Better choice for serious 'foodies'
Alnwick and the surrounding countryside is recognised as having many things going for it as a holiday destination but, it has to said that, fine dining was not high on that list. That has changed during the past year with launch of several splendid new restaurants, most of which have received glowing reviews in various regional publications.
There are many fine pubs in Northumberland serving great bar meals and local real ales but if you wanted something a notch-up from that there's been little choice. Late in 2007 saw the opening of Blackmores in Alnwick, after a major refurbishment of and presumably considerable investment in, a fine stone building located in Bondagte Without. Much of the orginal character of the building has been retained and enhanced but it has it now has a contemporary 'feel' to suit its modern British menu. See www.blackmoresofalnwick.com
There is a large a la carte dining room on the first floor, as well as less formal menu and atmosphere on the ground level. Blackmores has received much praise in the local press and anecdotal feedback from locals has all been positive. The fact that booking has become essential on busy evenings is testimony to its success. As a result we have not yet been able to sample the evening menu, as we have not been able to get a table, although we did enjoy a very good lunch there one day after dropping in on spec.
The Alnwick Garden Treehouse closed for while over the winter to allow the refitting of its kitchen, reopening on Valentines Day this year. They host jazz and live music on Thursday and Fridays, with the cost of that entertainment being included with your meal. We recently enjoyed one of the best evenings we have had in along time at the Treehouse. The service, wine and menu were all exceptional and although at the upper-end of the price scale, it fealt like good value for money afterwards. Again booking is recommended - see www.alnwickgarden.com/about_the_garden/features_treehouse.asp
The Santuary at Alnwick Castle is another new restaurant within Alnwick Castle itself which opened early in 2007 and offers contemporary dining in a an ancient setting. Head Chef David Hall’s cosmopolitan menus reflect his passion for and interest in local food and ingredients. Quality produce is used to create and present exquisite dishes at a reasonable price. The Sanctuary recently announced a 'early bird' menu between Mondays and Thursdays
4.30pm - 7pm. and offers two courses for £10 and three courses for £15. See www.thesanctuaryatthecastle.com
Louis Steakhouse at The Grapevine in Alnwick Market Square was another new addition during 2007. Don't be put off the name or cafe/bistro 'look' of the ground floor, as a smart a la carte dining room lurks above. Again local reports are all positive, born out by the fact that we've not yet been able to get a table when attempting last minute visit. See http://www.northumberlandgazette.co.uk/eating-out/Louis-Steakhouse-Upstairs-at-the.3257295.jp
Having made passing reference to pub bar food, I should also point of that the Red Lion in Alnmouth was recently awarded the accolade of Best Pub Food in The Northumberland Gazette's annual competition. A favorite of both locals and visitors The Red Lion's menu is a match for many restaurants and represents great value. Our five course New Years Eve dinner was quite special and the best thing we've been served on such a, usually over-hyped and over-priced, date in living memory. See www.redlionalnmouth.com/