Great emphasis is placed on the quality of the food, and its restaurant is likely to become popular with local diners as well as residents. Where: Jesmond Dene Road, Newcastle (0191 212 3000; www.jesmonddenehouse.co.uk) How much: Double from £145, singles from £115 12 Barn The Biscuit Despite its location slightly off the beaten track - at least until the regeneration of the Ouseburn is completed - Barn The Biscuit has become astonishingly popular. Many of the original features, including wood panelling and high ceilings, have been retained but there are plenty of contemporary touches and modern amenities. Converted from a 19th century mansion, it is more like a country house than a commercial enterprise. Where: 27 Broad Chare, Newcastle (0191 232 1232; www.live .uk) How much: Ticket prices are usually between £5 and £14 11 Jesmond Dene House NewcastleGateshead's newest hotel is only 10 minutes from the city centre, but it could be in the depths of the country, surrounded as it is by the leafy woodland of Jesmond Dene. The auditorium can seat around 170 people, cabaret-style at tables, and there is a bar for refreshments during the performances. Live Theatre will soon extend next door, which will give more rehearsal space, and so the output will grow.
The theatre's bistro, Caf?ive, is worth a visit in its own right for its excellent food and reasonable prices. Alan Plater and Lee Hall have had works performed here; Billy Elliot began here, as a reading called Dancers. British Art Show 6 will open here on 24 September and continues until 8 January. The exhibition will show recent work by contemporary British artists.
Where: South Shore Road, Gateshead, (0191 478 1810; www.balticmill ) When: 10am-6pm daily, until 8pm Thu How much: Free 10 Live Theatre Live Theatre is a small organisation that has had a huge influence on the development of new writing in this country. One of the ideas behind the gallery is to let visitors experience art in the making, as happened with Antony Gormley's Domain Field, where volunteers were cast in plaster before sculptures were made of their shapes. Outlets are still moving in here, so there are always new places opening up. Where: Off Percy Street, Newcastle When: 9am-5.30pm Mon to Sat; Thu until 8pm, Sat until 6pm; 11am-5pm Sun 9 BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art BALTIC is one of the most popular attractions in the city, and has a constantly changing range of temporary exhibitions rather than a permanent collection.
There is also a large Lakeland shop, a branch of Pier and various other interiors stores. The whole place is pleasantly designed, with a high glass roof, which gives it a light, airy feel. Stores include Swarovski, one of several jewellers in the mall, and Daniel Footwear for designer shoes. The quality of the freshly caught fish, in particular, is unbeatable. Where: 19-21 Queen Street, Newcastle (0191 222 0755) When: Noon-2pm, 6-10pm, Mon-Sat How much: Starters from £5.50, mains from £14 8 Eldon Garden This shopping mall represents the classier end of high street shopping, and is more upmarket in what it has to offer than Eldon Square, with which it is connected.
The staff are pleasant and welcoming, and the atmosphere is very relaxed. More importantly, the menu offers plenty of choice, with regular dishes supplemented by daily specials, combining British cuisine with continental influences. Its owner is Terry Laybourne, who has an interest in several other reliable eateries in the area. There is no restaurant either, but next door is the Living Room where breakfast is served. Where: 2 Grey Street, Newcastle (0870 412 5100; www.nichehotels ) How much: Rooms from £129 including continental breakfast 7 Caf?1 Diners here rave about the excellent quality of the cooking, unsurprising given Caf?1's reputation as one of the city's best restaurants. Don't expect a mini-bar, but downstairs is a 24-hour Cellar Bar, with comfy sofas and a flat-screen TV.