ON AIR NOW:

  • Evenings on Steel FM
    Thursday, 19:00 - 22:00
    [ - ]
What’s On Gig Guide
What’s on in Scunthorpe and the Surrounding Villages.
Scunthorpe’s What’s on Guide is Brought to you in Association with Scunthorpe Nights.
 

In Association with:

I enjoyed lunch at an idyllic North Lincolnshire cafe with a view – and will definitely be going back

There’s nothing better than wrapping up warm for a brisk walk in the countryside and stopping for a mug of the good stuff and something delicious to eat. Last weekend, after reading the hundreds of positive reviews online, a friend and I decided to try Café Natura in Scunthorpe, also known as Bottesford Beck Visitors’ Centre. Situated on Messingham Road, the café is on the edge of the pretty woodland where the Beck is, and provides the perfect spot for stopping off for a bite to eat before or after a weekend walk with loved ones. We arrived late morning on Sunday, and wasn’t surprised to see that the place was absolutely packed – but there was luckily one table for two with a view available in the corner. There wasn’t a menu on the table, so I took a photo of the board behind the counter to peruse. Everything on there sounded absolutely delicious, from the traditional English breakfast options and more modern takes like Avocado on Sourdough to the wide range of hot and cold deli sandwiches with a whole host of filling options. Café Natura is situated in an idyllic spot at Bottesford Beck (Image: Scunthorpe Live) I eventually decided on the Goats Cheese hot deli sandwich (£11.45), which features a yummy combination of goats cheese, beetroot, red onions, walnuts, rocket and a drizzle of local honey on fresh focaccia bread, served alongside a side salad, a pot of homemade coleslaw and crisps. My friend went for the Caprese hot deli sandwich (£10.45), which is described on the menu as sliced mozzarella, beef tomatoes, vegan pesto and rocket on fresh focaccia bread, also served alongside a side salad, a pot of coleslaw and crisps. My Goats Cheese deli sandwich (Image: Scunthorpe Live) To drink, I ordered a large latte and he ordered a tea. The café was so busy that I did have to go up after about ten minutes and ask if the drinks would be arriving soon, and they were brought out pretty much straight away after that. The latte was perfectly creamy and just right – not too bitter and not too weak. I tend to find that the coffee ground from beans at restaurants and cafés is always a bit too strong for me – but not in this case. The food was served after about 20 minutes or so, and we dug in. I thoroughly enjoyed my sandwich – the combination of goats cheese and beetroot is always a winning one, and the portion sizes were really generous, so you do get some bang for your buck. My lemon crumble tart (below) was delicious (Image: Scunthorpe Live) But even though we were full, we still somehow had enough room to try one of the sweet treats in the cabinet at the counter. I can’t remember the exact names of what we had, but I had the lemon crumble tart (£4.45) and my friend went for the cherry bakewell slice (£4.75). I can’t fault mine at all – the lemon flavour was strong and tangy and the crumbly texture was the perfect contrast with the sweet lemon sauce drizzled over the top. I’ll definitely visit Café Natura again – the food was top notch, the atmosphere was warm and cosy and the location was pretty and idyllic. It’s the perfect stop-off during a brisk winter walk, and it’s not hard to see why it’s so popular amongst locals.

Read More »

What your Chinese zodiac sign means as we enter the Year of the Snake and whether your personality traits match

