THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ERNEST

I think its fair to say that Ernest has been one of Newcastle’s best-kept secrets! After almost two years, it’s slowly crept on to everyone’s radar, and there are several good reasons why!

Nestled away in Ouseburn, and currently surrounded by constructions sites, Ernest is a slice of heaven, refreshingly laid back and surprisingly different. As soon as I walked in I was greeted by one of the friendliest managers I’ve ever met, who not only makes sure you have everything you could possibly need or want but also has that uncanny knack of making you feel as if you’ve been a friend for years.

It was a tough decision to choose from the menu, but after trying the spiced lamb flatbread and halloumi wrap, I was only half joking when I said that if it was my last meal I’d die happy!

The portions are amazing and great value for money, and one bite into my wrap, I had decided that it was up there with some of the best meals I’ve ever come across in the city! I managed to work my way through my meal and was ready to burst, but the sweet potato chips with spicy mayo were calling out to me they are truly irresistible .The spicy mayo really packs a real kick and left an aftertaste almost as if I’d just eaten fresh chillies. I can’t say I have ever been a massive lover of salad, but the freshness of the lettuce and onions along with some of the juiciest tomatoes I’ve encountered made it irresistible and had a cooling influence and helped combat the spice of the mayo. Not only does Ernest offer all day brunch and “Build Your Own Brekkie” (which I’m determined to try!) it also offers ‘Skint & Mint’ offers from Monday to Thursdays, perfect for students, as well as showcasing some great local DJ’s at weekends. I implore everyone to experience the open mic nights every other Thursday! The chance to see some of the amazing local talent Newcastle has to offer was a beautiful experience and something I’ll never forget! It’s such an eclectic little community of singers and poets coming together sharing their amazing gifts that it’s something I recommend that you witness first-hand.

The menu states that Ernest was ‘independently established by artists and creative people seeking alternative venues’ and that is definitely what you get! It’s such a homely and chilled out atmosphere that as soon as you walk through the door you feel incredibly welcome. This makes Ernest stand out from many other Newcastle based bars and restaurants because what it lacks in pretentiousness it makes up for in atmosphere and quality food Instantly recognizable by the giant Darth Vader painted on the side of the building, there is also an incredible collection of vintage Star Wars figurines on display.

The décor is so diverse, there are posters and artwork everywhere, on a first visit you might initially find it hard to focus on the menu! Thursday, open mic night, great food too Ernest has left a lasting impression... and it certainly won’t be my last visit! l

1 Boyd st, newcastle upon tyne, tyne and Wear nE2 1aP tel 0191 260 5216 ww.weareernest.com

Over the course of history, men with facial hair have been ascribed various attributes such as wisdom, sexual virility, masculinity, or a higher status; however, beards may at times have also been perceived to be associated with a loss of refinement.

Over the past couple of years young men’s beards have saturated trendy bars and eateries alike. However this Victorian approach to facial hair is soon to be in the past if the rumours are to be believed.

According to a new study, women and men find facial hair most attractive when it is rare. When shown men’s faces men and women rated the faces with beards or stubble as more attractive than clean-shaven faces. But beards were most alluring when facial hair was rare; whereas clean-shaven faces have gained in popularity whilst hairy faces are currently the norm.

To conduct this study, as you can see, Lloyd the go to gents barber transformed our willing model with his famous wet shave using Blue Beards Revenge products – the ultimate shaving experience for real men.

Designed by a real life ‘Blue Beard’ who was bored to death with being a Desperate Dan look-alike, the flagship products in The Bluebeards Revenge range are a paraben free premium quality shaving cream. Brushless shaving solution and post shave balm with added ingredients to specifically reduce the appearance of hair growth and combat tough stubble.

The process began with a facial exfoliation followed by a pre shave cream and a steaming hot towel to open up the pores. The Bluebeards Revenge Pre Shave Oil is then used to ensure a smoother, closer and less irritating shave. Their classic shaving foam is lathered on ready for the first cut throat shave, wiped off and is then repeated to get as close a shave as possible. The luxurious post shave balm is then applied generously to soften the skin and finished off with a dash of the Blue Beards Revenge refreshing aftershave which includes notes of sandalwood and patchouli.

If you believe the rumours, be neat be street l www.bluebeards-revenge.co.uk/

3 GRAINGER ST.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

NE1 5DQ

T: (0191) 261 1447

E: DEMONBARBER1969@YAHOO.CO.UK

TW: @DEMONBARBER1969

FB: /NEWCASTLEDEMONBARBER1969

Open Monday to Thursday 9am till 6pm

Friday 9am till 7pm and Saturday 9am till 5pm.

Prices are £15 for a hair cut and £17.50 for a hot towel shave. We also sell moustache wax and beard oil .

If like me you have quite dry skin, you are naughty and don’t drink enough water then these two products combined are an absolute godsend. It is in fact a little miracle. After a couple of harsh bank holiday weekends, I would expect to look like I deserve but no! I have been using Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate ‘to visibly restore my skin by morning’ at bed time, and their Line Reducing Concentrate by day to pile on the vitamin C and improve the over all texture.

This is not the recipe for perfect skin for everyone, but now Kiehl’s have a beautiful ‘old apothecary style’ store right in the heart of Newcastle where you can just pop or call to make an appointment, for free advice on exactly which products will work for you l

Kiehl’s newcastle store

4 Blackett street newcastle nE1 7a

0191 261 1574 www.kiehls.co.uk