Climb Newcastle

Climb Newcastle is a fantastic indoor Bouldering Wall in Byker next to the Metro Station. Bouldering is climbing without a harness, normally climbing many short routes with crash pads below. It's a great form of exercise that can be as relaxing and stretching or hard pushing and challenging as you like. 
Climb Newcastle was set up three years ago by three climbers with a vision, they retro-fitted the Byker Swimming Pool into an accessible centre for climbing. They run introductory and intermediate classes while also running a dedicated children's climbing wall for parties or classes.


The staff are friendly and relaxed, the atmosphere is casual. When I visited, it was quiet enough to really get stuck into the climbing, but busy enough to chat with the more experienced climbers. Who were open to talk over technique and the routes.
The climbing wall has colour coded routes that indicate varying difficulty (difficulty is graded in numbers, the higher the grade, the harder the climb) and average twenty routes for each category. Which is great if you are not sure what to. Don't let that number fool you, although it takes between one and five minutes to complete a route, it's a good burn. Due to my unconditioned soft hands my climbing was cut short, but Climb Newcastle also has a conditioning room with various exercise toys to build strength and condition climbing muscles, this room also leads into a smaller climbing room that is for serious climbers that want to strengthen their hands by gripping impossibly small hold, and I mean Impossible!!

Happy with myself for being so active, I treated myself to a cappuccino, at their own coffee shop! Serving a range of tea's, energy drinks and the usual range of coffee's, I happily relaxed with my cappuccino in the small cafe area that plays climbing video's, nice inspiration for climbers. The notice board advertises lots of events and competitions that they host or take part in, these guys are serious about climbing.
Climb Newcastle also has a equipment shop, selling climbing shoes, chalk, clothing (both climbing and casual), crash pads and a range of other climbing dedicated stock.


Climb Newcastle is a great place to learn to climb with enthusiastic and friendly staff, various courses and a great range of things to climb! There is a small annual membership for £3.50 with a day session session costing £7(concessions available). Which felt pricey considering my fitness limited my climb, but there is no time limit and the option to sign out and come back later in the day (with the option of getting fitter). Shoe hire is an extra £2.50.


Climb Newcastle is convenient, relevant to beginners and seasoned climbers with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. For more information, visit their website.
www.climbnewcastle.com


Open:
Monday-Friday: 12-10pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10am-8pm

Rob French's Auto Services

It's that time of year to put my car in for it's M.O.T. I drive on average three times a week and take a decent journey about once a fortnight, I check the oil and the wheels once a month. I'm no home mechanic but I keep my car in good condition considering I have no garage. That hasn't stopped past M.O.T bills being through the roof. Each time I'd taken my car to one particular national chain, because I'd seen the name around, they were open at fairly convenient times and have nice shiny signs and receptions. Nobody had recommended them, I'd just assumed they'd be good. Each bill I had been given, I just found myself with that feeling of "I'm being Ripped-Off". I don't think it was the case completely, I'm not that bitter, but I just thought sometimes that particular charges had been a little over the top. I would say that the chain garage is often chosen for convenience, consumers want their car serviced in their time and they simply don't know where else to go.

So with "I Buy Newcastle" in mind I asked around, one business owner I spoke with directed me to French Auto Services behind Westgate Road (the road with all the motorcycle shops). He was a very interesting man who'd lived and worked in Newcastle all his life, I couldn't help but completely trust this man. I called up and booked in my car for a basic Service and M.O.T appointment the next day.

It wasn't too hard to find, the garage is on 93 Corporation Street (see location tag below). It is a simple garage, no frills. I don't want a latte while I wait, so I don't have a problem with it. I was met by Rob Whittaker the owner and he came off as friendly, hard working and professional, he took my keys and off I went. I called up later that day and my car was ready to collect. The car was serviced and went through it's M.O.T fine and the total was £121. A very fair price for what I felt was a fair job. I felt treated fairly, I wasn't patronized or given any jargon, I drove away happy and I'll be recommending French Auto Services to anyone who asks.

