In a picnic frame of mind
Head for Durham Market Hall to find a wealth of local suppliers bringing season-ready and super-fresh foods.
At Dropswell Farm Shop near Trimdon you’ll find own-cured salami and chorizo as well cooked meats and local cheeses for your picnic. A fabulous butchery for your portable BBQ.
Time for tea
Crook Hall Garden is the place to sit back and enjoy elegant afternoon tea in hideaway gardens in the midst of bustling Durham. Sparkling afternoon tea teams perfectly with lavish planting areas and greenery to explore.
Fill those baskets
Broom House Farm is a short drive from Durham city centre. Shop for Saddleback sausages from their own butchery, free-range eggs, artisan bread and local Durham dairy products.
Durham Farmers’ Market, third Thursday of the month, brings in-season game, grains, hill lamb and seasonal veg.
Barnard Castle is a trip worth making and not far from Durham. Splendid traditional high street, markets and food producers.
Cross Lanes Organics just off the A66 is an inspiring stop-off. A feature is the traditional wood-fired oven used to make delicious stone-baked pizzas, flatbreads, roast meat and vegetables.
Eat well
In Durham City, Bistro 21 offers a taste of French bistro cooking from the stable of North East food legend Terry Laybourne. The place is rustic and laid back, the food is classic, seasonal and assured. Great value set lunch.
Zen is a place folk flock to in Durham for memorable Asian food. A buzzy, hip spot with heated outdoor terrace. Extensive menu of Thai speciality noodle bowls and blow-out banquets.
Oldfields in Durham is the place to find good locally-sourced bistro-style dining with name-checked suppliers and seasonal ingredients. Good choice of local craft ales too.
The Boat House in Durham is a great place to watch the river flow by whilst you dine on mighty burgers or a great Sunday lunch.
Lay your head
Hire a cool campervan then let the mood take you. Sweet Campers start
the journey in County Durham and let you tootle off with your picnic.
Hit Durham’s coast for a luxey stay. Seaham Hall is perfect for some R&R and breezy beach walks to work up an appetite. Dip in to some superb locally-inspired dining and great wines there too.
Diary date – July 19
Flavours of Durham & the Dales at the Taste of Teesdale Food Festival at Raby Castle, County Durham. Organised by Barnard Castle Farmers’ Market in the grounds of the castle, it brings an abundance of artisan food and drink from across the region.
