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- 19th Feb 2025
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Restaurant Hjem to close after six years but celebrates with exclusive events before new opening
Sad news for us foodies today, as Northumberland’s first Michelin Star restaurant, Restaurant Hjem, has announced its bid farewell after a remarkable six years of redefining fine dining in the region.
In a heartfelt announcement, the Swedish chef-owner, Alex Nietosvuori and his Northumberland-born partner, Ally Thompson-Nietosvuori, revealed that they’ll be closing Hjem’s doors for good on 31st December 2025.
The news marks the end of an era of this favourite Northumberland restaurant, which opened in 2019 and quickly became a go-to destination for us food lovers.
Alex and Ally’s journey started with a shared dream of opening a restaurant that blended the finest Northumbrian ingredients with traditional Scandinavian cooking techniques.
This unique concept not only caught the eye of food enthusiasts across the UK but also impressed Michelin Guide inspectors, earning the restaurant Northumberland’s first Michelin Star in January 2021. They’ve managed to retain that prestigious recognition year after year, thanks to their commitment to excellence and creative flair. Not forgetting their pop-up residency in Fenwick.
Restaurant Hjem, which means ‘home’ in both Swedish and Northumbrian, has always been more than just a restaurant. From the beginning, it was about creating a warm, welcoming space where we felt like part of their family.
Ally, who oversees front-of-house operations, has been an important part of shaping that family atmosphere. Looking back, she says they’ve far exceeded the dream they once wrote down for the restaurant. “Hjem has always been more than just a place to eat – it’s been about the relationships,” she explains. “From our team to our guests, it’s those connections that have made it truly special.”
But this isn’t the last you’ll see of the dynamic duo behind Hjem, as they’ve set their sights on a new chapter. They’re now continuing their passion into the new opening of Freyja, a restaurant with rooms on the Close House Estate in Wylam (set to open in autumn 2026 – watch this space).
EXCLUSIVE FOOD OFFERINGS AND EVENTS TO MARK HJEM’S FINAL YEAR IN 2025
Looking back on their success, Alex and Ally have decided to celebrate everything Restaurant Hjem has accomplished. Alex says that while the decision to close has been difficult, they want to go out on a high note. “We want to make Restaurant Hjem’s final year its best one yet,” he says. “It’s been an incredible journey filled with amazing people, unforgettable experiences and a passion for food. We want to leave a lasting impression in the hearts of everyone who has supported us.”
To mark this special year, the team at Hjem is planning a series of exclusive events, including a unique birthday menu for their sixth anniversary (details coming soon). Throughout the year, we can expect to enjoy a curated tasting menu featuring some of Alex’s most beloved dishes. These include signature items like pink fir potatoes with blackcurrant leaves and North Acomb farm butter, chicken liver parfait with Pedro Ximenez syrup and walnuts, and the unforgettable horseradish ice cream with warm apple caramel.
For Alex, the decision to close Hjem is bittersweet, but it’s also an opportunity to celebrate everything the restaurant has achieved. “The journey here has been an adventure,” he reflects. “We’ve faced challenges, embraced the unexpected and built something truly remarkable together.”
DON’T MISS OUT ON EXPERIENCING THE CULINARY MAGIC
Restaurant Hjem will be open for dinner from Wednesday to Saturday, with a special Saturday lunch service. Reservations are now available through the end of September, so there’s still plenty of time to experience the culinary magic before they close their doors for good.
Rachael Ellis
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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