Open Monday til Friday 8am-5pm.

http://www.frenchautoservices.co.uk/

Call 0191-232-1541

The First Month

Over the past month I have chosen to buy as much as possible from local traders and support local talent instead of the national chains and international brands. I believe as a community we can support each other through supporting local commerce. Our city is unique and full of character and life and one way to maintain that, is to help our own businesses to survive the economic slump. So where possible I have found local alternatives. This has been an odd experience which has been full of pleasant surprises.


Firstly, the cost of shopping local has not always been more expensive than bigger chain shops and in some cases I found the product or service to be much better value. Central Bean Coffee House has similar prices to high street coffee chains and in my opinion has better quality and better service while the instant noodles at 7 Days supermarket are cheaper and better tasting than any SuperNoodle I've ever had!


Secondly, the places I've visited have been far more exciting and interesting than my usual consumer travels. The atmosphere has been much more positive on the whole and real character really comes through, from friendly chats with the shop owners or the sheer bliss of being somewhere fascinating. No28 Bar & Bistro is just the height of cool and Tyneside Cinema has such an intimate and enjoyable atmosphere.


My conclusions so far are that there is a certain amount of exploration that has to be done to find local traders that offer what you are looking for. Google just isn't enough, because our local heroes' internet marketing budgets usually isn't that high. So take a long walk, a bicycle ride, a drive, just spend time around Newcastle and have a good old snoop around. You have to keep open eyes and an open mind, after a little while, you really do see Newcastle in a different light. Trying to help Newcastle this way is so satisfying and continues feeds my love for our fine city.

Mannaza Korean Restaurant

Tucked in a back street behind the Gate is Mannaza Korean Restaurant. A small modern asian eatery. It's sister company to the Sunshine Supermarket, which is next door and open the same hours as the restaurant. We had a table of nine which was no trouble for the patient and smiling staff. The menu is a fine example of Korean cuisine, a variety of soup, sizzling hot plates and rice dishes, many with a heavy hint of spice. 


I chose the Seafood Pancake (£6.90) and was not disappointed, it was one of the non-spicy dishes so I ordered a side of Kimchi (£1.50) which is thee Korean delicacy of pickled cabbages in a spicy sauce that they eat as a side dish/condiment and therefore I think a "must have" to truly get the Korean experience. 
To wash it down I had a can of Rice Punch which I now think is more of a dessert. I was bemused to see actual rice pour out into my glass, but anyway it really helped to cool the mouth after some potent kimchi.
My friends meals all looked delicious too and their clean plates confirmed this. Dishes to note was the Salmon Hotplate which was cooked to perfection, it melted in the mouth. The Tofu Kimchi Soup was a real oriental treat, not as spicy but still had a flavorsome kick.


There are a lot of truly Korean touches such as Metal Chopsticks, the Korean Music Channel playing and the Menu being written in both Korean and English. To me the number of Korean customers already proved authenticity and quality. Also one of the great thing is that if you really liked something, you can pop next door (you don't even have to exit the restaurant) and buy the ingredients from the shop!


I had to find out about the metal chopsticks, it was something I had immediately been curious about and one friend said there was a reason for it. The general belief I've found is that metal is generally better than wood or plastic because it is more durable and hygienic, but not used because it makes eating rice harder. Koreans generally use spoons to eat their rice and therefore have adopted the metal chopstick. If anyone knows otherwise, I'd love to hear it.


So for a authentic Korean nibble, I highly recommend Mannaza and what ever you order, make sure there is a side of kimchi. The restaurant is at the end of Monk St just off China Town or via a small alley way off Low Friar St.


 I must warn that they accept cash only, which can take people by surprise so be prepared.
 Mannaza serve take out as well which receives a 15% discount.


Open: 
Restaurant: Monday to Sunday 11.30am-9.30pm
Shop: Monday to Sunday 11am-11pm


Tel:01912327950

No. 28

On the edge of the Grainger Market, sitting above Nelson Street is No.28. An elegant and stylish cafe/bar/bistro. With a modest entrance and stairs up into No.28, you are immediately blown away by the funky boutique bar. It is an absolutely beautiful secret garden getaway in the middle of the city. It's cool, classy and chilled out. I loved the indoor garden, the false greenery, lamp-post, fairy lights and great mix of music set a really chilled atmosphere.


