Sunday Lunch Campaign - Two Down!

I've had quite a few emails over the last couple of days asking what's happening with the Sunday Lunch Campaign. Throughout November we are visiting the four finalists and judging their Sunday Lunch, the last place we are due to visit is on Sunday 20th November. I'll then be  publishing a review of each place and announcing our winner before the end of November. We've visited two restaurants so far and the standard has been amazingly high, it's going to be an incredibly difficult decision to make.

It's a tough job, but somebody has to do it!

Olympic Torch Route Revealed

The Olympic Torch will pass through Northumberland between 14th & 16th June 2012 including all of our major Towns and a large number of our smaller Villages throughout the County.

Day 27 - 14 June 2012: Edinburgh to Alnwick
Edinburgh, Duddingston, Musselburgh, Dalkeith, Lasswade, Loanhead, Bilston, Milton, Bridge, Penicuik, Eddleston, Peebles, Innerleithen, Walkerburn, Selkirk, Galashiels, Earlston, Gordon, Greenlaw, Duns, Chirnside, Foulden, Berwick-Upon-Tweed, Bamburgh, Alnwick

Day 28 - 15 June 2012: Alnwick to Newcastle upon Tyne
Alnwick, Hipsburn, Warkworth, Amble, Ashington, Newbiggin-By-The-Sea, Ashington, Choppington, Morpeth, Hartford, Bedlington, Blyth, Whitley Bay, Cullercoats, Tynemouth, North Shields, Howdon, Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne

Day 29 - 16 June 2012: Gateshead to Durham
Gateshead, South Shields, Whitburn, Sunderland, Low Fell and Chowdene, Blaydon, Prudhoe, Stocksfield, Hexham, Riding Mill, Consett, Moorside, Castleside, Tow Law, Esh, Langley Park, Durham

A full breakdown of the route is available here.

Christmas Shopping With a Conscience

Based at the Playhouse in Alnwick the Northumberland Theatre Company provides professional touring theatre to 'theatreless' zones in rural areas where access to the arts are limited. Like a large number of arts organisations, Northumberland Theatre Company (a registered charity) are facing massive funding cuts in 2012 and drastic action is needed to keep the company going. They want to ensure that future generations continue to have access to the arts and are not restricted to these opportunities because of their location. There are a number of ways in which you can help:

Your Christmas shopping can raise vital funds at no extra cost to you! All you have to do is find your preferred retailer through the Easy Fundraising page. Then simply register your details and use their website to search for the shop you need and visit them via their link. It's that simple! There are hundreds of shops including Amazon, John Lewis, Marks and Spencer and Apple so it couldn't be easier to raise vital funds without costing you a single penny.

If we all do our online Christmas shopping via this link we could collectively raise a huge amount of money to help the Theatre Company continue their wonderful work.

To view other ways in which you can donate to Northumberland Theatre Company, visit their website.

Northumberland's Best Sunday Lunch: The Finalists!

A huge thank you to all the people (well over a thousand) who took the time to nominate in our campaign to find Northumberland's Best Sunday Lunch. We are so fortunate to have so many fantastic places to eat in our great County and proud of the quality of the produce on offer. That pride flowed through all the nominations and four establishments stood out in particular, their immensely supportive and passionate customers spoke out! We will be visiting each of the finalists to sample and judge their food, writing a full review on the blog and announcing the winner at the end of November. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get updates! In no particular order here are your four finalists:

The Wellwood - Amble
In sheer numbers of nominations, The Wellwood just beat the other finalists to come out on top. The reasons were varied and passionate, but centred on the amazing flavour of their gravy. I look forward to sampling it!

"Another amazing lunch today at The Wellwood, this place never fails to deliver! The local "Gloster Hill" beef from the farm just a stones throw away shows real commitment to sourcing local. This from Zecca's sister restaurant who won last years Northumberland Business Awards for using local produce. Keep up the good work and please never ever change the gravy!".....

"An almost perfect lunch - I leave perfection to my late Grandmother. Good slices of quality meat, crunchy roast potatoes, a yorkshire pudding you would break your ankle if you fell from, just cooked fresh veg. The chef usually adds a different variation of veg such as cauliflower cheese. Lashings of hot tasty gravy..... Dont get me started on the puddings. I believe a Sunday lunch deserves a hot pudding. Bread and Butter, Crumble, Sticky Toffee - all served with custard. As I say - Almost Perfect!".....

