Northumbrian food? You’re probably thinking fish and chips, roast lamb, ploughman’s lunches, maybe a bit of game; oh, and salmon. Solid, nourishing, but not necessarily exciting. Think again. In recent years, the region’s chefs have quietly been finding fresh ways to work with the area’s bountiful natural produce, breathing new energy into the area’s dining scene. There are now two Michelin-starred restaurants, a flush of gastropubs, specialist seafood places and a growing number of artisan cafés and bakeries. What’s noticeable is that they have a real sense of place. And why wouldn’t they, given the region’s superb coastline, rich farmland, excellent foraging opportunities, rich honey production and sublime heritage potatoes? Tuck in.
All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best restaurants in Northumberland. Find out more below, or for more Northumberland inspiration, see our guides to the region’s best hotels, pubs, things to do and beaches.
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Best all-rounders
Best for fine dining
Best for walk-ins
Best for families
Best for cheap eats
Best all-rounders
The Lord Crewe Arms
The surroundings alone make a trip to this restaurant worthwhile; a pin-neat estate village of honeyed-stone cottages that sits in the wooded valley of the River Derwent. The inn – the former abbot’s lodging of a 12th-century priory – is an atmospheric jumble of stone-flagged floors and staircases, with a choice of dining rooms. Downstairs is best for cosy nights, upstairs for light summer evenings. Menus offer punchy Modern British dishes such as cod with roasted squash and hazelnuts or venison with faggot and fruits.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R4aekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R8aekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeArea: Blanchland, south NorthumberlandWebsite: lordcrewearmsblanchland.co.ukPrice: ££Reservations: Recommended
Dine in the former abbot’s lodging of a 12th-century priory at the Lord Crewe ArmsThe Rat Inn
It’s a bit of a wiggle along narrow country lanes to find this pub, but it is worth it. On summer days, views from the terrace over the Tyne valley are mesmerising; in winter, the traditional interiors, with chamber pots hanging from rafted ceilings, are warmed by fires. Monthly changing menus offer handsome dishes such as griddled mackerel with fennel and rhubarb and pork chop with buttered mash, plus several “fish of the day” options. Renowned for its “big cuts” – such as Chateaubriand or Côte de boeuf – you will not leave hungry.
Area: Anick, Hadrian’s WallWebsite: theratinn.comPrice: ££Reservations: Recommended
The Feathers Inn
This is a proper pub – three little snugs, red banquettes, wood-burning stoves – that just happens to serve up remarkably well-judged, restaurant-standard food at remarkably good prices. Menus are clearly influenced by the rich local farmland: roast local pheasant and “dripping roasties”, for example, and slow-cooked beef in ale with glazed shallots. Seafood and vegetarian dishes also feature while the local cheeseboard is renowned – and comes with quince jelly, too. Run by husband-and-wife team Rhian Cradock and Helen Greer, the pub is family- and dog-friendly.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R4iekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R8iekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeArea: Hedley-on-the-Hill, south NorthumberlandWebsite: thefeathers.netPrice: ££Reservations: Recommended
Snug interiors, locally-sourced, restaurant-quality fare; The Feathers Inn gets everything rightThe Jolly Fisherman
Tiny Craster village still has a working harbour, plus one of the region’s two remaining original smokehouses (famous for its kippers), so it’s not surprising that fish and seafood feature heavily on this harbourside, smart pub’s menu. Tuck into mains such as fish pie with horseradish mash, or a sharing seafood platter. Lighter dishes at lunchtime include crab soup and smoked salmon sandwiches; eat on the terrace if it’s a warm day. At night, book a table in the conservatory.