I just popped in for a light bite and a coffee, I was impressed with the menu (served from 12-8pm) and chose a Goats Cheese & Beetroot Salad (£6).  It was a little light on the goat's cheese and heavy on the onion, but it was a tasty little bite that was worth the money. I ordered an espresso after, but as the coffee machine was off, they offered me cafetiere instead. It was a very good save, it was quite a novelty to get a cafetiere jug instead of my usual espresso.


I really do love the style of this bar-bistro, they have a mezzanine level that is pure class, perfect for a weekend private party. No.28 has a 3am license on the weekend and host free club nights which I'm keen to get myself along to. I noticed some local bottled beers (Wylam £4) I'd like to sip and although I didn't see one, there must be a decent cocktail list judging by the collection of boutique spirits on the back bar.

I'll defiantly be back for a real crack at the menu with some friends (they boast a good Sunday dinner) and also looking to give the club nights a try.
I highly recommend this bar for lunch or a good chilled dinner. There is good promise for weekend drinking, but i'll let you know when I've been. 


Open:
Monday - Thursday 12-10.30pm
Friday - Sunday 12-3am


http://www.no28.co.uk

Cafe Neon

Cafe Neon is a Greek styled cafe/restaurant on the Big Market. It has some lovely Greek touches, first of all, their outside seating area and menu stand, just like walking along a high street in Zante or Athens, minus the temperate climate of course. It was that non threatening browse of the menu that enticed us in, especially the two courses for £8.95 option.
Inside is a blend of Greek landscape wall painting and modern British design, the cafe is small but has a lower floor for more seating of up to a hundred which is also available for private functions. This floor has a little more fun and quirkiness with its wall paintings and design, which we all liked.

The menu is Greek with a British blend. I couldn't resist the crispy chicken wings(£3.95) to start, they were crispy and still very meaty and came with a chunky wedge of lemon to zest them up. My date had the Set Menu (£8.95) pitta bread with tzatziki (Greek yoghurt and cucumber) and hummous which are home made and tasted so fresh. For the main course I had the pork Gyros (shredded pork in pita bread, a Greek Kebab £6.90) with potato wedges, which was meaty and filling. My date had the Beef Stifatho (Beef in a tomato stew) with rice and salad, it was simply delicious. Chunky tender beef in a rich tomato sauce, the small Greek side salad was a small treat in itself, the olive and morsel of feta cheese was rich and tasty, I almost called over the friendly waitress to order more. However I was full and instead asked her for a doggy-bag. The cafe has a pleasant atmosphere and the food can be washed down with a cocktail or Greek beer (Mythos, refreshing & crisp). I feel it is also worth mentioning that we were in a little bit of a rush and the food came promptly enough for us to enjoy our casual dinner at Cafe Neon.


Open Monday to Saturday 11am til 11pm.


Visit their website for more information.
http://neoncafe.co.uk/

Vincenzo's Italian Restaurant

Vincenzo's is modern style neighborhood Italian restaurant in Heaton near the corner of Simonside Terrace and Addycombe Terrace. As you walk in you're met by a modern style restaurant with homely Italian touches. The welcome is pleasant and quick. Even at 6pm the restaurant has a bit of hustle and bustle about it, there are families, friends and couples young and old. A really harmonious and unpretentious mix of the community.

Wine by the glass comes in red, white or rose, but for more adventurous palates the wine menu is quite reasonably priced. The food menu is a simple selection of Italian classics with a more contemporary range of dishes on their Specials page.

I chose wood-pigeon on black pudding to start, with classic bolognese as my main. After all, it is an Italian Ristorante. My date chose to start with bread and olives followed by mediterranean vegetables and pine nut pasta.

