Twelfth-Floor Fairytale

Last night the girls and I dressed to impress in honour of the long-awaited grand opening of The Vermont Hotel's Sky Lounge and Garden, and boy, is that place special. 

Having spent a good proportion of my wages at the hotel's sister bar, Livello, in the past, I was intrigued to see how the elder sibling would match up. If Livello is the good looking Brad Pitt/Ryan Gosling/David Beckham's of the world (delete as appropriate), then The Vermont is without doubt the charming Jay Gatsby. Livello oozes style with its cool, contemporary furnishings and sculptural lights, whereas The Vermont boasts an effortless elegance associated with the roaring twenties and thirties thanks to the deep mahogany woodwork and leather Chesterfield sofas in the Redwood Whisky Bar and boudoir-style Bridge Brasserie. 

Emily and I arrived shortly after seven and sank into one of these sumptuous chairs with a glass of champagne. It wasn't long before we were treated to the selection of canapes on offer - starting with a juicy burger topped with streaky bacon and a cone of chips, followed by deep fried prawn with a delicious sweet chilli dip and the cutest mini shepherd's pies I have ever seen. Naturally, I gobbled them down before I even thought to take a picture, but they were so dainty and topped with creamy mashed potato and a single pea, I'm going to try and recreate them at some point! After sampling all of the savoury canapes on offer (for research purposes of course) we moved on to a trio of desserts: fresh strawberries dipped in molten chocolate, chunks of pineapple rolled in coconut (a surprisingly nice combination) and a tangy lemon posset encased in thick, buttery shortbread. 

The atmosphere was genuinely enjoyable, we weren't bothered by over-zealous staff and we were left alone for a well deserved catch up. I felt so relaxed and happy. and with champagne, canapes and your best friend - what more could you want? It wasn't long before we were invited to see the Sky Lounge and Garden. Stepping out from the twelfth floor I can honestly say the view took my breath away. The Vermont's convenient city centre location is already a fantastic asset, but the new rooftop area captures exclusive views of the city from a unique bird's eye view. I've lived in Newcastle all of my life and I love wandering along the Quayside at night, but seeing it in panoramic version from so high up is miles better!

The lounge features its own outdoor bar for private functions and plenty of rattan furniture and marquees to sit and schmooze at. My favourite touch was the spotlights in the floor that gently lit up and changed colour every so often, complementing the bright lights of the city beyond. It was clear from the enthusiastic exchanges and rush to take photographs that every body else was taken aback by the view too, if only it wasn't so difficult to take a good shot of the lounge in the dark! 

I hate to admit it but after uni I was becoming tired of the same old haunts and bars in Newcastle, preferring a night in Hugo's or Lola Jeans in Tynemouth near where I live instead, so it's refreshing to discover somewhere so special right on your doorstop and fall back in love with Newcastle's nightlife. We were speaking with a member of staff who told us they're going to be serving champagne afternoon tea on the Sky Lounge next summer which sounds pretty bloody fantastic.

Before we knew it the rain clouds descended and our rooftop adventure had to come to an end. Stopping for one last drink, we made our way to Livello downstairs to catch up with every one else and sample a few of their cocktails (well, it would be rude not to).

If you're looking for somewhere special in the city centre as a birthday or Christmas treat then I highly recommend The Vermont, it's conveniently located to pretty much everything - the train station, metro, city centre bars and restaurants, the motorway.  As the cold, dark nights draw in, I can see myself slipping into The Vermont for a night cap, it's always nice to try somewhere new now and again don't you think?

P.s) if anyone has any other recommendations of hidden gems/must not miss places I should try then I'd love to hear them! Similarly, if you're looking on advice on places to go around town then I'm sure I can point you in the right direction.

www.vermont-hotel.com

www.barlivello.co.uk

Give me More More More

Dear bloggers,

My foodie prayers have been answered this week and I have a feeling yours will be too... This week I was invited to a tasting evening of More More More's new 'cook at home' gourmet range, so obviously I skipped from work to the venue in anticipation. 

The venue in question was one of Newcastle's (if not the North's) most beautiful venues: The Assembly Rooms on Fenkle Street, just minutes from the train and metro station. This striking Georgian building dates from the late 1700s and its grand entrance features beautiful stone columns that make you feel like a princess as you cross the threshold. I had my school prom here a few years ago and it was the perfect venue, a blend of historic charm and grandeur, with a fantastic city centre location. 

The Assembly Rooms has long been renowned for its banqueting facilities, but it seems owner Antony has had a brainwave. A self-confessed foodie. Andy and the team opened the More More More courtyard cafe a year ago, serving an exciting and delicious range of teas, coffees and light bites in the suntrap in fromt of this magnificent building. It really is a lovely place to sit back and relax during your lunch hour.

Well, it just so happens that the talented team have recently launched a menu of gourmet take away food which is homemade and available to pre-order, so busy people like me get to eat well without having to fork out a fortune for high quality ingredients and go to all the effort of cooking! What. A. Genius. Idea.

I'm sure you'll agree how beautiful the interior is, but wait until I tell you about the food! Upon arrival, we were greeted with a chilled glass of prosecco and introduced to the team. Once all of us bloggers had arrived, it was time to eat. After an honest and fascinating introduction by clearly passionate owner Antony, we were treated to crispy bruschetta and chicken liver parfait. I know it's not as important as taste, but the presentation of every dish was spot, it was a really nice touch. 

The parfait was really nice, not too strong but with just enough flavour and a garlic kick to leave you wanting more. Next, we made our way behind the scenes for a demonstration on just how easy these dishes are to cook at home. 

The single portion of marinated chicken skewers are more than generous per person and tasted amazing. Light, flavourful and perfect for BBQ season, plus they hardly took any time at all to cook. Now normally i'm a little reserved when it comes to dips, but their sweet chilli and lime dip was so good! It was a perfect sticky, sweet accompaniment to the chargrilled chicken. 