We are about enter the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese zodiac. Anyone born in this year – it officially starts on Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year, on January 29 – can expect to be enigmatic, intelligent and wise. There are 12 animals in the zodiac, which all have astrological and cultural meanings. Chinese people associate each animal sign with certain characteristics. It is believed that people born in a given year have the personality of that year’s animal – which makes me a Tiger! When I arrived in 1962, it was the Year of the Tiger, which is supposed to lend me the following characteristics – brave, confident, competitive and unpredictable. I’d like to think of myself as pretty brave, as far as navigating life and all its challenges goes. I’m not so sure about the rest, however. Being competitive certainly does not come naturally to me, I’d rather be giving a leg-up to someone else. I’m quite a predictable sort, too, I’d say. 2025 is the Chinese Year of the Snake (Image: CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty) But confident? Not at all. I grew up scared of my own shadow and it’s been more of a “fake it ‘til you make it” way of being since. But what else does being a Tiger mean for me? Chinahighlights.com says my personality type is quick-witted, resourceful, versatile, kind – I’ll give a nod to all of those – and my lucky numbers are 1, 3, 4 (I always feel an affinity with three of things and I always include this number on the odd occasion I pick my Lottery numbers, rather than leaving it to chance with a lucky dip). A quick scan of my wardrobe looks like I’m dressing for luck too, with blue and grey being my lucky colours, but there is little orange of note, another of my lucky hues. As for lucky flowers, I need to be bringing yellow lilies and cineraria into my life. Evidently I should be avoiding the numbers 6, 7 and 8, and the colour brown. When it comes to compatibility in love, me and my other half appear to have got it all wrong. A Tiger’s best matches are with a Horse, Dog or Pig; him indoors is a Dragon, and more suited to a Rat, Monkey or Rooster. Well, we’ve been making it work for 39 years now, so I guess we shouldn’t look too closely into why we ought not to be a good match. In Chinese element theory, each zodiac sign is also associated with one of five elements: Gold (Metal), Wood, Water, Fire, or Earth, and my birth year makes me a Water Tiger. This gives me a strong sense of self-esteem and learning ability. In Chinese culture, the top five luckiest/most popular zodiac signs are Dragon, Snake, Pig, Rat, and Tiger, conventionally. Happy to know we both fall into that selection, but I won’t let on to my partner that the Dragon is the most coveted zodiac sign, or he could become Big-Headed Dragon. The Chinese horoscope for 2025 for me and fellow Tigers says we need to brace ourselves for some challenges. Hard work and a low-key approach will help us seize opportunities and manage our finances effectively, evidently, while staying positive and focusing on personal growth means we will conquer any obstacles coming our way. Can I just not have any obstacle at all, please? Chinese Zodiac signs’ personality at a glance Rat: quick-witted, resourceful, versatile, kind. Ox: diligent, dependable, strong, determined. Tiger: brave, confident, competitive, unpredictable. Rabbit: quiet, elegant, kind, responsible. Dragon: confident, intelligent, enthusiastic. Snake: enigmatic, intelligent, wise. Horse: animated, active, energetic. Goat: calm, gentle, sympathetic. Monkey: sharp, smart, curious. Rooster: observant, hardworking, courageous. Dog: lovely, honest, prudent. Pig: compassionate, generous, diligent.

Read More »

Unforgettable silent disco event set to arrive in Grimsby next month

A one-of-a-kind and unforgettable night of entertainment where people will have the chance to boogie to a soundtrack of their choice is coming to Grimsby next month. On Friday, February 28 from 7pm, a special silent disco event will take place at Grimsby Central Hall. DJs are set to take to the stage from 8pm to 11pm. Organised by events company Silent Clubbing, the sensory adventure will give partygoers the chance to dance the night away to a range of music, from cheesy pop and club anthems from the 90s and early noughties to 60s, 70s and 80s hits. Each person will be given a pair of wireless headphones with three channels to switch between, meaning there is something for everyone to enjoy, no matter how particular their music taste. The music genres will be as follows: The Red DJ – Cheesy Pop The Blue DJ – 90s, 00s Club Classics, RnB and Drum & Bass The Green DJ – Retro Channel – 60s, 70s and 80s Scan the QR code or visit www.silentclubbing.co.uk to book your place (Image: Silent Clubbing) A spokesperson for Silent Clubbing said: “Imagine a night out where you control the music. At our silent disco events, each partygoer receives a pair of wireless headphones with multiple channels. Tune in to your favourite DJ, switch between different music genres, and dance like no one is watching. “Whether you’re into house, pop, hip-hop, or classics, there’s something for everyone. Our silent discos are a sensory adventure that elevates the traditional clubbing experience to a whole new level.” Early bird tickets cost £10 each, with standard tickets at £16 each. To purchase yours, click here.