The wood-pidgion was tasty and meaty on the black pudding, the bread and olives was a mixed review, the bread was perfectly home baked (which they sell retail if you pre-order) but the olives were a little tasteless and already pitted, which gives them a processed feel that looses the romance in a good bowl of olives. When the bolognese came out, it was a simple, but it was tasty and very satisfying as was the med veg & pine nut pasta. The flavours were not the richest, but by no means were they disappointing, after the meal we were both left feeling full and contented. I feel I must also mention that a neighboring table had ordered pizza and it looked delicious. The atmosphere was ambient yet lively with the wide mix of customers and buzz of the waiters and the friendly Italian host. 

Dessert was out of the question, we were both stuffed, but they did advertise desserts to take-away which I thought was a clever touch. I finished with an espresso instead, which hit the spot perfectly to end an enjoyable meal. Another enjoyable  treat was the price, the meal with a glass of wine, starter and main course each came to just over twenty pounds. Money well spent in my opinion. We did catch the some of our meal in the Early Bird Menu but still the full price menu averages about £3-4 for starters and £6 upward for main courses.

I recommend Vincenzo's to anyone, but especially to Heaton residents as it only a pleasant short walk away.

Family Friendly, Early Bird Menu, Take-away Available.

For Resevation call +44 7725 804854

http://www.cafevincenzos.co.uk

7 Days Oriental Supermarket

7 Days is an oriental food store near The Gate. It's small but packed full of oriental treats. Stocking chilled drinks like Aloe-Vera juice, oriental fizzy-pops to Soybean Milk (60p, not soya milk funnily enough). They have shelves of sweet treats like sugared Cuttlefish(£1.20), green-tea cakes and dried mangoes(£1.99). In their basement floor are shelves of instant noodles (35p-80p per pack) from all across the orient. They are so tasty and full of flavour compared to SuperNoodles and cardboard flavored supermarket brands. They stock a range of jarred sauces and sushi ingredients too. Anyone who's ever been to the orient can appreciate what 7 Days has to offer. Don't be intimidated by all the oriental writing and packaging, most items are labeled in English somewhere on the pack and the staff are friendly and helpful. The ingredients and products here are often cheaper while more flavorsome than big store brands, so experiment with what they have to offer.

My personal favorite about 7 Days is that the store is very well presented, a mixture of enticing, well stocked shelves and bright, funky oriental pop culture.


Open:

Monday-Sunday: 12noon-11pm.


http://www.facebook.com/7daysnewcastle

Intermezzo

Intermezzo is a cool cafe-bar packed neatly into the corner of Tyneside Cinema. It has an Italian cafe/bar charm with the red leather, patio doors and shelf of liqueurs behind the counter. They open late every night and offer wine, beers and a menu of almost fifty cocktails (£5). Their cocktail menu competes with any of the cocktail bars in town with an added bonus of a range of coffee cocktails. They have a small selection of panini's and pastries available too.

It's a tight fit inside Intermezzo, but they have plenty of outside seating which adds to the Italian atmosphere. It's a smokers paradise. The music is cool and contemporary which very much defines intermezzo. The coffee is rich and strong (Americano £2.10), served in the smaller continental style cups. There is a very arty atmosphere which is odd as there is very little art work, mainly due to the fact that there isn't much wall space.


Intermezzo is perfect for an after work coffee or glass of wine, depending on the day you've had I guess. Any visit to Tyneside Cinema should either start or finish with a trip to this cool little coffee shop.


Open: 
Monday-Saturday: 8am-11pm
Sunday 11am-11pm.


Wifi available, Cocktails & Wine, Smoker Friendly.

Ma Provence French Bakery

On Grey Street right next to Monument Metro is Ma Provence. A small cafe that serves a selection of french baked goodies. Firstly for me, they make fresh Crepes, which made them a winner already, the mouth watering provincial french menu also includes fresh croissants, pizza slices, tasty flans, chunky stews and soups with a new selections of waffles. My crepe was a Ham & Cheese (Savory £3.50, Sweet £2.50) crepe which took a little longer to arrive than expected, but when it did, it was a simple but eye-pleasing square parcel, the ham & cheese filling was rich and creamy and it was quickly wolfed down. The coffee (Americano £1.35) was a not the greatest, served in small cups like the continent, it was little bit flat like the coffee beans were stale.

