RESTAURANTS in the region have been named among the top 100 best in the UK.
Five eateries from Northumberland, Tyneside, Darlington and North Yorkshire well-known for their fine dining and high quality food have been selected in the coveted top 100 list.
Despite already receiving several other awards for their cuisine and dining experiences, the list is seen as the definitive ranking of the UL’s best and is regulated by the National Restaurant Awards.
Here are all the restaurants in the North East and North Yorkshire to have made the list:
Number 14 – House of Tides, Newcastle
The Michelin-starred restaurant has enjoyed continued success since first receiving the coveted award in 2016, and is described by judges as “a beacon of excellence in a city that’s not especially known for its food”.
The quayside restaurant offers a set lunch and dinner menu Wednesday to Saturday, with head chef Atkinson having a penchant for tasting menus which include snacks and larger plates delivered in the restaurant’s unique style.
Situated in a Grade I-listed townhouse close to the River Tyne the judges describe the interior as “unpretentious in feel with whitewashed walls and characterful wooden pillars and a muted colour palette, which contrasts with the vibrant dishes served.”
Number 32 - The Black Swan at Oldstead, North Yorkshire
What started off as just a typical North Yorkshire restaurant known for its good food has grown to become one of the top dining experiences in the UK.
Foodies from around the world have travelled to Oldstead to try its cuisine, thanks in part to being named The Best restaurant in the World by TripAdvisor in 2017.
Chef-patron Tom Banks’ menu is inspired by what’s grown in local fields, or foraged in and around the area.
Again, the restaurant opts for a tasting menu which include seasonal dishes based on what’s around at the time.
Banks’ menu of small plates changes regularly but expect premium ingredients such as scallops, aged beef and langoustine paired with stellar homegrown produce.
“Located in the tiny village of Oldstead about an hour’s drive from York, The Black Swan is not a place you pass on the way to somewhere else, you need to want to get there,” the judges added. “But it’s well worth the pilgrimage.”
Number 48 – Pine, Northumberland
Pine recently became Northumberland's second Michelin Starred restaurant.
Located in an old cow barn, and managed by Siân Buchan and Cal Byerley, it received a huge overhaul and now boasts breath-taking views of the Northumberland landscape and Hadrian’s Wall.
The judges said: “The theatre of nature extends to what’s on the plate with Pine chefs Byerley and Ian Waller serving an almost 20-course procession of dishes, many of which use ingredients foraged from the Northumberland countryside or grown within the restaurant’s own kitchen garden.
“The cooking is progressive, using techniques such as preserving, fermenting and ageing to full effect, but never feels overwrought.”
Number 52 – Hjem, Northumberland
Located in Wall, near Hexham, Hjem opened in May 2019 and quickly made its name as a destination restaurant, attracting food lovers from all over the North East and far beyond thanks to its exquisite tasting menu and unique atmosphere.
Having attracted the attention of Michelin Guide inspectors just weeks after opening – resulting in commending Michelin Plate entry in the 2020 Guide – Hjem, which combines the best local produce with Scandinavian values and cooking techniques, was given that very special seal of approval.
Headed by Swedish chef Alex Nietosvuori and his partner Ally Thompson, the couple realised their ambition of opening their own restaurant against a stunning Northumberland backdrop.
The restaurant serves an ambitious 15-18 course tasting menu created from ingredients sourced from surrounding farms and gardens, and cooked with Scandinavian precision and practices Nietosvuori has acquired over his extensive career.
Number 72 – The Raby Hunt, Darlington
The Raby Hunt restaurant in Summerhouse, near Darlington, remains the restaurant in the North East the judges are most impressed with thanks to the successful work of head chef James Close and wife Maria.
It was awarded its second Michelin star in 2016 after receiving high praise for its distinctive menus and styles of cooking.
And judges of the National Restaurant Awards are equally as effusive in their praise for the prolific restaurant.
They said: “Close’s cooking is as idiosyncratic as his CV with the chef inspired by travel and mixing international ingredients and cuisines across a 15 or so-course tasting menu.
“The line-up changes with the seasons, but expect a procession of meticulously crafted dishes such as a crab tartlet; aged otoro nigiri; and razor clam with almond and celeriac.
“Presentation is never short of exquisite, with beautiful crockery specifically matched to each dish, while the comprehensive wine list offers value and detailed tasting notes.”
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