"I have no hesitation in recommending it to all my "guests" as I run a 4 Star Gold holiday cottage. Those who visited the Wellwood, which are many, all report the quality of this establishment in the guest book and also recommend it to oncoming guests. I think it's a privilege to have such an establishment in our area and I hope long may it last!".....

The Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant - Wark

Local sourcing and home grown food were the theme in almost all of The Battlesteads' nominations. Sustainability is a buzz word of the moment and the customers here are clearly impressed by their efforts to keep things local. The beautiful location and highly praised food sealed the deal for them.

"This is a family run business with the proprietors being very much hands on giving that personal touch to all customers who eat there. There is a excellent variety of food on offer including a selection of fish and Gammon, all food is locally sourced with a lot being grown on site. (sustainability benifits everyone who live in and visits this beautiful unspoilt county.) The resaurant is always busy - testiment to its popularity yet the service is excellent and you are always greeted with a friendly smile. Excellent Food, surroundings and staff all locally sourced!!".....

"Every time I go its always lovely, nice selection of starters, lovely roast joints and vegetables, their ice cream menu is really different from Beckleberry's and the home made puddings are better than what mum used to make! Make me feel welcome and my custom is valued.".....

"Buffet lunches, large variety of vegetables, three - four meats. The roast Pork, Beef, Lamb and/or Chicken, just melt in the mouth and the flavour just erupts on the taste buds. Varied starters and deserts.Great welcome, busy, but found a table for us but only just.".....

The Running Fox - Felton

A large number of people felt that The Running Fox has had an amazing impact and transformed the Village of Felton since they re-opened earlier in the year. It is clearly a special place that is held in high esteem by the community it serves, quality and value for money were mentioned again and again. Combine all this with a beautiful location by the river and they are on to a winner.

"Chris and Nev have done a wonderful job since taking over the Running Fox only this year, their fare is all made on the premises from locally produced sources. I would say their success so far is down to them being "people persons" which reflects on their staff who are very friendly. They truly deserve to do well as they do go the "extra mile" for their customers.".....

"This is a fab little establishment. Compact and cosy with lovely views of the river it never fails to deliver outstanding meals from locally sourced produce all at a reasonable price. The service is always friendly and the tables are always busy. A sure sign of a popular eatery!! Love the Running Fox.".....

"This wonderfull village cafe is Northumberlands best kept secret... wonderfull fresh food.. beautifully presented along with attentive staff... and if that isnt enough... extremely reasonably priced!!!".....


No.19 at Close House - Heddon on the Wall
Standing out more than any other for the constant and direct praise for the standard of cuisine and service is No.19 at the Close House Hotel. 'Contemporary' and 'unique' are words that were regularly repeated throughout the nominations, patrons were genuinely impressed with the location, friendliness and excellent service.

"What a stunning Place for a family Sunday lunch. The views of the Tyne valley are incredible, the staff are very friendly making you at ease as soon as you arrive. The menu flooded with produce from Northumberlands wonderful larder. Everything on the menu was beautifully presented, the meat and vegetables beautifully cooked and for those with a sweet tooth the desserts are top class. Simply a great Sunday lunch."......

"No 19 puts its own stamp on a traditional Sunday dinner, using locally grown produce it really stands out against others in the local area. Being someone who dines out every sunday, always sampling new restaurants, No 19 has really stood out as the best in the area. Me and my family no longer sample new restaurants as we know that we cannot possibly find any better.".....

"No 19 at Close House is an exceptional place for Sunday lunch, the variation and choice in the menu is so unique but not lacking in the traditional roast, the locality of ingredients is also what puts no 19 above the rest. Beef from wallington, lamb from ingram valley, local veg, what more could anyone ask for, definitely number one in the region.".....

Massive congratulations to the finalists! I can't wait to visit you all and sample your wonderful Northumbrian food.

Organised Firework Displays in Northumberland

Be safe this Bonfire Night and attend an organised Firework Displays in Northumberland. Information courstesy of Northumberland County Council.