Read More »

Dick Whittington at Louth Playgoers is filled with adventure, joy and laughs

A Palace of Dreams, pot-bellied cops, plenty of audience participation and a perfect cast has made Louth Playgoers’ Dick Whittington a huge success. The slick sequence, flow and timing of this show make it a laugh-a-minute spectacular. Every audience member waving their arms in harmony and singing along to “Sweet Caroline” shows just how much this panto is adored. Among the greatest joys is seeing so many children getting their first time on stage and building their confidence with such enthusiasm, whether as a dancer, singer or shipmate. Louth Playgoers’ future is in great hands thanks to the cast and crew of this outstanding show. The superlatives flow from the moment the curtain goes up on Dick Whittington. It is a family show, though there are the inevitable innuendos, which are tastefully done. There are limitless laugh-out-loud gags, stunning sets, gorgeous costumes, spectacular choreography from Studio 2000 dancers, memorable music from a live band and shining stars from as young as five-years-old. The Playgoers’ Dick Whittington has got the lot. Emma Wighton as Dick Whittington (Image: GJA Photography) The Laughing Policeman sketch blew over the audience like a warm breeze. The young star rolling around holding his pot belly laughing was exquisite. The audience had already banished the freezing temperatures with the rousing first song “Walking on Sunshine.” The fun and laughter and joy kept on coming. There is always intrigue with a Dick Whittington tale of a young lad seeking fame and fortune with a feline friend. Local writer and pantomime genius, Philip Marshall Junior’s version captures the spirit of adventure and mystery. There is a healthy sprinkling of “baddies” which gets the audience hissing and booing. Dick, beautifully played by Emma Wighton, travels with his cat and brother to find his fortune overseas in Morocco. However, the dastardly wicked Queen Rat, is also doing the same. Louise Ray made terrific panto debut on the Louth stage. She employs two rather dimwitted crooks to help her get one over on Dick. A scene from the Louth Playgoers panto, Dick Whittington (Image: GJA Photography) This is where the superlatives kick in for Georgia Person and Philip Marshall Jnr who were totally awesome and perform as if they live for the theatre. Snicker and Guffaw are a brilliant duo, whose combined theatrical experience matches that of the dame. Just one of their gags goes “Why is there no gambling in Africa?” Answer – because there are “too many cheetahs.” Jamie Smith as Dame Helga Hootenanny, with the funny noises from his/her chest, is fantastic. He is inspiring a large and youthful cast to ensure a long and glorious future for the Playgoers. The dame plays the rather rambunctious school teacher in the Sultan’s Palace and there are a lot of hijinks in her Science lesson. Jed Spittle is commanding as Sultan and his daughter Alice brings romance to life thanks to the wonderful Sophie Browne. Another outstanding feature of the show is the singing. Katrina and the Waves’ 40-year-old hit, Walking on Sunshine is uplifting and Reach for the Stars is another heart-warming anthem. Louth Playgoers are performing their Dick Whittington pantomime (Image: GJA Photography) Sabrina Carpenter’s “Please, Please, Please” is another one to enjoy whole-heartedly. The live band got everyone going with “Sweet Caroline” and it is difficult to recall an audience in the Playgoers long history, swaying with arms held high as they did. It was truly magical. Well done to Laura Harris’ Fairy Bow Belle who kept the magic of the show flowing and to Tammy the cat, played alternately by Evelyn Lovelle and Halle O’Hare. Take a bow, Bob Booth and Gary Starkie for a terrific set and the lighting and sound crew did a brilliant job as ever. Rich Precious’ debut as pantomime director is a masterclass in bringing together all the elements of a traditional panto with a modern twist. It has been woven together like a fine tapestry and created a show which should not be missed. Dick Whittington runs until January 19. Tickets are priced £9 for children and adults £15, with £13.50 entry for theatre card members. These can be booked by checking outwww.louthriverheadtheatre.comor calling 01507 600350.

Read More »

I went to the Pig & Whistle at Healing Manor for the first time and will definitely be returning

