
Dining out or grabbing a snack gains an enjoyable focus whilst on holiday. Back home, we all have our favourite local spots for takeaways, sit-down meals, pub lunches and fine dining, but on holiday, it’s time for bravery; it’s time for something new. And there’s nothing wrong with receiving a few friendly pointers here and there when picking somewhere to eat and drink; that’s where our guide to the best places to eat in Northumberland might come in handy.
Northumberland is a great place to eat and drink; with a long coastline, access to fresh seafood is a cert, and its swathes of farmland guarantee lush produce. From top restaurants to the coolest cafes around, let us introduce you to a handful of our favourite places to eat out in Northumberland.
Many of our self-catering holiday cottages have excellent kitchens where you can try out some local recipes made with produce from the county’s veritable army of artisan bakers, butchers, greengrocers, and vintners.
Northumberland cottages
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Top restaurants in Northumberland

Hjem | £££
For something different, book a table at Hjem, in Wall, Northumberland’s leading Scandinavian restaurant. ‘Gastrowimps’ need not apply at this restaurant because the chefs have conjured up some Swedish, Danish, Norwegian and Finnish dishes, all made from Northumbrian produce for you to try.
If you're looking for fine dining in Northumberland, Hjem has been awarded a Michelin star, so you know you are in for a memorable experience. Close to Hadrian’s Wall, you can work up an appetite walking the ramparts and ruins of this amazing Northumberland landmark.
Stay nearby: Hadrian’s Wall Cottage | Sleeps: 2 guests plus 1 dog

The Potted Lobster | ££
This Michelin-star restaurant in Bamburgh is the place to head to for superior seafood dishes. The Potted Lobster is a comfortable bistro decorated with portraits of atmospheric seascapes; you can also sit outside to drink in the lovely views of the Bamburgh Castle.
Keep an eye out for details of the latest catch on the blackboard; the squid and oyster dishes come highly recommended.
Stay nearby: Kyloe Church Cottage | Sleeps: 4 guests

Haveli | £
For lovers of authentic and spicy Indian food, then Haveli is the place to head for. This Michelin-starred restaurant in Northumberland is so good that it puts most Indian dining experiences in the shade. Enliven your tastebuds with some of their tantalising meals which run the whole gamut from North Indian vegetarian goodness to Mumbai delicacies which are bound to delight you.
Meat, fish, and vegetable dishes from all across India combine to give you one of the best restaurants in Northumberland. Chef’s specials include lamb burra kebab, murgh makhani, and carrot halwa tart with clotted cream. Book ahead!
Stay nearby: 4 Dukes Cottage | Sleeps: 6 guests plus 2 dogs
Top gastropubs in Northumberland

The Rat Inn | £££
Looking for a great place to enjoy a pint or a G&T as well as somewhere for a restorative meal full of hearty goodness after a day of touring? Then stop in at The Rat Inn, near Hexham.
This traditional 18th-century (former) drovers’ inn boasts characterful wooden ceiling beams and a multi-level garden, with arbours and pleasant Tyne Valley views. Serving some of the best pub food in Northumberland, the menu changes daily to showcase high-quality dishes such as the Northumberland rib of beef.
Stay nearby: Duck House at Devil’s Water | Sleeps: 4 guests plus 1 dog

The Feathers Inn | ££
Book a table for a satisfying meal at this welcoming Northumberland pub, The Feathers Inn, situated on a steep hill in the heart of a lovely village, Hedley on the Hill.
The shelves are packed with interesting recipe books and the walls are adorned with portraits of their suppliers. The ever-changing menus showcase local produce, and everything is made on the premises. The Feathers Inn also has a Michelin star, and they recommend you try everything!
Stay nearby: Teddy’s Cottage | Sleeps: 2 guests plus 1 dog

The Ship Inn | £
Head out to Newton-by-the-Sea near Alnwick near the coast for castle views and one of the best gastropubs in Northumberland. The Ship Inn is a local favourite, as well as one of the county’s leading pubs to dine at.
The menu is full of British standards put together with local ingredients. Backed up with a strong wine list and a variety of beers to satisfy the most discerning of ale drinkers, make a stop at The Ship Inn during your holiday on the Northumberland coast.
Stay nearby: Alnwick Fox Wood | Sleeps: 5 guests
Top cafes in Northumberland

Earl Grey Tearoom | ££
The Earl Grey Tearoom at Howick Hall is a lovely place to stop and enjoy a light lunch and a coffee.
Howick is the home of Earl Grey tea! It was specially blended by a Chinese mandarin for the second Earl Grey and was created to suit the water from the spring at Howick by using bergamot to dilute the lime in it. Now it is famous throughout the world. Today, the tearoom occupies the space of the stately home’s former ballroom.
Stay nearby: Town Square View | Sleeps: 6 guests plus 3 dogs

One Coffee 1 | £
One Coffee 1 is a stylish café in Seahouses located in a former Art Deco-era pub. Specialising in light lunches and cakes, this is one of the best cafes in Northumberland for a low-key lunch at the coast.
A short walk from the beach in Seahouses takes you to the quaint village of Bamburgh, with its magnificent castle, and you cross the causeway to visit the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Inland is the vibrant market town of Alnwick, home to Alnwick Castle and the fabulous Alnwick Garden.
Stay nearby: The Fisherman’s Cottage | Sleeps: 2 guests

Cafe 19 | £
Sometimes you need something simple yet satisfying, that’s where cool eateries like Cafe 19 come in. Every town in England has got one - a place where the speciality is a fortifying full English breakfast, brunch or lunch with a sturdy cup of tea.
Cafe 19 is a friendly prospect situated on the seafront at Whitley Bay. So, after a long day of touring this lovely seaside town, head through the doors for a brilliant breakfast or lunch!
Stay nearby: Sycamore Cottage | Sleeps: 9 guests plus 2 dogs
Top dog-friendly places to eat in Northumberland

William De Percy Inn & Creperie | £££
The William De Percy Inn & Creperie in Otterburn is a fine spot to relax with your four-legged friend and enjoy the countryside views.
Situated on the edge of the Northumberland National Park, this boutique inn couldn’t be in a better location for pups to rest their paws after long walkies. And best of all, the friendly staff provide water, treats and lots of fuss to canine visitors.
Stay nearby: Weavers Cottage - Northumberland | Sleeps: 4 guests plus 2 dogs

The Crown and Anchor | ££
Your erstwhile hounds are allowed in the bar of one of the top dog-friendly Northumberland pubs, The Crown and Anchor, on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.
Warm up with some wholesome food after a walk around Holy Island - you can enjoy some awesome views of the priory, the harbour and the castle from the pub, which is the perfect retreat to spend time in.
Stay nearby: Deja Blue | Sleeps: 6 guests plus 1 dog

Pipers Pitch | £
Seek out Pipers Pitch in Craster for a truly excellent culinary diversion. Craster Kippers crown the deep menu of takeaway goodies. There are benches outside to enjoy your lunch if the weather is good; this makes Pipers one of the very best dog-friendly eateries in Northumberland.
It’s a short distance from Craster Harbour where the kippers are smoked! So, enjoy a trip to one of Northumberland’s best-loved coastal hideaways.
Stay nearby: Beech Cottage | Sleeps: 4 guests plus 1 dog
Stay with us in Northumberland
We have some lovely self-catering holiday cottages all over beautiful Northumberland, close to many of the places to eat and drink featured in this guide. Where will you stay on your holiday in Northumberland?
Northumberland cottages