Ashington Football Club Bonfire and Fireworks Display

• Date: Sunday 6^th November 2011
• Time: TBA
• Price:Tickets cost £3 each (for both children and adults) and they are available from a number of newsagents and post offices around Ashington
• Venue: Ashington Football Club, Woodhorn Lane, Ashington, Northumberland, NE63 9FW

Alnwick Round Table Bonfire and Fireworks Display

• Date: Saturday 5^th November 2011
• Time: Door open 6pm Display starts 7pm
• Price: Adutls £5 Children £3
• Venue: Alnwick Rugby Club, Greensfield, Alnwick NE66 1BE

Hexham Round Table Annual Charity Bonfire and Fireworks Display

• Date: Saturday 5^th November 2011
• Time: Bonfire lit at 18:30 hrs (Fireworks at 19:00 hrs)
• Price: Free, however donations for local charities accepted on entry
• Venue: The Sele, Hexham
• Website: For further details visit www.hexhamroundtable.org.uk/bonfire.html

Higham Lakes, Ponteland, NE20 0DH, Bonfire and Fireworks Display

• Date: Saturday 5^th November 2011
• Time: Bonfire Lit - 17:00 hrs (Fireworks at 18:30 hrs) - Ends 20:00 hrs.
• Price: Adults - £5, Juveniles (5-16 year old) £2, Under 5's - Free
• Venue: Higham Lakes, Ponteland, NE20 0DH
• Website: www.highamlakes.com

Beal near Holy Island, Fireworks Display

• Date: Sunday 6^th November 2011
• Time: Fireworks starts 6.30pm
• Price: Family Ticket: 2 Adults, 3 Kids, Under 5's Free - £10.00 (Up to Nov 3rd, £15.00 after)
• Adult ticket - £4.00 (up to Nov 3rd , and £6.00 after)
• Child ticket - under 5s free - £2.00 (up to Nov 3rd, and £3.00 after)
• Venue: Beal near Holy Island
• Website: www.barnatbeal.com/news.php?ID=34

Morpeth Rugby Club Bonfire and Fireworks Display

• Date: Sunday 6^th November 2011
• Time: Doors open at 17:00 hrs (Event starts at 18:00 hrs)
• Price: TBA
• Venue: Morpeth Rugby Club, Mitford Road NE61 1RJ
• Directions: You can view a streetmap, or view a roadmap to help find this event.

Prudhoe Town Football Club Firework Displays

• Date: Saturday 5^th November 2011
• Time: 19:00 hrs
• Price: Free
• Venue: Kimberley Park, Broomhouse Road, Prudhoe, NE42 5EH

Rothbury & Coquetdale Round Table Firework Displays

• Date: Sunday 6^th November 2011
• Time: Gates open 5:30pm Display starts 6pm
• Price: £5
• Venue: Cragside House, Rothbury.

Swarland Sports Club Bonfire and Firework Display

• Date: Friday 4th November 2010
• Time: Gates open 18:30 hrs
• Price: Adults £3, Children £1, Conc £1.50
• Venue: Swarland Sports Club, Viner Park, The Avenue, Swarland. NE65 9HU
• Refresments and Mulled Wine available plus the first 150 children get a free toffee apple!

Tweedmouth Green Bonfire and Fireworks Night

• Date: Saturday 5^th November 2011
• Time: 18:00 hrs
• Price: Free
• Venue: Tweedmouth Town Green, Dock Road, Tweedmouth

Ulgham Playing Fields, Ulgham Lane, Ulgham, Northumberland, Fireworks Display

• Date: Friday 4^th November 2011
• Time: 18:30 hrs - 20:30 hrs
• Price: £10 Family, £5 per adult
• Venue: Ulgham Playing Fields, Ulgham Lane, Ulgham, Northumberland

Broadway West Playing Fields, Broadway West, Gosforth , Newcastle NE3 2HY Fireworks Display & Bonfire

• Date: Saturday 5^th November
• Time: 18:30 hrs
• Price: Entry Adults £3.00, Children £1.00
• Venue: Broadway West Playing Fields, Broadway West, Gosforth , Newcastle NE3 2HY
• Website: http://www.gosforth.roundtable.co.uk/

Sunday Lunch Campaign - Announcement

With the nomination period over, it's time to count up the votes and read all the fantastic reasons why you have nominated each place. Four restaurants in particular stood out beyond all the others, both in the number of nominations that they received and the passion in which they were spoken about. Before I announce the finalists, I'd like to talk a little bit about the huge number of restaurants and pubs that were very close to being finalists.

The following places had a large number of nominations and should be very proud of the lovely comments and support that they clearly have from their loyal customers. They come under the 'extremely highly recommended' category if you're looking for a quality Sunday lunch in your area.

The Duke of Wellington - Newton

"A great range of high quality traditional and modern dishes in good portions. The staff are friendly and efficient and the new build combines a homely feel with up-to-date decor and furniture. A great place to lose a Sunday afternoon at any time of the year!".....