The atmosphere is really relaxed, I have the feeling they have a small but highly loyal clientele with an appreciation for french culture. There were even a couple of french accents I heard while tucking into my crepe. However, it is a small cafe, so be warned if there are more than a few of you going, you may have to wait for a seat.

Ma Provence is a lovely little coffee house, if you have ever visited France, it will be sure to bring back all those fond memories.

http://www.maprovence.co.uk/

Central Bean Coffee House

Near the center of town by St James Metro is Central Bean Coffee House. It's a coffee shop that in my eyes has combined all the strengths of chain coffee shops but has retained the passion and values of a local business. 

Firstly in the design, as you walk in, it has all the professional sleek and organisation of a large chain coffee shop, but the love is evident in its details. No expense has been sparred, the high quality in the furniture and decorations shines through, from the totem-pole at the entrance, wooden ceiling above the coffee counter to the coffee ring wallpaper in sofa lounge area. It is so simple and tasteful in design.

The coffee menu matches the design, providing a full coffee range like a Starbucks or Costa but with passion and quality at heart, each coffee is Perfect. This cannot be stressed enough. Each Americano has a beautiful golden crema and each latte is a silky, milky delight with either a tulip or fern-leaf pattern on top (a small latte is £2.35, cheaper than a Costa flat-white). A testimony to the expertise and dedication of the staff, who are friendly and attentive.

There is also a small but tasty selection of sandwiches (average £2.90), panini's (£3.95) and a selection of quality tray bakes and cakes.The Yum-Yums are a personal recommendation £1.75.

The atmosphere is relaxed and people are chatting away happily or getting stuck into books or laptops. So if you love the style of large chains coffee shops and great coffee but want to take the "I Buy Newcastle" attitude, I highly recommend Central Bean Coffee House that has branches in Jesmond and Morpeth with a new branch in the new business park coming.

Open:

Monday-Friday 7.30am-6pm.

Saturday 9am-4pm.  

Sunday 10a-2pm.

WiFi available, Great coffee.

http://www.centralbean.co.uk/

Heaton Perk

Heaton Perk is a cosy coffee shop on Heaton Park Road. It's a little treasure trove of vintage chic. The cool mismatching furniture and the walls of used books (that are available to browse or book swap) are mirrored in their range of drinks, using local Pumphrys coffee and fashionable Canada Hot Apple tea that is complimented by cookies, panini's and cakes topped by a great selection of classic sweeties and treats from back in the day. So hats off to the staff for being patient while we take five minutes to order! 

Heaton Perk has all its strengths in its casual retro style, great atmosphere and its community spirit. They support a variety of community events and host a bunch of their own fun little clubs. Pop in for a coffee and browse the fliers and posters of all the events going on.


Open: 
Monday to Wednesday: 8am-6pm
Thursday: 8am-9.30pm
Friday & Saturday: 8am-6pm
Sunday: 11am-4pm


WiFi available. Book Swap. Board Games. Baby Friendly.

Salsa Amor

It's Friday night and time to celebrate the end of the week. So what can we do while wearing the "I Buy Newcastle" badge?


An alternative to a meal at Zizzi's then a visit to the cinema or a few pints at the Weatherspoons, is dancing the night away at Salsa Amor. It's a Salsa evening at the Black Swan pub in the center of town near the O2 Academy, through a charming entry way into a small continental style plaza and down the stairs. It starts at 7.30pm with a beginners class, followed by a intermediate class at 8.45pm (they also run the beginners class again in the bar, really useful for first timers and improvers!) then the floor opens to everyone from 9.30pm. It's a friendly and lively environment where anyone can ask anyone to dance, men asking women and women asking men. The dance floor is buzzing and there is always space on the edges for new dancers. The night is made to cater for experienced dancers, but is truly enjoyable for beginners. There is lots of space to sit and watch or hang out and enjoy the music at the bar with new friends.