Area: Craster, Northumberland coastWebsite: thejollyfishermancraster.co.ukPrice: £-££Reservations: Recommended
The Pheasant Inn
It looks like a traditional country pub, with its low-beamed ceilings, exposed-stone walls, clutter of farm implements and sepia photographs, but smart tartan carpets and velvet-striped cushions give a clue that The Pheasant Inn is a cut above your average local. Among the menu’s traditional dishes – steak and kidney pie and lasagne – are carefully considered dishes that put a thoughtful spin on classics: grilled salmon with hot pepper marmalade, or confit duck with spiced berry sauce. The brioche and marmalade bread-and-butter pudding has a loyal following.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R4qekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R8qekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeArea: Near Kielder Forest, mid-NorthumberlandWebsite: thepheasantinn.comPrice: ££Reservations: Recommended
The Pheasant Inn serves up a delightful combination of tradition and innovationThe Lord Crewe
With three different eating areas, The Lord Crewe, found in the shadow of Bamburgh Castle, is deceptively large and more bistro-like than pub-like. The interiors feature shades of grey and mossy green colours, wood flooring and white-raftered ceilings. Meanwhile, the menu focuses on fish and seafood, and dishes are cooked with panache: fish pie comes with Craster kipper mash, and lobster with scallops and tiger prawns. I’d recommend the twice-baked cheese soufflé.
Area: Bamburgh, Northumberland coastWebsite: lord-crewe.co.ukPrice: ££-£££Reservations: Recommended
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Best for fine dining
Hjem
The region’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, Hjem (pronounced “yem”, and meaning “home” in both Swedish and Northumbrian, reflecting the co-owners’ backgrounds), is a small, cool Scandi-furnished dining room found in a solid 18th-century pub. Swedish chef Alex Nietosvuori and team work from an open kitchen producing tasting-menu dishes with Scandinavian techniques and, largely, Northumbrian produce. Minimal ingredients are combined to give maximum flavour, such as aged beef tartare with roasted garlic and caramelised onion, and horseradish ice cream with apple caramel.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R54ekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R94ekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeArea: Near Hexham, Hadrian’s WallWebsite: restauranthjem.co.ukPrice: £££Reservations: Essential
Hjem’s tasting menu is the result of a coming together of Scandinavian techniques and Northumbrian producePine
Found down a farm track in an old cow byre, Pine seemingly boasts an unlikely setting for a Michelin-starred restaurant. Yet it all makes sense when you gaze out of the vast windows across the Tyne valley and, more immediately, the large kitchen garden. Run by Cal (Head Chef) and Sian (front-of-house) Byerley, Pine has a green Michelin star for its fiercely local sourcing of produce. Its menu features dishes such as Old Spot pork with salsify and beer, and rhubarb, sorrel and brown butter. A cracking playlist in the pale wood and sheepskin-dotted restaurant keeps the atmosphere winningly unpretentious.
Area: Near Corbridge, Hadrian’s WallWebsite: restaurantpine.co.ukPrice: £££Reservations: Essential
Pine’s Old Spot Pork with new season courgette, New Zealand spinach and charcuterie sauceSonnet
Tucked between a barber’s shop and a solicitor’s office, this tiny 14-seater place is easily missed. With inky-blue walls and rug-covered dining chairs, there isn’t an ounce of pretension to be found here; it’s the closest thing to a “homely” fine-dining restaurant you’ll find. Run by chef Gary McDermott and front-of-house partner Claudia Mazareanu, Sonnet’s 14-course menu includes highly skilled dishes such as treacly-puréed peas and smoked eel, zingy scallop with orange curd, and a deliciously messy venison ragout in a savoury waffle.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R5dekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R9dekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeArea: Alnwick, mid-NorthumberlandWebsite: sonnet.restaurantPrice: £££Reservations: Essential
The team at Sonnet skip the pretension and divert all of their attention to the food, which is exquisiteThe Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman’s Rest
Don’t be put off by the unappealing sounding village (Slaggyford is an unfortunate name); the inn promises soul-enhancing views over the South Tyne valley and Pennine moorland. It has the feel and atmosphere of a pub – flagged floor, bare tables, spindle-back chairs – but serves up smartly thought through food from a meat- and game-dominated menu. Ballotine of rabbit, venison with pickled walnuts, hen of the woods, and local lamb with girolles and braised baby gem have all featured. There’s an exceptional, 300-strong wine list, too.