One restaurant in the area that I’ve always heard really positive things about – but hadn’t had the chance to try the food there myself until recently – is The Pig & Whistle at Healing Manor. Set within the stunning grounds of the hotel, the restaurant adjoins the courtyard which looks absolutely stunning on these cold winter evenings, with its rows of hanging fairy lights providing a magical and twinkling glow. We hadn’t booked beforehand, so were a bit anxious about whether we’d actually get a table – but the lovely server had no problem fitting us in. We ordered our drinks at the bar and were shown to our table. The bar and restaurant itself is lovely, with that distinctive cosy and homely vibe found in English country pubs. Old pictures line the walls showing the history of the manor, and classic furnishings and comfy armchairs dominate the space. We were brought our menus quickly, and it was instantly apparent just how amazing everything sounded. For starters, I went for the Smoked Salmon Mouse (£11), which includes pickled cucumber, smoked mackerel, seaweed emulsion and beetroot, and my partner went for the Prawn Cocktail (£10). The Smoked Salmon Mousse starter (Image: Grimsby Live) My Smoked Salmon Mousse was divine, boasting vibrant and complex flavours and bringing a fusion of tastes and textures together. It tasted and looked like something I’d imagine I’d be served in a fine dining restaurant, but without the small portions. For my main, I ordered the Moules Marinières – or mussels – which came with truffle and parmesan fries and garlic bread (£19). When I say the Pig & Whistle doesn’t skimp on portions, I’m not joking. The mussels were piled into a huge bowl alongside a basket of fries and a generous portion of garlic bread, and was served with an extra bowl to discard the mussel shells. The Moules Marinières main course (Image: Grimsby Live) The dish as a whole was delicious – the meatiness of the mussels went together amazingly with the rich, creamy and garlicky sauce, which was perfectly mopped up with the toasted garlic bread. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t finish everything because the portion size was so big – but I’m not complaining at all. My partner ordered Oscar Cleve’s Fish & Chips (£18) with chips and curry sauce instead of peas, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a big portion of fish in all my life. So it’s definitely fair to say that you get some bang for your buck at Pig & Whistle. Oscar Cleve’s Fish & Chips main course (Image: Grimsby Live) I was thoroughly impressed with the food, service and atmosphere as a whole here, and I’ll definitely be back. Each menu on the item just sounded delicious, and the dishes were presented immaculately. The Pig & Whistle is such a versatile place because the food is comparative to that of high-end, “posh” restaurants, but the vibe of the place is so warm, cosy and friendly – meaning it’s perfect for both casual date nights and special occasions, and everything in between.

Read More »

Cast away winter blues aboard the good ship Marlin Monroe with Dick and the crew

The weather is wintry outside but inside Louth Playgoers Riverhead Theatre there is a wave of sunshine, spectacular costumes, a Sultan and a spellbinding cast. There is no better way to cast off the post Festive blues by joining the cast of Dick Whittington aboard the Marlin Monroe as the main character searches for fame and fortune. They have been rehearsing for four months for the annual Playgoers panto and the curtain goes up on Dick Whittington on Friday. (Jan 10). Katrina and the Waves’ 40-year-old classic, “Walking on Sunshine” kicks off the show which is packed with talent and experience. Among the most experienced performers, is Jamie Smith who brings Dame Helga Hooternanny to life. His role as Dame is the latest in his long association with Louth Playgoers which began with his first panto role in Jack and the Beanstalk. He has starred in six pantos since those days. He was in the last ever play at the former Newmarket Theatre in Louth when he performed in Private Lives. Jamie remembers fondly the happy days with Maureen Lill as his first ever director and the late John Lill who directed him in King Arthur. “I love doing comedies and plays and panto. It is like stand-up comedy, especially playing The Dame. You have to do ad hoc,” told Jamie who is promising a lot of unpredictability and plenty of audience participation. Jed Spittle at the Sultan in Dick Whittington, the Louth Playgoers’ pantomime (Image: Grimsby Live) Will Dick save the day and rescue Alice from Queen Rat? There is only one way to find out. By buying a panto ticket and setting sail on the good ship Marlin Monroe. Panto debuts include Emma Wighton, who leads the line in her role as Dick. Sophie Browne comes straight from playing Bet in the company’s musical Oliver in May to be Dick’s love affection, Alice. Emma said: “I can’t wait for the start of the show. I have not been in panto since primary school and I am really excited. They are a really nice group at The Playgoers to work with. I love the interaction and being able to get up close with the audience. It is going to be a great time for everyone.” She is being closely watched by Halle O’ Hare, her feline friend as they set sail for a little further afield than London town. They are being assisted by the experience of Jed Spittle and Louise Ray, who have only just arrived in the area, take on the role of the Sultan and Queen Rat respectively and both bring a wealth of performing experience with them Laura Harris is coming out of retirement and donning her Fairy Bow Belle costume along with the experienced Georgia Pearson and writer Phil Marshall Jnr bringing laughs aplenty with comedy duo Snicker and Gaffaw. Thanks to Poppy Layton the pantomime costumes are stunning. There have been a lot of helpers making spectacular costumes too for the dance troupe of Studio 2000 led by Nicky Wright. Emma Wighton plays Dick Whittington and Halle O’Hare plays Tammy the cat in the Louth Playgoers’ pantomime (Image: Grimsby Live) Steering the ship are directors, Rich Precious and Gary Starkie. Rich said: “This amazing cast and crew have created something very special. We do this for fun, in our own time and we’re an inclusive fun group of people producing something very professional in an incredible theatre space, and have a live band too. I’m incredibly proud of them and they deserve all the praise and plaudits coming their way.” It starts on Friday, January 10 and runs until January 19. Tickets are priced £9 for children and adults £15, with £13.50 entry for theatre card members. These can be booked by checking out www.louthriverheadtheatre.com or calling 01507 600350.