There is no need to bring a partner or book, it's a casual affair. Wear smooth soled shoes and something light, salsa dancing the night away gets surprisingly warm. The charge is £6 (£5 Student) for the class and the rest of the night, if you don't need the class or come after 10pm it's £4 (£3) Student.


Visit the website for more information.
http://www.salsa-amor.co.uk/

The First Step

I Buy Newcastle is an idea born from  a mixture of pride in Newcastle and wanting to support local businesses struggling in the wake of economic downturn. As a normal consumer I realize that I could easily do more to support them. The little extra that we spend with local business makes a big difference to them. To us it is an extra 15p for a loaf of bread but a £1.15 extra revenue to the corner shop.


Using local traders as much as possible has opened my eyes as a consumer to a whole new world of local products and services. I realize that often our local business' don't have the large marketing budget that the large companies. However they do have friendly faces that care about thier product instead of call centre voices that care about their commission.


We can really support our local shops with a combination of spending a little to make a big difference, a keen eye to find local goods and making the time to get to the local shops.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not preaching that the large companies are all evil, but I don't want to lose local shops with unique Newcastle charachter to big chain stores that to be honest, verge on boring and unimaginative. I want to keep Newcastle original and to stand apart from every other usual big city high street mix of Topman, Miss Selfridge, Starbucks, Superdrug, PriceLess Shoes and HMV. BORING! 


Becoming "I Buy Newcastle" does not happen over night, we must slowly wean ourselves off the corporate chain  and convenience buying that we are all now accustomed to. My personal journey in becoming "I Buy Newcastle" will start with buying my caffine fix from local coffee shops instead of Starbucks or Costa chains. Try it with me. 
Whatever we want as coffee consumers, I'm certain that ther is a local alternative to provide it. I personally want the best coffee with a buzz, i'm willing to wait and pay for it too, but that isn't for everyone I know. some want the coolest social hang out, some want the biggest cup of joe they can find, some want a quick coffee hit, no questions asked. Over the next month I will be reviewing locally owned coffee houses particularly.


If you have suggestions of coffee shops to try. Please post a comment. 
Any questions or comments would also be greatly appriciated. 

Cafe One 20

An afternoon stroll in the sun brings us to Cafe One 20 at 120 Heaton Road (do you see what they did there?), on the corner of Heaton Road and Cardigan Terrace. It's a tidy and trendy looking cafe with modern leather couches and chairs, arty photos of Newcastle and an enticing display of cakes and tray bakes.


The staff are cheerful and the coffee is tasty and strong.
 A creative selection of paninis and sandwich available, both vegitarian (£3.95 with salad & coleslaw) and carnivorous (£4.25 with salad & coleslaw) with a wide breakfast menu providing toast (£1.25) to their Cafe One 20 take on the full English breakfast (£4.50).
Cafe One 20 offer the usual range of coffees using a local coffee brand complimented by a range of Canadian Hot Apple sweet-teas, other herbal teas and Chai Teas.

Cafe One 20 is open Monday to Saturday 9am til 5pm and Sundays 10am til 4pm. 
wi-fi not available. Baby friendly.


A comfortable and professional cafe in the heart of a popular student area that ticks all the boxes. Perfect for a business coffee/lunch or break from the books. Drop in some time if your in the area.

Why "I Buy Newcastle"?

"I Buy Newcastle" is a campaign to support local commerce, community spirit and reputation within the Tyne and Wear County.

We promote locally owned businesses in an attempt to keep the Newcastle economy thriving. We believe in supporting local business because in today's poor economic conditions it is the small business' that suffer first. We want to prevent them from going under. We want to keep our unique Newcastle identity, self-respect and pride.

We are a campaign about Pride in Newcastle, Supporting our local Businesses and Maximising our Potential as a city.

This Blog will journal and discuss:

• the Local Alternatives to Big Brands.
• Review and Interview local business.
• Identify the difficulties of buying local and how to over come them.
• Reasons to say "I Buy Newcastle".