Other Bloggers Family Lives Featuring Country Heart And Home

Welcome to another week of Other Bloggers Family Lives, this week I am featuring another local North East blogger Debbie from Country Heart and Home. Debbie's blog is full of crafting and baking with her children and going on adventures. 

So let's find out more about the family behind Country Heart and Home. 

MOD Pizza At The Metrocentre - Review

Edit * MOD Pizza has now closed*

A couple of weeks ago we were invited along to MOD Pizza which has recently opened in the Metrocentre. Located upstairs in the Qube where all the restaurants are near the cinema you will find MOD Pizza, if you are looking for somewhere quick, affordable, family friendly and delicious to dine then this is the place to visit. 

 MOD Pizza first started in Seattle USA in 2008 and have quickly grown and now have five UK restaurants. As well as the Metrocentre they also have branches in London (Leicester Square), Leeds, Nottingham and Brighton.

Frozen Northern Lights Elsa Doll Review

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Can you believe that it has been 3 years since Frozen was released at the cinema? I remember going to see it with my eldest and Frozen fever is still as strong as ever with little ones all over the world. My three-year-old daughter has always liked Frozen but ever since she went to see Disney on ice Frozen a few months ago she has become Elsa crazy. So imagine her utter delight when we were recently sent a box full of Frozen goodies to celebrate the release of brand new Lego animation show Frozen Northern Lights on Disney Junior.

Give The Gift Of Books This Christmas

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As a child, I adored reading and every Christmas I would receive some new books to read over the holidays. As I have such fond memories of reading as a child I always buy my own children a selection of books for Christmas, as I think they make such a lovely gift. 

We were recently sent a package containing some lovely Children's books from Penguin Random House to give as presents this Christmas. The three books we were sent were Max and Bird by Ed Vere, The Dinosaur that Popped Christmas by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter and The Little Elephant Who Wants To Fall Asleep by Carl-Johan Forssen Ehrlin. 

Aladdin At Whitley Bay Playhouse - A Great Family Panto

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At Christmas time you just can't beat a family trip to the panto to get you in the festive spirit. This year we were invited along to see Blue Genie's production of Aladdin at Whitley Bay playhouse, starting Shane Lynch from Boyzone.

 It really is a show not to be missed. 

Located close to Whitley Bay town centre and beach front the modern theatre is the perfect venue for a family pantomime, with lots of free on site parking and local transport close by. With a well-priced bar selling a range of drinks and snacks and stalls selling flashing wands for little ones that won't break the bank (we paid £6 for one). 

My First Scalextric Review

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When I was a child I always remember the year that my brother got a Scalextric for Christmas, he was so excited and spent hours racing whoever would race him. Being a mum to a little boy myself now I always imagined buying my son his own Scalextric set when he was older, as they are such a classic childhood toy. I had no idea that they actually had My First Scalextric sets which are aimed at younger children aged 3 and over, making them the perfect introduction to Scalextric for slightly younger racers. 

Other Bloggers Family Lives Featuring Adventures Of A Monkey Footed Mummy

Welcome back to Other Bloggers Family Lives, we had a little break the past few weeks due to a house move but we are back. This week I am featuring fellow North East parenting blogger and mum of three Karen from Adventures Of A Monkey Footed Mummy. Karen blogs about all things parenting, reviews, days out and dining out with her daughter's allergies. 

So let's find out more about the family behind Adventures of a Monkey Footed Mummy. 

Nuby Giveaway

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A few weeks ago we were contacted and asked if my two-year-old son would like to become a Nuby brand rep. I agreed as we love Nuby products, not only are they local to us - they are based in South Tyneside but they also make fab products.

Win Prizes With The 12 Days Of Plenty

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Hands up who is ready for Christmas? I'm not at all, everything is still a bit crazy after our recent house move with boxes still to unpack and things to organise. I am planning on spending this weekend getting organised and putting the Christmas tree up (once I have brought a tree that is) writing some Christmas cards out and making some shopping lists of what we need to buy. I still have so many gifts to buy and also the 'big' Christmas grocery shop. 

Classic Tiny Tears Doll Review

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When I was a little girl I loved playing with my doll and pram, I always remember that I had a Tiny Tears doll. Fast forward over 30 years later and Tiny Tears is still going strong, in fact she celebrated her 50th birthday last year as she was launched here in the UK in the 1960's. She was the first fully functioning feeding, crying and wetting doll with closing eyes, moveable arms, legs and head. 

