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The Northernist

A Teesside lifestyle and food blog

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The Northernist
A Teesside lifestyle and food blog
  • New Doughnuts On The Block – Harry’s Handcrafted Doughnuts, Darlington
    Food | Teesside

    New Doughnuts On The Block – Harry’s Handcrafted Doughnuts, Darlington

    Hours March 20, 2022March 20, 2022

    I’m not biased when it comes to sweet treats. I’m a brownie girl, a cookie girl, a blondie girl, a cake girl… you get the…

    Read More New Doughnuts On The Block – Harry’s Handcrafted Doughnuts, DarlingtonContinue

  • 8 Amazing Gift Ideas For Lemon Top Lovers
    Food | Lifestyle | Teesside

    8 Amazing Gift Ideas For Lemon Top Lovers

    Hours February 11, 2022September 10, 2022

    Gift guides definitely don’t need to just be reserved for Christmas, so if you’re looking for lemon top gift ideas at any time of the…

    Read More 8 Amazing Gift Ideas For Lemon Top LoversContinue

  • The Guide To The Best Places For Cake & Coffee In Teesside
    Food | Teesside

    The Guide To The Best Places For Cake & Coffee In Teesside

    Hours January 26, 2022September 14, 2025
    Comments 1 Comment

    Something that I love doing to help build a chunky blog post is asking all of you for your recommendations. Sure, I have favourite places…

    Read More The Guide To The Best Places For Cake & Coffee In TeessideContinue

  • 6 Restaurants To Try In Yarm
    Food | Teesside

    6 Restaurants To Try In Yarm

    Hours January 24, 2022September 10, 2025

    Yarm is such a trendy spot and over the past few weeks, I’ve seen a lot of people asking for food recommendations there. So I…

    Read More 6 Restaurants To Try In YarmContinue

  • 7 Fun Gift Ideas For Parmo Fans (AD)
    Food | Lifestyle | Teesside

    7 Fun Gift Ideas For Parmo Fans (AD)

    Hours January 17, 2022September 10, 2022
    Comments 1 Comment

    Forget saving gift guides for the festive period, I want to do them all year round! Because the truth is, while we all do a…

    Read More 7 Fun Gift Ideas For Parmo Fans (AD)Continue

  • 5 Spots I’d Like To Try For Teesside Restaurant Week 2022
    Food | Teesside

    5 Spots I’d Like To Try For Teesside Restaurant Week 2022

    Hours January 15, 2022January 15, 2022
    Comments 1 Comment

    How lucky are we to be having another amazing Teesside Restaurant Week to kick off 2022? It feels like only a few weeks ago that…

    Read More 5 Spots I’d Like To Try For Teesside Restaurant Week 2022Continue

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I'm Olivia and this is The Northernist! On this blog, you'll find lots of Teesside inspo, from places to eat to amazing events. We've got a lot going on in our little corner of the North East and I'm here to celebrate it, loudly and proudly!

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Recent posts

  • 6 Places for Pumpkin Picking in Teesside 2026
  • Halloween Events in Teesside 2026
  • What’s on for the Summer Holidays in Teesside 2026
  • Everything You Need to Know About Kynren and The Storied Lands (AD)
  • What’s on in Teesside – July 2026
  • 10 Cosy Teesside Cafes for Rainy Days and Catch Ups

Connect with me on Insta @thenorthernist

4 more places for amazing pizza in Teesside (part 4 more places for amazing pizza in Teesside (part 2) šŸ•

You’re totally spoiled for choice when it comes to pizza around the area, but here are four more of my picks!

@stable_hearth_pizzeria - 33-35 Duke Street, Darlington, DL3 7RX
This place is a multi award winner and for very good reason! It’s super cosy, especially at this time of year, making it ideal for dates and family dinners. The menu is huge, but I recommend the white pizza (it’s unreal), but there’s something for everyone. If you love a thick crust, this should be on your list!

@dohboysofficial - 370 Norton Road, Norton, TS20 2QL
If you want somewhere relaxed, this is it. It’s also a takeaway, so Stockton/Norton folks, you can get your Doh Boys fix at home. Their pizzas are deliciously naughty, Detroit pizzas, which there aren’t that many of in Teesside! Their pizzas are properly topped and surrounded by a crispy caramelised collar. Just delish.

