The Geordie Tourist.: March 2016

Amazing Indian Cuisine at Akbar's Newcastle.

Sometimes you can't beat going for a nice authentic curry. It's all good and well getting a takeaway now and again, but going to a restaurant and taking in the sights and the smells too really adds to the overall effect.

I went with some of the family to Akbar's in Newcastle. (Who just so happen to be the winners of the Asian Curry Awards 2015.) I've been once before, last year and it was probably one of the best curries I've ever had. I'm by no means a curry connoisseur, my specialty reaches no further than a chicken tikka masala (which was my favourite dish) Now I'm laying off the meat though, I was curious to see how well I would get on.

Akbar's have a chain of restaurants in Bradford, Glasgow, Manchester and Birmingham to name but a few. The one they have in Newcastle is massive.

It's a classic black and white palette with lots of opulent metal tones thrown in throughout. They have huge gilded mirrors making the already grand space seem even bigger. Tapestries and ornaments add to the charm. It's just nicely decorated is what I'm saying. It's posh and elegant, but you don't feel like you have to be any of those things to go and enjoy their amazing grub.

We went quite early on and I managed to get a picture of the place. Half an hour later and there wasn't a spare seat. Definitely a sign of a good restaurant.

We started off with popadoms and dips.

You could tell they were freshly cooked. They had a nice crunch to them and paired up with a bit of mango chutney or some cool yogurt sauce, they really hit the spot.

My mam and I tend to share dishes, just so we can try as many new things as possible, plus we don't always know what we're going to like. (A bit like everyone I guess.)

We went for:

Starters:

paneer tikka

mushroom and potato pori

mains:

balti mushroom paneer

vegetable makhani

pilau rice

garlic naan

The starters alone were incredible. The paneer tikka is Indian cheese dipped in a spicy batter and fried. I've never tried it before and it is so tasty. I'll admit I took a huge bite not realising how spicy it would be. It was probably nothing to someone else, but I just can't get away with any kind of spice basically. I tasted a bit meaty and filling which was great. We kept the dips from the popadoms so that sorted me out.

The vegetables from the other starter mixed in with the sauce and salad on the poori bread was also a winning combination. The herbs and spices really help. I mean I love the coriander, its so strong tasting.

The mains were amazing too. We got mild as like I said, spicy food is a no go. We had the Indian cheese again and it was perfect. Not spicy in the slightest.

The real winner was the vegetable makhani though. Oh my god, I wasn't expecting it to tastes like it did. It was very sweet, almost like coconut and just so mild and creamy. It reminded me of a tikka sauce but just oh so much better. Mixed in with a bit of pilau and a good portion of garlic naan (we got the family sized one. It was probably meant for a family of six not three though.) it was beautiful.

Akbar's is definitely one to check out if you like Indian cuisine. They have an extensive menu with a whole section for vegetable dishes. They have lots of desserts too. I've never had an Indian dessert, but I can't wait to go back and try one. Did I mention they scatter rose petals on the table for you too?

The meal came in just shy of £60 for the three of us. We had so much food and it was all so tasty. It was definitely worth the price tag.

Have any of you been to Akbar's before?

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Cocktails and Platters at The Bank Low Fell.

Cocktails 00:00

Head to Low Fell and among the usual pubs and shops you will find The Bank. A chic cocktail bar and eatery placed in a refurbished bank. (Hence the name I guess.) I've been to the Bank on a couple of occasions when on a boozy night out on the Fell. I've never been during the day when it isn't packed to the rafters with punters though, and although their cocktails are to die for, I had yet to try any of their food.

The decor in The Bank is classic and modern, yet it has a real homely feel to it. It's also a bit gentlemanly and a bit rustic too. There's lots of browns and suede and nice charcoal coloured walls. The amazing ceiling details and the big over hanging lights added something extra.

I was due a big ole catch up with my best pal Nic, and with it being her birthday, I thought I'd treat her to some drinks and grub.

I had a voucher from itison, which is basically like Groupon and Living Social Deals etc. It was for two cocktails and a sharing platter. The only hard part was deciding what to get.

Our server was great and took us to a table straight away. I'm not gonna lie, we were the only ones in there so we pretty much had free reign. It was great having the place to ourselves. It also meant there was no one there to look at me strange when I was taking lots of photos. (You know how it goes)

We went for the vegetarian platter which included:

bocconcini with pesto

olives

stuffed mushrooms

baked goats cheese

artisan bread

tempura asparagus

fries

As for the cocktails we both went for strawberry coolers. The tasted like Solero ice lollies. So refreshing, a little bit tangy and nice and sweet. Definitely a good choice.

I literally don't know where to start with the platter. Every single thing on it was purely beautiful. The tempura asparagus was so tasty, I've never had any kind of battered veg I don't think, and it was so nice. The mixture of the different cheeses with the pesto and the bread was amazing too.

The bowl of olives was jam packed. We both love a good olive or two, and by the end there wasn't a single one left. The fries were nice and crunchy and the mushrooms were crispy and juicy. I could go on and on...

