- Play Hard
- 15th Aug 2025
- 0
- 0 minute
Girl Dinner, but make it locally sourced
You’ve seen her. She’s living her best life in a robe, hair in a claw clip, glass of wine in one hand, and a fridge-raided platter of nibbles in the other.
The Girl Dinner isn’t just a TikTok trend – it’s a whole lifestyle. It’s unbothered, beautifully unbalanced, and built for pleasure over nutrition. It’s also the ultimate midweek treat.
But here’s our take: what if your Girl Dinner went full North East?
We’re talking locally sourced, artisan-stuffed, flavour-packed indulgence – with zero need for cutlery and absolutely no judgment. The vibe is “small bites, big energy.”
And while Girl Dinner doesn’t need rules, ours just happens to support regional makers, markets and wine shops in the process. Win-win.
The cheese (always the main character)
Let’s not pretend otherwise – cheese is the foundation of any good Girl Dinner. Go big on character by skipping the supermarket and heading to one of our incredible local cheesemongers.
Doddington Dairy’s ‘Berwick Edge’ is a tangy, mature dream that deserves centre stage.
Try the oozy, punchy Darlington Brie from Acorn Dairy – bonus points if it melts slightly while you eat it.
Or swing by Matthew’s Cheese Stall at Grainger Market for an on-the-spot recommendation that feels delightfully rogue.
Pair with nothing but your fingers, or maybe some sourdough crackers if you’re feeling classy.
The carbs (to soak up the wine)
Let’s be honest, Girl Dinner carbs are rarely a full baguette. It’s the nibbly, tearable, toastable options that don’t try to steal the show but still make the whole thing work.
Northern Rye in Ouseburn has the ultimate focaccia – herby, salty and ready to mop up anything.
Grab a crusty sourdough from Pink Lane Bakery in either Jesmond or Newcastle city centre – slice, toast and layer with abundance. We know and absolutely love this place.
Or if you’re more of a crisp girl (respect), the hand-cooked potato crisps made from selected premium Buston Potatoes by Buston Crisps hit all the right notes. Locally sourced and impossibly crunchy. Pile high or eat straight from the bag – there are no wrong answers here.
The little extras (chaotic good energy)
This is where Girl Dinner shines – all the bits that make no sense together but absolutely slap on the same plate.
A spoonful of Wiga Wagaa chilli jam (Consett-based, and spicy in all the right ways).
Hand-stuffed olives from La Casa Delicatessen in Grainger Market – the garlic ones are basically a personality.
If you’re that kind of girl (and hear us out here), some pickled quail eggs (or just fresh if you fancy) from a Northumberland farm shop. Hillheads in Newcastle is renowned for their ultra fresh and tasty produce.
Finally, pease pudding, because you’re Northern and proud.
These are the wildcard items that make your plate feel like you. It’s giving curated chaos.
The sweet bit (optional, but encouraged)
Let’s not pretend anyone’s baking after work. Sweet Girl Dinner hits differently when it’s store-bought but feels personal.
A slice of Blackberries Patisserie cake – get the most ridiculous, buttercream-heavy one available. Bonus points if it’s seasonal.
A couple of handmade truffles from The Chocolate Smiths in North Shields – the Bizarre Bars are the perfect combo of silly and delicious.
Or go rogue and grab a Jammy Dodger from your mam’s biscuit tin. Local enough.
The sip (aka, the enabler)
What’s Girl Dinner without something in a cute glass?
Crush, the delicious wine bar in Durham, has bottles that feel fancy but drink easy – ask for something fun and funky, or choose their signature ‘Discovery Box’ for a surprise!
For non-drinkers: Estate Tea Company’s ‘Cloud Catcher’ flavoured tea blend is something to get excited about. Bright, fruity, and totally refreshing.
Or just pour a can of Wylam Brewery’s fruity pale ale into a wine glass and call it a spritz. No one’s watching.
The final rule: Eat it your way
On the sofa. On a picnic blanket. In bed. Alone. With your bestie. On the kitchen floor after a long day with your dog staring at you.
Subscribe
Subscribe now to receive our twice-weekly emails and exclusive offers for High Life North readers.