Area: Near Haltwhistle, south NorthumberlandWebsite: theksi.co.ukPrice: ££-£££Reservations: Essential
The Kirkstyle Inn takes the form of a humble pub, but delivers exceptional dishes that elevate local ingredientsBack to index
Best for walk-ins
The Beaumont Hotel
Bang in the centre of Hexham, opposite the 12th-century abbey, this townhouse hotel is a favourite with the locals – whether that’s for gossip over morning coffee, a slow browse of the paper, evening drinks or more substantial meals. Its colourful open-plan bar-lounge-restaurant, with parquet flooring and bird-patterned wallpaper, fills the ground floor. They serve up classy Modern English dishes such as torched trout and avocado, halibut with crab ravioli, and venison ragu with smoked potato mousse.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R5oekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R9oekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeArea: Hexham, Hadrian’s WallWebsite: thebeaumonthexham.co.ukPrice: ££Reservations: Not essential
The Beaumont Hotel’s classy Modern English menu pairs well with its chic townhouse dining roomBertram’s
The queues start outside this café before nine o’clock with people eager for their morning lattes and eggs Benedict (the breakfast menu, like the cake selection, is fulsome). Throughout the day a constant flow of people fills the smartly rustic dining areas and rear courtyard – especially if it’s sunny. The menu choice is staggering, from smoked haddock chowder and home-made burgers to venison fillet and twice-baked cheese soufflé.
Area: Warkworth, Northumberland coastWebsite: bertrams.co.ukPrice: £-££Reservations: Not essential
Bertram’s lengthy, all-day menu keeps a steady flow of diners piling in from open to closeThe Old Boathouse
Overlooking Amble harbour, The Old Boathouse couldn’t get closer to the coast without falling in. The jolly timbered building with its picture windows and French doors is nautically decorated in varnished wood and shades of blue, with plenty of sea-faring references: lobster pots, wicker baskets and model yachts. “We try and keep local and sustainable” they say of their fish-dominated menus: Amble-landed lobster, North Shields dressed crab, Lindisfarne oysters and smoked haddock chowder all feature. The seafood sharing platter is a hit.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R61ekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«Ra1ekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeArea: Amble, Northumberland coastWebsite: boathousefoodgroup.co.ukPrice: ££Reservations: Not essential
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Best for families
Bamburgh Walled Garden
With a children’s playground – mini fort, mini assault course, swings and slides – next to the café’s terrace, parents can keep a watchful eye while enjoying their latte and falafel and cured cauliflower flatbread. Upmarket café food like seafood chowder and roasted vegetable and mozzarella ciabatta is on the menu alongside more traditional offerings (think sausage rolls, quiches, scones and cakes). There’s also a children’s menu. The light-filled timber-and-glass café is tucked away inside the castle’s former walled garden.
Area: Bamburgh, Northumberland coastWebsite: bamburghwalledgarden.co.ukPrice: £-££Reservations: Not essential
Let the kids enjoy the playground at Bamburgh walled garden while you tuck into crab sandwiches - Stuart BoultonThe Whittling House
In the centre of pretty Alnmouth, a five-minute walk from the beach, this bistro-with-rooms has a smart-rustic style and a cheery, relaxed vibe. Bigger than it looks, with interlinked dining areas, it’s useful for finding little corners for families. A mix of classics – steaks, pan-seared sea bass – and smarter dishes – monkfish tail with pea and prawn risotto, maple-cured pork with crispy hen’s egg – grace the menu. The Sunday lunch with roasties, mash and Yorkshire pudding is incredibly popular.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R6bekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«Rabekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeArea: Alnmouth, Northumberland coastWebsite: thewhittlinghouse.co.ukPrice: ££Reservations: Recommended
The Whittling House serves up classics with a Northumbrian slantThe Running Fox
With free parking, easy access and a playground, this café is a handy place for family get-togethers. The Running Fox is located in former farmyard buildings and is surrounded by art and craft galleries, plant and gift shops, and workshops. Although famed for its home baking – including a ‘build your own’ afternoon tea – savoury dishes include all-day breakfast sandwiches, ‘foxy’ steak and ale pie, pan haggerty (a traditional dish of layered potato, onion and cheese) and hot quiches.