Dr Beckmann Bundle Review & Giveaway

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I don't know about you but every year just before Christmas I have a huge clean up of my house ready for Santa coming. Obviously this year we have only just moved so I have already had a huge de-cluttering mission and lots of things in the house are all sparkly and new. I will still be giving everything a good clean though, especially things like my cooker and kitchen appliances which if I am honest often get a  bit overlooked. 

Baby Born Interactive Happy Birthday Doll Review

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Can you believe that iconic doll Baby Born has celebrated its 25th year this year? It is a doll that has really stood the test of time and generations of children have enjoyed. My eldest daughter who is now 14 received a Baby Born doll for her third birthday and it was such a loved and very much played with doll. 

To celebrate the 25th Birthday of Baby Born they have released a special Happy Birthday doll. The Happy Birthday Baby Born doll comes dressed in a beautiful pink party dress, matching pink shoes and complete with a birthday crown. She also comes with lots of accessories to celebrate her birthday party in style, which little ones can join in with. Like all Baby Born dolls she is very lifelike and can drink her bottle and then wee on her potty, she can cry real tears too. 

Thomas & Friends Glowing Musical Thomas Review

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My little boy is crazy about Thomas & Friends, all he has asked for this year for Christmas is two things and one of them is a Thomas & Friends green train.  At only two-years-old, he is still a bit too young for most of the Thomas toys as they are mostly aimed at slightly older children. 

Golden Bear toys have launched a new range of Thomas & Friends toys aimed at younger fans, suitable for ages 10 months plus. They have a Glowing Musical Thomas (RRP £24.99) which plays the iconic theme tune, makes sounds and says popular phrases and his cheeks also light up and glow different colours. 

 Large Talking Thomas & Friends (RRP £14.99) are large soft-bodied trains that say popular phrases from the show. You can choose from Thomas, James and Percy and they are perfect for little hands to hold, or you can get the regular Talking Thomas & Friends (RRP £9.99) which is exactly the same just a bit smaller in size. Thomas & Friends Beanies (RRP £4.99) would make the perfect stocking filler and are ideal for carrying around or collecting, again you can choose from Thomas, James or Percy characters. 

Festive Day's Out With Toddlers In The North East This Christmas

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This year my little two children - aged two and three years old are super excited for Christmas. This is the first year that they have both realised what is going on and it is so amazing watching the sheer joy on their face whenever they see a Christmas tree or sparkly lights. As this is the first year that they are understanding the magic of Christmas we are planning lots of day's out to really get them in the festive spirit and bring the magic of Christmas alive for them. 

Noddy Remote Control Car Review

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Noddy is such a timeless classic children's TV character, isn't he? I remember him from my own childhood, my teen loved him when she was a toddler and now my two-year-old son loves him too. He really is such a well-known character that everyone seems to like. 

Recently we were sent a remote control Noddy car to review from Spinmaster, aimed at children aged 2+ I knew that it would be perfect for my little boy to play with. 

Justin's House Playset Review

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My two year old son is crazy for Mr Tumble, it is his favourite T.V show. He is such a big Mr Tumble fan that he also adores Justin who plays him, he always shouts "It's Justin" when he sees him on T.V and he has also started watching Justin's House on the Cbeebies channel. 

 Justin's house is a show hosted by Justin Fletcher (Mr Tumble) and his friends such as Robert the robot, Little Green Monster and is non-stop singing, dancing, mishaps and laughter from the young children in the audience. 

My three-year-old daughter also likes Justin's house since we seen it live at the Justin and Friends arena show last year. So when we were recently sent a Justin's House playset from Golden Bear toys  I knew that both of my children would love playing with it.

Other Bloggers Family Lives Featuring Sophie & Lily

This week on Other Bloggers Family Lives I am featuring Sophie & Lily,  a UK parenting and lifestyle blog. Sophie is a mum of two and is currently heavily pregnant with baby number three, her blog is all about her family life, pregnancy, reviews, interiors and general lifestyle posts. 

So let's find out more about the family behind Sophie & Lily. 

Pizzastorm Newcastle

*Pizzastorm Newcastle has now closed*

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If you're from Newcastle you will probably have noticed that lots of new restaurants have been popping up in the recently redeveloped Grey's Quarter in Eldon Square. One of the new restaurants is Pizzastorm who create custom made pizzas in just 3 minutes! 

I think the best way to describe Pizzastorm is like Subway but for pizza instead of sandwiches. We were recently invited along to the very recently opened Pizzastorm which is located upstairs in Grey's Quarter to see what we thought.

