The Secret Lives of Red Squirrels

WARNING: Ridiculously cute animals feature prominently in this blog post 

Calling all bookworms, photographers and animal lovers...

Don't miss the chance to see the unique and charming personalities of the red squirrel come alive in a brand new book!

'On The Trail of Red Squirrels' is a brand new book published by Will Nicholls, a good friend of mine who also happens to be a self-taught, award-winning local wildlife photographer. Having won a string of awards - namely RSPCA Young Photographer, Young British Wildlife Photographer and most recently the ZSL Animal Photographer Prize 2013 - Will's new book is his latest achievement and really does deserve the North East's support. 

''The first time the squirrel spotted the camera sitting idly on the woodland floor was a moment I will always remember'' 

Will spent six years feeding a family of red squirrels who live in a nearby wood in Northumberland. He set up his own hide and patiently tried to gain their trust so they’d make an appearance long enough for him to position his camera. Once in sight, Will strives to capture the unique personalities of the squirrels and has certainly succeeded in capturing the charming and sometimes cheeky poses of resident red squirrels. On The Trail Of Red Squirrels provides a fascinating and unique insight into the elusive, and sadly endangered red squirrel, thanks to Will's unrelenting passion (and patience!). Thanks to generous donations, Will was able to get his debut book published by local publishers Wagtail Press which is available to buy locally in Corbridge from Forum Books www.forumbooks.co.uk, Will's website www.willnicholls.co.uk and Amazon. 

''A squirrel will grab hold of a hazelnut between its paws, turning it several times to determine its contents. Sometimes it will find a bad nut and discard it''

Will hopes that his new book will provide a window into the secretive world of red squirrels as he shares his unique insight into their world. I have been lucky enough to receive a copy already and I can tell you that this glossy book is an absolute delight. Each image is more impressive and beautiful than the last and I love Will's honest and funny commentary throughout. I don't want to spoil it for you but I have a feeling you'll love the part about 'Lucky' just as much as I did! 

''My favourite characteristic of red squirrels is, of course, their beautiful red coats'' 

This blog is as much about celebrating local talent as it is independent businesses and places to visit, so I thought I'd share a few photos with you from this exciting new book. Will is currently on expedition in Cambodia, but you can follow his progress on his blog by clicking here, or by following him on twitter. 

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

Payday Friendly Place To Eat

After managing to grab a pair of (very last minute) tickets to see Fiddler on the Roof as a treat for my mam last week, I finally got the chance to visit the iconic Theatre Royal after it's recent restoration. As expected, both the show and the recently-renovated surroundings were fantastic, yet it was the bar/pizzeria attached to the theatre that took me by surprise. 

We decided to have a few drinks in Pasqualino's before the show. Furnished with colourful mismatched chairs and graffiti-style walls, the bar also boasts an extensive drinks menu which we made good use of and made a mental note to return for food. As luck would have it, less than a week later the boyfriend and I found ourselves in town after work looking for somewhere to eat. With payday still in the distant future, we didn't want to pay over the odds. This is probably also a good time to mention that my darling boyfriend is quite possibly the fussiest eater ever, so finding somewhere we can both agree on is difficult. With two courses of any pizza or pasta for £8.95, or three for £10.95 until 10pm, Pasqualino's came to the rescue. 

Pasqualino's was just the right kind of busy for me when we arrived on a rainy Thursday evening: bustling and buzzing without being too loud or overcrowded. Richie knew what he wanted straight away (minestrone soup to start followed by pasta Amatriciana which consisted of smoked pancetta, onion and tomato), whereas I struggled to narrow down my list of choices (nothing new there though). The Orecchiette Pinoli (fresh orecchiette with chillli, pine nuts, lemon zest and broccoli) sounded good, but then again so did the pappadelle maiale (pasta with pulled pork, onion dried tomatoes, marscapone and sage), but I eventually opted for the latter: the Lola pizza (peppers, mozzarella and rocket pesto) and dessert to satisfy my sweet tooth. As Richie wolfed down his minestrone soup starter I sipped my glass of chilled prosecco looking at him with doe eyes until he offered me some. I'm pleased to report that the stock was rich and moreish with a slight kick while the soft vegetables fell to pieces in your mouth. Richie actually declared it was the best soup he's ever eaten. Not a bad start! 

Our mains soon arrived and Richie was greeted by a steaming bowl of fresh pasta while I tackled my ginormous pizza. The dough was thin and crispy just the way I like it and the pesto drizzle lifted the fresh tomato base. Nothing was too much for the staff, checking we had everything we needed and were okay for drinks which was lovely. Naturally I had to try some of Richie's pasta and I'm afraid I have to admit to a slight case of food envy. The pasta was cooked to perfection, swirled into a meaty sauce and generously sprinkled with parmesan. I guess it was only fair that I let Richie have a taste of my dessert - a knickerbockerglory of joy filled with generous scoops of creamy chocolate ice cream, crushed amaretto biscuit and a berry compote. Delicious!

