shathkora Aur Gosht, a perfectly balanced lamb curry that was pure theatre when served in a lidded pan. My husband loved the Luari Murgh, perfectly spiced and succulent.

Saathi has truly outdone itself! Don't miss their upcoming Indian Tapas Sundays and Seafood Thursdays.

📍 28 Priestpopple, Hexham, NE46 1PQ
📞 01434 603509
🌐 saathis.co.uk

11/12/2024

🌟 Celebrating Excellence in Home Improvement! 🌟

We’re thrilled to spotlight Simon Dovaston, owner of Access4Lofts Newcastle and Durham, who recently won the prestigious Franchisee of the Year award at the 2024 Access4Lofts Annual Summit! 🏆

This national recognition highlights Simon's unwavering commitment to quality and exceptional customer service in the home improvement sector. With over 60 franchisees across the UK, Simon stood out among fierce competition for his remarkable business growth and dedication to the brand’s values.

Simon expressed his gratitude, stating, “I’m incredibly honoured to receive this award. It’s been a challenging but rewarding year, and this recognition means so much to me.”

Access4Lofts is your go-to provider for loft access and storage solutions, offering expert installations for loft hatches, ladders, boarding, and insulation. With a growing customer base and glowing reviews, Simon and his team are dedicated to transforming your loft spaces!

Join us in congratulating Simon on this well-deserved achievement! 🎉

For more info, visit Access4Lofts Newcastle.

09/12/2024

🌟 Discover Northumberland's Finest! 🌟

Step into , where tradition meets taste! Established in 1887, this family-run butcher, baker, and sausage roll maker has been delighting locals for five generations. 🥩🍞

🍽️ Try Their Award-Winning Sausages!

Don’t miss the legendary Bamburgh Bangers—voted the best in Northumbria! From locally sourced beef, lamb, and pork to our delicious homemade pies and famous sausage rolls, every bite is a celebration of quality.

✨ Proudly featured in Rick Stein’s “Food Heroes,” they invite you to taste the difference that over a century of expertise brings!

✨ But that's not all! At R Carter and Daughter, they pride themselves on offering a wide range of high-quality food and drink:
🍺 Beers, wines, and Bamburgh Basics
🥪 Artisan sandwiches & salad boxes
🍴 Ingredients, dishes, and sides perfect for your evening meal or lunch

📍 Find them at Bamburgh Butcher and experience the true flavours of Northumberland!

07/12/2024

🎹✨ The Key to Finding the Perfect Piano This Christmas ✨🎹

Whether you're a seasoned pianist or just starting your musical journey, Tyneside Piano Company has the perfect piano for you. 🎶

For over 68 years, this family-run business has been the premier supplier of pianos in the North East. As an official agent for Steinway & Sons in the region, they also offer a wide range of pre-loved and refurbished pianos to suit every budget and taste.

✨ What They Offer:

New and Pre-Loved Pianos for all levels
Professional Piano Hire for concerts, weddings, and events
Bespoke services including tuning, repairs, restoration, and transportation
Ready to start or rekindle your love for music? Head to Tyneside Piano Company and let them help you hit the right notes!

📍 Visit: www.tynesidepianocompany.co.uk

05/12/2024

🎄✨ Everything a Farm Shop Should Be & More This Christmas! ✨🎄

Make your festive season truly special with the incredible offerings at North Acomb Farm Shop in Stocksfield, Northumberland. From their own farm-reared Aberdeen Angus beef, lamb, and pork to freshly baked cakes, pies, ready meals, and cooked meats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

🎁 Christmas Specialties:
Free-Range Turkeys 🦃
Geese, Chickens, Ducks 🦆
Premium Aberdeen Angus Beef 🥩
Whether you’re planning a festive feast or looking for the perfect foodie gifts, North Acomb Farm Shop has you covered!

📍 Visit us at: Stocksfield, Northumberland, NE43 7UF
📞 Call: 01661 843181
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Explore: www.northacomb.co.uk

03/12/2024

🍛🔥 Spiced to Perfection! 🔥🍛

Discover spectacular Indian cuisine at Momins Tandoori, North Shields’ go-to spot for award-winning, restaurant-quality food enjoyed from the comfort of home. 🌟

With an extensive menu featuring everything from classic curries, Chef’s Specials, and tandoori dishes to kebabs, munchy boxes, and even pizzas, there’s truly something for everyone!

✨ Our Favorites:
Momin’s Kebab: A tandoor-cooked delight with juicy chicken, lamb tikka, sheek and shami kebabs, and crispy onion bhajis.
Garlic Chicken: A medium-hot curry with fresh roasted garlic and sweet tomatoes.
Chicken Korai: A spicy, flavorful dish with chilli, green peppers, and onions.
Every dish is freshly prepared, generously portioned, and bursting with flavour. Whether you opt for delivery or collection (with handy electric doors), Momin’s makes the experience easy and delicious. Plus, order direct for up to 20% off menu prices!

📍 Find them at: 7 Phoenix Chase, North Shields, NE29 8SS
📞 Call: 0191 258 0719 | 0191 257 7777
🌐 Order online: www.mominstandoori.co.uk

01/12/2024

🍝✨ Sicilian Style Arrives in Heaton! ✨🍝

For Italian food lovers, 's Heaton is a delicious new addition to Heaton’s vibrant food scene! Known for its authentic Sicilian flavours on the banks of the River Tyne, Liosi’s has now brought its charm to 67 Heaton Road, Newcastle, in the beautifully renovated old Co-op building.

Start your day with hearty breakfasts featuring everything from freshly baked croissants to a full Sicilian breakfast. Lunch-goers can enjoy mouthwatering meatball sandwiches, salads, and the ever-popular pasta dishes like Polpette (spicy meatballs). Or try the Pinsa Romana—a lighter, crispier take on pizza, topped with indulgent ingredients like burrata and nduja sausage.

Don’t miss desserts like the Salted Caramel Cheesecake and Torte Della Nonna, each a masterpiece in its own right!

With plans to expand for evening dining featuring Sicilian classics, paired with Birra Moretti and fine wines, Liosi’s is set to become a neighbourhood favourite.

Read our full review at www.nelifestyle.co.uk
📍 Visit: 67 Heaton Road, NE6 5HH
📞 Call: 0191 303 7303
🌐 Explore: www.liosisheaton.com

29/11/2024

👀🎁 EYE SPY a Great Gift for Christmas! 🎄✨

Looking for the perfect present? 🎅 Discover five eyewear designers stocked by Robson Opticians that deserve a spot on everyone’s Christmas wish list. Stylish, functional, and thoughtful—give the gift of sight this Christmas!

📲 Head to: www.nelifestyle.co.uk
📅 Book your appointment now: 0191 232 1631

27/11/2024

🎄✨ Have a Magical Christmas at Durham Markets! ✨🎄

Make this festive season unforgettable with a visit to Durham Markets—a hub of holiday cheer and unique finds!

🛍️ Durham Market Hall:

Regular Opening Hours: Mon-Sat, 9 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday Trading Days (10 AM - 4 PM):
3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th Nov & 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd Dec
🌟 Market Place Outdoor Markets:

Every Saturday throughout the year (9 AM - 4 PM)
Sunday Markets (10 AM - 4 PM):
3rd & 17th Nov, 8th & 15th Dec
🎅 Durham Christmas Festival:

Dates: Fri 6th - Sun 8th Dec
Times: 9 AM - 6 PM (5 PM Sun)
Locations: Palace Green, the Market Place & Market Hall
📍 Find them at Durham Market Hall DH1 3NJ and discover everything you need to make this Christmas magical! 🎁✨