Beautifully rustic Mediterranean interiors, animated atmosphere and mouth watering food all work in happy unison to make a visit to Boquerones Tapas and Cocktails always agreeable.

One of Newcastle’s most well loved gig venues, Little Buildings is open 7 days a week and remains a local favourite.

Following the closure of Stack, a hugely popular food, drink and entertainment pop up in Newcastle’s Stephenson Quarter, plans are full steam ahead for a permanent location at Worswick Chambers.

A stone’s throw from Sunderland museum and winter gardens, is D’Acqua – an exceptional eating experience in the heart of the city. In a Grade II listed building that used to house the Sunderland and South Tyneside water board, you will be able to enjoy the ambience that resonates out of these fantastic bricks and mortar – French oak floors and handmade bricks at that.

Angelo’s Ristorante is an authentic Italian restaurant in Sunniside, Sunderland. Sitting within in a Grade II listed building, the restaurant enjoys surroundings that have been carefully restored using the original features of the building, including a rare glass staircase from the 19th century.

The Cellar Door is a premium restaurant built into an old 13th century baker shop enjoying wonderful, wooded views over the River Wear.

Nadon Thai is part of an independent chain of restaurants with a menu with a traditional and modern palette with a passion for Thai food.

Tango is an independent restaurant providing the best in comfort food with a varied burger menu and in-house deserts.

Founded in 2010, Fat Hippo offers signature burgers and indulgent desserts at purse-friendly price points.

Blackfriars restaurant has gone from strength to strength. Andy and his wife, Sam, founded it in 2001 and developed it in the following years, so much so that they have come to use more and more of the old monastery buildings for baking lessons, wine tasting and cookery courses, all bookable through their website.

Behind Newcastle Train station, and a stones throw away from the location where George and Robert Stephenson built The Rocket steam locomotive, is Sachins. Sachins provides the finest Punjabi cuisine in Newcastle and the North East.

On the Gateshead quayside, underneath the Tyne bridge is one of the best locations to go for a meal in Newcastle and Gateshead. In what was once derelict land on the quayside, now exists a fantastic shipping container village of purposely rusted shipping containers.