I loved the little wooden serving tray too, like a rustic bit of tree. It made it that bit more special.

Afterwards we got another couple of cocktails. We were getting into the swing of things and having a nice little natter so it seemed rude not to. We got a mojito (which is mine and Nic's favourite drink) and the cocktail of the week which was a chocoberry. It tasted like strawberry milkshake.

It cost me £11 for the voucher. The platter alone comes in at £15 and with the cocktails at £5.95 each I definitely stumbled across a bargain. The food was really great quality, the place itself has such a nice atmosphere and is definitely worth a visit if you've never been before.

The do weekend brunch and even afternoon tea (which I didn't know about)

If you find yourself in the neighbourhood do check it out, I promise it will be worth it. Just try saying no to a cocktail or two...

Have any of you been to The Bank before?

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Speedy Afternoon Tea at the Copthorne Hotel Newcastle.

Afternoon Tea 05:15

I had afternoon tea at the Copthorne Hotel last year, it was a great experience. So when my brother’s girlfriend (Lorii) bought me a voucher for my birthday, I was more than happy to go back and try it again.

I went with my mam, you know there's no one else I really afternoon tea with. (changed it into a verb there) and we got into a bit of bother with the car. It kind of broke down in the car park, which resulted in me pushing it into a space. (never felt more like the Hulk in my life) She phoned the breakdown people and we had about half an hour to cram our food and cake down. It was a challenge, but we managed it...slightly.

The lady that served us was lovely. She took us straight to a table by the window and brought us a glass of bubbly. I was shocked at how fast the place started filling up. (I'm guessing a lot of people had vouchers)

On the menu was:

prosecco

tea

cheese and pickle sandwiches

egg mayonnaise and rocket sandwiches

plain scones with butter, jam and cream

lemon drizzle cake

chocolate brownie

carrot cake

The sandwiches were fine. No stale bread in sight. It's always a bit harder with a vegetarian option as there's not a lot of choice for sandwich fillings. Our server asked us if there was any other options we would like which was nice. Between the two of us we couldn't think of anything though, guess were going to have to get out of the egg and cheese box.

The scones were great. We requested plain, which we do a lot of the time. It's just an integral part to afternoon tea and one I always look forward too. I will say that the cream seemed more like whipped instead of clotted, but it all still tasted right.

The cakes definitely looked the part. I'll say it now, we barely had a chance to look at the chocolate brownie never mind taste it. It's never the first one I'll pick though, so I wasn't too disappointed.

The lemony cake had a lovely texture, the sugar on the top was just too much though, I felt like someone had just plopped it in a sugar pot. It was too grainy and too sweet. After I scraped most of it off it tasted a lot better.

The carrot cake was my favourite. I love the cream cheese frosting and how you feel slightly healthier knowing there's a bit of veg in it. (Or maybe that's just me.)

The weather was great too. It had been our plan to go for a nice walk along the Quayside afterwards. Just looking at the views outside made me feel like I was being taunted.

I managed to eat everything apart from my brownie and I didn't finish my tea or prosecco either. That was nothing compared to my mam who had kept her scone until last. It was buttered and jammed and everything when we had to quickly leave. I think she was a bit gutted.

The getting followed home by a hot guy in shades kind of made up for it though.

Overall a decent experience. I feel the cakes were nicer than last time, even the sandwiches too, I just wish I could have savoured it for a bit longer. Who knows there might be a next time.

Have any of you sampled Afternoon Tea at the Copthorne before?

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The Bowes Railway Path Spring Walk.

Bowes Railway 03:49

Spring is here! I'm actually so excited for the bunny rabbits, the daffodils and the butterflies. The warmer weather and the smell of freshly cut grass is also a perk. Since I was celebrating the sunshine I took Poppy on a nice long walk to one of my favourite spots.

I say its a favourite spot, but I guess its more of a favourite route really. I call it No man's land, but if you follow it upwards you end up at Tanfield Railway. Follow it downwards and it will take you to Bowes Railway. (The sign says Bowes Railway Path) I'm yet to go to either, but the little patch in between has become one of my go to places. (Especially on a nice sunny day.)

Its a great place to just feel disconnected from it all. The further you get into the walk, the more removed from civilisation you feel (Well at least I do anyways.) I love the farmer's fields on either side. The hedges and little burrows along the way.

I love these little yellow flowers that blossom on the thorny hedges. Just seeing masses of them against a blue sky sends my picture taking fingers into a frenzy. (Ok, enough weirdness)

This time we decided to go off down a little route, down some steep steps and onto another field. We got about five minutes into it when I heard a gun shot. It was enough to make me run back, trying to coax Poppy into joining me. It was obviously just farmers, and the route was a public walkway, but it still had me spooked.

These trees in the background are pretty much like a landmark to me. They're a focal point in the background and I know that when I pass them it isn't long until I get to the carved seat.

It's this huge wooden piece that has lots of carved detailing on it. Sitting on it you can overlook the fields (there was sheep that day) and just sit and listen to the birds.

The blossoms are out too. You don't know what I'd give to have an orchard full of blossom trees.

