Yesterday I popped into Stack Newcastle, as I had heard there was a branch of Love of the North there and wanted to check it out. It’s teeny – 3 customers was a crowd – but has some gorgeous geeky Geordie goodies and I suspect I will be doing some of my Christmas shopping there.

Next door was a fine wines and gin shop called Fourteen Drops that I also plan to check out properly when I am doing my festive shopping. It’s also small – though there were tables at the back so they must serve drinks or food – but stocks an interesting array of wines and gins that piqued my interest…