Jesmond gem - Brentwood Avenue

Yesterday I stopped by Brentwood Avenue in Jesmond for some lunch and a browse in the shops.  Due to the tail end of hurricane Gonzalo it was a very windy experience and we practically ran from shop to shop to shelter from the gusts.  For those who subscribe to My Little Box, I nearly lost my DVF scarf in the wind as it blew off me and I had to chase it down the street!  

Brentwood Avenue is a small row of shops and businesses in West Jesmond, and is my first destination if I need to get a wedding, christening or birthday gift due to the gorgeous little gift shops, cook shop and delis.

We stopped by Wooly Blue, which is crammed full of all sorts of gifts and homewares, including chunky jewellery, scarves, bags, Maddi Alexander candles and home scents (which smelt and looked amazing), beautiful Avoca blankets/throws and lots and lots of baby and child toys and gifts.  They also had some nice men's toiletries and dad type gifts, plus a whole room dedicated to cards and wrap!  I really love this little shop and will be popping back for a bit of Christmas shopping soon.

We then went to another of my favourites, Y&L (click the link for some Northern Soul!) which has so many little nick nacks and bigger decorative pieces for the home, all of which I want to buy every time I visit.  I am just about to move house, so everything was so tempting, but I kept reminding myself that anything I bought would have to be packed so I contented myself with making a mental wish list until the time comes! They also have a room dedicated to cards and wrap, and have lots of beautiful gift ideas.  They had some Christmas decorations in store too, including unique black, cast iron Christmas tree models.

We finally visited Arlo for lunch where the service, food and choice were fabulous as usual.  Arlo has a contemporary decor inside with high ceilings and quirky features, like the chandeliers, stag heads and the lobster plates (similar here) which I would love to get my hands on!  Wooden floors and minimal tables give it the slightly industrial feel that I love in a restaurant.  The large windows along the front give it a nice light atmosphere inside.  There are tables outside, though not best suited to today's wind!  I had the Arlo's open sandwich with a perfect poached egg balanced on top and my Mum had the beetroot, goat's cheese and pearl couscous salad.  The goat's cheese was really creamy and delicious.  My Dad had a huge steak sandwich and chunky chips, although not served pink as offered, but still very tasty.  

Now at this point I completely forgot that I wanted to go to Iglouu and finally try some of the frozen yogurt I've heard so many good things about, because we got a little distracted by the cake selection!!  We had a malteaser tiffin and brownie and three cups of coffee to finish, which were really good.  The coffees came with a mini brownie on the side too.  So after a chocolate overload I couldn't quite fit in any frozen yogurt today but will be back soon...

There is a great little cook shop, Italian restaurant, Indian restaurant, hair salon, and Bistro 46 as well as the second Dabbawal Street food restaurant in Newcastle, so plenty more to explore on a less stormy day.  Although from this picture you would never tell just how windy it was...

I love little destination shopping/eating areas like this, and I know Clayton Road in Jesmond is similar.  Do you know of any other places that I could try?