Sorry I'm late too because I've been BUSY but yes, bingo, it is indeed Whitley Bay!
Spanish City was restored and reopened a couple of years ago, it's got a posh fish and chip restaurant, a tearoom beloved of glam nanas, a champagne bar and a nice micropub. Still has the proper arcades and Di Meo's ice cream (the best ever
) right behind it so it seems to be striking the right balance between traditional seaside and modern, family-friendly places to get a good coffee. Bloody love it up here like.
ETA: North East frau meet-up once this ducking 'rona is over/the Tories get their arses in gear (I know which one seems more likely). I can't be the only one in this neck of the woods!
Baked spud update: disappointing. We had the reduced sugar/salt baked beans for the sake of the toddler but they aren't a patch on Heinz. Anyone got good ideas for vegan jacket potato fillings to try in future?