There is something quite thrilling about visiting a restaurant and experiencing a rediscovery of taste once in a while. For many, dining is an entirely indulgent experience, where your palate journeys through new and exquisite combinations of flavours, whilst enjoying new surroundings.
The North East region of the UK is known for its dramatic sceneries, wind-worn castles, and unspoilt coastlines with peaceful beaches, but most importantly, it is also known for being the home to several of the finest restaurants in England.
Finding new restaurants truly worth visiting can occasionally prove to be quite a challenge, yet the North East is overflowing with award-winning restaurants, all showcasing mouthwatering menus and waiting for you to experience what they have to offer.
To save you some time, we have rounded up the top five restaurants in this province for you to visit and indulge in — no expenses spared.
5. Eshott Hall, Northumberland
Not only is the beautiful county of Northumberland well-known for its divine sceneries and rolling hills, but it is also the home of our first contender. Miles away from the stresses of modern life, Eshott Hall, which won the title of UK holiday Destination of the year in 2017, features an award-winning dining experience.
Using only the finest and freshest ingredients, all sourced from the Northumberland coast and countryside, this restaurant holds the coveted 2 AA rosettes, which is awarded to those who possess the ‘highest standards of creative cuisine’.
Visiting Eshott Hall will be a treat for all your senses as you enjoy delicious canapés whilst indulging in your pre-dinner drinks in the drawing room, and then proceed to enjoy your meal in a romantic candlelit setting.
Address: Eshott, Morpeth NE65 9EN
Phone: 01670 787454
4. The Black Swan, Oldstead
In the North York Moors National Park, in the picturesque village of Oldstead, you can find The Black Swan, known as ‘more than just a Michelin-starred restaurant with rooms’.
Having been awarded The Best Restaurant in the UK 2018 by The Food and Travel Magazine, as well as the ‘Best Fine Dining Restaurant in the World’ by TripAdvisor in 2017, it comes as no surprise that this is due to the talent of the chef, Tommy Banks.
Banks was named Britain’s youngest Michelin-starred chef in 2013 and won Great British Menu in 2016 and 2017. This incredible restaurant, run by The Banks Family, is truly one to visit — not only for the exquisite flavours on offer but also for the hard work and ethos they focus on: ‘traditional Yorkshire with a swirling mix of creativity and eccentricity’.
As Banks explained: “I see the Black Swan as a co-operative of minds. We have great people working here; some real characters with tremendous talent and it’s their coming together that creates something special.
“We want our guests to feel part of it and experience it with us. It’s not just a job for us, it’s a lifestyle.”
Address: Oldstead, York YO61 4BL
Phone: 01347 868387
3. The Raby Hunt Restaurant, Durham
Known for its reputation as being one of the only 2 starred Michelin restaurants in the country, The Raby Hunt attracts diners from all across the UK.
Situated in the beautiful county of Durham, in the picturesque village of Summerhouse, near Darlington, this restaurant is run by one of Britain’s most sensational and innovate young chefs, James Close.
Close has gained critical acclaim for his ability to create original, uncomplicated, yet aesthetically pleasing food. In a bid to highlight their uniqueness, The Raby Hunt only has one tasting menu, offering diners 15 to 17 courses of heavenly flavours.
With a competitive mindset, Close is driven by the desire to constantly perfect his skills and strives to follow his philosophy, which as he said when he won the 2017 Good Food Guide Chef of the Year, “taste everything – keep it simple”.
With a recently refurbished setting, diners can enjoy their tasting menu with a full view of the kitchen, and watch the drama and excitement unfold; a perfect form of entertainment. Those lucky enough to be seated at the newly launched Kitchen Table will be personally attended by James and his incredibly talented team.
Address: Summerhouse, Darlington DL2 3UD
Phone: 01325 374237
2. House of Tides, Newcastle
Welcoming diners since 2014, this restaurant has gone from a 16th-century historical merchant’s townhouse to a beautifully restored Grade 1 structure. Owners Kenny and Abbie Atkinson have created a casual and informal setting for a unique fine dining experience.
Situated alongside the historic Newcastle Quayside, diners will be spoilt with the picturesque views and delicious British cuisine. This innovative menu designs a combination of natural, seasonal and sustainable food for you to enjoy. However, always ever-changing, Kenny’s bold and ambitious cooking constantly sees him improving the menu to compliment the seasons.
With 12 years of training, Kenny has received critical acclaim for his impressive ideas. Having been awarded several titles, including AA UK restaurant of the year 2016, and the most recently Ranked Number 30 in The UK Top 100 National Restaurant Awards 2018/2019, it is not a surprise to see why we have included it in our list.
This divine restaurant has received many awards such as a Michelin star in both 2008 and 2009, as well as four AA Rosettes, making it the only restaurant in Newcastle to have received these prestigious awards; visit this amazing location and personally experience the highly esteemed magic that the House of Tides can offer.
Address: 28-30 Close, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3RF
Phone: 0191 230 3720
1. The Wellington, Wynyard Hall
Regarded as ‘the North East’s most flavoursome destination’, the two AA rosette Wellington Restaurant is the dining experience of choice for those visiting the North East.
Perfectly based in the middle of 150 acres of blissful historical landscapes, diners visit this enchanting location not only for the superb flavours that are on offer here, but also to experience the majestic beauty and romanticism that the Tees Valley showcases.
The restaurant offers guests a choice between à la carte and set menus, and promises that you will forget your worries and indulge in this magical experience. A variety of British delicacies, which have all been created by using only the finest and freshest ingredients from the local area, are beautifully put together for you to enjoy.
With the passion for quality produce, the restaurant mainly chooses its ingredients from either their own personal and private edible garden, as well as involving the community by sourcing produce from the local suppliers that share their ethos.
Unsurprisingly, this highly-esteemed restaurant deserves to be first on our list of top five places to dine in the North East of England this year as it welcomes guests with the promise of both an exquisite dining experience and idyllic views; it is not surprising to see why The Wellington is so loved and a location which should undoubtedly be the next place you dine at.
Address: Wynyard, Stockton-on-Tees, Billingham TS22 5NF
Phone: 01740 644811
