Fashion Voyeur

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Categories: Lifestyle, North East

The Alchemist Launches Late Lab

The Alchemist launched in Newcastle earlier this year after what felt like the biggest hype of any new bar offering the city has ever seen.  Dark, gothic skull murals hid the space that was to be occupied by this curious new nightspot, only fuelling the anticipation.

When The Alchemist Newcastle finally opened its doors, I was lucky enough to bag a ticket to the VIP launch party and what struck me that night, was that despite the gorgeous copper and black decor and the bar theatrics, it not only takes a long time to get served but once you’ve ordered a drink it can take a good 20 minutes before it crosses your lips.  Bo and I found ourselves ordering four drinks at a time to beat the bar line and subsequent wait for drinks.

Initial social media feedback about the brand new venue and it’s darkly gothic interior was awesome with people travelling from all over the North East to grab a piece of that signature alchemy for themselves, but the length of time it took to get a drink in your hand was a sticking point.  Rather than sit back and do nothing, the team behind The Alchemist put their uber coiffed heads together and came up with a solution: Late Lab.  A suite of drinks packages that you order in advance of your arrival.  Sounds simple?  It really is.  The principle behind the idea is cutting out that wait time at the bar and those repeat visits that eat into your night out.

I was invited to the VIP Preview of Late Lab to get the skinny on what it’s all about and whether it really is worth checking out.  Our small group of four was greeted on arrival by our host for the evening and we were shown a specific Late Lab menu which ranges in price from £90 to £270.  Now don’t disappear just yet, yes it sounds pricey but consider what that gets you, each package varies dramatically, from party size to the selection of drinks included, we’re here to check out the Hip Flasks package, priced at £90.  For that we get a large booth reserved for our exclusive use all night (The Alchemist have, up to now, never allowed reservations on tables for drinks only), a host for the evening who will make sure we’re never without a drink until we’ve drunk our package dry, a ginormous Zombie Apocalypse sharing cocktail, and 4 smaller cocktails.  It might not sound like much but if you’re a cocktail drinker then you’ll know you can rack up a serious bill pretty quickly, especially when they average £10 each.

It’s a pretty neat package for four peeps, bundled up with a chrome hip flask bearing that Deathly Hallows-esque logo for each of your party.  A quick calculation tells us that if you were to rock up without Late Lab, £88 would buy you all of the drinks in the package, minus the table, add on the time taken for trips to the bar and the wait for drinks to be prepared, carry the one, you get my drift….  If you’ve visited The Alchemist before, then you’ll know that this is a nice and very necessary idea and if you do the math you’ll know that it’s super easy to spend way more than that on a night out in Newcastle.  There’s also a sneaky little secret you’ll definitely thank me for sharing; if you book online, you get a pretty sweet 25% off and if there are cocktails in the package that you and your squad aren’t keen on (step forward Little Miss Awkward Elle Blonde) then you can switch them out for something you prefer.  Princess equilibrium restored.

The Alchemist is famed for it’s exotic cocktails and attention to detail, you probably already know that the menu is pretty extensive.  The spectacle is a big part of a visit any branch of The Alchemist throughout the UK, with copper pans and bunsen burners in their arsenal these mighty mixologists know how to put on a show.  If you have your designated driver in tow then there’s a selection of non-alcoholic cocktails that are given just as much thought and flair as the alcoholic version, ‘Kaleing Me Softly’ and ‘Mango Shake’ are my personal favourites and they look pretty dramatic so you don’t feel left out.

Considering it?  In terms of monetary value, the cost of the cocktails with or without the package is very similar.  What you gain is time, and a table which comes with table service – something that’s hard to come by on an evening at The Alchemist.  If you’re intending on consuming multiple cocktails at The Alchemist then the benefit of cutting out the wait is worth it, add to that the discount you get for booking online and you’ve got yourself a tidy little saving whilst still looking like a total baller.

Pixie xo

Categories: Lifestyle, North East, Uncategorized

Paul Amer Alternative Tasting Menu at Marco Pierre White Newcastle

With a Marco Pierre White Steakhouse on our doorstep in the centre of Newcastle, we’re pretty damn lucky.  If you’ve ever eaten in one you’ll know that the steak there is out of this world, in fact their Chateaubriand is to die for; soft and tender on the in side, with a little of that pan fired crust on the outside.  It’s a given that an Marco Pierre White Steakhouse is a beef steak lover’s dream.

But what about those times you just don’t fancy a steak?  Or you’re dining with someone who isn’t a fan?  Hey, those people do exist, believe me I know some of them and I’m as horrified as you.  Well, Head Chef Paul Amer at Marco Pierre White Newcastle has talents that span much further than the art of the perfect cooked to order steak.

