Cocktails with a local twist hit the perfect note

SAM Fender fever is very much in the air in Newcastle right now, with the North Shields singer taking to the stage once again at St James' Park.

- EMILY GRAY

The current run of gigs will see Sam perform to over 150,000 people across three nights.

One thing to plan is where to go if you're getting the party started early.

So, prior to the opening show on Thursday, we headed to a city-centre venue serving up Sam Fender-themed cocktails with a twist.

FRED's bar inside Fenwick - the modern take on the Terrace Tea Room first opened by Fred Fenwick in 1911 - has been busy crafting two new drinks, specially inspired by Sam's North East roots.

First up was the North Shields Negroni described as "a classic Negroni with a cold, coastal edge-gin, bitter Campari, sweet vermouth, and a dash of smoked salt".