Meating friends and enjoy the delights at The Curing House, Middlesbrough

Eating out is always one of my favourite things to do. I do love cooking but the thought of some great food cooked by someone else will never fail to be appealing to me. When I was organising to go out with a friend for a few drinks, she suggested we get food too. Knowing there were still places in Middlesbrough I'd yet to try, I asked if she wanted to go to the Curing House. This was also a place she was really eager to visit so we booked ourself in!

Situated on Bedford Street, the new hub for foodies in Middlesbrough, the Curing House describes itself as a 'unique charcuterie bar and restaurant'. When we walked in I instantly fell in love with the decor. It's very retro with a modern twist featuring mustard yellow, greys and black in the design.

It was quite quiet for a Thursday night with only a few other tables filled but this made our experience more enjoyable as it was easy to chat without much other noise. We were quickly seen to and started looking over the menu. There were many delicious choices featured on the menu, and with this, we decided we were going all out with three courses.

To start with the House Sausage Tortellini caught my eye whilst Jen wanted to try what they are famed for, their charcuterie meats. My starter was okay, but not something I'd choose again in a hurry, Jen seemed to like her meat plate with an accompaniment of bread and little pickles.

For our main course, we both went for the same thing. Far from the meaty meals they're known for, we went for the vegetarian butternut squash risotto. It was delicious, so creamy with the addition of breaded tofu balls and small blocks of blue cheese. I'm a real lover of risotto and this didn't disappoint. They even let us take away our leftovers which we ate for lunch the next day extending this delicious meal.

Although we were practically bursting at the seams with the two courses we'd already eaten, we decided dessert was a must. Since we'd arrived Jen has been going on about the caramel cheesecake so that is what she asked for. With not many items on the list I was interested in, I went for a brownie sundae. Jen fell in love with her cheesecake stating it was the best dessert she'd ever had in a restaurant, great praise indeed! My sundae was lovely, the ice cream was top quality and it went perfectly with the brownie. 

When we were ready to pay they brought over some little pieces of mint rock which I just had to take a photo of as they were super cute and featured their logo as you can see in the picture above.

Overall I was really pleased with our visit to The Curing House. Having worried initially that there wouldn't be much on the menu I'd like as I'm not overly fussed on meat most the time, I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed all the food. The service was impeccable and I'd definitely recommend The Curing House to anyone for a meal in Middlesbrough!

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Exploring Bedford Street Independents

If you're hip and happening living in Middlesbrough you will have heard of the new place to be, Bedford Street. A redeveloped section in central Middlesbrough, Bedford Street hosts a selection of restaurants and bars all fresh and diverse. I wanted to give you a virtual tour along the street and you can see what you fancy from the comfort of your sofa. Then obviously hop a taxi to Bedford Street to fill your boots with great food and drink!

First up is Songbird Bakery. A beautiful little spot selling a wide selection of the cutest and most delicious cakes. If you want somewhere to chill out with a cup of tea and a cake, this is the perfect spot. If you don't have enough time to stick around you can always take some cupcakes away, maybe even pick one up for a friend?

Next on the street is the Nuthatch. For cocktail lovers, this is what Middlesbrough has been crying out for. This sophisticated space boasts a huge menu filled with more alcohol then you could even try to name. The cocktail list is extensive and having personally taste-tested a couple, I can say they taste pretty darn good!

To read more about the Nuthatch and see some fancy photos, head over to Megan's blog - Thumbelina Lillie.

Down from the Nuthatch is Barbarossa Pizza Kitchen & Bar. Barbarossa specialises in creating delicious pizzas from fresh ingredients and cooking them up in their authentic pizza oven. When we visited the restaurant was bustling with all ages with everyone looking to enjoy their food. Definitely somewhere to stop if you're hungry for a pizza!

If you'd like to read about our visit to Barbarossa, click here.

Another micro-pub to add to Middlesbrough's collection although this one is a little larger than the others. The Chairman is a good spot for a casual drink serving a selection of beers, wines and spirits. I ventured here late on a Friday night for drinks trying out some different tasting vodkas including salted caramel and orange. It was a good atmosphere with lots of seating which I loved as I hate standing on a night out! I didn't try it but the Chairman also has a food menu which lots of people are loving.

Taken by Gianni - The G Edit

If you're looking for a good cup of coffee whilst wandering down the street, I suggest you visit Bedford Street Coffee House. Although I'm not a coffee drinker and haven't actually visited here yet, this place looks very trendy and the coffee looks amazing. Here they literally buzz off the coffee offering only the best, presented ready for your Instagram reel.

To read more about Bedford Street Coffee House and Rounton Coffee Roasters visit Gianni's blog, The G Edit.



I'm a real burrito lover so I knew that Mohujos Burrito Bar was going to be one of my favourite additions to Middlesbrough. I was not disappointed. The shop is small as it's only really meant for takeaway although it does have two small tables. The selection to pick from was great and I ended up with a burrito full to the brim of goodness. I will definitely be returning for another, and possibly some nachos!

To read more about Mohujos Burrito Bar check out the Gazette's article.

I love Bedford Street and will be visiting these restaurants again and again. Let me know if you've been to any of the places on Bedford Street and what you think of them!

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Getting a slice of the action at Barbarossa Pizza Kitchen & Bar, Middlesbrough

In an effort to eat my way along the new hip and happening street in Middlesbrough, we popped into Barbarossa Pizza Kitchen & Bar this weekend. Situated on Bedford Street, this small restaurant was filled to the brim with hungry customers all keen to get a slice of the action.

The menu had a great selection of pizzas from meaty to veggie from flat base to calzone. All pizzas are customisable, you can add or take away toppings depending on your preference. Both my Mum and I went for 'No.12' a tomato base pizza with mozzarella, mushrooms, parmesan, truffle oil and salami. I decided not to get the salami and so did Mum, she added goat's cheese to her pizza. My sister went for 'No.2' a simple cheese pizza with glorious mozzarella.

It took a while for our pizzas to come out but as they are created fresh and baked in a proper pizza oven, I think we can forgive this wait. Whilst we were waiting our drinks were served. Barbarossa serves a selection of fizzy drinks made by Square Root London in Hackney. I chose a strawberry soda, whilst Kelly went for a lemonade and Mum a cream soda. I thought mine was lovely, I've never really had a strawberry soda so it was nice to have for a change.

When our pizzas arrived they all looked amazing. Just out of the oven with fresh ingredients. There were pizza cutters and cutlery on the tables depending on if you wanted to eat with your fingers or not. When we tucked into our pizzas we could definitely taste the quality. They were delicious, definitely worth the wait.

Although Barbarossa is on the pricey side, I think it's definitely worth a visit. Fresh delicious pizzas, a brilliant selection of drinks and a great atmosphere.

Will you be visiting?