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The Northernist

A Teesside lifestyle and food blog

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The Northernist
A Teesside lifestyle and food blog
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    Am I Too Ambitious?

    Hours March 10, 2019August 21, 2021
    Comments 2 Comments

    Ambitious. I like to think that’s a word that means different things to different people. It can mean that you’re super strong-willed and determined in…

    Read More Am I Too Ambitious?Continue

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    Life After University – Moving Home and Unemployment

    Hours November 9, 2018August 25, 2021
    Comments 2 Comments

    Some people say that your university years are the best years of your life, and I have to agree, especially with my Masters. I didn’t…

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    Anxiety and Blogging Events

    Hours May 18, 2018August 26, 2021
    Comments 1 Comment

    I’ve umm-ed and ahh-ed about how to start this blog post, and I don’t think there’s an easy way to go about it. I want…

    Read More Anxiety and Blogging EventsContinue

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    Dear Olivia – An Open Letter To Myself

    Hours February 14, 2018August 26, 2021
    Comments 6 Comments

    Dear Olivia, I’m writing to you in the hopes that you read this back in a few months time, or maybe next year, or even…

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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

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 ā€“ Mon 26 - Steve Backshallā€™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 theyā€™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 youā€™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 itā€™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. Thereā€™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 wonā€™t judge). M loved his avocado on toast. It wouldnā€™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 itā€™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 thatā€™s where Norton Cafe comes in! This is the sort of place thatā€™s loved by locals and youā€™ll see regular faces every time. Think the type of place where the old girls meet up for a gossip, and as Iā€™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 wasnā€™t where hot food was being transported from the kitchen, which was a lovely bonus! Iā€™ve included a snap of the menu so you can see the type of stuff you can expect, but thereā€™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 couldnā€™t believe how many rashers were included! This was our first time visiting for breakfast, but weā€™ve loved nipping in for lunch ever since we moved to Norton. Their paninis are fab šŸ‘ŒšŸ» So if youā€™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
Thereā€™s a brand new menu at @ilmulinostokesley and Thereā€™s a brand new menu at @ilmulinostokesley and you can enjoy it NOW šŸ˜ [ad - gifted] I absolutely love it when I try somewhere new and Iā€™m blown away from the jump. And donā€™t get me wrong, Il Mulino isnā€™t newā€¦ in fact, itā€™s been in the heart of Stokesley for about 9 years! Iā€™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 ā€˜Italian foodā€™, your first thought might be pizza and pasta, but this spot offers so much more than that. Theyā€™ve got proper primi and secondi dishes, just like an authentic Italian restaurant, risottos, LOTS of seafood, and so much more (plus parmos. Itā€™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 couldnā€™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. Iā€™m not normally a pistachio person, but the little crunches in the cake were stunning This is such a fantastic little place and weā€™re already talking about when we can go again! Follow @ilmulinostokesley for more and get your tables booked. šŸ“ 30 College Square, Stokesley, TS9 5DN #italianfoodlover #italianfoodporn #teesside #teessidefoodie #nebloggers
Places Iā€™ve eaten with a newborn in the first two Places Iā€™ve eaten with a newborn in the first two months (because life doesnā€™t have to end when you have a baby) šŸ“ Raising a little dude who loves a trip out and supporting local šŸ™ŒšŸ» šŸ“ @stricklandandholt šŸ“ @crustnortheast šŸ“ @hood.stokesley šŸ“ @koseligbakeri šŸ“ @ficodeli šŸ“ @miltonstreetmarket šŸ“ @urbancrust_coffee šŸ“ @fika.co_norton šŸ“ @thetuliplounge šŸ“ @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 itā€™s rain or shine šŸ’ [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, itā€™s absolutely stunning and a lot of fun! Now donā€™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! Itā€™s just Ā£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! šŸ’ 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! Thereā€™s a few more sessions to book on to for this year, so head to @rowes_at_priory_gardens to book yours. Itā€™s a gorgeous thing to do with your family, your best friends or your other half šŸ„° šŸ“ Priory Gardens, Bow Street, Guisborough, TS14 6PR #pickyourownflowers #flowerpicking #thingstodo #teesside #nebloggers
Thereā€™s a new slice of la dolce vita in Guisboroug Thereā€™s a new slice of la dolce vita in Guisborough! šŸ• @ficodeli is the newest addition to the town, tucked away in the town hall. And once you step inside, it feels exactly like youā€™re in a cosy Italian trattoria up in Bergamoā€™s Old Town. Think warm lighting, snug corners and an atmosphere that invites you to linger a little longer. Youā€™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 donā€™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 weā€™ll absolutely be back to try those! And if you want to make a real visit of it, donā€™t miss the impressive wine menu. Pizza, small plates and wine, what more could you want? šŸ· This is gorgeous addition to Guisborough, so make sure you check it out! šŸ“ 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 youā€™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
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