Like the Spanish city to me . . .

. . . when we were kids.

Gordon has boyhood memories of being excited by visits to Spanish City, as he was taken to the funfair there during days out to Whitley Bay whilst staying with relations in Hexham. I have vague memories, from a few visits to Whitley Bay over the years, of an abandoned, almost derelict building and local people regarding it as an eyesore and wondering what would become of it.

Today we were impressed with the much refurbished building, housing cafes, restaurants etc. It might have taken a long time, but it is quite splendid. Or at least we thought so as we sat in the smart Champagne Bar with views of the sea (or there would have been if it hadn't been so misty!) and drank our excellent coffee (not champagne sadly - I'm not sure I could have gone on to read Sophocles otherwise!) I wonder what locals think of it. 

The Premier Inn we stayed in overnight is next door - new too. 

Tunnel of Love