OK, I`m grabbing a long weekend away in the NE with Pete - delayed 25th Wedding Anniversary break. We`re driving up tomorrow.

What do I pack? The forecast makes it look like serious winter wooly weather!

Also, suggestions please for good pub grub, hopefully combined with a drive out into beautiful Northumberland. AND, where would you say was THE best place to eat for a really special occasion.(:o)

-- Anonymous, February 20, 2002

Answers

Apt Places Please! (:o)

-- Anonymous, February 20, 2002

Galaxy, if you don't know what to pack for a weekend away after 25 years, no-one one here is going to be able to help. For what it's worth, I would recommend layers!

-- Anonymous, February 20, 2002

You`re right, of course. I guess I was more looking for a weather forecast. Someone in the office said it had been snowing up there today. Oh what the hell, I`ll just bring the lot! (:o)

-- Anonymous, February 20, 2002

Lumley Castle is my favourite for a special treat.

-- Anonymous, February 20, 2002

Where abouts is Lumley Castle? (:o)

-- Anonymous, February 20, 2002

Ahha! Found it - Chester-le-Street? I shall add it to my list! Thanks. (:o)

-- Anonymous, February 20, 2002

Langley Castle is nice - I go there every now and then with my other half. Its not far from Hexham

-- Anonymous, February 20, 2002

Thanks Alan, I`ll look that one up too! (:o)

-- Anonymous, February 20, 2002

GAlaxy,

It hasn't been snowing, but it's been blowing a gale, showery and bloody freezing.

We haven't been there for a while, but unless it's gone downhill Lumley Castle is a good restaurant and a very interesting place to visit. It's near the Durham County Cricket ground at The Riverside (where the Toon used to train before they decided they couldn't afford even half decent facilities!).

Another good restaurant, but expensive, is Horton Grange, which is only about 3 miles from GPH where you're staying - towards Ponteland. I understand Gary Speed is part owner these days, but don't expect to see him serving!

A little further afield, but possibly the best pub nosh in the area is a place called The Cook & Barker. It is straight up the A1 about 5-6 miles south of Alnwick at a village called Newton on the Moor. Reservations are needed at weekends.

The Barn Again, near SJP, I think it's on a road called Leazes Terrace, is pretty good and has an unusual menu. However, again it is often difficult to get reservations at short notice.

The Bay Bistro in Whitley Bay (Park Avenue?) is also canny.

There are some good Indian Restuarant's on Dean St. and Queen St. in t' Toon, including one of my favourites, Asha Raval.

Another good, but expensive, restaurant that I haven't been to for several years is/was 21 Queen St. (the continuation of Dean St. under the Tyne Bridge).

In Italian bistro's, The Riviera (far end of the Swing Bridge) and Da Vinci's (Osborne Rd., Jesmond) are decent.

To be honest, there are many decent-average places, but not very many really good restaurants in the area - and there is a real shortage of good pub restaurants.

-- Anonymous, February 20, 2002

You sound like you've tried enough to know Clarky!

-- Anonymous, February 20, 2002

Brill! I shall print this thread and peruse it at our leisure tomorrow evening! It`s the `swanky` restaurant that I am most anxious to get right.

BTW Clarky - can you check your e mails. (:o)

-- Anonymous, February 20, 2002

That Italian down Back Street in Hexham. Best stake I ever had. And I've had quite a few.

-- Anonymous, February 20, 2002

Stop 'vamping' it up Nick !

-- Anonymous, February 21, 2002

For "posh" Gal I'd suggest either Lumley Castle (canny drive), horton Grange (nearby GPH, and I think you'd like this place), or another possibility which I forgot last night - The Fishermans Lodge in Jesmond Dene. The latter is a bit tricky to find but I'm sure they would give you directions.

I'm dashing right now - I'll respond to your e-mail tonight.

-- Anonymous, February 21, 2002

Careful at Lumley Castle mum.....it's only a few feet away from Washington! ;))

-- Anonymous, February 21, 2002

I`ll watch my back if we go there then Gav! (;o)

Right, quick shower, pack the car, and then we`re off! I`ll drop by the bbs if we`re anywhere near a computer. No doubt Yelli will be checking in too.

Bye for now! (:o)

-- Anonymous, February 21, 2002

Ah Lumley Castle , we had our wedding receiptoin there and went back the following yr for 1st anniversary. Is expensive and food is a bit cordon bleu (dirty plate) but is a lovely place. Try also Linden Hall in northumberland and Matfen hall also in northumberland all ahve half decent golf courses as well

-- Anonymous, February 21, 2002

Yes, Linden Hall is another good suggestion.

-- Anonymous, February 21, 2002

For good day out in Northumberland with cracking pub food head North up the A1. Just off it is a pub called the Coupen Barker (sp?). It get's rave reviews and from there you have access to the famous coastal route taking in Lindisfarne, seahouses, craster. Or you can head inland across to Ford Castle, Wooler and Ingram Valley, Rothbury. All nice days out.

-- Anonymous, February 21, 2002

Andy - I think it's The Cook & Barker you're referring to, at Newton on the Moor. I included it in my earlier list for Galaxy.

The C&B is interesting, most people love it, but a few I've spoken to hate it. I suspect the negative views relate to the fact that it's "ye olde village pubbe" that has been converted to what is principally a restaurant, something a lot of people detest.

-- Anonymous, February 21, 2002

Missed that one Clarky, never actually been meself yet. If we go for a meal out of town we had to the Dyke Nuek up past Mitford. Good food and the owners are real friendly. Good pint also.

-- Anonymous, February 21, 2002

I heard the Dyke Neuk got burned down a month or 2 ago. Not certain but I believe so.

-- Anonymous, February 21, 2002

The generator block was set on fire on 26th December by what was thought to be Animal rights protestors after the local hunt group met in there for a pint (couldn't hunt cos of foot & mouth restrictions). There was some damage to the main building but the fire was contained and the pub reopened within a week. We got a call at 8am 27th December from the manager with an apology for having to cancel our booking for that night we had made for the wifes birthday. We went along on about 10th Jan to celebrate my sister in-law leaving to join the navy as a nurse on the 13th and everything looked fine.

-- Anonymous, February 21, 2002

I went to the Cook and Barker last year after having a good experience 2 years earlier and the place was a distinct disapointment. I do not know if there has been a change of management, but the service was poor, cutlery was dirty and had to be replaced twice, food was pretty good though. A couple of days later had seen us take in 21 Queen Street and The Barn Again which were both superb and if I had to choose I would say Barn Again cos it is right close to SJP.

-- Anonymous, February 21, 2002

I have to reccomend forsters in Boldon, although its in mackem territory not many of them eat there (too expensive).. Its also owned by a collegue of mine so i have to tip it , but it is in the good food guide and has some stars that mean its very good . More a pie n mash bloke meself ... check out the menu http://www.forsters-restaurant.co.uk/

-- Anonymous, February 22, 2002