When Marco Pierre White opened his Newcastle Steakhouse at Hotel Indigo, chef’s were given autonomy and personal discretion to prepare off-menu dishes according to customer tastes.  But things changed over the years as the venue became a victim of its own success, customers would arrive wanting nothing more than the perfect steak accompanied by that awesome creamed cabbage (seriously, try it) and that autonomy was buried deep in a pile of beef off cuts.

Fast forward to today and Paul Amer has created a Steak Alternative Menu and I was invited along to a tasting session to find out if it’s as good as it sounds.  Seated at a long table with a whole host of North East Influencers, we all agreed how unusual it was for us to be seated in such a civil way, and able to chat to each other rather than running from one place to the next.  We were greeted with a welcome cocktail followed by bread and olive table starters as we chatted and caught up.

Paul talked us through his alternative five course tasting menu which is exclusive to the Newcastle Marco Pierre White steakhouse and entirely his own creation, it’s something he feels is necessary for the brand in order to diversify and bring in new clientele.  We started with Rillette of Smoked Mackerel accompanied by Lightly Pickled Vegetables which I’ll admit, I didn’t like the sound of as I’m not a big fan of fish.  I was pleasantly surprised as this was actually delicious, in fact it tasted as good as it looked and was light enough to leave me not dreading the next course as I’d stupidly eaten seven pieces of bread before I’d even sat down.  This was followed by a slow Roasted Tomato Basil Soup (my favourite kind of soup) which was thick and rich in taste; the perfect palate cleanser to prepare us for the next course.

Surprisingly, the middle course of creamy Curried Haddock Risotto was the highlight of the whole meal for me, the rice was perfectly creamed as it should be in a risotto and the lightly curried haddock didn’t leave me with that ‘heavy’ feeling you sometimes get after eating rice dishes.  It’s not something I would have ever chosen for myself but it’s definitely something I’d have again, and that’s the beauty of these Taster Menus, they allow you to explore things you would have never considered.

Slow Cooked belly Pork, black Pudding and vegetables was next up from Paul Amer, something I usually steer away from because of just how filling belly pork can be.  Being a black pudding hater I glared at it on my plate for a little while, wondering which of the other foods it had come into contact with before picking up my flatware.  The vegetables and meat were cooked to perfection but with three courses prior, I was already pretty close to tears (if you don’t know me, I tend to have a hissy fit followed by a little cry when I get too full) so I only ate a little bit of this course.

I employed every child’s favourite tactic of claiming to be too full to finish the main course in order to skip straight to dessert which in this case was Raspberry and Passion Fruit Panna Cotta with Raspberry Sorbet and Mini Meringue.  Definitely worth ditching the main course for as panna cotta is one of my favourite desserts, and maybe even worth the tears that immediately ensued.  If you’re looking for an alternative to steak, but something that’s prepared with as much love and thought, then the alternative menu by Paul Amer at Marco Pierre White Newcastle is something to check out.  With large, semi private dining booths you can dine as a large party, or more informally at the area directly in front of the bar.  Marco Pierre White Newcastle also has an extensive cocktail menu and carries stock of some pretty rare gin brands.  Winner.

The restaurant is located in the same building as Hotel Indigo too so if like me, you’re prone to a ‘Too Full Freak Out’, you can sleep it off in privacy instead of having a meltdown in the parking lot like I did.  Kim Kardashian ain’t got nothing on this ugly crying face….

Pixie xo

Categories: Lifestyle, North East, Uncategorized

Turtle Bay New Menu Launch

Turtle Bay, known as the ‘Caribbean Social’, is famed for its extensive cocktail menu, never ending Happy Hours and of course, its authentic taste of the Caribbean.  With branches all over the UK, the brand’s latest offering popped up in Teesside recently and has proven to be not just a great place to eat but also a real destination bar.  I went along to the VIP launch when it first landed and dined on a feast of menu favourites, and a few that were whipped up specially for the night, accompanied by enough rum cocktails to please a pirate.

Two months down the line and Turtle Bay have revamped their menus to reflect a Summer vibe, the old favourites are still there and there are some fresh new dishes in there too as well as a few that have been revamped.  When I was invited along to be one of the first to try it I jumped at the chance to sink another couple of those amazing ginger beers.  Bo and I arrived at Turtle Bay Middlesbrough to a warm welcome from staff and were shown to our window table right in front of the insta-perfect boombox wall.  If you’ve visited Turtle Bay before, you’ll know that their Happy Hours are legendary and we arrived right in the middle of the lunchtime Happy Hour which means 2-4-1 cocktails.

