Inspiration

Michelin stars, expert foraging and hyper-seasonal menus: A taste of fine dining in Northumberland

Sawday's Expert

5 min read

Even under glowering skies and driving rain, somehow Northumberland manages to look magnificent. Keen hikers are never put off, and even the less hardy amongst us will happily brave it for a stroll down a breathtakingly beautiful empty beach or along a rugged coastal path. But none of this means you can’t treat yourself to a delicious dinner, the foodie scene in Northumberland has exploded in recent years, so put your walking boots away for the evening and try one of our favourite places to splash out on a fancy meal. It goes without saying, they all take their food provenance seriously, using only the best local suppliers. Expect Michelin stars, expert foraging and hyper-seasonal menus in Scandi chic settings, ancient cosy inns and even a repurposed cow barn.

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Northumberland

Hjem at Hadrian Hotel, near Hexham

Recommended by Emma and James, owners of Laverick Cottage

Hjem, pronounced ‘yem’, means home in both Scandinavia and Northumberland, fitting for a restaurant that marries the very best Northumbrian produce with precise Scandinavian cooking techniques. Here it’s a particularly fine pairing that has produced a Michelin star two years in a row. Head chef, Alex, hails from Sweden, whilst restaurant manager, Ally, grew up down the road. Alex learnt his craft working in high-end Michelin restaurants throughout Scandinavia, Ally has managed busy eateries all over the world, and they both jumped at the chance to set up on their own. The airy restaurant is a relaxed spot to work your way through the impeccable tasting menu, a delightful mixture of light bites and larger dishes cooked to perfection.

Lord Crewe Arms, Blanchland

Tucked in the honey-hued village of Blanchland, this rural Grade II*-listed inn ticks all the boxes. Inside, dogs doze by the inglenook; ancient flagstones, fortress walls and classy country interiors are matched by robust modern British menus. Every dish champions the seasons and whether you fancy something elegant and dainty or a plate of hearty comfort food, you’ll find it here. Cosy up in front of a crackling fire, eat in the lofty dining room, and stay for a drink in the atmospheric bar hidden in a medieval vaulted crypt. They have their own Lord Crewe Brew on tap and a selection of other local ales, as well as some pretty moreish bar snacks, otherwise known as Northumberland tapas.

Pine, East Wallhouses

Set in a repurposed cow barn, Pine brings together fine dining, superb wine pairing, and a warm and inviting country welcome. Head chef Cal’s family have farmed in the area for over 200 years so he’s very much rooted in the county. He trained at Grasmere’s Michelin star restaurant, Forest Side, and as a keen forager the menus showcase the absolute best seasonal local produce and ingredients. The team works on a nose-to-tail principle, always minimising waste and striving to be as sustainable as possible. There’s a superb 15km walk from East Wallhouses to Chollerford that takes in a well-preserved section of Hadrian’s Wall as well as flowing river and pine forest views.

Restaurant 1782

Restaurant 1782, at Marshall Meadows Manor House, takes seasonal produce seriously. They design every dish on their menu around the time of year, drawing on produce from their Northumberland home and the Scottish Borders to make an incredible range of food, diverse in its influences, singular in its brilliance. The food is closely rivalled by the setting though. The estate grounds are yours to wander either before or after dinner and you can sit and dine with them all laid out in front of you, gardens in the foreground, the rolling sea behind. You’ll leave feeling nourished in body and soul.

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Ruth Richardson

Sawday's Expert

Ruth loves a good story. Following a decade living in London and working in publishing, her ears are always pricked for a spicy plot twist or unforgettable character. She delights in meeting hosts and discovering the history that brought saffron to her spaghetti, the hiking detours that will lead to temple ruins, and why someone cares so passionately about their special corner of the world. She loves that as a marketer for Sawday’s she can share these stories with others too.

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