The food at Pasqualino's is wonderfully homecooked food and fantastic value for money that is best served with a glass of wine and friends which is exactly what the girls are planning to do very soon!

To browse their extensive menu and find out more information about this fantastic Italian's - visit www.pasqualinos.co.uk

If like me, there just aren't enough hours in the day and you haven't had a chance to check out the new and improved Theatre Royal, or you fancy doing something different with your Saturday night, see what's on at www.theatreroyal.co.uk (I just booked tickets for the Scottish Ballet and can't wait to go back) 

A Room With A View

Going out for dinner with family or friends - whether for a special occasion or an overdue catch up – should be just as much about the dining experience as it is about the food. Newcastle city centre is certainly spoilt for choice with bustling bars and restaurants, but when the opportunity arose to attend a private dining event at one of Newcastle and Gateshead’s most highly-regarded restaurants, something told me that this would be an amazing dining experience.

As we stepped out of the lift on the fifth floor and into the gallery’s viewing box, Emily and I were greeted by twinkling fairy lights and a floor-to-ceiling view of the iconic Millennium Bridge, it too, was dressed for dinner with its ever-changing light show shining bright under the dark night sky. By day, the Baltic’s viewing box serves as additional gallery space, but by night, it is effortlessly transformed into an intimate dining area for parties and family gatherings seating up to 25 comfortably.

Taking our pick from an adventurous menu, (and having never had pigeon before) we both chose the cold starter of pigeon and ham hock terrine served with celeriac puree and spiced fig. The sweetness of the fig cut through the rich meatiness of the terrine, adding extra flavour and depth to the dish. For our mains I chose the roast fillet of cod served with boulangerie potatoes, girolles and sweetcorn in a chicken jus while Emily chose the Barbary duck breast with roast nectarine broccoli, violet potatoes and a lavender jus. While we both agreed our mains sounded unusual, we were certainly intrigued. Each dish sounded like a work of art which was entirely fitting considering our surroundings. As expected, both dishes were delicious, although I had to admit to a case of food envy after tasting Emily's duck. The violet, lavender and nectarine flavours added a playful element to the duck, giving this versatile meat an interesting twist. Supper was served with an accompanying red and white wine and my Colombard Ugni Blanc was faultless – its light, crisp taste complemented the lightness of my cod perfectly. I had to take a picture of the label just so I'd remember what it was called for future occasions! 

Pigeon and ham hock terrine with celeriac puree and spiced fig

Roast fillet of cod served with boulangerie potatoes, girolles, sweetcorn and chicken jus

Triple layered brownie cake with peanut butter ice cream

Lemon posset topped with raspberry jelly served with homemade shortbread

As the evening wore on and we chatted to our new neighbours like old friends we soon found ourselves faced with the decision of what to order for dessert. Both self-confessed sweet-tooths, Emily and I decided to share everything and opted for the triple layered brownie cake served with peanut butter ice cream and the lemon posset topped with raspberry jelly and freshly baked shortbread. The silence spread around the room like wildfire as dessert was served, each and every one us taking our time to enjoy what was secretly our most eagerly-anticipated course. Despite not being the biggest fan of ice cream, I must admit I was impressed at the nutty flavour and rich texture of the peanut butter ice cream, while the triple chocolate brownie cake was indeed death by chocolate: rich, creamy and delicious. The lemon posset and raspberry jelly served as an excellent palette cleanser after the decadent chocolate brownie cake and who can resist freshly baked shortbread on any occasion? Certainly not me! Now feeling exceptionally full and very well fed, the group was led upstairs to the SIX restaurant where we sank into plush leather booths and digested dinner over coffee and petit fours and drank in the view. 

As expected, SIX did not disappoint. The menu was inventive, the staff and service exceptional and the view certainly made us feel like we were VIPs, discovering a new side to a city we know and love. The idea to convert precious gallery space into a private dining room offers excellent versatility for fans of SIX and I have little doubt that brides-to-be, birthday girls and party planners will make good use of this intimate space.  

If you've never been to SIX and you're a local, or you're planning to visit Newcastle/Gateshead, I urge you to treat yourself. Admittedly the prices aren't what you'd pay on a regular occasion, but it's always nice to treat yourself or a loved one. Plus they sometimes have offers on, which is a great excuse to try somewhere new. My favourite thing about SIX would definitely have to be the view, I've lived in Newcastle my whole life and as cheesy as it sounds, the birds eye view from SIX takes my breath away every time even though the Tyne is such a familiar view. 

For more information about SIX or their new private dining room, visit www.sixbaltic.com, I have a feeling you won't be disappointed! 

