Dan Hull is an interiors and lifestyle writer and stylist based in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. An enthusiast for all things grey, Dan juggles his successful lifestyle blog millergrey alongside a day job in marketing, documenting his mission to bring peace and grey-toned harmony to his rented home in the city, alongside the occasional culinary exploit. He describes his style as “a bit of an informal take on minimalism,” keeping his colour palette quite strictly monochrome or grey, and loves plenty of bright, airy white space.
Despite his love of interiors, his background is actually in fashion, having worked for the best part of eight years in Central London, creating content for a handful of womenswear labels. But the North East soon called him home, and he’s now firmly ensconced back in the bosom of the Toon which, he’s quick to tell me, has far more to offer than just its nightlife…
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Favourite blog? Lisa Dawson’s blog is without doubt the one I read most often. I really appreciate her style of writing; it has humour and fun in it and knowing her now in reality, I can hear her saying exactly what she’s written. Over the past few years it’s been fascinating to see her write about things outside of interiors too, about her experience with breast cancer and her life outside of her gallery walls.
Favourite shop? RE in Corbridge is a treasure trove of items the owners have found from around the world. You never really know what you’ll find when you go there, but I manage to always walk away with something. Last time it was a rusty iron Eiffel Tower to hang on my Christmas tree.
Most frequented arts venue? The Baltic, without question. I won’t lie and say that I appreciate every exhibition that opens there, but as a space it’s second to none in my book. The experience of being there, heading out on to the viewing platform to see the whole of the city, it’s incredible. It’s always felt like a building that sums up the experience of living in Newcastle so well.
Head down to Riley’s Fish Shack in early autumn on a sunny day and sit on the beach whilst you eat your brunch.
Favourite local coffee spot? Kith & Kin in Whitley Bay. Have the Huevos Rancheros then get your coffee to go and walk town towards the sea front.
Most inspiring piece of architecture? Grey Street in the City Centre of Newcastle is beautiful. I often feel like the actual architecture of Newcastle gets overlooked and isn’t what often springs to mind about the city for most people. Grey Street runs through the heart of the town centre, it’s a long street of beautiful buildings from the 1830’s that has always reminded me of Bath somewhat. It’s so grand and ordered. There’s a lot more to Newcastle than its nightlife.
Weekend brunch spot? Cook House in The Ouseburn is a bit of a local hero. Their brunches are something to behold. I tend to always lean towards eggs on toast in some guise, but you’ll find all sorts there. It’s such a lovely spot too, right beside the Ouseburn river. I think I’ll have to have two choices here, there are too many good ones. Riley’s Fish Shack, on the beach at Tynemouth, is fantastic. The queues are huge in the summer months, but it’s worth every minute waiting. Head down in early autumn on a sunny September day and sit on the beach whilst you eat your brunch. Just the best.
Signature drink order? Non-alcoholic, it would be an Americano with a dash of oat milk from Harvest Canteen in Jesmond. They serve a local coffee brand called OCC and it’s amazing. Strong. Alcoholic wise, in the winter I love a mulled cider from By The River Brew. Underneath the Tyne Bridge you’ll find a village of shipping containers, with fire pits and a live DJ. It feels like the spirit of Newcastle. In the summer it’s amazing to sit there all night, in the winter it’s cosy and festive. And you’re literally directly underneath the bridge. It’s brilliant.
Best hotel? Last time I stayed in York I booked into the Parisi Hotel. Incredibly chic and well thought out, eclectic and warm inside. Lovely place to see the city from.
Best place for a staycation? Alnmouth. It’s a little village in Northumberland on the coast, not far from Alnwick, which is also worth a visit. Both have some beautiful little B&Bs and holiday homes. It feels like a whole world away from the city and I love being by the coast.
Next trip? Well, having not been anywhere other than where my legs can take me to for what seems like half the year, I’m mostly looking forward to visiting home which is back in Middlesbrough. I’ll meet my friends by the river in Yarm and hopefully have a big plate of chips with a glass of Pimms. Yarms so lovely in the summer..
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All photography © Dan Miller, used with permission.