As restrictions continue here in the Hunter, there's no doubt you're probably missing all those fun things you used to get up to in life before lockdown. Friday night cocktails with the work crew, fine dining with your boo, or a fun night on the town with the girls all seem like a distant memory, don't they?
Before you go getting all nostalgic, we're here to save the day and put some pleasure back into your weekends. We've compiled a list of ways to spice up your Friday or Saturday night with a date night at home! Our local businesses are ready to help with a range of tantalising offerings including food and drink delivery, at home entertainment, and spa worthy goodies. Now, if only we could organise you a virtual babysitter (sorry!).
Go on, treat yourself and keep reading for all the ways you can enjoy a delectable date night at home.
Re-create the restaurant experience at home
Introducing Una Volta A Casa, bringing this exceptional Italian restaurant to your own dinner table set for two. The four-course set menu is prepared in advance for your pick-up, with only minimal heating and assembly required. Italian lovers rejoice!
Impress your loved ones with subo [at home]. Have a special occasion meal at home by ordering subo's high quality, delicious and semi-prepared ingredients for pickup. The hard work is all done with the food marinated and vacuum packed ready for you to cook! Instructions for cooking are provided, so you can ensure restaurant quality from your own kitchen. Additions to the subo [at home] menu, including oysters and a gourmet cheese course, are available on request to create an extended menu of five courses. And thanks to relaxations of the NSW liquor licensing laws, there are a selection of beverages from their restaurant list to choose from to complete your evening.
Continuing with the hands-on theme, why not cook and have a laugh together with Pork Ewe Deli's Cooking Club, Cooking with Ewe. Cooking with Ewe features a new recipe each month, with an ingredients pack available to pre-order for kerbside pick-up or delivery in the days prior. A video with Sam cooking the dish will be posted online on the Thursday evening, so you can cook alongside her at a time that suits you.
Throw a cocktail party in your living room
Put on some lippy or aftershave, pop on some jazzy music, and enjoy a tipple from some of Newcastle's favourite cocktail bars from the comfort of your couch.
With 20 cocktail kits to choose from, The Kotetsu has you covered for a classy night of cocktails at home. Available for delivery or pick-up Wednesday to Saturday. Have your order in by 5pm for same day delivery!
Bring on the tropical vibes and check out the tasty offerings from Blue Kahunas. Sit back, close your eyes, and imagine you're in Hawaii. Order before 5pm for same day click and collect or delivery.
With a range of cocktails and sample packs on offer, Coal and Cedar sure know how to dish up the goods when it comes to creating your very own speakeasy at home. Check their website for delivery and collection details.
Try something a little fun and unique
Newcastle's Amanda Wilson of Little Party Crew has created a variety of date night boxes to boost love in the time of lockdown. Each box is released monthly and has its own theme. Septembers box is called "Lockdown Love @ the Louvre" and includes a step by step date book, snacks and drinks for two, canvas and painting materials, a customised playlist themed for your date and a few other special surprises. The aim is to get Jack and Jill - or Jack and Jack, or Jill and Jill - spending more quality time together and having fun.
If you'd prefer to be outdoors and soaking up the spring weather, pack a picnic rug and a blanket and find yourself a spot at one of Newcastle's beautiful vantage points for a sunset picnic. Take the stress out of preparing the hamper by choosing from a huge range of mouth-watering platters from Sharp + Co, and focus your time on creating a moment to remember.
And once the sun sets, why not make the moments last longer by downloading a stargazing app and be amazed by our wonderous world. Check out SkyView or Star Walk, both available on Android and iOS. You could even set up a romantic camp in your garden and stargaze in the comfort of your own surrounds.
Enjoy at home entertainment with a difference
Get ready for a night of fun, laughs and everything in between! Timberlina's ferocious queen eccentric style, naughty quick wit and dazzling diamond repertoire will have you in stitches on the floor screaming for more. Tickets for Timberlina’s Drag Bingo and Drag Trivia are just $10 per person which includes three virtual rounds of bingo and performances. You might want to lock the kids in another room for this one!
If you're a music lover who's missing your live music fix, Moshtix has you covered with their ever evolving list of artists from across the globe who are giving fans a piece of the action, right from their living rooms. There's also a bunch of on-demand streams to watch at any time!
Indulge in a romantic spa evening
Turn your bathroom into a spa with Wonderlust Fragrances beautifully handcrafted and ecofriendly soy candles, massage candles, vegan lip and beard balms, cold process soap, body scrubs, lotions and so much more, made to order right here in Newcastle! Not only do these bath treats smell divine, they look delicious too. Get the bath running, soft tunes playing, candles lit and a bottle of champers on ice to fully immerse yourself in this DIY spa experience.
To add a bit of atmospheric lighting to your evening, we love these dual-purpose candles made by hand in Newcastle by Luxe Empire. The Cocktail Collection will add an element of elegance to your evening, and once the candle is out you can re-purpose the glass to your cocktail cabinet!
Looking for more ways to liven up your weekend? Check out our blog page for all the inspiration.