Lunch At Le Raaj Chester Le Street

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As a family we love Indian food,  every year for the past eight years we have actually visited our local Indian restaurant for Christmas dinner instead of having traditional turkey.  I was recently invited to Le Raaj Indian restaurant in Chester-Le-Street and visited with my teenage daughter and dad. 

Located in Chester Moor, near Chester-Le-Street on the A167 you can not miss Le Raaj housed in an old Victorian chapel. With plenty of free on-site parking and a bus stop right outside getting to Le Raaj was really easy and only a half an hour drive from our home near Newcastle.

Does Your Family Have a Superpower? If So npower Want To Know

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Does your family have a hidden superpower?

npower have just launched a new campaign to celebrate Britain's hidden superpowers. With the help of Peter Andre npower want to celebrate all of the fun, quirky, clever, practical and entertaining everyday superpowers that we everyday families like yours and mine may have.

Other Bloggers Family Lives Featuring Noah And The Girls

Welcome to another week of Other Bloggers Family Lives, this week I am featuring Kerry from Noah & the girls. Kerry's blog is full of interiors, recipes, travel and parenting. 

So let's find out more about the family behind Noah & The Girls. 

Win A Copy Of The Journey Home DVD

Tomorrow is the 1st of November and I am now officially on countdown to Christmas! I love Christmas and every year I try and get my children into the festive spirit nice and early. One way that I  normally do this is with DVD's, nothing beats snuggling up on winter nights with a DVD in the lead up to Christmas. A new DVD called The Journey Home launched on DVD today (31st October) that promises to melt your frozen heart this festive season. 

Twirlywoos Interactive Musical Chick & Dance-Along Peekaboo Toys Review

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My little boy loves the Twirlywoos, he is not normally a fan of sitting watching TV but he loves watching CBeebies show the Twirlywoos. We recently reviewed some Flying Twirlywoos which he adored, he laughs his head off whenever they fly.

 As he loved them so much we were planning on buying him some more Twirlywoos toys for Christmas this year, however, we were very kindly sent some new Twirlywoos toys to review. We were sent an Interactive Musical Chick and a Dance-Along Peekaboo from Golden Bear Toys.

Other Bloggers Family Lives Featuring A Slice Of My Life Wales

Welcome to another week of Other Bloggers Family Lives. This week I am featuring A Slice Of My Life Wales written by Leanne.  So lets find out more about the family behind the blog. 

Kids Parcel Review

Update 2019 - Kids Parcel have now shut down.

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Sometimes it is hard to know what to buy a child, you may not be sure what they like or they may just have so many toys that you have no idea what else you could possibly buy them. With Christmas just around the corner you may be starting to worry about what to buy the little people in your life, well fear not as I have discovered a brilliant new gifting service for children aged between 3-10 called Kids Parcel.

Ariel Colours Of The Sea Bath Doll Review

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Like most people I have loved Disney films ever since I was a child. The Little Mermaid is without a doubt my all time favourite Disney film, I remember going to see it at the cinema when it first came out and when I went to Florida a year later all the parade was The Little Mermaid theamed. I especially adore the much loved 'Part Of Your World' song that Ariel sings. I know all of the words and sing along whenever I hear it, which is quite often these days as my three-year-old daughter, Sophia has also taken a bit of a shine to The Little Mermaid film too. 

Other Bloggers Family Lives Featuring Belle Du Brighton

Welcome to another week of my guest post series Other Bloggers Family Lives. This week I am featuring Belle Du Brighton.  Lauren's blog is all about her family life with two young children and is a great mix of travel, interiors and reviews. 

So let's find out more about the family behind Belle Du Brighton. 

A Family Meal At The New Derwent Crossing Brewers Fayre

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Update this has now shut down. 

On Saturday we were invited along to the all new Derwent Crossing Brewers Fayre, located near the Metrocentre, to enjoy a family meal and try out the brand new play area. As a family we love dining out at Brewers Fayre, having visited the Royal Quays branch in the past. 

Other Bloggers Family Lives Featuring The Mum Diaries

Welcome to another week of my guest post series Other Bloggers Family Lives. This week I am featuring The Mum Diaries. Written by Jaymee it is all about her family life with her three boys, recipes, reviews and general parenting posts. 

So let's find out more about the family behind The Mum Diaries. 

Furby Connect Review

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I remember when Furbys first came out in the 90's, everyone went crazy for them. Fast forward almost twenty years later and the Furby is still around, there have been a few different versions of this iconic toy over the years. The latest edition is the Furby Connect which has recently launched and is set to be one of this years must have toys for Christmas. 

