Geordie Life: 'Sondi Dina'

I should be lesson planning.... but it’s Sunday so in Geordie land that means you don’t get up to too much. Ryan and I have taken full advantage to our Geordie Sundays since moving here. They usually exist of breakfast in bed, novels and laptop to keep us entertained till about noon when Ryan spurts up and all of a sudden thinks we need to be somewhere?! When all I ever want to do is have lunch in bed too!

I wanted to write about Geordie Sundays because I want to make sure I remember what it’s like being ‘Geordified’ on this day of rest.

Back to Ryan’s spurts... all who knows Ryan well, knows that he has anxious energy. He is not one to enjoy lounging, which is why we fit so well, because those of you, who know me well, know that I am a lounger! Haha.... Sundays fit me well in Newcastle upon Tyne! I love them.

There are certain things that a Goerdie must do on Sunday it is not all lounging around. There are football matches to be watched, pubs to go to, walks on the beach (no matter if it is mid January) and of course my favourite, SUNDAY DINNER!!!

Imagine hearing, in a British accent “Sunday Dinner”. It sounds kinds like, ‘Sondi Dina’. I love everything to do with Sunday Dinners, even the way it is pronounced! Anywhosy so after Ryan freaks out that he has been in the flat too long, we usually make our way to the Coast, City Centre, or sometimes we don’t even make it out of Jesmond.

The coast is the best place to be on a Sunday! Castles, surfers, the Tynemouth Flea market, Dog running on the beach, and of course ‘SONDI DINA’! Since living in Newcastle, we have had the opportunity to taste the loveliest Sondi Dina’s from many different pubs (thanks to Mr. Alecks and the German, our tourist guides). I have fallen in love with the Priory, only because it is touristy and in Tynemouth right next to the coast! It is sooo British with union Jack couches and chairs and delicious Sondi Dina’s.

When we think of Pub-Grub in Canada, the first things that come to mind are burgers, nachos, and cokes. Pub grub here is very different, especially on Sunday. Sunday Dinners at the Priory consist of, three main courses, Chicken, Lamb, Roast beef, and of course Fish and chips! These are complete dinners that come with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, gravy and veggies (my new favourite mushy peas!). It is served on a huge serving platter and for £6.95 you usually get a pint of beer included! If you pay the whooping £9.95 you get a starter and a dessert! Oh and the desserts, are to die for! I have never been a dessert person but, my oh my, once you have bit into a sticky toffee pudding in England there is no going back! I swear I need to start leaving out the desserts I have a wedding dress to fit into!!!

Last Sunday we were able to share a Sunday Dinner with our Canadian guests! We took them to the coast and went to the Tynemouth castle and had Sunday Dinner at the Priory. You must understand that even though it is Sunday the British are in it for the day. When you look around a British pub on Sunday it would equal a Saturday night in Canada, everyone is dressed up and drinking and the pubs are packed even until later in the night sometimes.

Ryan and I have had many walks on Sunday nights where we would see people out at pubs until 10 pm Sunday night! We would be thinking.... do they care about work in the morning? It is just the way the British do it! And I have fallen head over heels with the Sunday life here in Newcastle.

Here are some pics from our Sunday dinner with Steve and Kristina...