I’ve had this post waiting for quite some time. I was going to share it as part of my Blogmas series but I kept discovering new ones and a lot of them stopped taking orders quite early on due to demand and postage/delivery issues. I also thought it was quite a common thing to share back in December, when everyone was posting gift guides in the run up to Christmas. Now in the cold light of lockdown days in January, North East local businesses need supporting more than ever.

The Christmas rush is over, shops are closed, and spending has slowed. I’d hate for any of these businesses not to survive in the current climate, and as the message for a lot of the past year has been to support local, I thought it was high time I shared the ones I’ve discovered with you. There are obviously so many out there, so for this post where possible I’ve tried to share ones I either genuinely use, have used or would use in future.

What I haven’t included here are cafes and restaurants. I know so many are doing local takeaways and I may do a post on that in future. Instead this is products and services. So if you’re on the lookout for anything under these categories, please consider shopping local first.

Cakes & Bakes

Saras Cakes North East

Sara first caught my eye when she launched her hollow cakes that you smash, something I went on to buy for a friend launching her business. Sara was great to work with, and the cake was beautiful. She also creates themed boxed, cake pops and showstoppers.

Find her on instagram here.

Cakes Contour

I found Cakes Contour last year when I was looking for someone to make Kieran’s 30th birthday cake, and their creations just look incredible. It’s two guys who started their business because they just love baking. Celebration cakes aren’t available at the moment but take a look at their tray bakes.

Find Cakes Contour on instagram here.

Proven Goods

You’ve probably heard of these guys based at Hoult’s Yard, but they’re my favourite donuts in the north east. They may currently be closed for a break until 29th January, but when they return they’ll be serving up their incredible filled donuts, boxes and coffees again.

Other food & drink (Excluding restaurant takeaways)

Grainger Market

I’ve got a Grainger Market delivery a couple of times over the past year, as I really like the French Oven Bakery. There are obviously a lot of food stalls available to shop from their online shop, including greengrocers, butchers, bakers, delicatessens and fish mongers. The food is always top quality and reasonably priced. It’s a good one to use if you want to get quite a bit in one go. Shop from all the Grainger Market brands here.

Good Tempered Chocolate Co

I’ve got my eye on the Good Tempered Chocolate Co for a treat at the end of the month, as they look delicious. Have a look at their creations here.

Graze & Gorge

I’m desperate for an occasion to buy one of these, Graze & Gorge are based in Jesmond and deliver their grazing platters of all types across the North East. Don’t they look amazing?! Follow them here.

St Mary’s Spirits

I tried the St Mary’s gin for the first time just before Christmas and I really liked it, especially with grapefruit. In addition to gin they do rum and vodka. A lot of the stockists are obviously closed at the moment but you can order online. St Marys spirits are on instagram here.

Weddings

If you got engaged over Christmas and New Year don’t let lockdown slow down your plans or dampen your spirits.

Laura Jayne Designs

My go to girl for any prints, stationary, invites, cards – literally anything. She’s done some beautiful wedding invites and save the dates. Find her on instagram here.

The Wedding Taylor

Northumberland based wedding coordinator with so much experience in all things wedding, she offers wedding consultancy for as much or as little time as you might need. Check out her services and instagram here, she even has vouchers which would make a lovely gift to someone newly engaged – an hour free wedding consultancy you won’t believe how much she will fit into that time!

Fitness

Dance Envy

Dance Envy operate fun, energetic and high quality dance classes currently operating via zoom. Lucy is like no other when it comes to motivating and inspiring her dancers of all ages, so check her out for dance classes for your little ones, or even join her adult class. Full details and timetable can be found on the Dance Envy instagram here.

Steph Barlow PT

I don’t know about you but I find personal training just so intimidating, but I have to say if I could bring myself to do it then it would be with Steph. She’s very inspiring, and is currently operating online with coaching, one to one or group sessions. Find her on instagram here.

Yoga with Emily

Emily is lovely and based in Hexham where she runs her online yoga classes of all abilities. You can find her on instagram here.

Homeware

Knit Knot North

I went to school with Sam and as well as being a great designer she recently launched her chunky knit business. She creates scarves or blankets in a range of colours. Perfect for hibernating through lockdown 3. Have a look at Knit Knot North on instagram here.

No11 Interiors

You may recognise No11 Interiors from Tynemouth market at a weekend, although it obviously isn’t running at the moment, but you can see what they have to offer and shop online in the meantime. I love the heart wall hangings. Find them here.

The Pure Candle Company

The soy wax candles created by the Pure Candle company are inspired by the nature of Northumberland where they are based. And they’re beautifully packaged too. Find The Pure Candle Company here.

Dyvels Homeware

I adore this shop in Corbridge, but at the moment it doesn’t look like the site is running to shop products online. So when we can travel and shops reopen I’d really recommend visiting them. They have a shop and showroom and it’s beautiful. I got a candle there back in November and it’s still going strong now. Follow on instagram here.

For the Love of the North

As the name suggests, For the Love of the North has a wide range of products that celebrate and focus on the North. Prints, calendars, tote bags and more, usually based in the Spanish City shop they are currently operating online. Visit the For the Love of the North website here.

Artsy North East

Find unique wall hangings from Artsy North East in neutral colours. All hand made they’re gorgeous and come in a range of styles. Follow them here.

Bellwoods Lifestyle store

I love this account and the products they offer, which include a little bit of everything. They’re modern, clean and sustainable with everything from mugs to candles and jewellery. Have a look at Bellwoods here.

Art & Prints

Murphy & Me

For beautiful freehand illustrations take a look at Murphy & Me. These are gorgeous for families, or children’s nurseries and can be personalised to your own family – pets included. At Christmas she even does illustrated baubles which are so lovely. Follow Murphy & Me on instagram here.

Blue Jean Belle

Offering colourful quote and lyric prints, Blue Jean Belle has an instagram and Etsy shop. My favourites are the local lad Sam Fender lyrics. Take a look here.

Laura Watson Art

For paintings of the coast, St Mary’s island, Tynemouth and more take a look at Laura Watson art.

Other

Coastal Hampers

Bringing together a number of businesses products in one hamper, Coastal Hampers are back after Christmas this time putting together Valentine’s Hampers and they’re actually quite good. Take a look on facebook or instagram.

More Mia

A women’s online clothing boutique, I was kindly gifted a jacket over Christmas which I can’t wait to wear when we can go somewhere again, but they’re releasing new products at the moment, including loungewear. Find More Mia here.

There are obviously so many more that I haven’t included here, these are just some of my favourites, or ones I plan to use soon. I think the North East local businesses have a lot to offer and I’m looking forward to seeing where they all go this year, with our help during these difficult times.

Other posts you might like:

40+ things to do in January & why 2021 is the year of the mini adventure

Visiting Snow Leopards at Northumberland Zoo

The best 2021 planners and journals

Some of the best North East Walks