Read More »

I tried Neopolitan pizza from Tredici’s new menu and was very impressed

It’s been a whole year already since beloved Grimsby pizza restaurant Tredici moved to its new premises on Abbeygate – and the team have launched an extensive new Neopolitan menu to celebrate. The pizzeria has gone from strength-to-strength since first opening at its original premises back in 2017, and has served thousands of their signature authentic Italian sourdough pizzas to the people of North East Lincolnshire ever since. In November, Tredici marked one year since the business expanded to the premises of the former Henri Beene shop just across the way, following an extensive renovation. To mark the milestone, owners Simon Jowitt and Marie Chuka have launched a brand new menu inspired by the culinary heritage of Naples, featuring traditional favourites with some innovative twists. I obviously had to get down there and give it a try for myself. Marie Chuka and Simon Jowitt, co-owners of Tredici, with one of the pizza ovens at the restaurant shortly before it opened (Image: Grimsby Live) After being seated and ordering drinks, we had a browse of the new menu – and one thing instantly stuck out to me. It felt more like a really interesting educational experience as opposed to a standard food menu, because it actually explains in detail how Neopolitan pizza is different to other pizza, and even tells you how to eat it! The menu advises to eat the pizza with a knife and fork – the “Italian way to do things” – after cutting it with one firm action into four slices to allow the crusts to cut cleanly and the pizza to be easily pulled apart. It goes on to state: “Neopolitan pizza is often described as soupy due to its thin, soft crust and minimal toppings. The high hydration level of the dough, along with a brief cooking time in a very hot wood-fired oven, results in a softer and moister texture. Additionally, the use of fresh, high-moisture ingredients fresh mozzarella and San Marzano tomatoes contributes to the characteristic ‘soupy’ quality of Neopolitan pizza. “The crust of a woodfired pizza is called a cornicione and the cornicione will have some serious bubbles indicating that the dough is perfectly fermented and activated in the hot oven. Neopolitan pizza should typically have just a few toppings, usually no more than three. The most common choice includes tomatoes, mozzarella and fresh basil.” I can’t say I’ve ever heard a pizza described as “soupy” before, so I was already so curious (and hungry) before I’d even ordered. For starters, we went for the Antipasti Classico sharer, which beautifully combined cured Italian meats, cheese, olives, flatbread, mixed nuts and an olive oil and balsamic vinegar dip. It was presented immaculately and was just the perfect appetiser to go with the gorgeous white wine I was drinking – I’d call it the “ultimate picky plate”. The Antipasti Classico sharer (Image: Grimsby Live) For mains, I chose the Modena pizza, which combined San Marzano D.O.P tomatoes, Fior-do-Latte mozzarella, goat’s cheese, caramelised red onions, wild rocket and Balsamic glaze. My partner opted for the Veneto pizza – or “white” pizza with no tomato base – which instead had a Ricotta base with Fior-di-Latte Mozzarella, herb chicken, mushrooms and fresh spinach. Because Neopolitan pizza takes hardly any time at all to prepare and cook, our pizzas were with us in no time. After slicing mine into four pieces with a pizza cutter, I was ready to dig in – but instead of picking a slice up like I usually would, I thought I’d do things a bit differently and follow what the menu said, doing things the “Italian way” by eating mine with a knife and fork. Unsurprisingly, the pizza itself was delicious. We asked to keep the olive oil and balsamic vinegar dip from our starter on the table so we could dunk the pieces of pizza on our forks into it – and it was absolute heaven. The Modena pizza was delicious (Image: Grimsby Live) I’m a massive fan of the combination of goat’s cheese, caramelised onions and Balsamic vinegar and will typically always order this as a pizza topping if it’s available. Tredici’s creation didn’t disappoint one bit – and the sourdough base was light and airy with a thick, moreish crust. Because the portion sizes were so generous, I was absolutely stuffed after a few slices, and had to (shamefully) ask for the rest of our pizzas to be boxed up to take home. I didn’t hesitate in polishing it off for my lunch the next day – and will definitely be back soon to try some more delights on the new menu. But the ultimate question is this: is Tredici’s pizza still my favourite in Grimsby? Without a doubt – it’s the most authentic Italian pizza in the area you can get, in my opinion.