Geordie pride!

Pssst...

A little while ago I heard whisperings of a secret club dedicated to those who share a love of cake. 'I love cake!' I thought, but how do I join this secret society? 

The Clandestine Cake Company is the brainchild of Lynn Hill, an avid baker. Her aim was to create a club where likeminded people could meet once every two months and share their passion, tips and skills, and maybe make a few new friends in the process. What's not to love!? 

The CCC has grown from strength to strength, chances are there'll be a group right near you! The club also recently published a recipe collection to inspire other members and would-be bakers. 

So after skirting the sidelines of this ingenious gang, I plucked up the courage to find a club in Newcastle. For once it seems luck was on my side and organiser Lisa had one space left at this month's meeting! (They fill up very fast).

I was excited, intrigued and terrified all at the same time. Now if you speak to my mother, she'll no doubt be pretty cruel about my baking skills. I might have burnt toast on more than one occasion, and I struggle to make porridge.... but I do like baking! 

Check out my summer berry crumble I knocked up last week: 

Luckily for me, I didn't have the added pressure of baking something this time, I could just go as a guest. This month's theme was 'history' so off I went at 6pm on Monday evening to our secret location (The Knit Studio, Blackfriars, Newcastle). 

I think I was born to be here. 

Predominantly a group of ladies ranging from 20+, everyone wore pretty tea dresses and greeted each other like old friends. Endless rounds of tea were served in dainty china cups and saucers and we chatted as we waited for our group of 15 to form. 

There's no judging at these meetings, basically everyone turns up, bakes a cake and everyone has a slice (or three) of each other's cakes. What. A. Genius. Idea. 

There were some really unique creations such as the 'Kitchen Garden' cake, a concoction of potatoes, apples, orange peel and celery, inspired by the Grow Your Own revolution in the early 50s. There was also a rather charming creation decorated in dinosaur biscuits! 

Turns out there was no reason to be nervous! Everyone was so friendly and the handy name badges we were asked to wear made introducing yourself a lot easier. After a good five slices, (what? you're encouraged to fill your boots...), I have to say the battenburg was my favourite, closely followed by a chai tea loaf. 

Saying my goodbyes and taking a wedge of battenburg home for my grandma, I was asked if i'd be coming to the next meeting....

Guys, I guess this means i'm in the club!  

You can tweet them @clandestinecake, or visit their website www.clandestinecakeclub.co.uk

And I Would Walk 20 Miles....

So, the big day finally arrived. Our party of six arrived at our beautiful starting point in the Cheviots, suited and booted ready for the gruelling 20 mile walk ahead.... 

Now I hasten to add at this point that I had never actually walked 20 miles, so the number felt like just that, an incongruous number that betrayed little about the mammoth task ahead. We would be walking a well-trodden route through the wild and wonderful Cheviots, along the Scottish border. Amongst our group were a few seasoned walkers and a few well meaning novices for good measure. After practising a well-timed emergency stop for Leanne to vomit at the side of the road with travel sickness (nothing to do with my driving ability, I swear) it was safe to say we had all been suitably introduced to each other. 

What on earth possessed us to embark on a 20 mile walk on our sunday I hear you ask, well we were raising money for a local charity who helps disabled children with funding for prosthetic limbs. One adorable little boy had lost both legs due to meningitis, and it reminded me of all those years ago (1996) of when my little brother contracted meningitis at the age of 3 but was incredibly lucky to recover relatively unscathed and with all limbs intact. The charity in question is also a nominated charity of mobile phone network EE where my boyfriend works, so the walk and charity meant something to everyone involved. 

As I breezily agreed to participate in this walk, I have now come to learn just how difficult walking 20 miles and 13 hours of constant cardio is. Fortunately, an exceptionally gruelling (yet strangely fun) walk in the Lake District with a few friends had prepared me somewhat for what lay ahead and I'm pleased to say the first 10 miles was fine. It wasn't until the rain poured making the ground boggy and hard to manouevre that things got difficult. Trudging through bog and pulling your soaked boot out for three ours started to take its toll. My blisters grew blisters and I'd ran out of replacement dry socks (rookie error). Poor Leanne had only brought trendy nike trainers so had practically developed trench foot at this point and my heroic boyfriend carried her across most of the bog.... I 'manned up' and pushed on of course. 

Despite the stormy weather and wet feet, the view was incredible. I love being outdoors and to be in the thick of it surrounded by nothing but fresh air and rolling hills, actually using my feet to get around instead of a car was exhilarating. I had a big smile on my face the whole time! I never thought I'd like walking (maybe not in my early twenties anyway) but I can see why people get addicted! I loved setting myself a challenge and overcoming pain or a particularly hard climb and fighting my way up the next bit (aided by a big bag of jelly babies of course). 

