Taste of Europe on Tyneside
BARBARA HODGSON HAS NEWS OF A NEW EVENT A NEWCASTLE’S BISCUIT FACTORY
AS THE balmy weather gets us in the holiday mood, The Biscuit Factory in Newcastle is launching Summer Night Markets to bring thoughts of jetting off abroad one step closer.
The art gallery has teamed up with a travel specialist to host two cultural evenings where visitors can shop around for holiday inspiration and enjoy a themed menu.
The nights will be themed around hand-picked European destinations and experts from independent company Travel Bureau will be on hand to give tips on how to get to them, while stalls ranging from fashion to luxury travel essentials will combine to offer a one-stop shop.
The pop-up shopping and dining experiences will take place during special evening openings at the gallery, with the aim of creating the atmosphere of a bustling night market.
The theme of the first, on July 6, will be Italy, while Spain will be the focus of the night on August 17 and the Biscuit Factory’s cafe will be running supper clubs with three-course menu, plus a glass of prosecco, based around each country’s cuisine.
Kathryn Malone, marketing manager at Travel Bureau, said the company’s staff, together with those from luxury travel company Classic Collection, will help bring those countries’ cultures to life.
“They can advise on the best time to travel, where you can fly to direct from Newcastle and what the must-see attractions are, as well as reveal each country’s hidden gems,” she added.
Both evenings will include a short talk, revealing some lesser-known locations and interesting itineraries, and visitors can have their specific questions answered.
There will be crafts and jewellery on offer alongside continental beer and treats ranging from antipasti to homemade gelato.
Other attractions will include sellers such as House of Fraser; the newly-opened Grey Street Hotel spa; Boilerhouse hair salon; Forum Books featuring the likes of food writing and ideal summer reads, and Corney & Barrow Wine Merchants, which will come up with plenty pairing ideas.
There will also be a prize draw to win a £250 Classic Collection holiday voucher to go towards a trip to Italy or Spain, as well as one to win gifts from the stalls.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to see the gallery’s summer exhibition and, to add a further cultural touch, landscape artist Stephen Heward will create a new painting live in the gallery.
Rachel Brown, general manager of The Biscuit Factory, said: “Art, culture and travel go hand in hand so we’re excited to present an event that brings these elements together.”
The events will run 6-9pm and are free to attend although guests can pre-register online to enter into the prize draw to win stall gifts.
The £30 Supper Club menu should also be pre-booked.