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