The Secret Lives of Red Squirrels

WARNING: Ridiculously cute animals feature prominently in this blog post 

Calling all bookworms, photographers and animal lovers...

Don't miss the chance to see the unique and charming personalities of the red squirrel come alive in a brand new book!

'On The Trail of Red Squirrels' is a brand new book published by Will Nicholls, a good friend of mine who also happens to be a self-taught, award-winning local wildlife photographer. Having won a string of awards - namely RSPCA Young Photographer, Young British Wildlife Photographer and most recently the ZSL Animal Photographer Prize 2013 - Will's new book is his latest achievement and really does deserve the North East's support. 

''The first time the squirrel spotted the camera sitting idly on the woodland floor was a moment I will always remember'' 

Will spent six years feeding a family of red squirrels who live in a nearby wood in Northumberland. He set up his own hide and patiently tried to gain their trust so they’d make an appearance long enough for him to position his camera. Once in sight, Will strives to capture the unique personalities of the squirrels and has certainly succeeded in capturing the charming and sometimes cheeky poses of resident red squirrels. On The Trail Of Red Squirrels provides a fascinating and unique insight into the elusive, and sadly endangered red squirrel, thanks to Will's unrelenting passion (and patience!). Thanks to generous donations, Will was able to get his debut book published by local publishers Wagtail Press which is available to buy locally in Corbridge from Forum Books www.forumbooks.co.uk, Will's website www.willnicholls.co.uk and Amazon. 

''A squirrel will grab hold of a hazelnut between its paws, turning it several times to determine its contents. Sometimes it will find a bad nut and discard it''

Will hopes that his new book will provide a window into the secretive world of red squirrels as he shares his unique insight into their world. I have been lucky enough to receive a copy already and I can tell you that this glossy book is an absolute delight. Each image is more impressive and beautiful than the last and I love Will's honest and funny commentary throughout. I don't want to spoil it for you but I have a feeling you'll love the part about 'Lucky' just as much as I did! 

''My favourite characteristic of red squirrels is, of course, their beautiful red coats'' 

This blog is as much about celebrating local talent as it is independent businesses and places to visit, so I thought I'd share a few photos with you from this exciting new book. Will is currently on expedition in Cambodia, but you can follow his progress on his blog by clicking here, or by following him on twitter. 

Twelfth-Floor Fairytale

Last night the girls and I dressed to impress in honour of the long-awaited grand opening of The Vermont Hotel's Sky Lounge and Garden, and boy, is that place special. 

Having spent a good proportion of my wages at the hotel's sister bar, Livello, in the past, I was intrigued to see how the elder sibling would match up. If Livello is the good looking Brad Pitt/Ryan Gosling/David Beckham's of the world (delete as appropriate), then The Vermont is without doubt the charming Jay Gatsby. Livello oozes style with its cool, contemporary furnishings and sculptural lights, whereas The Vermont boasts an effortless elegance associated with the roaring twenties and thirties thanks to the deep mahogany woodwork and leather Chesterfield sofas in the Redwood Whisky Bar and boudoir-style Bridge Brasserie. 

Emily and I arrived shortly after seven and sank into one of these sumptuous chairs with a glass of champagne. It wasn't long before we were treated to the selection of canapes on offer - starting with a juicy burger topped with streaky bacon and a cone of chips, followed by deep fried prawn with a delicious sweet chilli dip and the cutest mini shepherd's pies I have ever seen. Naturally, I gobbled them down before I even thought to take a picture, but they were so dainty and topped with creamy mashed potato and a single pea, I'm going to try and recreate them at some point! After sampling all of the savoury canapes on offer (for research purposes of course) we moved on to a trio of desserts: fresh strawberries dipped in molten chocolate, chunks of pineapple rolled in coconut (a surprisingly nice combination) and a tangy lemon posset encased in thick, buttery shortbread. 

The atmosphere was genuinely enjoyable, we weren't bothered by over-zealous staff and we were left alone for a well deserved catch up. I felt so relaxed and happy. and with champagne, canapes and your best friend - what more could you want? It wasn't long before we were invited to see the Sky Lounge and Garden. Stepping out from the twelfth floor I can honestly say the view took my breath away. The Vermont's convenient city centre location is already a fantastic asset, but the new rooftop area captures exclusive views of the city from a unique bird's eye view. I've lived in Newcastle all of my life and I love wandering along the Quayside at night, but seeing it in panoramic version from so high up is miles better!

