Play Hard

Online shopping with the LBB

Did you know you can filter the LBB to businesses that sell online? Because sometimes, we need that shopping fix asap.

Written by Laura Kingston
Published 30.04.2021

Food and drink

First? Coffee. Surf across to Baristocracy to pick up some freshly roasted beans. Whilst it’s not quite as fun as popping in to chat to Kate and Alex, there are extensive tasting notes online so you can pick up a bit of what you fancy. Need to sweeten things up? Head across to The Travelling Bee Company to check out Mark’s gorgeous natural and unprocessed honey from beehives across the North East of England. This is a man who really cares about his bees, bundling them into his Bee-Mobile and travelling across the region – and often further afield – to give these happy bees access to the widest variety of flowers in every season.

Next, prepare for lots of ‘Add to Cart’ clicks over at La Chocolatrice where we guarantee you’ll be swooning over the delicious chocolate bars created by chocolatier Zoë in her Coxhoe-based chocolate factory. HLN favs include the White Chocolate and Raspberry, Rocky Road and Milk Chocolate Whole Nut. There are also dairy-free and vegan bars available too.

Finally, the last stop on the indulgence train takes us to Laneberg Wine to stock up on some award-winning English wine, made right here on Tyneside. Our Editor Laura’s favourite wine in the world, Bacchus is currently sold out but available to pre-order. While you’re waiting patiently, check out their light and fruity red, Maximillian, or their semi-sparkling The Mortal Angel which is perfect for evenings in the garden.

Fashion and Beauty

Step away from ASOS and instead head to Eleven Boutique to find something that not everyone else in the beer garden will be wearing. Owner Sally is known for her effortless style which is perfect as we start to emerge from lockdown and want something that looks good but feels comfortable. Her products are a really great price point too – there’s a fab ‘coatigan’ we’ve got our eye on which is ideal for when it starts to get chilly in the beer garden, and it’s a steal at £20.

Finish off the look with shoes and accessories from Finale Shoes and Accessories. This Corbridge boutique is packed with items that have been carefully created by mother and daughter team Lynn and Faye. They stock a wide range of high-quality brands that can’t be found in larger chains so you’re sure to find something different.

Now for the jewels. Long-standing friend of HLN, Salome, is your go-to for impressive and eye-catching accessories. Whether you prefer discreet or bold jewellery, Salome has the goods. They’re so beautifully packaged that they make great gifts, too. Looking for something more delicate? Kim at Daint jewellery is your girl, with a range of minimalist rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings, with gemstones and sea glass found on the Northumberland coast.

Home and interiors

We’ve all done it. Had a space on the wall to fill and picked up a cheap print and a cheap frame from B&Q. If you’re still doing this then trust us, you’re missing out. The North East is full of brilliant art galleries offering something to suit all tastes. Check out The Aviary which has a fantastic range of unique artwork as well as lower priced items that make brilliant gifts.

Specialist picture framer and modern art gallery Gallagher & Turner has some really great pieces to suit a range of tastes. We love the square chilli dish which will be great for dinner parties when we can have them again.

If it’s home furnishings you’re after, Barrel & Bird is our go-to. This creative duo use reclaimed scaffold boards to create heavy-duty, unique pieces. We love the centrepiece which we’ve filled with candles, and also the ultimate bath caddy which sold out last Christmas due to its popularity. (You can add a wine glass holder, it’s amazing). Need a coaster to balance your prosecco on? New kid on the block Kay Carter Studio creates super eye-catching plant pots, cases, coasters and trays in terrazzo and marbled designs – v.on-trend.

Laura Kingston High Life North Magazine North East, Newcastle
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