7 unmissable places to eat in North East England

Miles of unspoilt countryside and serene coastline mean Northumberland has access to some of the finest, and freshest, local produce around. That, combined with a rich history and a range of cosmopolitan hotspots, makes it a foodie’s paradise.

Here’s my unmissable places to visit:

The Jolly Fisherman, Craster

The Jolly Fisherman is a longtime staple for locals – serving delicious, locally-sourced seafood and hearty pub classics. The famous crab sandwich is a must-try for first-time visitors. Before leaving, make sure you check out their beer garden – featuring stunning, panoramic views of the Northumberland coastline.

The Treehouse, Alnwick

Set in the world-famous Alnwick Garden – a visit to The Treehouse restaurant is like stepping into a fairytale. Perched on stilts, this rustic and charming restaurant sits amongst the lush green trees surrounding it. The menu changes with the season, in order to ensure consistent quality – featuring plenty of Northumberland’s best fresh fish and meat dishes, as well as seasonal greens. Pair your meal with one of the many fine wines on offer and soak up the magical atmosphere.

The Running Fox, Felton

Serving the best afternoon tea in the country according to some, The Running Fox Cafe & Artisan Bakery is something of a local legend. Just a stone’s throw from the picturesque banks of the River Coquet, The Running Fox is the ideal lunchtime excursion. If their decadent afternoon tea doesn’t take your fancy, try one of their artisanal sandwiches – served in your choice of freshly-baked, handmade sourdough bread.

21, Newcastle upon Tyne

The brainchild of the region’s top restaurateur, Terry Laybourne, 21 is Newcastle’s go-to eatery for fine dining without the pretence. Serving up immaculately-prepared and presented bistro classics, this Michelin-starred restaurant sits just a few paces from the River Tyne. For an authentic taste of the North East, try the roasted local venison – served with a cranberry and mushroom sauce.

Bouchon Bistrot, Hexham

When you think about French cuisine, you’d be forgiven for not immediately thinking about Hexham – but you’d be wrong. Bouchon Bistrot won the award for ‘Best Local French Restaurant’ in 2009 – and since then, it’s gone from strength to strength. Serving up perfectly cooked French bistro classics, it’s the perfect place for comfort food. Treat yourself to a grilled rib-eye steak with duck fat chips to top off a day spent exploring Hexham.

The Beehive, Earsdon

One of the most famous pubs in the region, The Beehive sits on the border between Tyneside and Northumberland. This popular pub serves up gourmet-style classics alongside a selection of traditional ales. Their colourful and hearty sharing boards are the perfect lunchtime fix.

House of Tides, Newcastle upon Tyne

Just across the Northumberland border, on Newcastle’s glittering Quayside, sits House of Tides – the city’s premiere Michelin-starred seafood restaurant. Serving only the freshest produce, House of Tides change their menu daily in order to ensure only the best ingredients are used. Their unique and creative tasting menu is a must for special occasions.

This was written by James Addison from Cottages in Northumberland.