Howard Lovecraft And The Frozen Kingdom DVD Giveaway

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Now that we are well and truly into October my thoughts are starting to turn to Halloween. To help get families ready for Halloween a new film has just been released by Lionsgate which promises to 'Get your family ready for Hallowe'en with this adventurous tale of mystery and magic.' 

The film is called Howard Lovecraft and The Frozen Kingdom, based on the graphic novel by H.P Lovecraft and with the voices of Ron Perlman and Christopher Plummer this animated tale is perfect for Halloween.

Other Bloggers Family Lives Featuring Rock And Roll Pussycat

Welcome to another week of my guest post series Other Bloggers Family Lives. This week I am featuring another of my favourite bloggers the super lovely Cat from Rock And Roll Pussycat.

 Cat is a fellow northern blogger and I have actually met her a few times before at local blogging events and she is so lovely and friendly in real life and her little boy is adorable. Cat's blog is full of family days out, travel, reviews, parenting posts and beautiful photographs. 

So let's find out more about the blogger behind Rock And Roll Pussycat. 

Num Noms Wacky Bakers

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To coincide with The Great British Bake Off  (am I the only one who has never watched this?) we were sent some Num Noms in the hope that they would inspire us to get creative in the kitchen and become wacky bakers! 

Turn Nappies Into Rewards And Savings With Pampers Club

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Being a mum of three I have changed a lot of nappies over the years, over the last three years I have had two children in nappies - even having two children in nappies at the same time for over a year! I used Pampers on my eldest 14 years ago and still I use them on my youngest child now. They are the only brand of nappies that I trust to keep my little ones dry and comfortable, even overnight. 

 They have recently launched a brilliant new rewards app called Pampers Club - it is free, easy to use and best of all it rewards you every time you buy some Pampers! 

Flying Twirlywoos Review

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At the end of the summer, my little two were sent a Flying Twirlywoos toy each, however, with our imminent house move and things being a bit hectic lately I have only just gotten around to writing about them now. Sorry. My delay in writing about these toys means that my little two have had plenty of time to play with these Flying Twirlywoos and really test them out.

Flying Twirlywoos are little launcher sticks that have one of the four Twirlywoo characters on, with a plastic propeller on top to help them fly. Setting the Flying Twirlywoos up and getting them to work was super simple, you simply had to put some batteries in (3 AA) then you clip the propeller onto the Twirlywoo characters head and slot it into the launcher. Then  you press the button on the launcher and watch the Twirlywoo fly away. 

Lalaloopsy Glitter Hair Dough Doll Review

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My daughter is three years old and like a lot of girls her age she likes dolls and being creative. Well Lalaloopsy combines being creative with a doll with this all new Lalaloopsy Glitter Hair Dough Doll. We were kindly sent one to review so read on to see what we thought. 

Disney Tsum Tsums Vinyl Collection - Review

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Each year I buy my children a Disney soft toy each and last year they also got the rather cute little soft Tsum Tsum teds in their stockings too. These were huge hits with my two girls, they loved them so much that they now collect them. Recently Jakks Pacific have launched new vinyl Tsum Tsum toys in a range of much loved Disney characters and we were sent some to review. 

Other Bloggers Family Lives Featuring Family Fever

Welcome to another week of my guest post series Other Bloggers Family Lives. This week I am featuring Kate from Family Fever.  Kate's blogs about her family life in Devon, her pregnancy with her youngest Eliza, product reviews and her recent career change. 

So lets find out more about the family behind Family Fever. 

Scarborough Sea Life Sanctuary

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We were invited to Scarborough Sea Life Sanctuary and it was a lovely day out for families. They have penguins as well as Fish and it is right on the seafront. Ideal for a family day out on the Yorkshire coast.  We visited with a two and three year old and also a teen during the summer holidays. 

Disney Sofia The First Toys

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My little girl is called Sophia and since she was tiny she has loved Sofia the first, sharing the same name means that my little Sophia actually thinks she is Sofia the first. They have the same big blue eyes and brown curls and they both love the colour purple. 

 We were kindly sent some Sofia The First toys - a royal tiara, toy camera, a mini royal prep art class playset, Princess Amber's closet playset, three figures, a magazine and a backpack to put it all in. My very own Sophia could not wait to start playing, of course she had to dress up in her Sofia The First dressing up outfit to play with her new toys.

