A Guide to What's On and How to Plan a Perfect Christmas break in Durham

Photo Credit | Visit Durham

From a real ice rink at Beamish to make your own decorations at Durham's Oriental Museum, Christmas markets and Father Christmas visits. There is lots going on in Durham this festive season. Check out this guest post by Debbie from My Boys Club for Visit Durham which includes all the dates and information you need to plan a perfect festive break.

Where is serving Christmas Day Lunch 2016 in Newcastle?

Jesmond Dene House | Credit New Girl in Toon

If like us you can't stand the thought of spending the best part of Christmas Day in the kitchen and dread the thought of washing up, why not consider dining out instead? New Girl in Toon has put together a fabulous guide of where to book Christmas Day lunch in Newcastle this year. Read New Girl in Toon's Guide to Christmas lunch in Newcastle here. 

James and the Giant Peach at Northern Stage | A Review

Photo Credit Topher Mcgillis

James and the Giant Peach is Northern Stage's production for children aged 5+ and their families this year and it's a good 'en. So good in fact that I'd compare it to a West End show! Check out our full review here. 

Jack and the Beanstalk Pantomime at Gala Theatre, Durham - A review

Guest blogger Kim Rankin reviews the Gala theatre's panto for 2016. Expect lots of laughs, twists on modern songs and local jokes. Read the full review over on North East Family Fun here.

Places to go Ice Skating in the North East 2016

There are a fair few places to enjoy ice skating in the North East this year from a real outdoor ice rink at Science at Life to a mini indoor skating rink on a children's farm. Check out this guide featuring opening times, prices and all you need to know by North East Family Fun.

Ponteland Repertory Society Pantomime - Aladdin | A Review

Panto season has started this week and for me, it really signifies the start of the festive season. We sent guest reviewer Angela and her family along to watch Aladdin at Ponteland Memorial Hall this week. TIckets are still available for Friday 25th and Saturday 26th November from just £6. Panto doesn't have to be expensive, and visiting a community show like this is a really nice way to support your local community. You can buy tickets online here. Over to Angela.........

There is nothing quite like getting into the Christmas spirit than a trip to the Panto! The Panto in this instance was brought to us by Ponteland Repertory Society at Ponteland Memorial Hall. Andy, myself and our three children - Izzy (10), Zac (5) and Joseph (3) went to see our first Panto of the season - Aladdin!

Although the society has held many productions here, this was the first time we have ever been to this venue to see any of them so we were all very excited! The front of house team were very welcoming upon our arrival and we met the lovely show Director - Carole. Thankfully they had an array of snacks to choose from as we had not had time to get some before we arrived.

This is the first time we have ever seen a Panto of Aladdin which added to our enthusiasm of the night. I am always in awe at the dedication and time that all of the cast of local Amateur Theatre crew and cast put in to these shows and this show was no exception.

The show started with Abanazar surprising us by coming up from behind us singing passionately to ‘Arabian nights’. Abanazar was firm favourite with the audience from the start and was the shows ‘bad guy’ who gets all the boos! He played a great part flawlessly and had a great singing voice to boot!

Wishee Washee and Aladdin were played by two young men, both of whom had a great stage presence and worked tirelessly with the audience throughout encouraging us all to get involved in many ways. Their mum - ‘Widow Twanky’ - was played by Jason Long and was by far the greatest entertainer of the night. He was most certainly our favourite throughout with his comical anecdotes and utterly hilarious jokes! He worked marvellously with the audience encouraging their participation throughout. On his journey to Abanazar’s lair in Egypt he met an untimely but hilarious fall of his scooter (improvised magic carpet?!) into the audience. It's moments like this that that add to the energy and hilarity at Panto (sorry Widow Twankey!!).

The only downfall of the night, which could be down to stage fright or just plain nerves was the singing of the Princess. The high notes certainly needed a lower tone. Her father - The Emperor of China - also forgot his words on a couple of occasions. 

We all had a great time! Joseph has even asked to go again! The costumes were fab, the sets were great and overall everyone played a great part. There was many ‘laugh out loud’ moments that made it that extra bit great! All of the cast and crew have very evidently worked tirelessly to produce such a great show and judging by the audience reactions, it was well received. The salted caramel ice-cream at the Interval was also amazing and I need to buy these ASAP! 