Read More »

I did next year’s Christmas shopping in the Grimsby sales to see how much bang I could get for my buck

When it comes to Christmas shopping, there’s probably no better time to get your hands on some good deals and bargains than in the Boxing Day and post-Christmas sales. For many people still getting over the chaos of this Christmas, that might seem a bit ridiculous and perhaps even a little too organised – but for others, it’s a no-brainer and a savvy way to save money and get ahead for when next Christmas comes around. For the last couple of years, I’ve managed to land some really good bargains in the sales between Christmas and New Year. Last year, I bought gift tags and gift bows at discount prices, and the year before I found a huge pack of good quality, modern baubles for a ridiculously cheap price. I headed out to some shops in Grimsby to see if the post-Christmas sales were any good this year and whether or not I could actually get some bang for my buck. Asda Asda on Holles Street was my first port of call. The sales were pretty decent – with packs of four gift tags on offer for just 13p – and much of the sparkly, festive clothing having been heavily discounted. There was still a wide range of baubles, decorations, napkins, tablecloths and paper plates left, and smaller Christmas trees were on sale for just £10. Gift tags were just 13p (Image: Grimsby Live) There were multiple boxes of Christmas wrapping paper left (albeit only one theme) for just 25p a roll, and packs of 12 Christmas crackers were on sale for under a pound. Lights, boxes, ribbons and twine had also been significantly reduced, along with fleece bedding, cushions and electrical items (although these seem to have been on sale in Asda for quite a while). An entire aisle of chocolates and sweet treats also has ‘sale’ signs plastered all over, although most of these are Christmas-themed – and I imagine the best-before dates mean these probably can’t be stashed away until next Christmas. Browsing through the clothing section, I found a lovely black festive jumper with a pink sequinned bow embellished on it that had been reduced by 50 percent from £12 to £6, so I bought that to wear for next year. I also bought three packs of gift tags, costing just 39p. I bought a lovely Christmas jumper to wear next year (Image: Grimsby Live) Tesco Making the short trip over from Asda to Tesco Extra on Market Street, I was keen to see what the post-Christmas sales were like there. Personally, I thought Asda had a lot more choice – but there were still many packs of discounted Christmas crackers left in Tesco, as well as food items like mince pies, cakes and boxes of chocolate. There were adorable Christmas plushies on sale, too – one was a polar bear dressed up as a Christmas pudding for just £3.50, which I actually now regret not buying. Sets of Christmas tree fleece double bedding had been reduced to £9, and a unique Yankee candle I’ve never seen before with the scent of ‘Wrapping Paper Pine’ had been slashed to half price. Another thing I regret not buying, because it smelt amazing. A stand of Christmas-themed jewellery had also been reduced to half price, and there were still quite a few baubles and Christmas tree decorations left. Kids’ Christmas clothing – such as onesies, dresses and Christmas jumpers – were on offer, as was the sparkly women’s clothing, although there wasn’t as much choice as in Asda. In the end, I decided to buy my daughter a lovely red Christmas jumper with a sequinned bow embellished on, similar to the one I bought for myself. This had been reduced by half from £14 to £7. I also bought her some sparkly red and navy blue tights for just £3. I bought a Christmas jumper for my daughter that had been reduced to half price (Image: Grimsby Live) Sainsbury’s If you’re looking for some discounted festive clothing for next Christmas, Sainsbury’s is probably your best bet. There were rails and rails of sparkly and sequinned skirts, trousers, tops and blazers – the perfect attire for Christmas parties and Christmas Day. In terms of other bits and bobs, there really wasn’t much to choose from, aside from a few boxes of crackers, napkins and gift tags. There were quite a few gift sets available, so Sainsbury’s is probably a good shout if you, like quite a lot of people, buy your presents for next year in the sales. Nevertheless, I left empty-handed. There was plenty of choice in Sainsbury’s where clothing was concerned (Image: Grimsby Live) The Range The Range had the most choice, by far, which didn’t surprise me. There was everything Christmas-themed you could possibly think of – indoor and outdoor decorations, baubles, present sacks, festive arts and crafts, cushions, bedding – and even Christmas toilet brushes, which even I think is a step too far. The majority of items were reduced by either 35 percent or 50 percent, and the sale lasts until the end of January. I came across an absolutely gorgeous reversible festive bedding set for my little girl, which had been reduced from £9.99 to £6.49. A matching fitted sheet was reduced from £4.99 to £3.24, which I thought was a really good deal. There was so much choice in the range – I bought this festive bedding set for my daughter (Image: Grimsby Live) I did buy some outdoor fairy lights to hang up on my porch next year, costing £4.99 per box, but these hadn’t been reduced. Near the tills, there were loads of gift bags, tags, bows and ribbons – I went for a set of four money wallets, reduced by half to 50p, and some special gift tags for my little girl’s presents, for just 34p. B&M The Christmas sales in B&M were pretty decent, too. There was lots available, albeit there wasn’t as much choice as in

