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Northumberland has some of the best food producers in the Country and with such a huge natural larder to choose from it's no surprise. From the fresh catches the sea has to offer to the wonderful organic produce from the land, there is an excellent choice. Northumbrians are proud of their food heritage and we believe in supporting our fantastic local businesses. Below we have highlighted our favourites and have included a full list of local producers.
From the SeaIn the early 1900's the North Sea was crammed full of herring and up to twenty fishing boats would supply the fishing yards in the Village of Craster. These fish were exported all over Europe and Russia and at it's peak there were 2,000 herring gutted each day. There now remains one smokehouse in Craster, that of L. Robson and Sons. They still use the same age old traditional method of smoking over oak fires and their products are famous all over the world for their quality and flavour. The fantastic authentic smell of the smoke spreads through this part of the Village and adds so much character to the atmosphere. Bringing the company right up to date, they now sell their amazing produce both in the Village and via an online shop.Swallowfish Ltd are based in the fishing port of Seahouses, complete with the original smokehouses, which have operated on their site since 1843. It is even thought that the modern kipper was actually invented here! Swallowfish offer a wide range of fresh, seasonal fish straight from the North Sea. The Berwick Shellfish Company is a family run business in Berwick-Upon-Tweed that specialise in supplying live shellfish of the highest quality to markets throughout Europe. The company has been in business for thirty years, and we have always prided themselves on being one of the premier suppliers in Europe, with vast experience in the export of Live Shellfish. The majority of the shellfish are caught locally in the crystal clear waters, renowned for the quality of the shellfish found there. The shellfish are landed on a daily basis from a large number of small local fishing boats, and from a small number of larger boats.
From the Land
The multi-award winning Rothbury Family Butchers, perhaps most famous for their fantastic 'Cragside Cracker' which is an absolutely beautifully flavoured sausage. All their meat is locally sourced if at all possible and they are widely regarded as one of the country's top sausage makers, you can even order and buy online on their website. Turnbull's of Alnwick are also an award-winning family butcher, it's all local meat that they then hang on the bone to mature the flavours. We particularly enjoy their minted lamb pinwheels, which is delicious minced lamb wrapped in puff pastry and rolled like a swiss roll, simply delicious! Trotters Family Bakers have seven shops throughout Northumberland and the Scottish Borders. The business was set up in 1968 and has gone from strength to strength ever since, their Border Tarts are utterly fantastic! They currently have shops in Alnwick, Amble, Coldstream, Duns, Eyemouth, Seahouses and Wooler. Julian's Veg deliver seasonal fruit and vegetables, most of which is grown locally by them, as well as local free range eggs, bread baked to order and a wide variety of fresh fruits, salads and herbs from quality North East suppliers. Currently they deliver quality fresh produce to homes, schools, holiday cottages, shops and restaurants throughout Northumberland and Scottish Borders as well as selling produce at the weekly market in Morpeth and at various North East Farmers' Markets.
The Running Fox by the river Coquet in Felton (local area pictured left) is a chic country-style Cafe with a unique and excellent quality menu available at unbelievably reasonable prices. There is an on-site bakery which makes a wide range of delicious artisan breads, pies, cakes and scones as well as selling locally sourced produce and gifts.
Chain Bridge Honey Farm is also just outside Berwick in the Village of Horncliffe. The Honey Farm sells a variety of products and also have a fascinating visitor centre. Here you will find a huge range of information about the bees and an observation hive where a colony of bees can be viewed safely behind glass. It's not all just for the kids though, there is a shop selling all the products made on the farm and a Cafe to have a drink and a bite to eat.
Ice Creams
We really are spoiled when it comes to ice cream makers in Northumberland, many of which are multi award-winning. My personal favourite is Spurreli Boutique Ice Cream who are based by the harbour in Amble. Spurelli have quickly risen since their opening in August 2010 to be rated as one of the top places to eat in Northumberland. It's a simple concept really, making and serving some of the best icecream, made with local ingredients, that you can get anywhere. It's not just about the beautiful flavours, quality and range of product available though, it's the friendly and relaxing atmosphere, great staff, free wifi and good coffee that all add up to a special environment. Hot on their heels and a firm family favourite is Morwick Dairy Ice Cream based in Morwick, near Warkworth. The location on the dairy farm is as nice as the ice cream, there's outside seating and a safe children's play area as well.
Vallum Farm is situated in the middle of stunning Hadrian’s Wall country and yet only 15 minutes drive from Newcastle, they’re a haven for ice cream and food lovers alike. Their Tea Room serves delicious home-cooked food using local produce, including wonderful seasonal vegetables grown right there in our pond field. The Vallum Ice Cream Parlour sells a huge range of mouthwatering ice creams including their award winning chocolate brownie flavour, they even offer variety bowls for those who simply have to try a bit of everything!
Based in Wooler, Doddington Dairy also produce award-winning ice cream (and cheeses) and contain only simple ingredients such as full cream milk, double cream, sugar, egg yolks and real flavours. Only the finest of ingredients are used and where possible they try to source ingredients locally, with quality being of paramount importance.
Wine and Spirits
Perhaps the most famous of Northumberland's drinks is Lindisfarne Mead, a fortified wine created on Holy Island from a blend of fermented white grapes, herbs, honey and the crystal clear water from the Island's artesian well. With the nickname 'nectar of the gods' Lindisfarne Mead is famous around the world and the Winery itself has over 200,000 visitors each year. The Shop has been open since 1968 and all visitors are invited to try a free sample of the mead as well as browse the excellent local produce in the well stocked shop.
Alnwick Rum, the Spirit of Northumberland ® was first produced by the Alnwick Rum Company during the first world war. A unique and complex blend of pot-still and continuous-still rums from Jamaica and Guyana, you'll love its full, rich taste and aroma combining dark chocolate with warm spicy raisins and mature fruits, I know we do! Tragically production of Alnwick Rum ceased in the 1980's, but the legendary treasure of the North is now back. A recent discovery we made at one of Alnwick's fantastic Farmer's Markets is Kitty’s Homemade Ginger Wine. Made in Blyth, this beautiful wine is fantastic served chilled or as i prefer it, warmed and consumed on a cold winter's evening.
Have we missed something? Can you recommend a local food producer? Or maybe you have a business you would like to be included? Let us know.
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