It was fantastic being able to get to know new people and talk about everything and anything. Suddenly these people are no longer strangers, but your best friends. You help each other up the side of the mountain, pick out the best route for them to follow or give them a helping hand over a gate. 

Around 16 miles in my feet really started to hurt. I was conscious of every step and my blisters showed no sign of bursting. I was also getting pretty sick of having to find a suitably shades spot to go to the toilet in! Nevertheless I knew there was nothing I could do but put my foot forward and carry on. Leanne was hilarious and both in considerable amounts of pain and absolute novice walkers we quite literally crawled to the finish line, arm in arm. The walk had taken just over 12 hours but I honestly can't tell you how fantastic it was. It was painful and pleasurable in equal measures and every time I went to whinge about my sore feet I reminded myself that the people we were doing this for would have given anything to be in my shoes (well, maybe not my sweaty wet walking boots but you know what I mean). 

After a well-deserved rest we got back in our cars and drove to a fantastic pub near Rothbury called The Anglers Arms for a strong drink and huge plate of home cooked food! Pulling up at the last drop off I felt sad saying goodbye to my new friends but as cheesy as it sounds, we shared an unforgettable experience together and I can't wait to do my next challege! Walking is one of the best ways to really experience our incredible countryside and for a city girl who dreams of open fields and a big old farmhouse, how can I resist?! 

A Bird's Eye View

Last night a few friends and I hit the road and headed far north to Seahouses, or more specifically to the Farne Islands in search of the high seas and a special kind of bird… Known affectionately amongst the locals here as the 'Tommy Noddy' or clowns of the sea, we came to visit the glorious puffins who nest on these islands every year. 

Now chances are you'll smell the islands before you see them, but this small cluster of craggy rocks is home to literally thousands of seabird colonies. The islands are so populated by Arctic terns, razorbills, guillemots and shags that often one bird has to leave their space before another can land! If you've never seen or heard of the spectacle before, I really urge you to go, unless you're scared of birds or water of course. 

Given how delicate and profound these islands are, they are now protected Nature Reserves so visitors are forbidden from setting foot on the islands, (good job as there literally isn't any space) but you can book yourself on one of the numerous boat tours that operate from the harbour and see them up close for yourself. So after what turned out to be a good hour and a half's drive thanks to pesky traffic, the four of us finally reached the harbour to meet our skipper George and hop aboard the family boat. As it turns out, we had picked the perfect night to visit the Farne Islands. The sky was brilliantly clear, the sea as smooth as glass and the weather, happily still warm. I know I say this a lot, but there is no better feeling than being on a boat, the wind whipping through your hair and rushing past your ears, your body relaxing to the ebb and flow of the water, I just love it. Needless to say I was in my absolutely element and grinned from ear to ear as we made the 30 minute journey to our first cluster of islands. 

Staple Island, one of the Outer Farne Islands was our first stop. Literally thousands of birds took to the skies, swooped under the water and sat elegantly on the waves. Naturally we took hundreds of photos, delighted at being able to see nature doing what it does best. It wasn't long before our arrival attracted the attention of some of the Farne Islands' other inhabitants… the grey seals!

Now I hasten to mention that the Farne Islands, which I'm sure you already know, is eternally famous as the site of Grace Darling's heroic rescue in 1838. Her story is of course familiar to generations of North East school children, but in case you're unaware, let me tell you. Grace and her family lived at Longstone Lighthouse and during one stormy night, a 22 year old Grace Darling awoke to find a shipwreck of a ship called the Forfarshire (the Titanic of its day) a short way off. Gathering her father and brother into the boat, she sailed a tiny rowing boat to rescue the survivors clinging to the rocks. As her father managed to secure nine survivors into the boat, Grace battled with the elements to keep the little coble boat afloat. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) awarded Grace and her father a silver medal for gallantry, making her the first ever woman to receive such an award. Consequently, Grace became a celebrity in her own right until her tragic death of TB only four years later. 

Goldengate Tours, the boat company we had chosen are the only licensed boat company in Seahouses to land at Longstone Lighthouse and take people inside, so if you're planning a visit it's worth booking with Goldengate. We climbed the 100+ stairs to the top and were rewarded with the most beautiful view! George told us a little more about the lighthouse (but I won't spoil it for you if you're planning a visit) and we retreated downstairs for a cup of tea. I never wanted to leave, the view was so incredible. Reluctantly getting in the boat to go back to dry land, I managed to sweet talk our captain into him letting me drive the boat home! Well… in open sea, but still, I loved it. 

The Farne Islands are without doubt one of my favourite places to visit in the North East. They're just unlike anything I've ever seen before and I get to indulge in my love of wildlife. Oh and of course get THE best fish and chips to eat on the way home! 

 Bon Voyage!