Cupcake Decorating at the Copthorne Hotel Newcastle

At the beginning of this month, an email popped up in my inbox inviting me to an exciting event in Newcastle. The event in question involved cake so it's safe to say that my reply was swift. Joe Blogs has arranged a cupcake decorating class with an afternoon tea for North East bloggers to enjoy at the Copthorne Hotel. Sitting on the River Tyne, this hotel was easy to find, had lots of parking and is in a central location but far enough from town that it is still quiet.

When we arrived I saw some familiar faces and before long we were placed in front of some icing and handed our first cake. First up was a really simple but effective decoration using marshmallows and yellow sugar as you can see below. Next, it got a little more complicated as we attempted to create a pink teddy bear with royal icing. I was quite pleased with my cake at the end!

Julie from Julie's Cake House led us through the process step by step allowing us mere mortals to attempt the amazing decorations she designs. After the teddy bear, we created a beauty inspired cake and then another flower. It was a very fun few hours.

When everyone had finished their cake decorating we were taken for a tour of the hotel. It's a fantastic hotel providing spacious modern rooms with brilliant views out on to the River. I was impressed with the size of the rooms and how well kept the hotel was. During the tour my tummy was rumbling so I was happy to find that our next stop was the afternoon tea buffet. I picked up lots of yummy bits including sandwiches, scones and cake. There was so much selection of cake and it all tasted delicious, I'd definitely come again.

Overall it was a fantastic day in which I learned so much about cake decorating, got to have a nosy around a brilliant hotel and of course stuff my face with cake! I'd definitely recommend the hotel if you are staying in the area. Thanks, Copthorne Hotel for hosting, Joe Blogs for organising and Julie for teaching us her trade.

A trip beyond the wall - Edinburgh

Myself and my friend, Danni, recently took a trip up North, 'beyond the wall' to Scotland, Edinburgh to be specific.

We went first class on the train to see Louise Live, Sprinkle of Glitter's show. I was so excited to be going first class thinking I'd get a full English brekkie on the way there (in my dreams ey!). It wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Although we had more space and a big window, when we eventually got our food it was a bright yellow croissant and a yoghurt. The constant supply of beverages was good though. A few cups of tea and bottles of water got me through.

When we arrived we checked into our hotel, IBIS styles at St Andrew Square, which wasn't far from the station or the main strip of shops. It was decorated well in all green and purple (thistle themed!) and very clean. We ventured out into the town and after we did some shopping we toddled off to find the venue for Louise Live.

The show was great and although we felt incredibly old in a sea of 12-16-year-olds Louise catered to all age groups with her content. She is a naturally funny person and had the audience in giggles throughout. 

When it had finished it was time to get dolled up and find some cocktail bars. First stop was Treacle, bar & kitchen, which did not disappoint. Although busy when we arrived we didn't let it put us off and we both picked a drink from the menu. Danni had a raspberry and pear mojito whilst I decided on a Rosie and Gin which was very fruity and sweet!

A table became available so we got comfy and ordered another drink, this time from the specials board. All the time we sat drinking we were pondering our food choices. After failing to find a Chinese/Japanese/Thai place we liked the look of we decided on Jamie's Italian.

There was about an hour waiting time so we sat down with another cocktail. This time I had a passion fruit and mango smash whilst Danni went for a raspberry mule. When eventually sat down at our table we were famished so swiftly ordered. The food was lovely and we followed up quickly with dessert. The venue in which this Jamie's Italian is set it stunning. It is so ornate and elegant - it's definitely somewhere you can go for a special night out. 

After all the food and drink we set off back to the hotel for a good nights sleep before travelling back in the morning. 

Have you been to Edinburgh? Where do you recommend visiting?

Edinburgh Eats: Boozy Cow

Recently I took a trip to Edinburgh to see Louise Live! As always I like to ask twitter for food recommendations and a lovely tweeter suggested this place. The Boozy Cow is located not far from the main shops on Princes Street and very easy to find. Inside it is grungy and industrial like a lot of trendy burger places are these days.

The first thing we did when we sat down was scoured the cocktail menu. Well, it was the weekend! I picked one with Iron Bru & rum and my friend, Danni, picked the twizzler with cherry vodka & sherbet. Both were delicious and very easy to drink. Too easy you could say...

After we were settled with our drinks, it was time to order food. I decided to forego my usual cheeseburger for a dirty chicken burger whilst Danni picked a Philly cheesesteak and we got a portion of sweet potato fries to share.

I wasn't really a big fan of the burger I picked. The menu said it was dipped in gravy and to me that sounded heavenly but when it arrived it was very dry. The sweet potato fries were lovely and crispy.

Overall the service and drinks were great.  I think next time I will stick with my good ol' cheeseburger.

Have you visted the Boozy Cow? What did you have?