A family Sunday lunch at Liberty Brown, Sunderland

After years of working every Sunday, I still pinch myself that I am now free to do as I please every Sunday and delighted that I now actually get to enjoy Sunday lunch every week. I am always looking for new places to visit with the family and whenever I ask on my Facebook page for recommendations, Liberty Brown in Sunderland is a place that has popped up time and time again. I was therefore delighted to be invited along last week and although my husband took some persuading to visit the 'other side of the water', Liberty Brown was really easy to get to and just a 5 minute drive from the Tyne Tunnel. Our lunch reservation was for 1pm and we received a very warm welcome. First impressions were good with large booth style seating, balloons and colouring sheets brought to our table and prompt, friendly service. 

Heidi had her eye on the children's corner where there was a toy box full of toys and Tinkerbell was sitting reading all of the children stories! Fab! There was free face painting going on too, with a well organised system where each child was given a numbered sticker and Tinkerbell would come and find them when it was their turn so no waiting in line forever. 

I was happy that the kids was happy and ordered myself a large glass of wine! It's hard to describe the atmosphere at Liberty Brown - it almost feels as if you are at a birthday party, everyone is happy and having fun.

The children's menu is priced at £7.95 on a Sunday which at first glance does seem pricey, however when you consider what you receive for your money, the value is superb. £7.95 includes 3 courses, a soft drink, a bambinocino, free face painting and entertainment. To start, the children can choose dough balls and vegetable sticks or soup. Harry, Heidi and Jack all decided on the dough balls and I was impressed that they were brought to our table straight away. 

When our server mentioned that soup of the day was spiced parsnip, I didn't look at any of the other started options and promptly ordered a bowl. Priced at £4.95 it was the only disappointment of our meal and I wouldn't order again. It was very watery and lacked any real flavour. Boooo! I wish I'd spotted the Tempura Prawns or Fresh Mussels instead. 

Steve opted for the Garlic Mushrooms (also £4.95) which he thoroughly enjoyed and would definitely order again.

Children's Make Your Own Pizza

One of the options on the children's menu is to make your own pizza and as it's Harry's favourite food he of course had to give it a go. He was given his very own chefs hat and toppings to create his own masterpiece. 

Before being sent to the oven

Chatting with dad as his pizza cooks

Harry was really impressed with his pizza as were we - it honestly looked delicious and when we visit again I think we may order pizzas all round. 

Sunday Lunch at Liberty Brown

Sunday lunch is extremely reasonably priced at £9.95 for most options including locally sourced 16 hour slow cooked beef or lamb shoulder. We couldn't resist the Sunday trio which featured Pork Loin, Succulent Chicken and tender Beef (cooked to our liking - we requested pink) for £12.95. Lunch was served with two homemade yorkshire puddings, crispy roast potatoes, buttery mash, a selection of vegetables and an extra jug of thick gravy. It was honestly superb. 

Sunday Trio

Children's Sunday lunch

Jack loves a roast dinner and we were very impressed with his large portion - again all homemade. He thoroughly enjoyed it all. Even the sprouts! 

Kid's Club at Liberty Brown

The free kid's club at Liberty Brown was fantastic and something that would really make us visit time and time again. Not having to worry about keeping the kids entertained during a three course lunch is every parents dream come true! As well as Tinkerbell and the toy corner, a different character visits Liberty Brown every Sunday - it could be a Bat Hero, Princess or American Captain maybe? Today we were lucky enough to be joined by Rapunzel. You can check Liberty Brown's Facebook page to find out who will be visiting next. 

Rapunzel entertained Heidi and Jack with Princess school, singing, dancing and story time and the children were fine to come and go as they please. Rapunzel was really lovely and had plenty of time for all of the children and to have a chat with everyone. 

The face painting was also superb - I was expecting it to be a little bit rushed with it being free however I was very impressed with the results and Heidi and Jack were delighted. I honestly can't believe it was free!

Dessert

Sometimes when we eat out with the kids I don't stay for dessert as I want to be in and out or are worried by the time dessert arrives they will start playing up. This was absolutely not the case at Liberty Brown - we were so relaxed and the kids were happy we could have stayed all afternoon! The children were given a complimentary bambinocino (warm milk with chocolate sprinkles) and decided to choose ice cream and cookies from the children's menu. I was very tempted with dessert however after an epic Sunday roast there was just no room!

OK so I did have room for a quick nibble of Jack's cookie!

Our family Sunday lunch at Liberty Brown was pretty perfect. It wasn't any more expensive than any other pub Sunday lunch but in my opinion, the added extras of kids club plus the fact that lunch was local and homemade make it one of the best places we have dined together as a family. Sunday's are popular and reservations are recommended. 

Lunch at House of Tides - a Michelin star restaurant on Newcastle Quayside

I've wanted to pay House of Tides a visit since it opened just over two years ago. The main reason we haven't before now is the cost - there's no denying that £110 for lunch for two including soft drinks is expensive and for us, it was a real treat. I feel like expensive is perhaps the wrong word to use as when you consider the quality of ingredients, the service, the presentation, the execution.......for us, the price tag for me was worth it. We received House of Tide gift vouchers from my mum for christmas to pay for our experience and I would recommend this as a gift idea for any foodie. 

