Play Hard

A month in the life of our Editor

It's been a packed June - here's everything Laura has discovered and loved.

Written by Laura Kingston

Published 28.06.2023

I don’t know about you, but I love reading ‘day/month in the life’ columns to get a voyeuristic insight into how other people live.

June has been absolutely packed for me, in the best way, so this month I thought I’d do a look back at everything I’ve discovered so that I can share the joy…

SHAPES AT KORK, WHITLEY BAY

I’ve heard lots of good things about the Shapes pop-ups happening across the North East where chef Joshua Radley cooks up pasta and small plates.

My friend and I managed to bag a table at the Kork Wine & Deli pop-up in Whitley Bay which was super lucky as the tickets sold out within minutes.

The menu was so delicious but not huge, which was perfect because we managed to justify ordering one of almost everything to share. The burrata dish was the star of the show. Warm but not baked and literally the best I’ve had in my life. The pasta dishes were all super fresh and tasty, but I’m still dreaming about the white chocolate and passionfruit mousse we had for desert.

It was at the end of a long day where both of us were feeling drained and lacking basic motor-neurone skills but this evening perked us right up – made better by cuddles at the end of the night from Kork’s little French bulldog Mable. The team at Kork are so welcoming, great craic and set a lovely environment.

Keep an eye on their Instagram for future events.

AN EVENING WITH DOCTOR SEAWEED AT SEAHAM HALL

Rosie and I were invited by our friends at Doctor Seaweed to celebrate the launch of their supplements in Seaham Hall’s spa.

The welcome smoothie was so good that I asked for the recipe (spinach, kale, mango, kiwi, apple juice and a seaweed capsule, FYI).

It’s a lovely partnership because the staff at Seaham Hall spa genuinely care about their guests feeling good from the outside in. I’ve been a convert to Doctor Seaweed supplements since I heard about them since the benefits are SO plentiful for a natural supplement.

But it was the first time that I’d heard the founder Craig talk about why he created the supplement – I was so into it that I ended up taking a supplement halfway through his talk…

It was also lovely to spend a bit of time with Rosie after the event, Seaham Hall is so lovely we just walked around the grounds in the sunset making future plans for HLN.

30 HOURS IN KRAKOW WITH THE FAMILY

Those that know me know that travelling is one of my most favourite things in the world. I haven’t been on holiday with my family for more than 7 years and they decided to go to Krakow to celebrate my brother’s birthday.

I had already RSVP’d to our first HLN wedding (congratulations Becky!) so ended up flying out at 4am (yes, it was painful) the morning after to join them.

It was a short but sweet trip – but here are the things I’d recommend:

Visit Auschwitz (I didn’t get a chance to do this but everyone I’ve spoken to said it’s really worth going when you’re there)
People watch with a drink in the main square
Walk through the park surrounding the city
Go on a horse and carriage ride – this is actually a great way to see the city and I’d recommend going on a long one as you won’t want to get off
Try the potato cakes

Here’s a cute apartment to stay in, MyFive Apartments Krakow.

TWO GREAT PERFUME EVENTS AT FENWICK NEWCASTLE

I attended two perfume events at Fenwick this month and both are brands that I really rate.

The first was Obvious Parfums – a Parisian-based brand which has a pop-up in ladieswear at the moment. The values behind the brand are all about wearing fragrance for yourself and how it makes you feel, rather than wearing it for other people. Founder David has worked for huge fragrance brands in the past and talked us through the collection. My favourites are Un musc, Un oud, and Une vanille.

Later that evening I also heard all about the Initio brand which is now stocked in Fenwick Newcastle. These perfumes are super strong, you just need one or two spritzes and you’ll still be smelling it on yourself, even after you’ve had a shower which is crazy.

My favourites are Paragon from the new Hedonist collection (of course) and Side Effect from the Carnal collection which apparently evokes feelings of pleasure in people that smell it on you…

FUN IN LONDON WITH BRUNCH AND KAROKE

Last weekend I drove down to London to spend some time with my friend who lives in Newcastle now but was visiting home for the weekend.

We had a super fun night with all of her old work friends at The Horseshoe in Southwark, then devoured an amazing brunch at Roka on the Saturday. The brunch here is SO good – you get a Bellini on arrival then unlimited wine or Prosecco, but the best part is the sashimi platter which is huge, the massive range of starters than just keep coming, and the main courses are the same as what you would get for lunch or dinner – all in all brilliant value for an amazing meal.

We followed up up with karaoke at Lucky Voice – our rendition of Firework by Katy Perry was so painful I can’t bring myself to torture people with it on social media, but the endorphins were flowing.

Let’s see what July brings,,,

If you like what you see, follow me on Instagram: @editor_high_life_north.