There’s nothing more comforting than gathering with loved ones and tucking into a hearty lunch on a Sunday. And whether you’re looking for a traditional roast dinner with all the trimmings or something a little lighter, there are plenty of restaurants in Northumberland to explore. If you’re ready to fuel up with a Sunday lunch on your Northumberland getaway, take a look at some of our favourite pub grub, fine dining, and alternative recommendations. From festive Christmas Sunday lunch options and classic winter warmers, to dog friendly venues, seasonal spring and summer menus packed with local produce, our region offers the best Sunday lunches to enjoy. Round off your week in Northumberland with a Sunday lunch           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Emma | Northumberland Adventures (@northumberland_adventures) Sunday is the perfect day to take a step back and have a rest. Perhaps you’ve had an adventure-packed week of sightseeing on the Northumberland coast or you’ve spent the weekend perusing museums and galleries.  Either way, why not let Northumberland’s best restaurants treat you to a Sunday lunch packed with ingredients reared and grown locally in the Northeast? Locals and visitors alike are sure to be impressed by the quality the county has to offer — but where to start? Read on for some inspiration. The best pub lunch options in Northumberland            View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by The Pheasant Inn (@thepheasantinn_kielder) A pub lunch is a surefire path to cosy comfort and a full belly. No matter the season or the weather, these venues provide some of the best pub food in Northumberland. Whether you’re searching for the best Sunday lunch in Morpeth, Sunday lunch in Alnwick, or the best Sunday lunch in Amble, there are plenty of options to choose from across the region. The Pheasant Inn If you’re searching for a classic roast dinner followed by heavenly sticky toffee pudding, then The Pheasant Inn is your ultimate destination.  Located one mile from Kielder Water, it’s the ideal spot to stop after a morning walk around the beautiful reservoir and country park. With its warm and welcoming atmosphere, it’s no wonder this family-friendly venue is a popular pub lunch destination for locals and tourists across Northumberland. So book ahead to avoid disappointment!  The Dirty Bottles Looking for a dog friendly pub for Sunday lunch in Northumberland? Look no further, The Dirty Bottles pub in the heart of Alnwick is the perfect spot to enjoy a hearty meal with your four legged friends. With a mix of meat and vegetarian options for your Sunday dinner in Northumberland, The Dirty Bottles caters to every taste. Make sure to book a table in advance to enjoy one of the best Sunday lunches in Alnwick. Lord Crewe Arms Historical and atmospheric, the Lord Crewe Arms Restaurant and Bar is the perfect setting for a comforting Sunday lunch made with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. First built in the 12th century, the Lord Crewe Arms has been a favourite place to stay and eat in Blanchland for centuries. And what of its pub lunches? There’s plenty to try, and the Lord Crewe Arms Sunday Sharing Platter is a great option for couples. With two or three courses to choose from, you’ll be set for the rest of the day. Why not head down to the Crypt Bar for a romantic candle-lit drink after?  You can also find another Lord Crewe pub in Northumberland, which also has a popular Sunday Lunch spot on Northumberland’s coast, so you can enjoy Sunday lunch in Bamburgh, warming up and refueling after a refreshing walk on the beach. Explore more of our favourite pubs and bars in Northumberland. Which restaurants in Northumberland offer fine dining Sunday lunches?           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Doxford Hall Hotel & Spa (@doxford_hall) Are you in the mood for something sophisticated? Northumberland is home to some renowned restaurants serving up Sunday lunches fit for royalty. Doxford Hall Hotel & Spa Doxford Hall Hotel & Spa is a luxurious venue for weddings and gatherings but it also provides excellent Sunday lunches for those just visiting — with an open fire in winter that completes the traditional ambience. Enjoy a sumptuous twist on the classics with dishes ranging from roast leg of Northumbrian lamb to seared salmon fillet and spicy couscous with a caper and sweet chilli dressing. Alternatively, explore Doxford’s daily lunch menu, which includes the likes of duck parfait, followed by seabass. Round the meal off with a delightful cheesecake or chocolate fondant.  Close to Alnwick, it’s the ideal location for Sunday lunch after visiting Northumberland’s most famous castle. Eshott Hall Another elegant lunch spot, Eshott Hall is a great venue for those exploring Alnwick and Morpeth. Eshott’s Lounge Menu is brimming with classic dishes reimagined with a touch of luxury.  The venue’s chefs are proud to use local, seasonal ingredients in their creations — including those sourced from the hall’s own kitchen garden. Whether you’re staying at Eshott Hall or just popping by for Sunday lunch, its scenic surroundings are some of the finest in Northumberland.  Looking for alternative Sunday lunches?           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by The Potted Lobster Bamburgh (@thepottedlobster) Sometimes, a full roast dinner isn’t what you fancy. Fortunately, Northumberland has plenty of restaurants ready to cater for alternative Sunday lunches. If you’re after the best Sunday dinner in Northumberland or something a little unique, consider these options:  The Whittling House With its impressive coastline, it’s no wonder that there are plenty of seafood restaurants in Northumberland. The Whittling House focuses on Northumbrian produce and offers an array of seafood options alongside a more traditional Sunday roast menu. From haddock chowder and scallops to a prawn and crayfish cocktail, it’s a haven for seafood lovers. Plus, The Whittling House is dog-friendly (by prior arrangement) so you can bring your furry friend along, too.  Find The Whittling House in Alnmouth, and book a snug corner for couples or a large table for groups. The Potted Lobster Another must-try seafood restaurant in Northumberland is The Potted Lobster in Bamburgh. As well as serving delicious fresh dishes made with locally sourced fish, it’s a stone’s throw from the stunning Bamburgh Castle and beach.  This family-friendly restaurant also offers dairy-free and gluten-free menus, making it the ideal choice for those with dietary requirements.   Ad Gefrin An Anglo-Saxon museum and whisky distillery might not be your first thought when deciding where to go for Sunday lunch but Ad Gefrin is an experience like no other. As well as discovering the magic behind Northumbrian whisky and gin, you can visit Ad Gefrin’s Bistro. Try a classic Sunday roast made with local ingredients or go for something a little different from their daily menu.  Light bites are available for when you want something smaller to nibble, whilst heartier mains are also on offer. From risotto and lamb stew to roasted butternut squash, you’re sure to find something to enjoy. Explore Sunday lunch options in Northumberland The best restaurants in Northumberland take pride in sourcing ingredients from the local area. Combined with skill and experience, these chefs bring an unmistakable Northeastern flair to the classics — whether that’s a full Sunday roast or something a little less traditional. No matter if you’re local to Northumberland or just visiting us for a weekend, don’t miss out on a delectable Sunday lunch. Explore pubs, restaurants, and other places to eat with Visit Northumberland.

