My Birthday Weekend in Geordieland

September 10, 2015 by Rachel Kershaw in Days Out 4

I’ve got to that point in life when I don’t exactly relish the thought of becoming an another year older (can I just pretend I’m 21 forever please?) However, that doesn’t mean I want it to go by without a celebration!

This year I decided to stay close to home and make the most of what was on offer on my doorstep in Geordieland!

Friday Night at the Bridge Tavern & Las Iguanas

As soon as the clock hit 5.30pm on Friday I made a bee line for one of my favourite pubs in the Toon, the Bridge Tavern. My mates and I commandeered the roof terrace and it was warm enough to sit outside in true Geordie fashion… without a coat on!

There’s always one, in this case it’s fellow blogger Ravenous Fox ruining the piccie!

Artwork inside the Bridge Tavern (upstairs)

James had booked a table for 9pm at Las Iguanas on Grey Street as he knows I love it there, you also get a free main course on your birthday, not that he’s tight or anything! However, we were having so much fun that we kept ringing the restaurant to put our booking back.

Birthday Cocktails at Las Iguanas

It was about 10.30pm by the time we eventually rocked up and after dragging a couple of guys from work along to join us we now needed a table for 4 but the staff at Las Iguanas were super accommodating and even brought me a free birthday cocktail with a candle in. With the freebies, plus the amazing two for one cocktails at Happy Hour, our whole bill for four people came to less than £50 even though James had steak – birthday bargain!

Saturday in South Shields & Geordie the Musical

When I awoke on the morning of my birthday my head was pounding, is it just me or do hangovers get worse the older you get?

The lure of a cards and gifts waiting for me downstairs persuaded me to drag my arse out of bed. I was absolutely spoilt rotten by my generous friends and family and along with flowers, champagne, jewellery, clothes, pampering products and loads of other thoughtful pressies I also got tickets to go and see Geordie the Musical at the Customs House in South Shields that afternoon.

James and I made the short journey across the Tyne and arrived in South Shields with enough time to sample the delights of Colmans Fish and Chip restaurant on Ocean Road before the show. Oh. My. God… best fish and chips I have ever had, without a doubt (and not just because my hangover was making me crave stodge). We will definitely be venturing back to South Shields for Colmans in the future!

The photo doesn’t do the taste justice!

Credit: Customs House

As for the show? It was spectacular! The Customs House is a wonderful venue and the musical was well written, passionately performed and filled with Geordie pride, it really made my heart swell! I couldn’t fail to notice that almost every single person in the packed audience had a huge grin on their face throughout. I really hope Geordie the Musical makes a return to the stage soon.

A Lazy Sunday Afternoon

Sunday morning was surprisingly sunny so we jumped in the car and headed for the Roman Town of Corbridge in Northumberland where we had a rummage in the antique shops and took a stroll along the river.

The River Tyne in Corbridge

Hunger soon got the better of us but everywhere we passed in Northumberland was packed to the rafters so we returned to Geordieland where we managed to get a last minute booking for Sunday lunch at Eslington Villa.

Happy Birthday to Me!

This luxurious hotel and fine dining restaurant is a bit of a hidden gem in Low Fell. As we sipped champagne and watched squirrels run around the landscaped gardens of the stately Victorian house it was hard to believe we were just minutes away from Team Valley Industrial Estate! The food was fabulous too, locally sourced, elegantly presented and very, very tasty!

The Tyne Bar is one of my favourite Geordie pubs!

From here we made our way to the Tyne Bar in Ouseburn and enjoyed a couple more drinks while soaking up the atmosphere on the terrace as a live band played on the outdoor stage under the arches. It was the perfect end to a wonderful weekend!

Have you enjoyed a birthday celebration in Geordieland? If so I’d love to know what you got up to, just leave a comment below!

By Rachel Kershaw