The lounge features its own outdoor bar for private functions and plenty of rattan furniture and marquees to sit and schmooze at. My favourite touch was the spotlights in the floor that gently lit up and changed colour every so often, complementing the bright lights of the city beyond. It was clear from the enthusiastic exchanges and rush to take photographs that every body else was taken aback by the view too, if only it wasn't so difficult to take a good shot of the lounge in the dark! 

I hate to admit it but after uni I was becoming tired of the same old haunts and bars in Newcastle, preferring a night in Hugo's or Lola Jeans in Tynemouth near where I live instead, so it's refreshing to discover somewhere so special right on your doorstop and fall back in love with Newcastle's nightlife. We were speaking with a member of staff who told us they're going to be serving champagne afternoon tea on the Sky Lounge next summer which sounds pretty bloody fantastic.

Before we knew it the rain clouds descended and our rooftop adventure had to come to an end. Stopping for one last drink, we made our way to Livello downstairs to catch up with every one else and sample a few of their cocktails (well, it would be rude not to).

If you're looking for somewhere special in the city centre as a birthday or Christmas treat then I highly recommend The Vermont, it's conveniently located to pretty much everything - the train station, metro, city centre bars and restaurants, the motorway.  As the cold, dark nights draw in, I can see myself slipping into The Vermont for a night cap, it's always nice to try somewhere new now and again don't you think?

P.s) if anyone has any other recommendations of hidden gems/must not miss places I should try then I'd love to hear them! Similarly, if you're looking on advice on places to go around town then I'm sure I can point you in the right direction.

www.vermont-hotel.com

www.barlivello.co.uk

Payday Friendly Place To Eat

After managing to grab a pair of (very last minute) tickets to see Fiddler on the Roof as a treat for my mam last week, I finally got the chance to visit the iconic Theatre Royal after it's recent restoration. As expected, both the show and the recently-renovated surroundings were fantastic, yet it was the bar/pizzeria attached to the theatre that took me by surprise. 

We decided to have a few drinks in Pasqualino's before the show. Furnished with colourful mismatched chairs and graffiti-style walls, the bar also boasts an extensive drinks menu which we made good use of and made a mental note to return for food. As luck would have it, less than a week later the boyfriend and I found ourselves in town after work looking for somewhere to eat. With payday still in the distant future, we didn't want to pay over the odds. This is probably also a good time to mention that my darling boyfriend is quite possibly the fussiest eater ever, so finding somewhere we can both agree on is difficult. With two courses of any pizza or pasta for £8.95, or three for £10.95 until 10pm, Pasqualino's came to the rescue. 

Pasqualino's was just the right kind of busy for me when we arrived on a rainy Thursday evening: bustling and buzzing without being too loud or overcrowded. Richie knew what he wanted straight away (minestrone soup to start followed by pasta Amatriciana which consisted of smoked pancetta, onion and tomato), whereas I struggled to narrow down my list of choices (nothing new there though). The Orecchiette Pinoli (fresh orecchiette with chillli, pine nuts, lemon zest and broccoli) sounded good, but then again so did the pappadelle maiale (pasta with pulled pork, onion dried tomatoes, marscapone and sage), but I eventually opted for the latter: the Lola pizza (peppers, mozzarella and rocket pesto) and dessert to satisfy my sweet tooth. As Richie wolfed down his minestrone soup starter I sipped my glass of chilled prosecco looking at him with doe eyes until he offered me some. I'm pleased to report that the stock was rich and moreish with a slight kick while the soft vegetables fell to pieces in your mouth. Richie actually declared it was the best soup he's ever eaten. Not a bad start! 

Our mains soon arrived and Richie was greeted by a steaming bowl of fresh pasta while I tackled my ginormous pizza. The dough was thin and crispy just the way I like it and the pesto drizzle lifted the fresh tomato base. Nothing was too much for the staff, checking we had everything we needed and were okay for drinks which was lovely. Naturally I had to try some of Richie's pasta and I'm afraid I have to admit to a slight case of food envy. The pasta was cooked to perfection, swirled into a meaty sauce and generously sprinkled with parmesan. I guess it was only fair that I let Richie have a taste of my dessert - a knickerbockerglory of joy filled with generous scoops of creamy chocolate ice cream, crushed amaretto biscuit and a berry compote. Delicious!

The food at Pasqualino's is wonderfully homecooked food and fantastic value for money that is best served with a glass of wine and friends which is exactly what the girls are planning to do very soon!

To browse their extensive menu and find out more information about this fantastic Italian's - visit www.pasqualinos.co.uk

If like me, there just aren't enough hours in the day and you haven't had a chance to check out the new and improved Theatre Royal, or you fancy doing something different with your Saturday night, see what's on at www.theatreroyal.co.uk (I just booked tickets for the Scottish Ballet and can't wait to go back)