In a picnic frame of mind
Shell out on Lindisfarne Oysters, an unrivalled delicacy best eaten with nothing but their own juices, and maybe a glass of chilled white wine. Lindisfarne Oyster Farm lies on the site of the oyster beds originally established by the monks of Lindisfarne Priory in 1381. Delve into a Northumberland cheeseboard from the Doddington Dairy or savour a scoop of award-winning ice cream made on the local family farm.
Time for tea
Howick Hall is the place where Earl Grey tea was introduced. A Chinese mandarin was commissioned to blend a tea for Earl Grey to counter the taste of lime in the water from the Howick well. The blend became known around the world as Earl Grey tea.
Fill those baskets
W S Robson’s Chain Bridge Honey is a unique place to visit. The honey is used in many local dishes. Discover the tale of bees and honey at the visitor centre and visit the nearby Union Chain Bridge, the world’s longest wrought iron suspension bridge.
Cornhill Village Shop is often referred to as the ‘Harrods of the North’. The section of produce is unrivalled in these parts and takes in everything from meats and sausages to preserves, pies and bakery products.
Berwick Farmers’ Market is held on the last Sunday of the month.
Eat well
The Coffee Shop at Ford&Etal village near Berwick is in the old milking parlour. You’ll get an astonishingly good cup of coffee, sourced by Edinburgh’s Artisan Roast. Try ham&egg picnic or wood pigeon pies which are a speciality. Soups can be a full-on vegetable or more delicate sweet potato and coconut. At weekends there are sometimes pop-up suppers. A marble champagne bar on the terrace looks out on one of the most gorgeous views in Northumberland, straight over Glendale to the Cheviot Hills. A glass of fizz tastes rather special from here.
Food blogger ‘The Grazer’, Anna Hedworth hosts amazing pop-up supperclubs on Lindisfarne in the summer which are a banquet of locally-sourced gourmet goodness. This year she’ll be hosting these unique dinners on May 30 and June 13.
The Maltings Kitchen is a bustling café/restaurant in Berwick’s theatre and arts hub run by award-winning local chef David Foxton.
Lay your head
Be assured of dazzling views and dreamy sunrises. The Waterfront at Berwick is a brilliant base for a coastal getaway. Self-catering, so you can stock up on an abundance of the best local foods.
Diary date
July 16
Stalls from food and drink producers located within a 16-mile radius of Berwick-upon-Tweed. Sample the tastes and discover the story of Borders’ local food. Take a boat trip on the River Tweed for the Food Heritage Trail.
September 4-6
Berwick Food and Beer Festival
