Fabulous Things to Do This Weekend
Brighten up your weekend with these fantastic things to do
New kids on the block…
If you’re searching for your new favourite haunt then look no further. The latest addition to Newcastle’s ever-growing dim sum scene, Mr Bao, has recently opened its doors on Pilgrim Street (right next door to Tyneside Cinema) and offers a great range of freshly made dumplings, bao buns, claypot rice dishes and refreshing teas. The small bakery counter (staffed by a very friendly team) is full of wonderful treats and we’d recommend grabbing a custard bun before you leave. In Sunderland, SpaceBar opened its doors to the public last week. Expect retro arcade games, new console games and a cocktail menu that is out of this world (including incredible glow-in-the-dark drinks). Further south in Leeds, enjoy some fun at the fairground (kind of) when you visit Carousel. This is a one-stop-shop for a fun-filled night, with karaoke, arcade games, beer pong, great street food and even better cocktails. What’s not to love?
Briliant brews…
From 10th–13th April (Wednesday to Saturday) the Newcastle Beer and Cider Festival returns to Northumbria Student’s Union. The festival will include fantastic independent breweries for visitors to enjoy like Camper Van Brewery, Hawkshead Brewing and Tiny Rebel Brewery. As an added twist this year, local breweries from Tyneside and Northumberland have been invited to create a Golden Ale, or an entirely novel beer, so make sure to head along.
Family fun…
Looking for something to do with the kids this weekend? In York, The Snooks Trail is a great way to get out and about with the family. This exciting new sculpture trail will take you through the historic city as you hunt for 21 adorable Snooks together, with each character having a unique personality and design, and all of them with their head in a book. Further north, until Sunday (14th) at Belsay Hall, you can get stuck into The Big Brick Build. Bring history to life with the power of LEGO as you create a replica of the iconic hall with their master builders.
Catch a show…
There’s nothing better than enjoying a great show at your local theatre. At City Varieties Music Hall in Leeds this Saturday (13th) prepare to be amazed by Andrew Newton: The Hypnotist LIVE! Whether you’re a true believer or skeptic, this night promises to be unforgettable with plenty of audience participation. At Newcastle Theatre Royal this weekend (until 13th), catch the classic Alfred Hitchcock spy thriller, The 39 Steps, hilariously reimagined for the stage. Follow the dashing Richard Hannay as he encounters double-crossers, murderers and beautiful damsels – facing all with a stiff-upper-lip of course.
Side-splitting fun…
This is shaping up to be a truly hilarious weekend for comedy fans. On Thursday (11th), James Acaster (of Taskmaster and Celebrity Bake Off: SU2C fame) will be at Newcastle O2 City Hall performing his latest set Hecklers Welcome. Also in Newcastle, you can catch Tommy Tiernan (Gerry Quinn on Derry Girls) at Tyne Theatre & Opera House on Sunday (14th). Further south, Romesh Ranganathan will be at Sheffield City Hall on Friday and Saturday (12th–13th). You’ll know Romesh from his great appearances on Taskmaster, Romesh and Rob VS, and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown. Tickets are limited for all the shows above so be sure to book yours while you can.
Snug as a bug…
We don’t know about you, but we’ve had enough of the rain. When the weather is like this, there’s nothing better than finding a cosy bolthole to warm up in. In Northumberland, The Crown Inn in Humshaugh is a traditional country pub with plenty of rustic charm that has been chosen to represent the region at the National Pub and Bar Awards. Shibden Mill Inn is another great place to spend a grey day. Set within the fold of the Shibden Valley, near Halifax, this hidden gem serves delicious dishes made using ingredients grown in its very own kitchen garden. Don’t feel like braving the rain? Stay in and give this French onion soup recipe a try, for a comforting bowl of something delicious.
Get your steps in…
If you’re feeling brave this weekend and want to get some fresh air despite the rain, give these walks a try. Bishop Auckland has a great short trail to enjoy without the need to head miles into the countryside. Starting from the Market Place, head down to the riverside and cross over the confluence of the rivers Gaunless and Wear at Jock’s Bridge. Follow the tracks of the old railway line past the vast greenery of the Bishop Auckland Golf Course, before reaching the pinnacle of the route: Auckland Castle. Staithes to Port Mulgrave is another great trail, this time with excellent views of the sea which is always a bonus. This four-mile circular walk starts at the car park in Staithes. Turn right, then head along the road before following the signpost for the Cleveland Way along the cliff-top path. At the gate, continue through and into the village before turning right along a stone track when you reach the postbox and then take a left after the final building to cross the fields. Follow the public footpath signposted towards the woods and continue downhill before crossing a bridge. Leave the wooded area after a sharp right and continue along the path, over the bridge and towards Dalehouse. Once you reach the road, turn right and up hill and then take a left onto Staithes Lane where you will return to the car park.
Get the party started…
International pop icons Take That will be hitting the stage at Sheffield Utilita Arena on Saturday and Sunday (13th and 14th) to perform tracks from their latest album, This Life (as well as all of their most famous hits, we’re sure). But that’s not all. The band will be joined by special guest star (and heartthrob) Olly Murs. This is not a tour to miss so grab your tickets now while you still can.
