Tynemouth locals have been left slightly confused by the assertion that they refer to their home as "the Hawaii of the North".
The bold claim featured in a Sunday Times article, which singled out the North Tyneside town as one of "the six seaside towns everyone’s going to be talking about this summer". The story claimed that: " The 'Hawaii of the north' is how locals proudly describe Tynemouth".
Now, here at ChronicleLive, we love the North East coast and we're always pleased to see the rest of the country recognising what those of us who live here have long known - that you've got to go a very long way to beat our beaches. Still, even we'd be willing to admit that there's a bit of a difference between North Tyneside and Honolulu.
Read more: Condé Nast Traveller names the 10 best beaches near Newcastle - do you agree?
The phrase also caught the eye of staff at Tynemouth pub the Turk's Head, who Tweeted: "The Hawaii of the North?" Right. We need to find WHICH locals said this, and seek them medical attention immediately."
"Nobody has ever said this," one baffled local added.
Confusingly, the article also praises "pebbly King Edward's Bay'. This stood out to many as a slightly odd description of the ever-popular and distinctly sandy circle of shore.
@gladbags4 tweeted: "pebbly King Edward’s Bay"?! Really? If someone had actually gone, (or just googled!) you'd know it's golden sands! Tynemouth should definitely be number one, although I might be slightly bias[ed]."
Still, while we might quibble with some of the descriptions, it's hard to argue with the overall conclusion (even if we agree that Tynemouth probably should have taken the top spot). And, as the writer correctly points out, Tynemouth is a popular surfing hotspot, which seems to be the logic behind the comparison.
The article continued: "Above all, it is Tynemouth’s pleasingly wind-whipped atmosphere that appeals — best appreciated from a trio of glorious beaches that, on a brisk afternoon, could upend even Mary Poppins. Factor in charming seafront Victorian terraces, a headland-perched crumbly priory and castle, and Sunday flea markets, and you have a bracing seaside town full of retro charm and unexpected surprises."
The story also offers well-deserved shout-outs to the likes of Riley's Fish Shack, Longsands Fish Kitchen and Marshall's - so at least they've done their research when it comes to good seafood. We couldn't help but chuckle at some of the descriptions here, but we're certainly happy to see the gorgeous North Tyneside town getting the praise it deserves.
Have you ever referred to Tynemouth as 'the Hawaii of the North'? Where are your favourite spots to visit there? Share your thoughts in the comments.
