There's No Place Like Home

Living just a stone's throw away from the sea, I always consider myself to be extremely lucky. I'm at my most comfortable in a big wooly jumper and pair of wellies, joined by my dogs as we walk across the sand. Even when grey skies hang low overhead, heavy with rain that threatens to spill onto the roaring waves below, I love where I live.

North Shields Fish Quay is best known as the home of shipbuilding, fishermen and early morning markets where families and business owners come from far and wide to buy the freshest fish or grab a bargain on the catch of the day. Fast forward to 2013 and the fish quay is enjoying something of a transformation. Fish is still very much at the heart of these winding streets and narrow stairwells, but by mid-morning the initial chaos of fish markets and cars has ceased, coffee is brewing in the local cafes, business is being done in offices and the restaurants are getting ready for the lunchtime rush. Luckily for me and my tastebuds, the fish quay has also seen a number of new independent bars and restaurants pop up over the past five years or so, one of which has become one of my favourite restaurants in the region. 

Irvins Brasserie takes its name from its location - the old Irvin Building was built for fishing pioneer Richard Irvin over a century ago and is something of a local landmark. Standing umpteen storeys high, Irvins Brasserie is the labour of love of chef Graeme Cuthell which occupies the ground floor and boasts a 'peekaboo' view of the small beach and sea beyond. Inside its industrial feel fits perfectly into its surroundings, the Irvin Building was the stomping ground of fishermen and tradesmen, so it's only fitting that the walls are exposed brick, industrial-style low lighting and minimalist decor. Spotlights overheard add ambience, and tonight, for Irvins' Christmas party, strings of fairy lights hung above the windows, while gingerbread cookies hung from miniature trees around the room. 

As if she would allow anything else, my date for the evening was of course Mother Hall (only this time without her multi-coloured plaster cast - a souvenir from her trip to Glastonbury earlier this year). Mother and Daughter duo were greeted warmly and offered a seat at the newly refurbished bar area and a glass of prosecco/salmon blini while we waited for other guests to arrive. I also had to try very hard not to sneak a bite of this... 

The evening kicked off with the popping of corks of a fantastic Planeta Brut and an introduction to our wines for the evening by On Trade Sales Northern UK/Simon Chant before being spoilt with a first course of seafood chowder served in a teacup with homemade bread with plenty of butter (well, it is the season to indulge...) It was without doubt the kind of meal you want to warm yourself up with on a cold night, I couldn't fault it. 

Despite only meeting some of the people on our table less than an hour ago, we were already getting on like a house on fire, tucking into a big pot of shepherds pie and passing plates of it round the table like we were at a family get together. The atmosphere was so laidback and chilled, meaning we all got to meet some fantastic new friends.

Our main course was accompanied by two rich glasses of red which enhanced the succulent meat and fluffy potato with every bite. A hard act to follow, I have to say dessert of caramelised tarte tatin with vanilla creme anglaise came up trumps. 

Just look at that beauty...

Once again our little family tucked in and helped one another, everyone declaring it was just what the meal needed - a good old stick-to-the-ribs dessert. The two dessert wines which came with our dessert weren't to my tastes, but it was still great to get the chance to try them. 

Before we knew it, the clock had struck ten and there was just enough time to sip our two coffees to compare, say our goodbyes/merry christmases/happy new years and head out into the cold December night. Luckily for us, we only had a short walk home, but it helped work off some of those calories. 

As usual, Graeme and his team had a few surprises up their sleeves for their Christmas party and I can honestly say I'd be surprised if anyone was disappointed with their performance. A huge thank you to Graeme and everyone at Irvins, we both had a fantastic evening and although I'll be off to sunnier climes for Christmas/New Year soon, I'll definitely back in the New Year for some more to keep me going until the sun comes back! 

Anyone interested in seeing what all the fuss is about for themselves can check the seasonal menus out  here 

....or say hello on Twitter @IrvinsBrasserie 

Happy Birthday Jurys Inn

I don't know about you, but I love birthday parties. So when I was invited to Jurys Inn's 10th birthday party in Newcastle, I couldn't resist.

Stepping across the light-filled threshold, our group of six walked up the red carpet to an arch of balloons. Stepping into the lift we ascended into a fantasy world none of us wanted to leave. After depositing our coats with some of Jurys helpful staff, we were rewarded with a glass of champagne. Excellent start I thought.

The party comprised of numerous rooms, each one more delicious than the last. The first we encountered was filled with bodies, the tinkling of glasses and unmistakeable smell of Krispy Kreme donuts. My heart leapt as I noticed the huge oven in the corner, and like a curious child, I itched to go over and explore. We were soon invited to decorate our very own sugary ring of heaven, a queue of adults turned five year olds waiting excitedly in their paper hats to dip a donut into chocolate and sprinkles, then devour it just as fast. We were also given a box of DIY donut decorating to take home with us and share with/goad loved ones. Nice touch.

With all of the excitement going on from Krispy Kreme, I only just noticed the enormous cart filled with pick and mix from Deluxe Occasions. Invited to pick up a pinstriped paper bag, we filled our boots. Despite a recent trip to the dentist, I gorged on chew bars, chocolate eggs and sherbert spaceships... well we were at a party after all.

The next room was a slightly more grown up affair, a cocktail demonstration and rather professional looking powerpoint that explored the science behind our drinks. Pink in colour but strong and sugary, I sipped mine inbetween intermittent bites of donut and a drumstick chew bar. It's fair to say that after a busy day we left the office feeling tired and weary, but 10 minutes of being in this 10th birthday party certainly brought colour to our cheeks. We laughed our way through the games room, playing lifesize versions of family favourites operation, connect four and kerplunk, before trying our luck in the balloon room to see if we could win a prize.

No doubt bemused by the sheer happiness and excitement on the faces of the adults before them, Jurys staff were wonderful and very helpful. Being a big foodie, my favourite part was what I call the networking room, filled with tiny tasters of beckleberrys ice cream and their indulgent mini desserts. Canapes of chicken kebab, mini sliders and sweet treats floated around the room while we propped up the bar with Wylam Brewery, posed in the photobooth with deluxe occasions, and chatted to other party-goers.

The night flew by and before we knew it, it was time to get a taxi home with our bag full of goodies and go to bed with a big smile on our face, but not before trying our hand at Jurys final surprise. Each of us were given a key and if that key flashed green in the mystery door somewhere in the hotel, we would win a trip for two to Prague. Sadly none of us won, but that didn't matter, we had a brilliant night and look forward to the next big birthday!

Thank you Jurys Inn for having us, and to Krispy Kreme, Beckleberrys, Deluxe Occasions, Wylam Brewery and everyone else for making our night great.

You can follow me on twitter (@proseccoandpie) for more photos of our evening, and say hello if you attended too!