On a business trip down south, a German couple recommended that I call into Stein’s in Richmond-upon-Thames. 

A traditional Bavarian beer garden, Stein’s is situated right on the river Thames. The menu is full of traditional food, which makes the choice extremely hard. It includes Schnitzel, Schweinebraten, Käsespätzle, Nürnberger Sausages on Sauerkraut, Leberkäs, Kartoffelsalat, Linsensuppe, Currywurst und Obatzda. All of this can be ‘washed down’ with a selection of German beers, wines or Radler. And for afters, there is Sachertorte, Apfelstrudel, Dampfnudeln etc.

Twice in the past year I’ve headed with visitors to Beamish Museum – last year in the autumn with my 12-year old nephew and this year with a England-loving German. It was an enjoyable day out for both and gave a good insight into life in the region in the coal mining days. An impressive amount of public transport too – from buses to trams to steam trains.

In the summer months it’s a bit more expensive as there’s more to see and do. The price for an adult was £16, but it does allow you access for a full year. Beamish Museum is also dog friendly – there are lots of walks, they’re just not allowed into the buildings and need to be kept on a lead.

Low Newton was a recent recommendation by a colleague and we checked this out in June on a lovely, sunny day. Travelling north on the A1 from Newcastle towards Edinburgh, you take the exit towards Craster/Dunstanburgh. Low Newton is just a little bit north from Craster and Embleton. It is just a very small little village and at its heart is the Ship Inn.

We went first for lovely, fresh crab sandwiches and then headed to the beach for a walk towards Dunstanburgh. On the way back we stopped again for coffee and sat in the little beer garden outside. The Ship Inn also has a micro-brewery, serves local food and drinks and is very dog friendly. Parking is just outside the main part of the village and costs £2 per day.

On a recent trip to Beamish Hall, a friend gave me a quick tour and showed me all the new additions that have sprung up there over the past year. The Stables have been totally converted into a lovely bar and restaurant and we enjoyed one of their own beers in the chilled beer garden.

The Rope Activity and Bird of Prey Centre were closed by the time we got there, but a few squirrels came along to see who’s arrived late. The Tree Tops Cafe organises a few summer BBQs, but the area can also be hired for private parties of 20+ people.

The Stables at Beamish Hall has an interesting calendar of events, including music and beer festivals. We’re definitely heading there for the beer festival between 16 – 19 September.

The 300-year old Black Horse Pub in Beamish has recently undergone a major refurbishment. It now has a fabulous restaurant, beer garden with superb views and its own vegetables and herb garden.

The owners are currently developing more additions to the site, but if you’re in need of a chilled atmosphere and extremely nice food, head to the Black Horse now.

It is probably only about 10 minutes from Team Valley in between Sunniside, Tanfield and Beamish. After discovering it for the first time just over a week ago, I’ve visited already three visits our next business lunch will be held there next week.

Vallum Farm & Tea Room is about ten/fifteen minutes away from Corbridge and Hexham in Northumberland on the old military road (leading up to Jedburgh). You will get home made, local, healthy food, a proper coffee, delicious hot chocolate & marshmallows and if you have still space – aim for one of the afternoon teas.

Not only is the food very good and reasonable, there’s a very happy atmosphere and everything is done with much love & care. Great place – can only recommend it!

Hidden in the Yorkshire Dales is this fantastic garden, which features its own castle, underground labyrinths and surprises around every corner. Children will absolutely adore it and grown ups will also enjoy the fabulous views. The Forbidden Corner was created with real passion and imagination and has been voted the UK’s No 1 Family Day Out by the Little Chef.

This little shop in the centre of Tynemouth Village opened in the summer of 2009. The owners have designed clothes and fabrics for a long time and just opened their very first boutique. Ruby & Frank also offers other modern & affordable clothes, including of course a whole range of fab T-Shirts. Check out their website LAVA-LIFESTYLE, which features some of their best sellers.

New independent hotel in Gosforth. Just opened in December 2008 and already in a few guides. They also do breakfast and lunch and have a nice garden to sit in.

Townhouse Hotel, Newcastle upon Tyne

Adrianos is one of our favourite Italian restaurants. Located just on the High Street in Gosforth, it has authentic and very good Italian food, fab service and a really nice setting (including two olive trees inside). There’s also a terrace for the sunny days.

Adrianos, Newcastle upon Tyne