Next, it was Fiona's turn to talk. Introducing to her homemade lasagne and cottage pie, we were asked to taste test More More More's with a leading supermarket brand. I really am not just saying this, but the difference was amazing. Theirs looked nothing like a sloppy ready meal which quickly loses its shape and resembles a gloopy mess, the potato was light and fluffy with chunky vegetables. The lasagne however, was in another league. I never order lasagne when i'm eating out because i'm always disappointed. My mam makes a superb homemade lasagne and until now, I haven't found anything which lives up to it. (Sorry mam!) 

Just look how delicious and non-ready made mealish they look! (Yes that's now a word). I don't know their secret but the layers of pasta were tasty, the beschamel sauce wasn't gloopy or bland. It was delicious! I honestly can't praise it enough. 

Just look at the difference between More More More's on the right and the supermarket competitor on the left! Speaks volumes doesn't it? 

As the evening drew to a close we headed back to the beautiful ballroom and had the most delicious cheesecake with homemade ginger biscotti for the base, all washed down with prosecco. The cheesecake was faultless, it really was. The base was moist and crumbly with just enough of a ginger kick, the creamy cheese filling was complemented by the tang of the berries. 

I genuinely cannot fault the food, it tasted 100% homecooked and looked excellent. We were all joking that we'd be passing off their skills as our own at our next dinner party or first date. Have a look at their menu online, there's so much choice - classic dishes like brownies and burgers - and something more exciting like lamb tagine and pork and pistachio terrine. 

     www.more-more-more.co.uk

    You can thank me later, cheers! 

Joffers Grand Opening

There's been a buzz in the air for a while now about a new fine dining brasserie and bar opening in Whitley Bay - and last night I finally got to check it out at Joffers' VIP party. I know Whitley Bay very well having previously worked in the area and living at the coast, so naturally I was thrilled to hear that somebody new and exciting was setting up shop in the face of 'turbulent times' and on a 'dying high street'. 

We arrived shortly after 6:30 to an intriguing and cool black exterior, bustling bar and glass of Prosecco with our names almost etched in the icy chill. Scanning the busy seating area for a seat, Lauren and I slipped into a cosy booth towards the back and sipped our drink excitedly. Chatting to the table next to us, we mutually agreed that Whitley Bay, and indeed Whitley Road could certainly do with somewhere stylish yet intimate to meet for a drink or light bite. Furnished with sumptuous booths, chandeliers and smart wooden tables, Joffers certainly oozed style and sophistication. So far so good. 

Food was soon announced, so we slowly made our way to a huge table filled with gourmet goodies such as antipasto, olives, melon salads, cheeses, homemade bread and tapas. Popping a little bit of everything on our plates we returned to our seats to tuck in (for research purposes y'know). The scallops were amazing, as was the bread smothered in molten butter, cheese and charcuterie meat. Washed down with a few more glasses of prosecco we chomped and chatted happily, certainly feeling very relaxed in our sumptuous surroundings.

The calm before the storm...

It wasn't long before a fire breather arrived and took our breath away with her death defying stunts on the street outside (Lauren and I applauded from the safety of our seats and close proximity to the dinner table...) After chatting to former journo Jon, I couldn't believe that Joffers was actually a former charity shop, it was unrecognisable and bordering on cavernous inside! Being something of an afternoon tea connoisseur (at 22, a bit sad I know), Lauren and I quizzed Jon about Joffers' afternoon tea, which apparently is amazing. Lauren and I promised we would return during the day and see if it was up to our standards (watch this space).

Joffers is now officially open, so get down there this weekend and have a drink for me! For more information on their British-inspired menu/late opening hours, check out their website here: www.thejoffers.com 

Thank you for having us Joffers! 

La Viña Launch

One of the best things about working for press is the unexpected treats you get to enjoy along the way!

Just last week a lovely PR lady sent me the most gorgeous cupcake stand and tea set (pictures below) from the pretty Katie Alice range (view them at www. English-table.com) so I was pretty excited that after a busy week we were invited to the La Viña launch.

As the clock struck 5:30, our glorious four day Easter break began! A group of us headed to Grey Street for what was a fantastic night! Greeted warmly by a member of staff on the door, we were ushered out of the cold down into the bustling bar. Greeted almost immediately by a very welcome glass of champagne, we headed into the crowd to find a seat.

Almost before we had eagerly drained the last drop from our glass did our host Giuseppe come over to introduce himself and offer us more drinks. A Spanish themed tapas bar and restaurant; La Viña is sumptuously furnished with flickering candle light, chunky tables and spacious booths. The staff are friendly and eager to help, especially when it came to making sangria!

Unfortunately I didn't get her name, but our teacher whipped up a range of traditional, white and mohito flavoured sangria for us to try! In between sips of gloriously fruity sangria, we shared traditional Spanish nibbles of cheese, quince jelly, garlic infused chorizo and the most delicious mini burger sliders, generously swaddled in cheese and a tangy sauce.

With the drinks flowing and tapas being passed round we shmoozed, laughed and had a fantastic evening. The highlight for me was the enormous platter of homemade paella though! Being a total foodie, the rice was delicately fragranced with zesty lemon, the prawns were juicy and mussels divine! I had to sneak back for a second course!

Just before we left we were presented with a goodie bag of sweets, a beautiful candle and our very own VIP card. Watch out La Viña, we'll be back!

Thank you very much to everyone involved, the night was a roaring success!

I must apologise for my terrible quality iphone pictures, after one too many and a past its sell by date phone, thats the best I could do!

I highly recommend La Viña, find them at 40-52 Grey Street, Newcastle.

www.lavina.co.uk