It was a canny day and a canny little walk, the dog behaved herself and I just loved being surrounded by nature and all that spring-like air.

I definitely want to follow the walk all of the way through and end up at one of the railways.

Have any of you been to them before?

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Attempting the Cuddy's Corse Walking Trail.

Cuddy's Corse 02:45

Since I do a lot of walking, I thought I’d try and follow an actual route for once instead of just walking wherever the wind takes me. I found one online called Cuddy’s Corse, which was starting from the church of St. Mary and St. Cuthbert in Chester le St and ending up at Durham Cathedral. So I dragged my mam and Poppy along to go on a little adventure.

The walk lets you follow in the footsteps of St. Cuthebert's Community on their final journey to Durham Cathedral carrying the Corse of Cuthbert, the patron Saint of the North.

We started at Riverside Park which we would be passing after the church anyways. I had a full list of directions, but it didn’t stop us completely going the wrong way for most of the walk.

We walked over the bridge and were just ready to start the actual walk when we realised we had left our walking boots in the car. Believe me it was just a start of things to come. The going backwards and forwards trying to find the right way, was the full walk basically.

At this part there were so many trees that had fallen, you could tell just how far the river had come up when we had the last floods. It was like a manic jungle, all sharp edges and snapped branches.

In the beginning, Poppy was happy enough just walking along, after a while though she turned her usual stubborn self and refused to walk. A few treats here and there did the trick for a bit longer.

One thing that helped us find the right way was the Cuddy’s Corse white little sign that would show up. I'll admit it wasn't until we got to a certain point that I even noticed them. (Basically we are the worst walkers ever.)

It was a great little walk, we passed rivers and forests, then walking through the farmer’s fields, watching a lonely horse, and up to Lumley Corner. Where waiting there was a glorious carved throne, where you could sit and get great views of the countryside below. We stopped for a bit and had a picnic, which was nice.

At Lumley Corner we went even more off course, I assumed we were on the right street and after walking for about 45 minutes, it became clear that we weren’t, so feeling defeated we turned around to go back the way we came. Then as we reached the chair again, we found the right route. After two and a bit hours of walking and a dog that didn’t want to do anymore, it was clear we would just have to leave it for another day.

So instead, I took some pictures of a nice little church we passed to make myself feel better.

To be honest our end goal wasn't to get all of the way to Durham Cathedral, it was to go as far as Finchale Abbey (which was about half way) and spend a few hours chilling there and looking around. If you've never been before I urge you to check it out immediately.

The full walk was supposed to be 7.5 miles. We spent three hours getting lost and wandering around aimlessly, which amassed to 9.5 miles. (no wonder Poppy was sick) It was such a good day though, just getting out and doing a bit of exploring, getting some fresh air and a bit of exercise, even if we didn't reach our end point. There's always next time, and you can be sure that I'll attempt it again. Maybe I'll start from Lumley Corner though, I mean I need to leave myself plenty of time to get lost in between...

Have any of you walked the Cuddy's Corse Route?

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Rediscovering Birkheads Secret Gardens and Nursery.

ardens 00:00

My mam is thinking about sprucing up the garden a bit. For some inspiration we thought we'd take a little trip to Birkheads Secret Gardens and Nursery. When we pulled up it was such a contrast from when we had visited in the summer time last year. The sky was a dull grey, drizzling and most of the glorious flowers were nowhere to be seen.

My brother came too, the owner let him in for free which was really nice of him. He warned us about the slippy walkways too. (I'm so pleased he did, we were slipping and sliding every where.)

Despite the lack of flowers you could still get a glimpse of the gardens and what they were trying to achieve with them. Plus the amount of autumn colours everywhere more then made up for it in my eyes.

The Japanese garden (known as the Meditation Retreat) was once again my favourite. I just can't help it, as soon as you enter through the little archway it's like you've been transported to another place entirely.

Poppy was thinking about attempting the bridge, but seriously it was so slippy. I put one foot on it and nearly ended up in the water.

What I love most about Birkheads is their attention to detail. Down to the specific trees and plants they use to create a mood or replicate a certain theme. Or the added elements like the little bridge and the lanterns and ornaments dotted about. All it needed was a bit of wind rattling the chimes and we could have been anywhere but the North East countryside.

Birkeads are just starting to reopen now for the season, we caught them right at the beginning, and with it still being so cold outside it wasn't as amazing as it would be on a lovely sunny day with the bees and butterflies about.

They've just built a new sitting area too, which I'm sure will be filled with people come a few months time. It really is such a wonderful place to visit. They have a little cafe too, and on the right day there really isn't anything better then sitting with a drink and watching the beautiful gardens.

I know I'll definitely return.

Have any of you been to Birkheads before?

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Pages

The Geordie Tourist.

Amazing Indian Cuisine at Akbar's Newcastle.

Cocktails and Platters at The Bank Low Fell.

Speedy Afternoon Tea at the Copthorne Hotel Newcastle.

The Bowes Railway Path Spring Walk.

Attempting the Cuddy's Corse Walking Trail.

Rediscovering Birkheads Secret Gardens and Nursery.

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