Jesmond Archives - Page 2 of 2

The Wax Bar Newcastle

With only a few more days until Christmas, party season is well and truly upon us. If you’ve let your party prep fall by the wayside then fear not as I’m about to tip you off with a brand new beauty offering you’ll want to add to your little black book.

What we’ve lacked in Newcastle for some time now, and you’ll know this because of my endless rants about it, is a dedicated wax bar. Somewhere that specialises in the art of hot waxing, from eyebrows to intimate waxing and everything in between, it’s something we’ve been in need of for a long time.

Brand new salon The Wax Bar aims to address that. On upmarket St George’s Terrace in Jesmond and with free parking right outside the door, the salon is perfectly situated for fly-by appointments. With salons in Edinburgh, Fife and now Newcastle, The Wax Bar is an established brand that’s rapidly expanding largely because of their expertise and quick appointment turnover. Founder & Head Therapist Nicole Peterson is a graduate from the Mary Reid International School of Beauty; an institution with a reputation for being the best of the best in the beauty industry, and those high standards are reflected in The Wax Bar.

From its signature charcoal and white colour schemes complemented by fuschia pink branding, The Wax Bar prides itself on being sleek and minimalist, much like its signature Hollywood wax. ??

I arrived for my appointment and was greeted by two smiling faces and a salon that smelled like fresh grapefruit. The place is gorgeous, pretty damn near perfect in fact. Smart, slick and very clean, there’s a nail bar in the main reception area too. I was introduced to my Therapist Gemma and taken through what to expect from my Hollywood wax (£38) in a well equipped room in keeping with the theme of the salon.

The Wax Bar favours hot waxing and uses Lycon wax throughout, if you’re not already familiar, here comes the science: Lycon is the market leader in hot waxing. Used with an oil prep, Lycon wax shrink wraps around the hair to remove only the hair and not the skin, reducing the pain caused by waxing to almost nothing. Because of this, the area can be re-waxed to remove stubborn hairs, something you can’t achieve with strip wax.

Aside from the gorgeous, simplistic colours scheme and genius branding, one of the best things about The Wax Bar is the speed at which they can turnover an appointment. With over ten years experience in the beauty industry and a flair for waxing, these girls have got mad skills and it shows. With no rushing, but also no waiting around, it’s the perfect appointment – done and dusted in a cool 20 minutes including changing time – perfect for days when you need to be in and out with minimal fuss and with online booking the process is streamlined from start to finish.

Obviously you all know by now that I’m a bit of a waxing connoisseur and after living in London, I’ve come to know where to find the best Wax Therapists in the UK. The Wax Bar definitely makes the cut. With a mission statement similar to Strip in London, although the salon also offers additional sought after beauty treatments such as LVL Lashes, HD Brows and nail services, the focus is firmly on the waxing with a full, diverse treatment menu dedicated to the sticky stuff.

Uncomfortable about intimate waxing? Don’t be. There’s just no need, yes there are places out there that may make you feel uncomfortable, The Wax Bar isn’t one of them. These girls eat, sleep and breathe wax, it’s their lifeblood and their job is to make you feel at ease, which they excel at. It’s a virtually pain free process, (yes, you read that right) and there’s a wickedy loyalty scheme to boot.

If you’re an intimate waxing virgin and are mildly intrigued, then man up and book an appointment, it’ll change your life. If you’re not brave enough to opt for the Hollywood wax then The Wax Bar offers a full suite of waxing treatments including eyebrows (£10), underarms (£15) and legs (£30). If you’re quick you still have time to grab one of their Festive Offers including a Half Leg Wax & Hollywood Wax for £40 instead of £56 and I’d stake my kid on the fact that you’ll be back for more….

Pixie xo

Categories: The Archives

97 & Social Launch

I was invited to the launch of the newest premium nightspot in Jesmond, 97 & Social. Part of the Cairn Group, and sister venue to SoHe, the idea for the bar was borne out of SoHe clients with a desire to continue their drinking experience long after they’d finished their meal.

Primarily a bar with an extensive cocktail menu, 97 & Social also has a seasonal Street Food menu serving up simple and very reasonably priced bar classics.

I threw on a red Moschino leather skirt with an Alexander McQueen Lenticular tank and took my newly blue hair along for the ride to Jesmond, just outside the city centre.

The venue itself sits comfortably at no.97 Osborne road (obvs.) and has an adjoining door through to the Cairn Hotel. It stands out amongst some of the more tired bars and restaurants of the famed Osborne Road and it’s simplicity has real kerb appeal. Smooth green lawns (fake I think) are either side of the entrance and I’m greeted by two of the nicest door staff I’ve ever come across, seriously (apologies guys if that hurts your badass reputation). I make my way into the bar which is surprisingly spacious, I’m told that not all of the furniture has arrived in time for the launch so it won’t actually be quite so free-flowing but first impressions of the bar are good.

It’s a far cry from the likes of the more modern bars we’ve seen cropping up in Newcastle recently, this has more of a Classic Deco vibe to it, possibly a little muddled with it’s themes it’s still aesthetically pleasing. There are semi-private seating areas throughout the bar, some have a more contemporary feel with high back confessional style booths and modern style lighting and others are set to replicate a mini lounge with imitation low back Chesterfield style seating and cosy fireplaces. The floor tiles around the bar area are beautifully mismatched, something my eye is drawn repeatedly to.