CaseApp Review And Giveaway

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* CaseApp is no longer trading*

My teenage daughter is constantly glued to her iPhone and ipad, she loves them so much and is always buying new cases to customise them with. So when I was recently contacted by CaseApp and asked if I would like to review a customised phone case and ipad or laptop skin, I knew that my teen would love to try these out.

You can either select one of the many pre-designed covers or you can create your own. My teen decided that she wanted to create her own, which was actually really quick and easy to do. 

 

Other Bloggers Family Lives Featuring Emily And Indiana

Welcome to another week of my guest post series Other Bloggers Family Lives, this week I am featuring Emily from Emily And Indiana. Emily and Indiana is such a lovely blog all about family life with two toddlers, family days out, travel and family lifestyle posts, she also has a popular YouTube channel covering similar subjects.

 

Other Bloggers Family Lives Featuring Over 40 And A Mum To One

Welcome to another week of my guest post series Other Bloggers Family Lives, this week I am featuring Mary from Over 40 And A Mum To One. Mary's blog is all about life with her six year old son, family days out, reviews, travel and photos. 

So lets find out more about the family behind Over 40 And A Mum To One.

Fisher Price Bright Beats Learnin Lights Dance Mat - Review

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My little boy has just turned two years old and he still adores interactive learning toys. So when we were recently asked if we would like to review a Fisher-Price Bright Beats Learnin Lights Dance Mat  (RRP £39.99) I knew this would be something he would enjoy. 

Recommended for children aged nine months to three years old, Bright Beats dance mat will help little ones learn whilst being lots of fun. The mat features a popular Beat Bo figure in the centre of the mat, which children will love to spin around. The mat helps to teach little ones their ABC's, numbers, colours and shapes as well as learning some dance moves. Children can sit, crawl, stand and dance on the mat which has sensors on and will light up and reward your child when they follow the instructions.

Thomas & Friends My First All Around Sodor Train Set - Review

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My little boy recently turned two years old and he is vehicle crazy! He loves any kind of vehicle from cars and tractors to planes and trains, he really loves trains! During the summer we went on a Thomas train ride at Saltwell park and ever since he has been Thomas crazy and watches it on the TV daily. 

We were recently sent a Thomas and Friends My First Train set which would make a brilliant Christmas gift idea this Christmas. 

 

Little Dish New Pots & Pies Toddler Meals

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We are big fans of Little Dish in are household, my two toddlers love the snack range. Little Dish have just launched a new range of toddler meals called pots and pies, a range of healthy, yummy meals that have been created just for toddlers.

YoYo Panda Review & Giveaway

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Back in the May we visited Edinburgh Zoo for my three year old daughters birthday, ever since we visited and she seen a real life panda she has been a little bit in love with them. So imagine her utter delight when she was sent a very cute and huggable YoYo Panda to review. 

YoYo is extremely adorable, I think anyone who sees her will fall in love with her huge eyes and very cute design. Her fur is super soft and even though she is an interactive toy she is still very squishy and cuddly, perfect for little ones to snuggle up with. She comes with a bottle, that you can feed her with and some bamboo to eat.

Other Bloggers Family Lives Featuring Life According To Mrs Shilts

Welcome to another week of my guest post series Other Bloggers Family Lives, this week I am featuring one of my all time favourite bloggers the lovely Emma from Life According To Mrs Shilts. If anyone is trying to lose weight or following the Slimming World plan then you need to read Emma's blog as she has done amazing on the plan and lost a lot of weight and shares so many tasty recipes. 

So lets find out more about the family behind Life According To Mrs Shilts. 

Other Bloggers Family Lives Featuring Nine To Three Thirty

Welcome to another week of my guest post series Other Bloggers Family Lives. This week I am featuring Erica from Nine To Three Thirty,  Erica's blog is, as the name suggests a blog about life with a school aged child, covering reviews, days and meals out and general parenting posts. 

So lets find out more about the family behind Nine To Three Thirty. 

A Family Meal At The Anson Sizzling Pub In Wallsend

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We were recently invited to The Anson a Sizzling Pub in Wallsend - North Tyneside, to enjoy a family meal during the summer holidays. We are big fans of the Sizzling Pub brand, as a family we often dine in them as they are perfect for an affordable family pub meal. 

The Anson is located right in the middle of Wallsend town centre, just outside of the shopping centre. As it was such a lovely sunny day when we visited lots of people were  sitting on the tables outside enjoy a drink in the sunshine. Indoors there were couples with young children and groups of older friends and relatives enjoy drinks and meals.