Read More »

Five restaurants in North East Lincolnshire to try in 2025

It’s definitely safe to say that the food scene in North East Lincolnshire has had some fantastic fresh additions within the last couple of years, undergoing somewhat of a transformation. From city-style fine dining and bistro-style pub food to exotic cuisine from other parts of the world, there is a wide range of eateries in the area to suit an array of tastes and preferences. I was lucky enough to eat out at a variety of spots in Grimsby, Cleethorpes and beyond throughout 2024 to review – and I’ve compiled together a list of some of my favourites that I’ll definitely be visiting again in 2025. Five restaurants in North East Lincolnshire to try in 2025 Nasturtium, Cleethorpes This year, chef Jack Phillips and his team relocated from their first premises on Abbeygate – which opened in 2022 – to Kingsway in Cleethorpes. Being a massive fan of the food there, I visited both for breakfast in the summer, and to try the delicious new lunch menu a few weeks back. Needless to say, I was very impressed. My review reads: “I ordered the smoked mackerel chowder with herb oil and sourdough bread for my starter, and my partner went for the mushroom gyoza with wild mushroom and ponzu broth – but we decided to share both of them between us. In true Nasturtium fashion, the dishes were, as always, presented immaculately, resembling culinary works of art. “The taste of the chowder was just mouth-watering, and fully celebrated the rich and vibrant flavour of the mackerel. Mopping up the thick sauce with the sourdough bread just made it the perfect winter warmer dish, and I’m still craving it now. The Smoked Mackerel Chowder starter (Image: Nasturtium) “The mushroom gyoza dish was equally as delicious, with the citrus flavour of the ponzu combined with rich and salty soy sauce acting as the perfect dip for the gyozas. “For our main courses, I chose the braised lamb ragu with parpardelle pasta and chive oil and my partner ordered the squash tortellini with lemon pesto, tenderstem broccoli, amaretti crumb and squash puree. The Squash Tortellini main dish (Image: Nasturtium) “The lamb was melt-in-your-mouth tender and moreish, and the pasta was cooked to the perfect consistency. As for the squash tortellini, this was one of my favourite vegetarian dishes I’ve had in a long time. “If you’re looking for somewhere a bit different to eat that resembles a fine dining restaurant in a big city – but without the hefty price tag and “pretentious” feeling inside – then Nasturtium is the spot for you.” To read the full review, click here. The Ship Inn, Barnoldby-le-Beck I visited longstanding pub and restaurant The Ship Inn in Barnoldby-le-Beck in the summer to try its revamped menu, and I absolutely loved it. The atmosphere is that of a cosy but high-end English country pub, and all options on the menu sounded delicious. My review reads: “We fancied the Mushroom Stroganoff (£15), which was described on the menu as mushrooms in a creamy mustard sauce with mash and vegetables. I’ve always been a massive fan of stroganoff, with and without meat, so I was pleased to see this on the menu. “The dishes were served within about 15 minutes, and before I even started eating mine, I knew I’d love it because of how well it was presented. Everything on there looked delicious, and the portions were very generous which was a bonus. The Mushroom Stroganoff at The Ship Inn (Image: Grimsby Live) “The button mushrooms were drenched in the stroganoff sauce, which was just out of this world. It was creamy and peppery with that unique ‘kick’ you can only get from mustard, all at the same time, and seasoned to perfection. It was definitely up there with some of the best stroganoff I’ve ever had – and it’s one of my favourite meals, so I’ve had quite a few! “I’ll definitely be coming to The Ship Inn again. It’s clear to see that the quality of food has drastically improved, and I’m keen to try some of the other choices on the menu. Whether it’s for a date night, special occasion or just a quick bite to eat while passing through Barnoldby-le-Beck – it’s a lovely place to eat, with an atmosphere to match.” To read the full review, click here. Desi Kitchen & Grill, Immingham I visited Desi Kitchen & Grill in Immingham for the first time earlier this year, and have been back a few times since. It’s without a doubt my favourite Indian restaurant in the area, and staff are some of the friendliest I’ve ever encountered. My review reads: “For starters, we both went for the Onion Bhaji, which came as four onion bhajis on a small plate with a side salad and a generous scattering of coriander on top. I have found with other Indian meals that onion bhajis can often be a bit on the oily side, but these were absolutely perfect – not too dry and not too oily, and they tasted absolutely divine. “For my main, I went for the Chicken Tikka Pasanda – described on the menu as being cooked with fresh cream, almonds and coconut – with boiled rice on the side and a cheese naan bread. My partner opted for the Korai Mixed Grill, which incorporated chicken tikka, lamb tikka, tandoori chicken, sheek kebab, onions, green peppers and fresh garlic. The Korai Mixed Grill at Desi Kitchen & Grill (Image: Grimsby Live) “I always aim to be as honest as possible in my reviews, and I can’t fault either of these dishes at all. Both were absolutely delicious. The creaminess of the Pasanda sauce was perfectly complemented by the tender chicken, and each component of the Mixed Grill was packed full of flavour and spice, which for us, wasn’t too overpowering and was just right. “The meal at Desi Kitchen & Grill in Immingham was without a doubt the best Indian food I’ve eaten

