Treating Mum

I am so excited at the thought of spending my first birthday in Newcastle next year, but for now  I have the joy of organising birthday treats for others.   Simon's Mum recently turned 60 and as lack of funds made it difficult for us to get to her to share her day we decided to invite her up to Newcastle to treat her to some North East hospitality.

Having spied the cookie monster cocktail on my blog a few months ago she made it very clear that this visit she wanted to sample some cocktails so our first birthday treat was a trip to Jalou which is very handily next door to the station and is lovely and peaceful in the early evening.  They have recently launched a new cocktail menu and there are now so many drinks that I'd like to try it was difficult to make a decision.  In the end I went for Rhubarb and Custard which was so lovely.  Simon's Mum had a Marshmallow Martini which came with toasted marshmallows.

The following day we knew exactly where we wanted to take her, as she'd never had a proper afternoon tea before we thought she might love the proper indulgence that is the Jesmond Dene House afternoon tea.   One of my first ever blog posts was about Jesmond Dene House (here)
and it is somewhere that we absolutely love going.  It's a beautiful location and feels very special yet friendly and warm at the same time.   We always have our afternoon tea in the cosy bar area and like to request "our table".

We finished the birthday weekend with .... yes you guessed it more food!   It's been ages since we'd had a Sunday Roast and it seemed like the perfect time to indulge. 

After spending a lot of time researching every Sunday lunch menu in Newcastle we decided on Pitcher and Piano.  Anyone who's never been to Newcastle may wonder what's so exciting about a chain restaurant but the Pitcher and Piano in Newcastle is special, it's on the Quayside with amazing views across the Tyne - in the Summer its almost impossible to get a seat outside after work as it's the place to be on a sunny evening.  I'd never been inside before but was impressed with the lovely furnishings and cosy atmosphere.  I parked myself on a huge gorgeous arm chair by the fire and enjoyed a delicious roast beef dinner.  I now have two P&P related wants ... 1. to attend a party on the roof bar (does anyone want to throw me one?) and 2. to go there for dinner after work once the clocks have changed and it's dark and wintery - the lights in the trees outside make me feel so Christmassy.