Bouchon 4-6 Gilesgate, Hexham, NE46 3NJ - 01434 609943

Located just off the Market in the centre of Hexham, Bouchon is a stylish french restaurant that recently won the 'Best Local French Restaurant in the UK' in Gordon Ramsay's F-Word TV program. It's the ideal place for a romantic meal and the restaurant feels like a special place. The food is clean, simply cooked and remains very reasonably priced with lunch menus, an early bird menu and the full a la carte menu in the evenings. Visit their website for more information.

This is definitely a case of not judging a book by it's cover. The restaurant is I believe a room that used to belong to the pub next door (or it certainly seems like this anyway) and the decor is a little dated. There are many other restaurants in Hexham that look more stylish and well presented, but you'd be hard pressed to find one that serves better food. Once you have overcome the rather disappointing premises and you are served some fine Thai food by warm, welcoming and friendly staff, the decor will soon pale into insignificance. The standard of cuisine served really is excellent, very similar in quality to Nadon Thai in Morpeth which stands as my favourite Thai restaurant in the County. They also have a take-away service which is great if the restaurant is full, which it often is.

Tucked away on Eastgate is this quirky little restaurant. Very popular with locals and 'those in the know', expect good food and service.

The Creamy Coffee Pot 25 St Mary's Chare, Hexham, Northumberland NE46 1NQ - 01434 606 080

An excellent Cafe to stop in for a delicious coffee or home-made cake, scone, panini or sandwich served by extremely friendly staff. 

The Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant Wark-on-Tyne, Hexham, Northumberland, NE48 3LS - 01434 230 209 

Located in the small, attractive Village of Wark approximately ten miles North of Hexham is the Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant. We really can't recommend The Battlesteads highly enough, not only have they won the prestigious 'Green Hotel of the Year' award, beating off stiff competition from the likes of The Savoy and Le Manoir, but the restaurant is also award winning. It's a lovely place, with a cozy and comfortable bar area and large restaurant and conservatory to dine in. In summer the outdoor walled-garden comes into it's own with beautiful flower displays and bird feeders a plenty. The food is excellent and their commitment to local sourcing extends to growing all their own fruit and vegetables on site! We have nothing but excellent meals and service here and they recently won our Campaign to find Northumberland's Best Sunday Lunch, you can read a full review from our latest visit on our blog. If you are in the area you simply must visit The Battlesteads.

The Rat Inn Anick, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 4LN - 01434 602814

Located about a mile from Hexham, The Rat Inn has been included in the 2012 Good Food Guide and for good reason. The rather unappealing name belies the beauty of the location, with excellent views of the Tyne Valley from the tiny Hamlet of Anick. The food is top notch and worthy of note is the excellent beer garden which shines in the summer months, making it a classic country pub.

With stunning panoramic views of the North Pennine Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Carts Bog Inn holds an enviable and beautiful position in Langley-On-Tyne. As traditional country pubs go this is one of the finest remaining examples in the County.

A little further afield, heading in the direction of Newcastle is the wonderful, multi award-winning Feathers Inn. In 2011 alone they were name Great British Pub of the Year, Best British Gastro Pub and won an RSPCA award for their commitment to the welfare of animals. As such The Feathers is a hot destination for foodies and those interested in exceptional food and fine ingredients. They only use local, ethical produce and change their menus regularly to reflect the produce that is currently in season and being provided by their local farmers. I think the awards speak for themselves, so if you're at all interested in fine food make The Feathers Inn a priority. Visit their website for more information.