In terms of the launch itself, it’s a little disjointed, there’s a large layout of Bellini’s which appear to be guarded by a member of the bar staff who isn’t approaching anyone and I hear people muttering and asking whether it’s ok to take one, I make my way over to ask and I’m told it’s a signature cocktail made with Jesmond Dene honey and although I then still have to ask for one, it’s pretty damn good.

There’s a diverse mix of people here for the launch, and that’s a good thing. It’s never a good sign when a bar is personified by the crowd who drinks there but that’s not the case here so far. I spot the team from Savalas Models bringing the beauty to celebrate their 1st birthday in a booth near the back and there are a lot of guys suited up for the evening (something I love to see).

I pause for a chat with the bar staff and I’m told that the bar will be open from 4pm until 11pm making it a great venue for after work drinks or a late supper, I’m certain the local businesses of Jesmond and the surrounding area will flock to this new venue.

As I leave I stop for another chat with the door staff who tell me how lovely I look (seriously guys, you’re making me blush) they also tell me that there are plans for a heated seating area on the (possibly fake) lawn area outside in time for the Summer which sounds amazing. They pose for a quick photograph, and then re-pose after not being happy with the first one and with that I’m off chuckling to myself down Osborne road.

I know I’ll be back, there’s something very calming about the place, it’s not frenetic like some bars on Osborne Road, the atmosphere is chilled and the music isn’t too loud. I’ve no doubt the 97 & Social will be a success and if you’re a regular at SoHe you’re only a hop, skip and a jump away from this decadent new venue. So go, stop for a chat with the door staff and order an Afternoon delight. You won’t be disappointed.

Pixie x

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Categories: The Archives

Ladies Pamper Evening, As You Like It

I was invited to a Ladies Pamper Evening this week at eclectic nightspot As You Like It in Jesmond, given that it’s one of my favourite hang outs I jumped in with both feet. As You Like It is an amazing venue set on the outskirts of Newcastle and spread over three floors, each offering a different vibe. Quirky and cosy, AYLI claims to be “Newcastle’s most beautiful restaurant” and it’s easy to see why; attention to detail is huge here, right down to the floral wallpaper and perfectly mismatched chairs, it’s no wonder it was once voted “seventh sexiest restaurant in the world” by The Observer.

The event was held downstairs in Frangipani, a “chintz free function room” which still offers an intimate feel despite being a large space. I worked a hard Seventies look (very Tom Ford) and I swished through the door, all leopard print blouse and vintage denim skirt still sporting straightened hair from an earlier photoshoot. I arrived to a warm welcome and a Cherry Bomb cocktail in a vintage style jam jar glass so was already winning before the event had even begun. The room opened out into a softly lit pop up boutique for the evening with stalls from Salisa UK, Love Niche and even Ann Summers.

On the outside edge of the room, a brand called Salisa offering a selection of scarves, accessories, clothing and jewellery, all with a very Mint Velvet vibe about it. Think sports luxe in a cool neutral palette that spans all ages. Soft touch fabrics and gorgeous buttery soft suede bags invited clients to touch them and owner, Lisa Woodrow was on hand to talk clients through the collection and offer styling advice. She tells me that her items are stocked in a number of boutiques and stores throughout the region but the bulk of the collection is carried in a small courtyard space just off Sidegate Gallery in Sunniside. If easy-to-wear separates in soft muted tones are your thing, then it’s worthwhile looking into Salisa a little further.

In the centre of the space; Love Niche. We’ve come to know and love this brand, designed by owner Nisha Vedhara, for bringing the glamour and the collection on display today doesn’t disappoint. Nisha has brought along a super stylish selection of resort wear that wouldn’t look out of place in Monte Carlo Private beach Club, all of which are her own designs and all are equally fabulous. There’s also a table of accessories which has all bases covered, from snake necklaces through to book style handbags and patterned scarves. The less expensive diffusion line, Love Niche London is also available to purchase here too and is crowded with Jesmonds Fashion Set for most of the night.

Mini beauty treatments were also on hand from the girls at City Retreat, Jesmond and these consisted of head and shoulder massages, hand massages, mini manicures and more, there were also Elemis Spa products available to buy on the evening. Further round the room were displays of beautifully decorated cupcakes for all occasions (sadly not available to eat, just to look at) and jewellery.

The evening was set up in conjunction with The Chronicle Sunshine Fund in order to raise money to provide specialised equipment to children with special needs and disabilities in the North East of England. As a mum to a child with disabilities myself, (something i don’t talk about a great deal) I jumped at the chance to support this great event and was pleased to see that it was well supported by the women of Newcastle and that throughout the evening, the atmosphere was positive and non-waning.

thanks so much to As You Like It for inviting me, and also I must say a huge thank you to Nisha Vedhara for gifting me a gorgeous peach tulip midi skirt on the evening, I’m super grateful and absolutely love it, you’ll see me wearing it very soon!

Pixie x

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