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The Northernist

A Teesside lifestyle and food blog

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The Northernist
A Teesside lifestyle and food blog
  • What’s on for the Summer Holidays in Teesside 2026
    Lifestyle | Teesside

    What’s on for the Summer Holidays in Teesside 2026

    Hours July 10, 2026July 17, 2026

    The summer holidays are the perfect excuse to get out and explore, and there’s plenty happening across Teesside and the Tees Valley to keep families busy. Whether…

    Read More What’s on for the Summer Holidays in Teesside 2026Continue

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

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It’s no secret that I’m a @dejastreetfood fangirl, It’s no secret that I’m a @dejastreetfood fangirl, so when I saw that he was back with a supper club at @serinosdeli_winebar, it was a no brainer! Honestly, everything James does is sensational and I’m BUZZING for him to be the head chef at @crust.k. The food’s gonna be sensational! But this evening was all about Thai food, so he had a menu of six courses inspired by Thai dishes and flavours. ⭐️ Tod man khao pod - red curry corn fritters, kaffir lime, coriander, nam prik pao ⭐️ Charred tiger prawns - tamarind glaze, Thai basil and ginger dressing ⭐️ Kohlrabi som tam - green apple, beans, peanuts, herbs and lime ⭐️ Lemongrass gai yang - charred chicken thigh, garlic and white pepper marinade, nam jim jaew, grilled spring onions ⭐️ Massaman beef cheek - slow braised beef, coconut jasmine rice, charred hispi cabbage, yellow curry butter, Thai pickles, crispy shallots, roasted peanuts ⭐️ Pandan mousse - fresh mango, palm sugar sponge, toasted coconut and lime syrup Guys. GUYS. This entire evening from start to finish was just heaven. Everything was so well thought through and presented so gorgeously. Everything tasted incredible, but that Massaman beef cheek is one of the best things I’ve eaten this year, hands down. It was so tender and melt in the mouth, and the flavour was out of this world. And I can’t not mention that dessert because look at the colour of it! It looked so unique and tasted like a dream. It was a beautifully light way to end the meal. If you like sushi, check out James’ @sooshsushischool for sushi classes, but otherwise stay tuned for his food at @crust.k 😍 #tastingmenu #thaifoodstagram #teesside #teessidefoodie #nebloggers
If you’re looking for a cosy date night in Darling If you’re looking for a cosy date night in Darlington, I think I’ve found a good one 😍 [ad - gifted] We headed to @alfornoitalian for a rare baby-free date night, and honestly, it was just what we needed! Al Forno also has a restaurant in Ingleby Barwick, but the Darlington one has such a cosy vibe, especially at this time of year. The menu is absolutely huge, covering everything from pizza and pasta to risottos and plenty more. I’ve also heard the parmos are really good, so that’s definitely on the list for next time! We started with the Antipasto Misto, a sharing plate of meats, cheese and bread because who could resist that and we love picky bits on a date. Then I went for the Pizza Carne, which was absolutely perfect (check out that cheese pull), and Matthew had the asparagus risotto, which was creamy, comforting and exactly what you want on a cosy night out. And there’s actually a new menu coming soon, so keep an eye out for that! 👀 Overall, great food, welcoming atmosphere and some much-needed time together, a pretty successful baby-free date night, if you ask me! Check out Al Forno, either in Darlington or Ingleby Barwick and follow me for more local recommendations. 📍 81 Skinnergate, Darlington, DL3 7LX #pizzaislove #italianfoodlover #darlington #teessidefoodie #nebloggers
This is what autumn in Norton looks like 🍂 In rai This is what autumn in Norton looks like 🍂 In rain or shine, the village is absolutely golden at this time of year. One of my favourite things to do is eat out in one of the many amazing spots in the village, then walk the long way home so I get to see all of the autumnal gorgeousness! #teesside #autumnishere #autumnalvibes #autumnmood #nebloggers
Looking for Sunday brunch? Look no further than @c Looking for Sunday brunch? Look no further than @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
This is a BRAND NEW place for lunch in Saltburn 😍 This is a BRAND NEW place for lunch in Saltburn 😍 [ad - gifted] @bettysbagelssaltburn is already making waves in the town with their fantastic bagels, 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 it was so bloomin difficult to choose! The Reuben, the Hook, Line & Sinker, and Yorkshire Godfather sound incredible and I’ll be back to try those, but here’s what we picked on this trip: 🥑 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. 🐓 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! 📍 8 Station Square, Saltburn, TS12 1AQ #bagellover #saltburnbythesea #saltburnindies #teesside #nebloggers
4 more places for amazing pizza in Teesside (part 4 more places for amazing pizza in Teesside (part 2) 🍕 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 🍕 #pizzaislove #teesside #teessidefoodie #northeastfood #nebloggers
Me 🤝 autumn menus, and that’s extra true when it c Me 🤝 autumn menus, and that’s extra true when it comes to @sundaycoffeeandkitchen’s autumn menu 🍂 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! 📍 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 😍 [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: 🥑 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. 🐓 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 🥰 📍 8 Station Square, Saltburn, TS12 1AQ #bagellover #saltburnbythesea #saltburnindies #teesside #nebloggers
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