February. It’s that time when you realise your new year’s resolution hasn’t even lasted a month, that you’re still very single (or is that just me?) and that there really is such a thing as too many pancakes.
In short, you’re feeling crepe; that’s my first and last pun I promise. To see you through this existential nightmare, here is my comprehensive guide to the month head.
To start with, let’s support our local talents in the toon and head over to the North East Rising Poetry Social at Ernest on the 12th. Headlining the event is poet and editor of Zarf magazine, Calum Gardner, its a fun night and is a great way to get involved in Newcastle’s rich literary scene. Go on, feel cultured. Plus, wine tastes nicer when you’re listening to poetry, trust me.
Mmm fruity…. Want to participate in capitalist society’s commodification of love whilst still feeling counterculture cool? Yes/No/At a loss? Me too. Anyway, find your ‘other half’ and ‘feel complete’ on the dance floor of Worldies this Valentines.
Offering wall to wall funk, soul and disco, Soul Jam is a guaranteed good night out. So let the hanky see the panky and get yourself a ticket. If you don’t pull, you can clumsily chow down your cheesy chips in peace and rejoice in having your bed all to yourself. It’s a no brainer.
[pullquote][/pullquote]Wall to wall funk, soul and disco, Soul Jam is a guaranteed good night out. So let the hanky see the panky and get yourself a ticket
Credit: souljam_uk
If you’re feeling wholesome you can do a lot worse than the Jesmond Food Market, which offers a smorgasbord (yes, I have always wanted to use that word) of delicacies and is hosted on Armstrong Bridge on the 17th. You will probably see my flatmate at a stall trying to push his organic condiments. Ignore him and head to the Ugly Duckling for ‘scran’ or The Pink Lane Bakery; their vegan beetroot brownie makes plant-based life bearable.
In the evening sashay your way to the Cluny for a dose of reggae roots vibes from London’s ‘The Hempolics’. The perfect antidote to those January blues which definitely last into February. You may recognise the band’s sultry ‘Boss Clock Me Style’ from the radio, it’s the hot mellow hip mover that you’ll be chilling to in the park for our obligatory three-day summer.
Indulge yourself with their craft beers whilst you’re there. I’d recommend the Ginga Ninja by Fierce Beer, a recent addition to The Cluny’s bottle range: ‘a very dry pale with big hits of ginger and lemongrass’. Sounds good for your winter sniffles if nothing else.
[pullquote]I’d recommend the Ginga Ninja by Fierce Beer, a recent addition to The Cluny’s bottle range[/pullquote]
Later in the month Newcastle’s is hosting its ‘creative quarter’ in Ouseburn, it is a night celebrating synth bands at the Ship Inn. Expect an evening of new wave grooves from the ultimate heavyweights Kraftwerk, Depeche Mode and Human League amongst others. Looks like a great alternative night out and if that doesn’t sway you its also free! So, there you have it, February’s finest. Stay saucy!