@greedytedsguisborough - 5 Church Street, Guisborough, TS14 6HG
This is another suuuper cosy spot that I absolutely recommend for a date. You can even take your dog along! The people behind this place are so incredibly lovely, which makes the experience ten times better, and there’s an amazing menu, but try Ted’s Special.

@saddleupndough - Padel Up Teesside, Lockheed Close, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 3BP
This is the definition of a hidden gem. This place is tucked away among the padel courts, and you can take away or sit in and people watch. The lush couple behind this biz work so hard at it and it shows in their food. The sweet hot pot is my fave, but all of them have that perfect floppy base and dippable crust combo. Want a real treat? Go on a Sunday to take advantage of the pizza and cake deal with @hobocoffeehouse!

Check them out next time you’re hankering for a pizza šŸ•

#pizzaislove #teesside #teessidefoodie #northeastfood #nebloggers
Me šŸ¤ autumn menus, and that’s extra true when it c Me šŸ¤ autumn menus, and that’s extra true when it comes to @sundaycoffeeandkitchen’s autumn menu šŸ‚

As soon as I saw Sunday’s new additions, I just HAD to pay a visit? Like what do you mean sticky toffee pancakes? What do you mean cinnamon bun cookies? What do you MEAN apple crumble oats?!

But the thing that reaaaally caught my eye was the pear chai oats. Pear is totally underrated and this was the perfect thing to show off exactly what they bring to the table. Chai oats with pear compote, sticky toffee caramel and crushed pecans (I think they’d ran out on this day, but this was still STUN). Think a warm hug in a bowl, fruity and sweet, and completely comforting.

M went savoury with the red pesto toast with garlic cashew cream cheese, roasted red pepper, sliced avocado and everything bagel seasoning. It was just the right amount of filling and had a lovely, light flavour. Ideal for a lunch time!

And we couldn’t miss out on the autumn matchas. M went for Earl Grey matcha, which had a gorgeous tea taste and a slight floral hint, whereas I went banana bread, with sticky toffee caramel and banana chips. Simply unreal!

PEOPLE WITH BABIES: the Norton cafe has a little step to get through the door, but there’s enough space inside to manoeuvre a pram. The toilet has a ramp into it and LUSH baby changing facilities. This is popular spot with mums and there were two others with babies there when we popped in!

If you’re an autumn menu fan too, don’t miss out on this!

šŸ“ 7A Leven Road, Norton, TS20 1BQ

#autumnmenu #brunchinspo #teesside #teessidefoodie #nebloggers
Forget fish and chips, it’s all about bagels by th Forget fish and chips, it’s all about bagels by the sea šŸ˜ [ad - gifted]

@bettysbagelssaltburn is the newest addition to the already fabulous line up in Saltburn train station, and it makes for a great alternative to breakfast or lunch. Think plain or everything bagels absolutely PACKED with fillings alongside a lush cup of coffee. Stunning!

Their menu is full to the brim with delicious options and I absolutely will be back to try more (the Reuben, the Hook, Line & Sinker, and Yorkshire Godfather especially), but here’s what we picked on this trip:

šŸ„‘ Avo Good Morning - smashed avocado, whipped feta, rocket, hot honey and it usually comes with folded egg, but we swapped it out for bacon. This was a perfect breakfast bagel! I loved the creamy avo and bite from the feta, and the spice from the hot honey.

šŸ“ Chuffin’ El Chicken - chicken breast, mature cheddar, garlic aioli, rocket, and it usually has hot honey on too, but owner Rebecca recommended swapping it out for chorizo jam. And do you know what, it was spot on! Chicken and chorizo is a match made it heaven, then throw on some melty cheese and you’ve got a winner.

There’s even a kids menu for little bagel fans and a cabinet of sweet treats, so it’s a fab place to duck into for a lunch out of the sea wind.