Area: Kirkharle, mid-NorthumberlandWebsite: runningfoxbakery.co.ukPrice: £-££Reservations: Recommended
The Blacksmiths Coffee Shop
Whatever else you choose here, you must have one of the scones from this coffee shop: they are light, moist, wonderfully knobbly, and very clearly home-made. As is everything else on the blackboard menu, from the quiches and pies to the home-cured ham salad, toasted paninis, cakes and magnificent puddings (the mixed berry pie is a personal favourite). Eat either in the former blacksmiths’ workshop or on the outside terrace.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R6jekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«Rajekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeArea: Belsay, mid-NorthumberlandWebsite: blacksmithscoffeeshop.co.ukPrice: £Reservations: Not necessary
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Best for cheap eats
The Station Buffet, Barter Books
Alnwick’s second-hand book emporium – one of the country’s largest – had a café long before it became fashionable. Located in the town’s former station, The Station Buffet spreads across several rooms at the rear of the bookshop. There’s cosy fires, original Victorian features and a sustaining menu of café classics. These include bacon butties, avocado on toast (a favourite) and toasties as well as full breakfasts, home-made cakes, beer and wine.
Area: Alnwick, mid-NorthumberlandWebsite: barterbooks.co.ukPrice: £-££Reservations: No
Come to The Station Buffet for the high-ceilinged Victorian dining room; stay for the café classicsLewis’s
Family-run Lewis’s is the smallest and least flashy of the three main fish and chip restaurants in the jolly seaside resort of Seahouses. Tucked away on Main Street it has a takeaway and restaurant, both with a simple plain-wood style. As well as the usual haddock, cod or plaice and chips, it offers local crab or lobster and fries (availability dependent on the day’s catch) as well as panko squid and garlic mayo. For lovers of retro dishes, there’s also spam fritter and chips.
Area: Seahouses, Northumberland coastWebsite: lewissfishrestaurant.co.ukPrice: £Reservations: No
Spurreli
In the lee of a harbourside warehouse, you might easily pass this low grey building if it wasn’t for the stream of people passing in and out. Spurreli’s is a popular meeting point for locals – and not just for their ice cream, which is made on the premises from local farm milk and promises flavours ranging from the conventional rum and raisin to the more unusual elderberry and ginger. The bright interior and perpetually cheery staff make it very welcoming. Good coffees, hot chocolates and home-made cakes are on offer too.
Area: Amble, Northumberland coastWebsite: spurreli.comPrice: £Reservations: No
Beyond the ice cream that’s made on site, Spurreli’s is a popular hangout spot for localsThe Drift Café
Set back from the southern end of Druridge Bay, this is the perfect pit-stop after a blustery beach walk. Bright and breezy with big windows, pine tables and local artwork on the walls, the menu ranges from breakfast sarnies and toasties to jacket potatoes, home-made quiches and flatbread wraps with home-made houmous. Yet it’s the humongous home-baked cakes that draw the crowds: there’s Victoria sponge, Bakewell slice, lemon polenta, and indulgent blackberry and white chocolate cheesecake.
Area: Cresswell, Northumberland coastWebsite: facebook.com/thedriftcafecresswellPrice: £Reservations: No
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How we choose
Every restaurant in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, who has visited to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets, from neighbourhood favourites to Michelin-starred restaurants – to best suit every type of traveller’s taste – and consider the food, service, best tables, atmosphere and price in our recommendations. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest opening and provide up to date recommendations.
About our expert
My introduction to Northumberland was pretending to be a Roman centurion on a childhood Hadrian’s Wall holiday. Now, living near the Wall, I’ve discovered far more; not least horizon-stretching views, puffins, crab sandwiches, and wild, empty beaches.
Helen Pickles, Telegraph Travel’s Northumberland expert - Asadour GuzelianBroaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
