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The Northernist

A Teesside lifestyle and food blog

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The Northernist
A Teesside lifestyle and food blog
  • Stay at TT Lodges in Thorpe Thewles (AD)
    Lifestyle | Teesside | Travel

    Stay at TT Lodges in Thorpe Thewles (AD)

    Hours June 21, 2025August 31, 2025

    Glamping in the North East is hugely popular thanks to all of the amazing countryside and things to, but have you thought about glamping to…

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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

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  • Halloween Events in Teesside 2026
  • What’s on for the Summer Holidays in Teesside 2026
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  • What’s on in Teesside – July 2026
  • 10 Cosy Teesside Cafes for Rainy Days and Catch Ups

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La dolce vita meets brunch at @cenayarm 😍 [ad - gi La dolce vita meets brunch at @cenayarm 😍 [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! 📍 85 High Street, Yarm, TS15 9BG #brunchinspo #italianbrunch #teesside #teessidefoodie #nebloggers
Sometimes only a breakfast like this will do! 🥓 (b Sometimes only a breakfast like this will do! 🥓 (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 👌🏻 So if you’re after something casual and baby-friendly, Norton Cafe could be the one. 📍 3-5 Maybray Kingwalk, Norton, TS20 1DH #itswhatsforbreakfast #fullenglishbreakfast #teesside #teessidefoodie #nebloggers
There’s a brand new menu at @ilmulinostokesley and There’s a brand new menu at @ilmulinostokesley and you can enjoy it NOW 😍 [ad - gifted] I absolutely love it when I try somewhere new and I’m blown away from the jump. And don’t get me wrong, Il Mulino isn’t new… in fact, it’s been in the heart of Stokesley for about 9 years! I’m just late to the party (as always), but my gosh, have I arrived finally! This place 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. Now when you hear ‘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 This is such a fantastic little place and we’re already talking about when we can go again! Follow @ilmulinostokesley for more and get your tables booked. 📍 30 College Square, Stokesley, TS9 5DN #italianfoodlover #italianfoodporn #teesside #teessidefoodie #nebloggers
Places I’ve eaten with a newborn in the first two Places I’ve eaten with a newborn in the first two months (because life doesn’t have to end when you have a baby) 🍴 Raising a little dude who loves a trip out and supporting local 🙌🏻 📍 @stricklandandholt 📍 @crustnortheast 📍 @hood.stokesley 📍 @koseligbakeri 📍 @ficodeli 📍 @miltonstreetmarket 📍 @urbancrust_coffee 📍 @fika.co_norton 📍 @thetuliplounge 📍 @saddleupndough (Not all of these places have baby changing facilities. If you wanna know, drop me a message or check with the venue before you go!) #teesside #teessidefoodie #nebloggers
This is the most gorgeous thing to do in Guisborou This is the most gorgeous thing to do in Guisborough, no matter if it’s rain or shine 💐 [ad - gifted] @rowes_at_priory_gardens offer pick your own sessions, where you can wander their beautiful flowers and pick your very own bouquet. And even in the rain, it’s absolutely stunning and a lot of fun! Now don’t be fooled by the autumnal time of year - the gardens are still in full bloom with incredible quality flowers that are waiting to be picked. And luckily, there are sessions to book on to throughout September! It’s just £15 for 15 stems, which is a total steal for a bouquet put together by you. Just book via the website, then take along some secateurs and a bucket (or borrow them from Rowes), and pick the perfect bunch! 💐 You can also head to their coffee van for a sip and a slice of cake, either while you scout for the perfect blooms or in their cosy tipi. Or make a day of it with a wander into Guisborough for brunch! I had a lush time in the sun two years again and a lush time in the rain this year, and my 2026 bouquet is going strong! There’s a few more sessions to book on to for this year, so head to @rowes_at_priory_gardens to book yours. It’s a gorgeous thing to do with your family, your best friends or your other half 🥰 📍 Priory Gardens, Bow Street, Guisborough, TS14 6PR #pickyourownflowers #flowerpicking #thingstodo #teesside #nebloggers
There’s a new slice of la dolce vita in Guisboroug There’s a new slice of la dolce vita in Guisborough! 🍕 @ficodeli is the newest addition to the town, tucked away in the town hall. And once you step inside, it feels exactly like you’re in a cosy Italian trattoria up in Bergamo’s Old Town. Think warm lighting, snug corners and an atmosphere that invites you to linger a little longer. You’d be hard pressed to not be tempted by the pizza al taglio that greets you right as you walk through the door, but definitely don’t ignore the menu of small plates, meats and cheeses. We had two slices of pizza, mixed olives, taleggio (a cheese we had in Bergamo! - totally added to the vibe), and coppa, and it was the perfect lunch. We were eyeing up the burrata and meatballs that were leaving the kitchen though, so we’ll absolutely be back to try those! And if you want to make a real visit of it, don’t miss the impressive wine menu. Pizza, small plates and wine, what more could you want? 🍷 This is gorgeous addition to Guisborough, so make sure you check it out! 📍 The Town Hall, Market Place, Guisborough, TS14 6HF #ladolcevita #italianfoodlover #teesside #teessidefoodie #nebloggers
Heading to Middlesbrough for the Turner Prize 2026 Heading to Middlesbrough for the Turner Prize 2026? Here are 5 breakfast and brunch spots that you need to check out if you’re staying overnight! [ad] 1. @offthegrounduk (63 Grange Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 5AS) For a laidback breakfast, gorgeous community feel, and the best bagels ever. Distance to MIMA: 5 min walk 2. @bakerstreetkitchen (159 Albert Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 2PX) For a huge menu of options, brilliant location and always an amazing playlist. Distance to MIMA: 4 min walk 3. @steamandbeancoffeehouse (Unit 2, Rede House, Middlesbrough, TS1 1LY) For beautifully presented food, a delicious matcha menu, and a fabulously family-run spot. Distance to MIMA: 3 min walk 4. @cafe.etch (5 Gilkes Street, Middlesbrough, TS1 5ET) For a cool, industrial vibe, plenty of plant-based choices, and stunning cake and coffee. Distance to MIMA: 7 min walk 5. @butterfoldbakery (7 Bedford Street, Middlesbrough, TS1 2LL) For pastry lovers, beautiful handmade creations, and seasonal treats. Distance to MIMA: 5 min walk Which will you be visiting? #brunchinspo #middlesbrough #teesside #teessidefoodie #nebloggers
We’re heading into cosy season, which is the perfe We’re heading into cosy season, which is the perfect excuse for pastries at @koseligbakeri 🥐 This place is a total Teesside gem. No matter if you visit them in Guisborough, Saltburn or Stokesley, you’re guaranteed the most high quality bakes, incredible coffee and amazing vibes. Everything is lovingly made and crafted, and it shows! This is what our latest visit looked like, starting with the cookie iced latte from the specials menu and a classic iced vanilla latte. The weather might be slowly getting chillier, but iced coffees are a year round affair in this house. I picked the blueberry bear claw for my pastry, a humongous treat with the most gorgeous flaky layers and a sweet centre of blueberry jammy goodness. It was absolutely beautiful! And for M, it was all about the Biscoff brioche, a beaut of a sweet bread treat with Biscoff spread and crumbs. It was the perfect companion to his cookie iced latte and went down a total storm. This truly is one of the best bakeries in the region, so you absolutely MUST visit if you haven’t before! 📍 75 High Street, Stokesley, TS9 5BQ #bakeriesofinstagram #bakerylife #teesside #teessidefoodie #nebloggers
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