Well done everyone! We look forward to the next show.

Thanks Angela - it sounds like a fantastic night for the whole family. Tickets are availble here.

Disclosure: Angela and her family were provided with press tickets in return for an honest review. 

Celebrate Christmas at Newcastle Gusto

*This is a collaborative post

Yeah! Christmas has landed in Newcastle. If you haven't already paid the toon a visit at night yet then you simply must. Newcastle Christmas lights are beautiful, Fenwick's window is as magical as ever and the Christmas markets are in full swing. I had such a nice time walking from the haymarket down to the Quayside this week that I almost forgot it was freezing cold and I couldn't feel my fingers! 

My destination for the evening was Newcastle Gusto where I was joining Katie Jane Online and New Girl in Toon for the first of the restaurant's Christmas Party Nights.

First of all - how lush is the restaurant looking! I love all of the twinkling lights and festive foliage. It really put us in the festive spirit. The booth style seating is perfect for a girly get together or smaller groups of around 6 and the longer tables are ideal for larger gatherings and work nights out.

I love all the little details that Gusto Christmas Party Nights offer from their dedicated Christmas menu and Christmas Cocktails (more about those later) to the Christmas Crackers on your table. The jokes inside were actually quite funny too (or maybe it's just because it's been a while). The whole restaurant was here for a good time and we enjoyed some friendly banter with the tables around us as we all wore our obligatory paper hats.

Gusto Christmas Party Nights Menu

Gusto's Christmas Party Nights are £35 pp and include a delicious 3 course meal, exceptional live music and a fantastic atmosphere. There are two party nights available throughout December:-

• Andy Usher Tribute Band | Tuesday 6th December (book here)
• Glen R does Swing | Tuesday 13th December (book here)

You can also book bar only tickets for just £10 which includes a drink and entry.

There is a choice of three starters:

• Peppered Mackerel Crostini
• Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup
• Smoked Duck Salad

Followed by a choice of four mains:

• Slow cooked beef daube
• Baked fillet of Salmon
• Roast Turkey
• Artichoke Tortellini

All served with roast potatoes, buttered carrots and green beans.

Finally there is a choice of three desserts:

• Apple and Blackberry Crumble
• Chocolate and Ginger Tart
• Christmas Mess

The food at Gusto is always top notch. There were clean plates all round and our server even joked that we had licked them clean! haha! I can't resist ordering turkey if it's on a Christmas menu and I can confidently say that the turkey at Gusto has been the best I've ever eaten in a restaurant. It was succulent without any hint of dryness and served with all the trimmings including homemade Cranberry sauce. Absolutely delicious! I will say I was disappointed that Christmas Pudding wasn't on the menu (another dish I like to eat as much as possible of in December) however the apple and blackberry crumble more than made up for it.

I am struggling to put into words how fab the atmosphere is during a live music night at Gusto. They always book the very best singers and performers. There is the worry when you see a tribute singer that it might be a bit like watching a mate on the karaoke but the performers at Gusto are nothing like this. It's like an intimate performance from a West End star. We watched Rob Lamberti (a George Michael tribute) and he was fabulous. The whole restaurant was singing along and up dancing. The singers start at around 9pm and reservations are from 7pm so there is plenty of time to enjoy your meal and drinks before the party starts.

Christmas Cocktails at Newcastle Gusto

I don't know about you but I'm a sucker for a themed cocktail and Gusto have created 6 special tipples for the festive season. These can be enjoyed at anytime throughout the festive season and not just during party nights. I tried the Gingerbread Cocktail and loved it so much I had to order another. I'd definitely recommend. All cocktails are £7.50 each:

White Christmas

Classic Christmas flavours of cinnamon, brandy, port and a touch of cream

Gingerbread Fizz

A concoction of gingerbread, Disaronno & Prosecco topped with a Cherry

Cauld Wine

A mix of wine, spice, apple, lemon and a secret German ingredient

Santa Fe

Tequila, Velvet Falernum, Lime Juice and a little Cranberry Sauce

A Kiss Under the Mistletoe

Ketel One Vodka, Disaronno, Lime Juice, Almond Syrup and Cherry Preserve

Three Wise Men

Tawny Port, Benedictine & Bullet Bourbon stirred slowly and finished with a zest of orange

I want to try them all! I'll definitely be popping into Gusto's bar during our Christmas shopping to sample a few more.