We chose the lunchtime sitting on a super hot day and it wasn’t just us who saw sunshine and thought about taking in a little Caribbean sunshine in the UK, by the time we’d made our menu choices the place was packed out with a wait for tables.  I opted for a Raspberry Reggae (make that 2) and Bo slurped Jamaican Shandy whilst we waited for our starters to arrive.  After scanning the menu, we went with our trusty favourite: Chilli Squid (a first for us at Turtle Bay but a firm favourite as a starter pretty much everywhere we go), Duck Rolls and a Garlic Flatbread because a wise man once said it’s the future.  Our food arrives quickly and it’s good, the garlic bread has an added zing that makes it stand out as a favourite for me and our server Gemma brings me a ginger beer because she’s heard that I love it – true story.

Looking around Turtle Bay it looks way bigger than its 231 capacity, the clever use of mirrors and seating on different levels makes it look double that and with this layout, it’s easy to see why it’s become a favourite on the Middlesbrough nightlife circuit.  The Tiki hut bar has dedicated seating with a bar zone surrounding it so if you came to REALLY drink, you’re separate from diners although it seems that everyone who visits Turtle Bay shares a love of the Caribbean spirit.  Plus, with a whole host of different rums on offer, the bar menu is as lengthy as the food menu.

Gemma recommends that we try the plantains as an accoutrement and we’re pleased we do, notoriously difficult to deal with, plantains are tricky to get right.  Levi Roots once said that only Caribbean women know how to peel plantains and that there’s a definite knack to it – he’s not wrong.  Ours arrive perfectly ripe and fried up to give a subtle crunch to the outside with sweet banana-y goodness on the inside.  I’ll be honest Voyeurs, these are the best thing on the Turtle Bay menu and something that’s largely overlooked because a lot of people still don’t know what plantains are.  Go there, try them, love them, thank me later.  I could have eaten six bowls of these quite happily as a main course and at £2.80 per portion, they’re cheaper than a beer.

When it comes to main courses at Turtle Bay, the menu is cleverly divided up into sub headers geared up for how hungry you are.  There’s a huge selection of over 50 dishes varying from street food through to their famous signature One Pots.  Everything is freshly prepared in the open kitchen at the back of the restaurant which is lit in a way so that you can see inside from wherever you are in the dining area, it’s a nice touch and something that’s typical in the Caribbean.

We opted for lamb Rump with a spiced sweet mash to die for and the Curry Shrimp and Mango One Pot with Jamaican style sticky rice.  Everything at Turtle Bay delivers a certain amount of spice, whether you like it subtle or full on, each dish is prepared to bring the heat.  Even the lamb was mildly spiced and the curry shrimp was laden with heat but with a coconut creaminess to take the edge off.  If the heat gets too much, Turtle Bay have a selection of creamy coolers perfect for quelling the heat, the elderflower cooler is the equivalent of turning the gas down a notch and servers are well equipped to advise which drink to have on stand by if things get too hot to handle.  The food is good.  Very good in fact.  If you’re a fan of spice then this is one for your list, the meat is slow cooked and tender and the flavour is palpable but not over bearing in everything that’s served.  Where some places pile on the spice, Turtle Bay maintains the flavours but gently warms them up with spice, and balances the spice with coconut.

The portions at Turtle Bay are pretty good too, we managed a starter and a main course but it all would have ended in tears if I’d attempted to squeeze in a dessert too – yes Voyeurs, I *sometimes* know my limits – although the dessert menu is packed with traditional Caribbean favourites that you’re unlikely to see on regular dining menus.  If you’re looking for a real taste of the Caribbean then you can’t go far wrong with Turtle Bay, with branches all over the UK you’re bound to find one close by and menus are updated regularly to reflect seasonal changes.  I’d highly recommend the Curry Shrimp One Pot with six sides of Plantains, oh, and grab yourself a cocktail and some sort of cooler before you even start eating, you’ll need it….

Pixie xo

Big thanks to Turtle Bay Middlesbrough who gifted us our lunch and to Gemma who helped me discover my new favourite side dish.

 

 

 

 

Categories: Lifestyle, North East

Rolladisco NCL Part 1

A few months back an event whipped through FaceBook faster than wild fire, as far as events go, this one gathered interest like Usain Bolt on a downhill sprint.  What was it?  One word: Rolladisco.  Held at The Boilershop in the up and coming Stephenson Quarter of Newcastle, the large urban space was transformed beyond recognition for one day only, offering revellers the chance to skate all afternoon, or all night long.