We parked on Newcastle Quayside across from the restaurant by the river Tyne (outside of The Riverside nightclub). It was £1.20 per hour and there were plenty of spots available. On arrival we were shown straight to our table upstairs. 

I've dined at a fair few Michelin star restaurants in my time and my experience at House of Tides was completely different to any other Michelin star restaurant I've visited before. It was a very informal and relaxed affair. There is absolutely no stuffiness or formality and the staff are all friendly, chatty and not at all pretentious. I really don't think this informality is a bad thing and it really was nice to be able to relax in  our surroundings and not feel like we had to talk in hushed tones or worry about using the right cutlery.

Lindisfarne Oysters with Cucumber and Caviar

Caviar close up!

Celariac Veloute, Apple, Smoked Eel, Truffle

Hogget Shoulder Presse, Onion, Fillet Tartare, Nasturtriums

I'm not a food critic and House of Tides certainly don't need any promotion via my blog, I will say however that every course was absolutely stunning. We were served 7 courses in total. The standout dishes for us both were the Celariac Veloute and the Duck Breast - both 10/10 from us.

Sea Bass, Butternut Squash, Curry, Corander

Goosnargh Duck Breast, Beetroot, Parsnip, Chicory

If you'd like to sample the Tasting Menu, the lunch menu is priced at £45 for 5 courses (which is actually 7 courses) and the evening menu at £60 for 6 courses (which I suspect will actually be 8). A Vegetarian Tasting menu is also available. There is also a bargain option £25 for two courses at lunch - please note however that the whole table must dine from either the tasting menu or the a la carte lunch menu and to avoid any conflict at the table I think it would be best to agree with your fellow diners which option you are going to go for prior to your visit.

Pre Dessert Chocolate Mousse with Orange Marmalade Ice Cream

Yorkshire Rhubarb, Ginger, Rose

A 12.5% service charge is added to your bill which I absolutely don't begrudge in this case as the service was perfect. So in total our 7 course lunch was £110 for two people including a bottle of water and two Fentimans lemonades.

Yorkshire Rhubarb, Ginger, Rose

We left House of Tides feeling like we had received good value for money - it really is a dining experience to try. We will definitely return when a suitable occasion arises. Next time, we plan to visit in the evening and add a wine flight to our meal too.

Have you visited House of Tides? I'd love to hear what you think. 

5 bargain UK family break ideas for February Half Term

February half term is always a tricky one - most of us are still recovering from Christmas, it's still freezing cold but there are glimmers of Spring teasing us and the summer still feels like a looooong way off. With that in mind, I've scoured the internet for 5 fun mini breaks that won't cost a fortune. 

Stay at Alton Towers

We are seriously tempted by the Alton Towers February half term deal. Although theme park tickets aren't included (as the theme park will be closed), I have priced a stay in the Alton Towers hotel including evening entertainment for the kids, entry to the Splash Landings Waterpark and entry to Sharkbait by Sealife plus breakfast for 5 people at just £165 which works out at £33 per person. That's a lot of fun for your money and it's all indoors too so perfect if the weather isn't the best.

Escape to Northumberland

Cottages in Northumberland are offering some bargain breaks this half term. Breakwater Cottage in Seahouses has caught my eye - £310 for up to 6 people for 4 nights in half term is a steal. A stone built cottage featuring easy access to the traditional seaside town. February half term is the perfect time to explore the region with the beaches remaining deserted and lots of cosy pubs to snuggle up by the fire. 

Image Credit - Cottages in Northumberland

Play and Stay at Warwick Castle

We have found a deal for 2 adults and 2 children to stay at the Holiday Inn Express Redditch including breakfast plus a 2 day ticket to Warwick Castle for £103 via Play an Stay. This works out at under £26 per person. This is a mega deal! There's always lots going on at Warwick Castle from birds of prey to Medieval tours. 

Diversity, Dick and Dom and Horrible Histories at Butlin's

We are huge fans of Butlin's and love how there is so much entertainment included in the price of your break that you don't really need to take much spending money. I've found a break at Butlin's Skegness for £360 for 4 nights in Half Term. This includes Diversity, Dick and Dom (hilarious), Horrible Histories plus many more character shows. There's lots to do when it rains too. £360 works out at £22.50 per person per night. 

Stay in a train carriage

There are lots of cool ideas and unique places to stay on the Canopy & Stars website. I love this quirky train carriage in Dorset which is available from just £90 per night for up to 2 adults and 2 children. What an adventure that would be!

Image Credit - Canopy & Stars

Will you be booking anywhere this half term?