If you haven’t been along yet, make sure you pop in! There’s a bit of seating inside and outside tables, or you can take your bagels away! I recommend finding a bench on the front with a view of the sea and Huntcliff 🄰

šŸ“ 8 Station Square, Saltburn, TS12 1AQ

#bagellover #saltburnbythesea #saltburnindies #teesside #nebloggers
I’m absolutely buzzing @oliverbonas has opened at I’m absolutely buzzing @oliverbonas has opened at @teesside_park šŸ˜

There’s been lots of exciting additions to the retail park recently, like @mango and @whitestuffuk, and this is an amazing one to add to the line up. It’s a total game changer if you like cute homeware, clothes and jewellery.

#teessidepark #oliverbonas #teesside #nebloggers
I’ve found the perfect spot for a date night šŸ˜ [ad I’ve found the perfect spot for a date night šŸ˜ [ad - gifted]

@ilmulinostokesley is the epitome of cosy, especially at this time of year. Think fairy lights, lots of greenery, candles on the tables, and all the Italian food you can shake a stick at, so it’s gorgeous for an autumnal evening out.

Now when you hear ā€˜Italian food’, your first thought might be pizza and pasta, but this spot offers so much more than that. They’ve got proper primi and secondi dishes, just like an authentic Italian restaurant, risottos, LOTS of seafood, and so much more (plus parmos. It’s still a Teesside restaurant after all!).

We tried:
- Carne platter - prosciutto, salami, mortadella, Gorgonzola, mozzarella, olives, sun dried tomatoes and focaccia. In the words of Bob Mortimer, meats and cheeses always pleased, so this was the perfect starter!

- Caprina pizza - goats cheese, caramelised onion and truffle honey. The most delicious combo with a crust that begged to be dipped

- Pollo e Aglio - rigatoni pasta with chicken, guanciale, spinach, garlic, parmesan and cream. Like a warm hug. Proper comforting food and my favourite thing we tried!

- Pancia de Maiale - crispy belly pork with tomato, onion, peppers, olives and mash. This was such a generous portion and I couldn’t fault that gorgeously crispy pork skin!

- Tiramisu - a classic and an absolute must

- Pistachio and olive oil cake - served up with strawberries and white chocolate crumble. This was INCREDIBLE. I’m not normally a pistachio person, but the little crunches in the cake were stunning

Follow @ilmulinostokesley for more and get your tables booked for your next date night.

šŸ“ 30 College Square, Stokesley, TS9 5DN

#italianfoodlover #italianfoodporn #teesside #teessidefoodie #nebloggers
Things to do in Teesside - October 2026 šŸ - Turne Things to do in Teesside - October 2026 šŸ

- Turner Prize 2026 at @mimauseful - throughout the month
- Hartlepool Headland Folkfest - Fri 2 to Sun 4
- @middlesbroughartweek - until Sat 3
- @hopetowndarlington Comic Con - Sat 3
- @tees_cottage_pumping_station Open Weekend - Sat 3 and Sun 4
- Teesside Comic Con - Sun 4
- Yarm Fair - Thurs 15 to Sat 17
- Fungi Foray at Lockwood Beck with @teeswildlife - Sat 24
- Diwali in Darlington - Fri 30

- Pumpkins at @cherryhillgc - selected dates between Sat 3 to Sat 31
- Pumpkins at @baydalefarm - selected dates between Sat 3 to Sat 31
- Pumpkins at @tweddlefarm - selected dates between Sat 10 to Sat 31
- Pumpkins at Newham Grange Farm - Sat 17 and Sun 18, and Sat 24 to Sat 31
- Pumpkins at @pontacpumpkinss - Sat 17 and Sun 18, and Sat 24 to Sat 31
- Pumpkins at @darlington_market - Thurs 29 and Sat 31

- Stokesley Farmers Market - Sat 3
- Hartlepool Market - Sat 10
- Saltburn Market - Sat 10
- @nortongreenmarket - Sat 10
- @gnairambulance HQ Market - Sun 11
- Stokesley Mid Month Market - Sat 17
- @wynyardhall Farmers Market - Sun 18
- Stewart Park Foodie Market - Sun 25
- @littlebirdmade Market at @teesside_park - Fri 30
- Samhain Wolf & Witch Market at Dormans Club - Fri 30
- Hartlepool Maritime Market - Sat 31