With the promise of arcade games, old fashioned candy stalls, burgers and a glitter station, it’s no surprise that the event sold out way sooner than expected and was chock full of amateur and pro skaters decked out in their best 80’s clobber, myself included of course along with some of my fellow Newcastle Roller Girls and Tyne n Fear league mates.

“I love the Detroit music scene and read a really nice article about how rolladiscos were helping to bring communities together out there and how nice it was to listen to good house, disco music in a non-hedonistic environment.  So hopefully we embodied the same spirit.”  Gabriel Day, Get Down Rolladisco

The event was soundtracked with an awesome soul, funk and house music playlist and a dedicated dancefloor / hula hooping zone proved to be the perfect antidote to skating for those who were knocking back the bespoke cocktails.  As a test event, Rolladisco NCL was immense, epic in fact, it was one of those events that’s so jam packed with like minded people that you can’t fail to have fun.  No trouble, no kick offs, just people looking for a little escapism.

Day tells me that he’s aiming to take Rolladisco national and tour the country and given the overwhelming popularity of the event’s debut in Newcastle, a second date has already been announced with the promise of Rolladisco Part 2 being bigger and better than the first.  Part 2 will have a larger rink, more food vendors (don’t panic Voyeurs, The Grind will be back with those amazing burgers), and of course free skate hire.  Rolladisco Part 2 will take place on June 24th and tickets for the evening skate session are available now priced at £19.25 each, seems pricey?  Skate hire and arcade games are included in the price and any added glitter you might choose to sprinkle at the glitter station, as well as 5 hours of skate time.

If you missed the first Rolladisco and fancy checking out part 2 then you’d better be quick, tickets are guaranteed to sell like Gucci loafers in a sale.  You’ve got around 4 weeks to plan your outfit and you’ll need it, this lot brought their A-game last time…

See you on the rink!

Pixie xo

Categories: Lifestyle, North East, Uncategorized

NOVELTEA LAUNCH EVENT

When you think of afternoon tea, you probably conjure up images of perfectly cut triangle sandwiches, scones cut with jam and clotted cream and pots of steaming hot tea.  Maybe there’s a picnic blanket in there somewhere, or a twee gingham table cloth, either way the whole concept of afternoon tea has seen a surge in popularity recently.  So much so in fact, that it’s on the menu of pretty much every decent bar and restaurant in the city.

Prosecco Parties are also on the rise – a little more of a dangerous concept – the idea is that the prosecco flows until you can stand no more, and with places like No.28 leading the pack, these “tipsy tea parties” are very real.

But what if you could combine the two and have the best of both worlds?  We know that in the North East there’s a huge drinking culture, we’re famous for it, but we’re also partial to a decent cup of tea.  Well, Lukas Passia and Vincent Efferoth of Tea Venture think they’ve found the answer to our Geordie prayers with NovelTea.

Image by Marion Bot

NovelTea is billed as an alcoholic “tea experience”, which aims to provide a crossover for tea drinkers, and people who enjoy and alcoholic tipple.  The packaging is slick meaning it certainly looks the part & there are two distinctly different blends, or “Tales” available – The Tale of Earl Grey and the Tale of Tangier.  I was invited long to an exclusive launch event at Mason & Rye within Fenwick Food Hall to find out more about this strange new product.

I arrived at Fenwick Food Hall right on time and was handed a glass of The Tale of Tangier poured over ice.  Sidebar, if you’re not familiar with the concept, alcoholic tea is massive in Austria.  The leading brand, Jaegertee, just like NovelTea, can be served warm or cold and in Austria it’s a huge hit on the apres ski scene.  Sounds gross right?  I promise you it’s not.

Anyway, back to Fenwick.  The Tale of Tangier is a rum based concoction with green tea and mint, it’s a drink that takes a little adjusting to but I found that after a few sips I really enjoyed it.  It’s a moreish flavour and tastes like it was made for garden parties in the sunshine.  Of the two, this is definitely my favourite.

The second of the two blends, The Tale of Earl Grey, is gin based, so think juniper and botanicals with black tea, and bergamot top notes.  As a gin drinker I was looking forward to trying this but actually found that I preferred the minty after taste of The Tale of Tangier.

We’re treated to afternoon tea (natch), as well as a presentation and speech from the founders of NovelTea who are passionate about their brand and having it represented in the correct way.  The pair have worked meticulously with the support of Newcastle university to ensure the product is ready for market and Fenwick are the first retailer to offer it for sale in their Newcastle store.

With many of the city’s newer bar offerings clamouring to sell NovelTea by the measure, it won’t be long before the warmer weather is here and the North East Fast Pack are out on some super secret roof terrace sipping alcoholic tea, because when it’s this good, it’s hard to refuse.

Pixie xo