Considering we started Lockdown 2 this week I’ve actually had a really good week. A lot has gone on and I’m sure it will slow down now places have closed but for now I’m just enjoying having had a good week and feeling positive. Here’s what I’ve been loving this week.

I have never made a secret of the fact that I think the best Sunday lunch in Newcastle is at the Broad Chare, and it’s something I couldn’t wait to have after lockdown earlier this year. It actually took a lot longer to get there than I thought as last Sunday was the first time before everywhere shut again. We had moved it a couple of weeks as we had nights out and didnt want to have it with a hangover, as it’s too good to not feel 100% like you can enjoy it.

We kept ourselves fresh and went up to town last Sunday, stopping at All Bar One for a couple of cocktails before lunch. It’s just such a shame places like that have had to close, they’re more than safe and we were chatting to the waitress who was at least optimistic that they will reopen early December. I hope they bring back their Christmas cocktails from last year, the spiced pornstar martini was my favourite Christmas cocktail from anywhere, so hope that returns.

Dinner at the Broad Chare was just amazing, as it always is from there. Scotch eggs to start, a bottle of red and a perfectly cooked beef roast you just can’t beat it. It’s not the cheapest, but you get what you pay for and it was unreal – well worth the wait. If you want a really really good Sunday lunch and don’t mind paying a bit more in December then I can’t recommend it enough.

With the impending closure of all the shops I went up to town for some last minute things on Tuesday, and it was a lot busier than it has been. I had to queue to get parked for the first time since last Christmas, and there were a lot of people about doing Christmas shopping early.

Northumberland Street and places like Primark and Sports Direct looked mayhem, but have to say Fenwick’s, John Lewis and around Monument weren’t anywhere near as bad as that article from the Chronicle made out. There were a lot of staff about making sure people kept distance, they were monitoring numbers in each areas and staggering people being allowed in.

I thought it was about time I got the Winter candles out from White Company, and I bought the big one for our coffee table as I spent a fortune on the little ones last year so got one that would last longer. Our flat now smells very festive. I’m holding out on all other decorations until 1st December though, but I will be fully embracing the festivities we can do this year.

I’m sure it will only get busier in December when places reopen but it wouldn’t put me off going I don’t think. I did have to try the new Costa Christmas drinks this week, and the chocolate orange hot chocolate is amazing you have to try it if you pass a drive through. It is my favourite but the after eight muffins are also worth it for a treat.

People sometimes comment on not supporting local when buying from places like Costa, and I do a lot of supporting local but I think we need to remember that real people work in these chains too, that need to support their families and pay their bills. I am all for supporting local, but let’s not be negative when we don’t for some things.

We made the last minute decision to go out on Wednesday night, and managed to get a cancellation at Miller & Carter in Newcastle. I’m so glad we did it, but it actually made me really sad as everyone was making the most of it before lockdown.

Walking up Grey Street I realised how much I will really miss the light switch on, and the markets this year. I know they’re all a bit naff but it’s just part of the Christmas fun and it’s such a shame they’re not here or toned down this year. Again – another reason to make the most of Christmas at home.

Lockdown started on Thursday and it timed just nicely with what turned into my 72 hour stint in front of Sky News watching the election. My sister said to me ‘I’ve never cared so much about a story that hasn’t changed in three days’ and it’s true, I became fully invested. I don’t often talk about politics but it was nice to see history being made with Kamala Harris becoming the first woman VP, and so much happiness for people. I dare you to watch Van Jones on CNN without crying.

I took myself away from the news on Thursday afternoon when I went to collect a takeaway afternoon tea from Jesmond Dene House. They’ve launched them for this lockdown and you get all the usual – sandwiches, scones, cakes and tea of your choice. It was really good, I’ll be doing a full review in the next few days.

The only other main thing to mention this week is I began a bullet journal. I’d heard bits about them but didn’t really know what they are until I researched it more. They’re for people who like lists, have notebooks and notes and lists everywhere. A planner, diary, list book, general life organiser all in one. I’m trialling it for a month to see how I get on and it’s been pretty good so far. I’ll maybe share more in a proper post on it when I’m further into the month.

So it’s been a busy week with a lot going on, but I’ve no doubt it will slow down from now with everything being closed. I am really trying not to start too early with Christmas things, but I am looking forward to December and making the best of a different run up to Christmas this year. I was so busy last year it was too much and by Christmas we were knackered.

I have a few lockdown blogs coming this week, my review of Jesmond Dene afternoon tea and some takeaway cocktails to look forward to. I did share a few ways to cope with this second lockdown at the start of the week, and I also realised it’s been five years since I started blogging so I shared some thoughts on that too.

Hope lockdown isn’t treating you too badly this time round, have a great week.