retiredmartin

July 2024. Newbiggin-By-The-Sea.

The Great Northumbrian Coastal tick continued as we headed back from fishing villages to mining towns,

and stopped in Newbiggin to give Mrs RM her Insta hit, “Put yer coat on, love” her instant title.

No ! That’s not us !

The “Couple” out on a plinth in the middle of the sea now have a couple staring at them from the promenade, and it’s nice to have some Northern art that’s not by Anthony Gormley.

The Newbiggin Art Trail is small but perfectly formed.

I still have that record.

Newbiggin (pop. 6,308, 6 pubs) has lost it’s lone GBG entry (Queen’s Head), but acquired a “craft ale” bar I thought we’d save for a special day (one where I wasn’t driving),

and instead directed Mrs RM to the almost Art Deco Italian café dominating the main square.

OK, it’s not Nardinis in Largs, in fact I don’t know if Bertorelli is still Italian, but it’s a cracker,

and the seaside tat is more authentic than that Bass mirror you just saw.

Mrs RM went in search of the (spotless) loo, failing twice, while I made the big decision.

That was called a lucky dip ice, and I won. The whole tray of wonders cost about £9 from memory,

and if it featured in one of those Telegraph travel features would have folk racing up the A1.

I don’t think any of these figurines break woke laws.

Though this monstrosity advertised inside Diamond Pizza may break your weekly diet.

But it may be worth it.