Read More »

What time you can start your Boxing Day shopping in Grimsby 2024

For some people, it’s the most anticipated day of all the Christmas season. They will even put off the traditional Christmas shopping spend in readiness for the Boxing Day sales, hoping to grab a buy they have had their eye on but hoping to bag it at a reduced price. This is the way all of the Christmas present-giving happens in some households, seeking even more value for their money by waiting until just after the big day. While others prefer to approach Boxing Day in chilled mode, after the more full-on festivities of the run up to Christmas and December 25, many will be heading off to the shops, if they have not already bagged enough great deals in the online sales. Regardless of the hour, savvy shoppers will forego precious sleep to be at the front of the sale queues on Boxing Day. With so many prices slashed at this time of year, it’s a chance to get a head start on next Christmas too. Here are local store opening times for the Boxing Day sales. Boots Gift sets, make-up and more tends to be marked down straight after Christmas at Boots. Think about squirreling away some discount-priced items for birthdays and Christmas next year – you can shop on Boxing Day from 10.30am to 4.30pm, at Freshney Place. Currys The Currys sale is billed as a chance to snap up some high-end tech at a fraction of the normal selling price. Its store at High Point Retail Park will be open from 9am to 6pm. Dunelm The homewares and soft furnishings store will be open for post-Christmas deals, from 10am to 5pm, at Victoria Street North, Grimsby. Matalan Matalan’s Christmas sale has been running for a while now, online and in store. Expect Christmas decorations, clothing and homewares to be the ones with “reduced” labels attached if you are heading for the Boxing Day sale – the store at Corporation Road is due to be open from 9am to 6pm. Primark You can often find a sale or clearance area at other times of the year but any extra after-Christmas savings can be had from 10am to 4pm, at Freshney Place. Next Next bosses have again decided to keep stores closed on Boxing Day with the chain beginning its “End of Season Sale” at 6am on Friday, December 27, at its store at Victoria Retail Park, where you can shop from until 8pm, and at Freshney Place, with trading until 5.30pm. Join the FREE Grimsby Live WhatsApp Community Get all the latest stories, sent straight to your WhatsApp – all you need to do is click the link. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Read More »