Our Family Travel Bucket List for 2016

After reading a post by my lovely friend Mandy, I have been inspired to write a list of 10 places I would like to visit this year. I am maybe cheating a little as some of the places have already been booked but it's still nice to see them all in a list! Here are 10 places I would love to experience this year

1 - Calella de Palafrugal : Booked for June 2016

It is well documented now that this is where we are travelling for our main summer holiday this year. I am so excited - it's a traditional Spanish resort with little coves, seafood restaurants on the harbour, tapas bars in the village and a lovely swimming pool for the kids - Cannot Wait.

2 - Walk to Sycamore Gap : Planned for Spring 2016

My husband has said this is the only thing he wants to do this year - I don't really want to take the kids at first as I've read a few reviews to say that parts of the climb are a little treacherous so I think I'd like to see what it's like for myself before taking them. We'll probably go on a school day in Spring and take a nice little picnic for two. It might even be romantic if I don't die on the journey! HAHA!

3 - Snowdonia : Booked for April 2016

I've been to Wales a couple of times but we've always stayed in Cardiff. We are booked to stay at Barmouth Bay with Away Resorts this Easter and I'm really looking forward to it. Plans include taking the mountain train up Mount Snowdon, an Easter Egg hunt around a Welsh Castle and King Arthur's Labyrinth as well as some nice R&R in the beautiful Welsh countryside.

4 - Legoland Discovery Centre in Manchester : Planned for Summer holidays

After reading lots of fantastic reviews for the Legoland Discovery Centre, I know our three would love it. We are saving Legoland in Windsor for when we buy our Merlin Annual Pass. You can book online for Legoland Manchester for less than £10 each which makes it a reasonable day out. Hopefully we will get there in the summer holidays.

5 - Loch Ness : Planned for October half term

This is something I've wanted to do for ages and 2016 will be the year! Really looking forward to taking a boat trip and hunting for Nessie with the kids. Cheesy by exciting!

6 - The Lake District : Planned for May half term

We definitely fell in love with the lakes last year and I would love to stay for a a little longer this May half term. Depending on funds we may have to postpone this to the summer holidays too.

7 - Edinburgh at Christmas : Planned for December

I used to visit Edinburgh in December a lot before kids but we haven't returned since Harry was born. Edinburgh really is gorgeous at Christmas time and this is where I'd like to spend my birthday this year I think.

8 - Visit Fountains Abbey : Planned for a Summer Weekend

I've lost count of the number of people who have recommended Fountains Abbey near Ripon to me yet we've still never been! It looks like a lovely place for a picnic and it will be free too as we National Trust members.

9 - Take the kids to their first festival : Planned for a Summer Weekend

I am still undecided which festival to take the kids to - it's between Corbridge Festival and Deer Shed Festival - watch this space!

10 - Hire a VW Campervan : Booked for February 2016

This has been a life long dream of mine and in I am so happy it is finally coming true! We are only hiring Olive for a weekend and will probably end up somewhere in Yorkshire - look out for our review at the beginning of March.

I'd love to hear what's on your travel bucket list this year. 

Walking for Happiness

It probably hasn't passed you by that January 18th was 'Blue Monday' which is said to be the most depressing day of the year. In fact the whole of January can be pretty glum. Summer seems like so long away and I am sick of looking out at grey skies.

I'm determined not to let the weather get the better of me though and really want to get out and about and enjoy the fresh air. If you take the time to open your eyes there are little things on your walk that will notice that will make you smile and instantly lift your mood.

The Benefits of Regular Walking

Walking has been proven to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, type II diabetes, asthma, stroke and some cancers. The NHS recommend walking 10,000 steps per day for maximum benefit which can burn between 400-600 calories per day.

Enjoying a weekend walk in the forest

Walking can help chase those January blues away and benefits your mood by:-

• Promoting the release of endorphins (happy hormones)
• Releases Adrenaline (which naturally lifts our mood)
• Helping you to get a better night's sleep

How to get started

You don't need any specialist equipment to get started, however I would recommend a pedometer to help you keep on track, a small backpack (this one is only £5) packed with a bottle of water/snack and a decent pair of trainers that are supportive and don't cause blisters. 

You can walk anywhere - I enjoy a 3 mile round trip with the kids when I walk them to school in the morning and enjoy walking with the family at the weekend too.  Sometimes it's nice to take myself out for 30 minutes for a bit of me time in the middle of the day too. After just 15 minutes in the great outdoors I already start to feel more alive. 

Taking it further

If you wish to take walking further, a lovely thing to do is to join a local walking group. There are groups for all levels and the groups are a fantastic way to discover your local area and meet new people. 

Walking can be challenging too and when you complete a particular route is fantastic for your self esteem. This spring, myself and Steve are going to attempt the walk along Hadrian's Wall to Sycamore Gap. I've read that it's slightly challenging at times but I think that the amazing view will definitely be worth it and one of those moments that will stay with me forever. 

Image Credit - Michael at Vindolanda

What do you think? Next time you're feeling a little glum and look outside, pull on your trainers and take a 15-30 minute walk. Open your eyes, look around and I guarantee you will return feeling refreshed and happy :-)