One of the things that really makes Gusto special is their staff. They are happy, friendly and honestly it feels as if you are chatting to your friend when you talk with them. I loved seeing the staff up and dancing, posing for selfies, taking their own pics......they really are a fantastic team and will look after you very well. If you can't decide what to order, they have a very strong menu knowledge and are always happy to recommend. They haven't been wrong yet!

New Year's Eve & Festive Dining at Newcastle Gusto 

If Gusto's party nights aren't for you or you can't make those dates, there are other ways you can enjoy a visit across the festive season:-

Gusto's New Year's Eve Party - book here

Festive Dining - details here

Or pop into the bar for a Christmas Cocktail at anytime

In case you need the details again, Gusto's Christmas party nights are:

6th December | Andy Usher 3 piece acoustic band - details here

13th December | Glen R does Swing - details here

We had THE best night at Newcastle Gusto. It was so good that we are already planning on returning for New Year's Eve. Let me know if any of their Christmas Cocktails or party nights tickle your fancy.

Disclosure | I am a Gusto Brand Ambassador and received complimentary food & drink in return for this post. As always, all thoughts and words are my own. 

20 Christmas Events in the North East by New Girl in Toon

20 Ways to Celebrate Christmas in the North East - Article & Image Credit |  New Girl in Toon

If you're looking for ways to get into the festive spirit or for a place to visit over the Christmas period in the North East, look no further! New Girl in Toon has put together an epic list of 20 ways to celebrate Christmas in the North East. From where to buy your Christmas tree to the best place for hot chocolate in Newcastle. It's all covered! Read the full festive guide here.

Festive Friday Menu at Vallum Farm | A Review

A guide to Festive Friday's at Vallum Farm. Blog post & Image Credit | My Boys Club

Vallum Farm will be hosting 'Festive Fridays' throughout December. They'll be opening their restaurant and serving a locally sourced 3 course festive menu from just £25 per person. Check out some delicious looking food and find out what else Vallum Farm has to offer over the festive period over on My Boys Club here. 

A Guide to North East Pantomimes 2016

Head over to North East Family Fun and check out their guide to this year's Pantomimes across the North East. There's something for everyone. Check out the Guide to North East Pantomimes here. 

Mrs Tiggy-Winkles Beatrix Potter Pop Up Cafe in Fenwick, Newcastle

There's a new pop-up cafe in Fenwick and it is too cute for words - Review & Image by New Girl in Toon

This is possibly the most adorable thing you will see and experience all Christmas. Mrs Tiggy-Winkles has her very own pop up cafe in Fenwick this Christmas and it's open now! I must pop in for Hot Chocolate and Cake. Read all about it over on New Girl in Toon here.

Places to Visit Santa Claus over Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner in the North East

If you're looking for somewhere in the North East to visit Santa Claus over breakfast, lunch or dinner, Sprog on the Tyne has some fantastic suggestions here.

Enjoy Spiced Cider, Mulled Wine & Slow Gin on the Roof Terrace at the Botanist Newcastle

A perfect spot to enjoy Spiced Cider, Sloe Gin & Mulled Wine | Credit Blonde Ambition

The Botanist Newcastle has re-launched their roof terrace for the festive season. With fairy lights, festive decor and warm blankets to snuggle up inside and unrivalled views of Monument and Grey Street, it's the perfect spot to take a break from your Christmas shopping. Read more about The Botanist's Winter Roof Terrace over on Blonde Ambition here.

Pin Me For Later

Fenwick's Window Newcastle 2016 | Beatrix Potter & Peter Rabbit theme

Read all about North East Family Fun's trip to Fenwick's Window 2016 plus a 'treat tea' at the Northside Diner & a trip to Fenwick Christmas Department. Read the full article featuring Fenwick's Window here. 

A Guide to Christmas Markets in the North East 2016

An Ultimate Guide to Christmas Markets in the North East featuring all the key dates and information you need. Click here to read the full post by North East Family Fun.