The North East may be renowned for its nightlife, but the variety of Michelin-starred restaurants and lesser-known local favourites scattered throughout the area mean foodies from all over are trading the infamous pub crawls for the Northumberland grub crawls – and it’s not hard to see why. Whether you’re after a stottie and a bottle of brown ale or your palate is accustomed to more sophisticated dining, local delicacies and award-winning dishes can be found around every corner in this region.
From nationwide favourites to independent eateries, Northumberland is home to some of the very best restaurants in the country. Today, the regional experts at Cottages in Northumberland have handpicked four dining destinations you can’t miss when you visit this part of the world.
Just a stone’s throw from the Northumberland border, you’ll find the vibrant city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne – a regular weekend jaunt for those living in the county. Kenny Atkinson’s masterpiece is located on Newcastle’s famous Quayside, in a beautifully restored 16th century town house. The vision for this Michelin-starred restaurant was to combine fine dining with a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, with absolutely no compromise on food quality. Kenny’s enthusiasm for high quality, locally sourced foods means every dish is made with only the best and freshest ingredients. Whether it’s oysters harvested from Holy Island of Lindisfarne or beef tartar from the nearby Galloway, a luxurious and indulgent menu makes House of Tides a top-notch treat for any gourmand.
Tynemouth is renowned for its quirky craft markets and cultural credentials, which is why this outlandish hybrid restaurant suits the area so well. With international influences across the menu, expect the likes of sharing mezze boards to start or vietnamese beef salad with a peanut crunch. This hidden gem doubles as an art gallery for local artists, and the creativity is carried right through to the presentation of every dish. Refreshing and unique, this lesser-known hotspot is not one to miss.
Just a 30-minute Metro journey from Newcastle city centre, Tynemouth is the perfect seaside escape. With a collection of coastal Northumberland cottages all within walking distance of independent shops and the golden stretches of Longsands, a staycation in Tynemouth is a must for this summer.
The Running Fox Bakery, Felton
Is there anything more elegant than afternoon tea? As Brits, we can’t get enough of earl grey tea and platters of artisan sandwiches – and The Running Fox an ideal choice for a sophisticated treat in the heart of Northumberland. Only the most delicious home bakes are served fresh from this bakery each day, which is why the cosy café is famous for its award-winning foods. From stilton and walnut sourdough to summer fruit Danish pastries, your taste buds are guaranteed to tingle!
The concept behind this unique cocktail bar/gastropub has spread across the country, meaning these exquisite botanical cocktails can now be found in 9 different premises throughout the UK. With inspiration taken from delicatessens, traditional home cooking and BBQ cuisine, The Botanist serves all the classics but with a rather luxurious twist. It’s the mouth-watering menu, captivating dome roof and elegant interior decor which make this North Eastern gem such a popular place for a refreshing bevvie and a bite to eat. Enjoying an ideal location overlooking the historical Grey’s Monument, this restaurant provides the perfect setting for an evening of fine food.
On top of outstanding natural beauty and an abundance of historical landmarks, you’ll find no shortage of fantastic food in and around Northumberland – with a vast array of delectable dining destinations making this county a foodie’s paradise.
Find more dining inspiration in our Tyne & Wear Food & Drink Guide. You can request your free copy here, or view online below:
