Ella Rounding encapsulates the TikTok food scene ensuring Newcastle has everything they need to know on the number one spots across the Tyne.
TikTok as a platform has implemented a significance to our daily habits. From food ideas, outfits, or finding out about all the new trends that are going viral, TikTok’s popularity and influence has rocketed.
Ella first made her account in January this year which coincided with Newcastle’s restaurant week where she thought ‘would be a perfect time to start’. Through her love of watching similar videos herself on TikTok, she often found herself using the app to search for new places to eat
Therefore, this passion gave her the idea to start her own account as she was ‘always taking photos of her food anyway just for fun.’ Similarly, her friends said she should give it a go and so she started sharing her food pics with others.
How it all started…
Ella’s journey on TikTok has showcased tons of growth through views, fans and comments. She explained how she ‘just kept posting and found it had started getting popular when friends in Newcastle would tell me that their friends had sent them my videos’. Once her first video was posted, Ella commented how surprised she was when it did so well.
‘I think it got around 10k views in a few days which is crazy to me’
She said how she even had a TikTok influencer, Max Balegde comment on one video, realising her viewings were growing and her account was becoming ‘widespread’. Commenting how ‘she couldn’t believe it when I saw it.’
One amongst many of Ella’s favourite reviews was last summer when she was invited by a marketing company to Junkyard golf, a great destination for a fun night out in the toon. Ella was able to bring friends with her to enjoy mini golf and cocktails which was exciting.
‘It was a really fun experience, and I got to share it with my friends which made it even better.’
The cocktails they tried soon became their new favourites!
However, a favourite food orientated place she had reviewed was ‘definitely Khai Khai’, an Indian restaurant on the Quayside.
‘I had heard so many good things about it, and I was not disappointed when I tried it’
Ella added, ‘Gordon Ramsey said he had the best curry of his life there, and you can definitely see why.’ ‘The food had so much flavour and is somewhere I will for sure keep going back to.’
After browsing Ella’s account, I personally was the most intrigued by her video on Francesca’s in Jesmond and was very much inclined to tried it myself. Francesca’s is an authentic Italian restaurant with a huge variety of fresh Italian food and refreshing drinks to choose from.
Alongside the complimentary bread, I tasted the half and half pizza pasta deal. There were so many different options to choose from it made it hard to pick. However, I had the peperoni and the carbonara. It was amazing and such a good price too at £14. I would definitely push everyone to try this.
Ella’s current journey…
By spending just under a year of trying and tasting the Newcastle food scene, Ella said that ‘Newcastle does have so many differing options for food, covering so many different cuisines. However, when asked if anything was missing from the Newcastle food scene, Ella commented,
‘I would love to see somewhere offering authentic but affordable Thai food.’
Whilst there are plenty of fancy locations such as Chaophraya or Zaap Thai, ultimately Ella feels Newcastle is missing something ‘cosy, chill and affordable’.
‘I do feel quite a bit of pressure to keep up with posting and trends.’
Ella commented how she does feel pressure, especially being a student as finding the funds to constantly try new places can be hard adding ‘especially with so many new places opening up in Newcastle all the time’.
However Ella has a few ways that helps her keep on top of her account such as videoing when going out with friends and family and uploading information posts such as market dates.
‘I try to post every other day, but this is quite difficult and sometimes I have to be abit creative and branch out’
Ella spoke about who influences her when it comes to dining out to spark that creativity, mentioning ‘Eatingwithtod’ as one of her favourites. ‘hes always trying the craziest foods that make you want to get on a train to London or Manchester just to give them a go.’
Ella is also influenced by her brother and sister, sending photos and videos in our group chat for recommendations.
From creating such a fun and informative platform herself, Ella expressed how amazing her experience has been, from her confidence improving, to making her branch out and try new places, ultimately suggesting how ‘lovely and supportive’ her social network is.
When asked if she had any advice for aspiring creators, Ella replied,
‘I would tell people to just go for it’
Whilst it may feel daunting at the beginning, especially hearing her own voice on videos, scared people would be making fun of her, she said she no longer gets those feelings and really enjoys what she does.
Ella advised planning on making an account to try and plan out videos in advance through drafts before starting to post to relieve the pressure of thinking ‘what is my next post going to be?’
What’s to come next…
As Ella is currently studying abroad in the Netherlands, she explained how making content is quite hard as it is so expensive. However with friends and family visiting of course she is ‘trying all of the viral food spots’ so expect to see those recommendations coming soon! Alongside this, tourist activities to Amsterdam have been documented so those are ones to be looking forward to.
Be sure to leave a comment on your thoughts or experiences across the Newcastle food scene and check out my social media page in the link below.
Will definitely be giving Eatsandella a follow!! This was so informative
Lovely speaking to you!
Thank you, it was great chatting with you!
The half pizza pasta looks amazing! Will defo be trying 🍕 🍝
I, like you was also intrigued by Francesca’s and was not disappointed!!