- @sooshsushischool at Earthbeat Centre Saltburn - Sat 17
- Hartlepool Restaurant Week - Mon 19 to Sun 25
- Darlington Restaurant Week - Fri 23 to Fri 30

- Of Mice and Men at @middlesbrough_townhall - Wed 7
- The Music of Tim Burton, Danny Elfman & Beyond at @forumtheatrebillingham - Thurs 8
- Blossoms Album Launch at @middlesbroughempireofficial - Tues 13
- SIX the Musical at @darlingtonhippodrome - Tues 13 to Sat 17
- Joe Ramsey at @thegeorgiantheatre_stockton - Fri 23
- Counterfest 2026 across Stockton venues - Sat 24
- Halloween In Concert at @paayarm – Mon 26
- Steve Backshall’s Deadly Live! at @stockton_globe - Sat 31

MORE IN THE COMMENTS šŸ‘‡šŸ»

#teesside #thingstodo #nebloggers
La dolce vita meets brunch at @cenayarm šŸ˜ [ad - gi La dolce vita meets brunch at @cenayarm šŸ˜ [ad - gifted]

We all know and love Cena for their incredible Italian food, like pizzas and pastas, but did you know that they’ve just launched a Sunday brunch menu? From 10am to 2pm, you can tuck into a range of delicious new dishes for a late breakfast or as a lunch alternative, and you’re going to want to check it out.

This is no ordinary brunch, this is Italian-inspired brunch. Sure, you can enjoy an avocado on toast (which is what Matthew had), but it’s set apart from the usual by including a delicious tomato and basil ragu, giving it just a hint of Napoli flair.

And that theme runs through the other dishes, like the scrambled eggs on toast, served on focaccia with red pepper aioli and pecorino cheese, or the Caprese frittata with prosciutto, mozzarella and roasted cherry tomatoes.

There’s even a more brunchy spaghetti bolognese, rigatoni arrabbiata, and mushroom and truffle pizza (which I think are geared more towards the later hours of brunch, but you could defo have them at 10am, I won’t judge). 

M loved his avocado on toast. It wouldn’t be his typical pick, but he fancied trying something different and it was fantastic. So fresh and bright with the tomato ragu, and the avocado was perfectly creamy.

I can never resist a French toast, so I had the Panettone French toast, a somewhat Christmassy option but so so amazing. It was topped with caramelised apples, whipped cream and maple syrup, so it was sweet and just the perfect size to carry me until dinner time. Delicious!

If this sounds up your street, remember it’s only available on Sundays and make sure you book a table!

šŸ“ 85 High Street, Yarm, TS15 9BG

#brunchinspo #italianbrunch #teesside #teessidefoodie #nebloggers
Sometimes only a breakfast like this will do! šŸ„“ (b Sometimes only a breakfast like this will do! šŸ„“ (baby-friendly edition)

While we love our salmon and avocado on sourdough, and fancy French toast, sometimes we just want a lowkey, easy breakfast. And that’s where Norton Cafe comes in!

This is the sort of place that’s loved by locals and you’ll see regular faces every time. Think the type of place where the old girls meet up for a gossip, and as I’ve now discovered, a place where mums can bring babies without any stress.

What makes this spot baby-friendly?
- A ramp from the door into the cafe
- Plenty of space to manoeuvre a pram
- High chairs
- Baby changing facilities
- Free parking for 90 mins in the Lidl car park, less than one min walk away (with parent and child spaces)

The staff also cleared a booth for us to sit in (they offered, rather than us asking!) so that the pram wasn’t where hot food was being transported from the kitchen, which was a lovely bonus!

I’ve included a snap of the menu so you can see the type of stuff you can expect, but there’s a huge mix to choose from. M got a Big Breakfast on this visit, which was absolutely gigantic, and I had the maple and bacon pancakes. I couldn’t believe how many rashers were included!

This was our first time visiting for breakfast, but we’ve loved nipping in for lunch ever since we moved to Norton. Their paninis are fab šŸ‘ŒšŸ»

So if you’re after something casual and baby-friendly, Norton Cafe could be the one.

šŸ“ 3-5 Maybray Kingwalk, Norton, TS20 1DH

#itswhatsforbreakfast #fullenglishbreakfast #teesside #teessidefoodie #nebloggers
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