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- 18th Nov 2023
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Eat, drink, be merry: 5 cosy spots for festive dining this Christmas
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From cosy pubs, an enchanting tipi and a new spot for a Christmas party, we’ve rounded up where we’ll be booking…
THE NORTHUMBERLAND ARMS, MORPETH
Experience the Christmas magic at The Northumberland Arms in Morpeth, a historic gem lovingly restored from the 1820s. Serving seasonal menus that warm hearts, enjoy top-notch drinks at the bar, featuring local spirits, guest ales, and tempting seasonal cocktails.
While Christmas Day lunch is now fully booked (a waiting list is available), The Northumberland Arms’ festive spirit lasts throughout December with their Christmas fayre menu and tempting festive cocktails. We’re talking spiced carrot and coconut soup followed by traditional stuffed turkey washed down with a mulled wine fizz.
The Northumberland Arms is here for all your festive celebrations, whether it be for your Christmas party venue in their River Room and Jack’s Room or seeing the new year out with a delicious New Year’s Eve seven-course tasting menu.
HLN TOP TIP: Why not make a night of it by checking into one of their five-star boutique rooms for a truly enchanting festive stay? Limited December rooms are available.
CLAREMONT TEAHOUSE, NEWCASTLE
Get into the festive spirit at Claremont Teahouse, the newest cosy teahouse in Newcastle. Expect a wide selection of loose-leaf teas from local experts, Love Leaf Tea, and delicious breakfast and brunch menus, along with fresh daily bakes. Plus, you can savour a special menu from Dot Bagels right in the city centre.
Enjoy daily festive-themed bakes and warm-up by sipping on Christmas gingerbread chai lattes, Italian hot chocolates with marshmallows and mulled winter warmers, featuring a traditional boozy option and a guilt-free alternative without the alcohol.
And if you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate your festivities, check out Claremont Teahouse’s newly launched afternoon tea and prosecco tea – offering a sophisticated seasonal sip complete with homemade sandwiches, fresh scones, and delicious cakes.
HLN TOP TIP: Stay tuned as Claremont Teahouse is about to open a micro-cinema perfect for cosying up and watching Christmas films.
THE BLACKBIRD, PONTELAND
Celebrate the magic of Christmas at The Blackbird in Ponteland – a charming Northumbrian inn steeped in history and renowned for its warm hospitality. Have a memorable festive experience with seasonal delights, cosy nooks, and a friendly welcome.
You can expect the true taste of Christmas this December, as head chef Ralph Hellen has crafted an exclusive festive menu showcasing the finest local ingredients. Dive into the festive spirit by being served everything from hearty winter vegetable broth to a two-hour braised feather blade of beef and homemade traditional Christmas pudding.
Now this brings us to the main event on New Year’s Eve. See the 2023 out in style with a live DJ and saxophone player, a dazzling fireworks display, and the annual Ponteland wheelbarrow race. Celebrate the holidays with warmth, delectable food, and unforgettable festivities at The Blackbird.
HLN TOP TIP: If you’re planning your Christmas party this year, check out their Tunnel Room, Minstrel Gallery upstairs, and their charming Tipi that are available to hire.
DOT BAGELS, HEATON
If you haven’t already heard about Dot Bagels, then you’re missing out. A brand born out of lockdown, this much-loved eatery takes inspiration from the iconic New York bagel and brings it right to your doorstep. Dot Bagels offers something new to our local food scene with handmade bagels packed with mouth-watering fillings and in-house baked goods made fresh every morning, alongside some sweet treats from Nola’s Cakes.
Expect a limited edition festive special throughout December. We bring you the mouth-watering turkey, sage and onion stuffing, bacon, brie, cranberry sauce, and mayo bagel. And Dot Bagels hasn’t forgotten about you vegans either, as they’re serving up a vegan alternative, too. Plus, it wouldn’t be Christmas without tucking into some pigs in blankets dipped in cranberry sauce on the side.
There’ll be plenty of festive bakes on the counter – an HLN favourite being the cruffins – as well as all washing down with a range of hot drinks and seasonal syrups. We’re talking gingerbread, cinnamon, and salted caramel.
LOVAGE, JESMOND
Celebrate Christmas in style at Lovage, the charming Jesmond bistro known for its commitment to seasonality and quality. As your go-to spot for festive gatherings and family meals, Lovage promises a Mediterranean-inspired feast with a European flair throughout December. Picture indulging in classics like turkey roulade, pigs in blankets, and cranberry-laden trimmings, alongside festive arancini and panettone tiramisu.
Alongside the festive specials on the menu, you can expect to be served seasonal delights. Start your culinary journey with warming salted celeriac, roasted chestnut, and winter black truffle soup.
Choose from main courses featuring black Angus fillet of beef, Lovage nut roast and halibut, mussels, potato, sea veg, and smoked eel with festive sides for the table.
Save room for desserts infused with a Mediterranean touch – think clementine and biscotti trifle, chocolate orange and cranberry delice and traditional Christmas pudding. Make your Christmas memorable at Lovage, where every dish brings warmth and festive cheer.
HLN TOP TIP: Stay tuned for Lovage’s new sister venue Osters which will be opening in Gosforth in late November/early December.
Rachael Nichol
Creative Solutions Manager
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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