"This has to have been the best Sunday Lunch I have ever had. The food was cooked to perfection. Great portion sizes. All served up in a friendly warm atmosphere!".....

"Superb food, always excellent quality ingredients, locally sourced wherever possible,impeccable service, friendly but professional, everything you could want from a top-class restaurant".....

Goats on the Roof - Fontburn

"Everything from the locally produced food to the friendly and relaxed service made our visit to the Goats on the Roof restaurant very enjoyable. The lunch was extremely tasty and the proportions were very generous and would be more than enough to make us take the journey from Blyth to Fontburn again and again. So pleased to have discovered this place even if it was by sheer chance.".....

"I was pleased to find they have a fantastic selection of meats available on their carvery. all of which were locally sourced, which is a bonus. Fantastic views of the reservoir and animals and friendly staff too really do top it off!".....

"The restaurant is situated in the beautiful open countryside of Northumberland. The food is mainly sourced from the farm itself. It has a great atmosphere and helpful friendly staff. It's also very child friendly and where else has goats on the roof!?".....

The Northumbrian Piper - Gosforth

"Fantastic, fresh, tasty food, all locally sourced. Service with a smile. Friendly staff and great atmosphere. Value for money. Will even deliver it to your home if you so wish! No need to go anywhere else.".....

"The gravy says it all! Fantasic environment, friendly staff and fresh locally sourced ingredients.".....

"We were just in Newcastle for a visit and went with some friends for Sunday Lunch .We were very happy with the friendliness of the staff and the quality of the food it was one of the best Sunday Lunches we have had for a while, The Pork was cooked to perfection andthe vegetables were just right, we will be back.".....

The Feathers Inn - Stocksfield

"So many pub sunday lunches are often the weakest link in their menu. With the feathers you might even argue it's the jewel in their crown. From the excellent ales and fine wines, through the astonishing range of superb local produce, to the portions that guarantee you'll be going home satisfied the whole experience is a joy. And that's without even mentioning the quality of the cooking, for instance, the way the roast pork melts in the mouth is so sublime it has to be witchcraft. Not only is the feathers the best sunday roast in Northumberland, it's so good it's hardly worth holding the competition at all!".....

"For reasons here ".....

"The quality of the food is outstanding, The food is local and you know exactly where the food comes from. The service is excellent. ".....

The Swan at Choppington

"Plenty of it, always cooked to perfection, fantastic home-made yorkshires, superb range of alcohol to accompany it".....

"Fantastic food, friendly staff and great service make this a top value Sunday lunch. Tasty meat, fresh veg and all the trimmings!".....

"Excellent service and real home cooked food - you can't beat it!".....

The Red Lion - Alnmouth

"Food served was lvely and hot and you got a good portion.".....

"Always great service, fantastic food and that gorgeous feeling of being comfortabley full when you get back home. Lovely - and they serve all day.".....

Vallum Farm - Eastwallhouses

"Its just very good, the food is excellent as is the service every time we've been. It makes for a perfect traditional Sunday Lunch. I've always highly recommended it to all my friends."......

"Having tried many sunday lunches, this one is unbeatable. I keep trying to find a better one but cannot. All of the produce is fresh and local, and the cooking of it is just like mum used to make. Traditional methods, no shortcuts, served beautifully. The puddings and icecream are delicious too, if you can fit it in. Thoughtful food served with excellence.".....

"Wonderful atmosphere and location and the best homemade ice cream in all of the North!".....

The Rat Inn - Anick

"Its always very busy but the standard of the food and the ambience cant be beaten,exceptional local rib of beef and perfectly cooked veg and home made puddings. Staff very friendly and welcoming.".....

"The quality of the Sunday lunch is consistently good. Quality local produce cooked to perfection. Always excellent value for money accompanied by a great choice of real ales and fine wines. The pub always has a good atmosphere and the staff are very friendly and knowledgeable.".....

I'll announce the four finalists tomorrow!

Warkworth Castle - The cuts hit the cuts! UPDATE

I received a phone call yesterday from a journalist at the Northumberland Gazette who had seen my last blog post about the grounds maintenance at Warkworth Castle. He too had been in touch with customers services at the English Heritage and would like to write an article about the situation. This I feel is great news and will hopefully raise awareness of the issue locally and help to save the daffodil display in the Spring! I look forward to reading the article and will of course post my response once it's published.

Don't forget to read Your Guide to Warkworth over on the main website.