Don't let dining disrupt your day and grab your food on the move when you're exploring Northumberland. We have rounded up a list of five foodie spots that offer takeaway in Northumberland, but they aren't just your average takeouts. From an osprey spotting cruise with tasty canapes, to a new seafront fish a chip shop, you'll be spoilt for choice when you're next picking up lunch or a snack in Northumberland. The Drift Cafe Fish and Chips           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by The Drift Cafe (@thedriftcafe) The local favourite, sea front eatery The Drift Cafe not only serves excellent lunches and snacks, but has now opened their own fantastic fish and chip shop. Their crispy cod bites, mouth-watering chips and delicious cod have earned them resounding five star reviews and their stunning coastal location near Druridge Bay makes for the perfect food stop. L Robson & Sons' Craster Kippers           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Northumberland Cottage Breaks (@northumberland_cottage_breaks) You can’t visit Northumberland without sampling our famous Craster kippers, smoked and served up at L Robson & Sons in the peaceful village of Craster. You can dine in, but the most popular way to enjoy these is from a brown paper bag on a bench that looks out onto Craster harbour as the boats drift lazily on the water. Wild Intrigue's Ospreys and Canapes Cruise           View this post on Instagram                       xxx A post shared by Wild Intrigue (@wildintrigue) A true example of takeout with a twist, Wild Intrigue are the masters of food on the move. Pairing five star food with fascinating wildlife, they host Goats and Gourmet tours in the Cheviot Hills. Their newest addition to their long list of exciting excursions is Ospreys and Canapes, celebrating the return of the Osprey by taking you on a sunset cruise on Kielder Water while Canapés and prosecco are served on board.  Cheviot Brewery           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Cheviot Tap (@cheviottap) Cheviot Brewery sits amongst the staggering scenery of Ford and Etal Estate and is a great option for a delicious bite on the go. This microbrewery, tap bar and glamping accommodation if you’re looking to stay, serves up freshly made stone baked pizza perfect for a quick bite or tasty takeaway while you are enjoying the nearby walking trails and attractions such as Heatherslaw Cornmill and Lady Waterford Hall. The Hut at Bamburgh           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Northern Hideaways (@northernhideaways) Situated on the sands at Bamburgh Castle Estate, this tiny beach hut attracts flurries of customers with its exquisite offering sourced from local businesses. Their ‘Bamburgh Banger’ is courtesy of Bamburgh butcher R Carter & Son and their ‘kipper sandwich’ from nearby Craster’s L Robson & Sons. Not to mention their delicious coffee fit for a connoisseur, which is brewed local at Pilgrim’s Coffee on Lindisfarne Island. So next time you're out and about in Northumberland, grab some fish and chips, local delicacies or book an activity that includes a bite to eat and experience our takeaways with a twist. Author: Jenni Meikle

If the only thing you throwback on Thursdays are G&Ts, you’re missing your after-work pint at the pub or this hot-and-cold weather is making you crave your café trips, treat yourself to some of Northumberland’s most tantalising tipples from home. From martinis to margaritas and teas to tonics, make them at home or order them to your door: MIX THINGS UP Shake up your week by making a Northumbrian cocktail at home. Traditional Lindisfarne Mead, local Ginger Wine and Hepple Gin are all available for delivery and have offered up their cocktail recipes for you to try: Hepple Gin Dry Martini       View this post on Instagram A post shared by HEPPLE Spirits (@hepple_spirits) on Mar 8, 2020 at 3:00am PDT This no-shaker-needed, dry martini recipe is one of Hepple Gin’s recipes, whose junipers grow in a 4000-acre estate that stretches from the wild Simonside hills to the banks of the River Coquet. Cause a stir at home using only a glass and a spoon and sip on sweet vermouth combined with gin straight from Northumberland National Park and into your martini glass. Make it with us as Hepple gave us a demo on our Instagram story, and take a look at Hepple’s other cocktail recipes for some delectable concoctions. Click here for the Hepple Dry Martini Recipe The Lindisfarne Pink Mead-arita       View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lindisfarne Mead (@lindisfarne_mead) on Feb 10, 2018 at 3:54am PST It doesn’t get more traditional than Lindisfarne Mead, which was allegedly sipped by Medieval monks on The Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Today, a visit to the island (always check safe crossing times before you go!) is incomplete without a visit to St Aidan’s Winery. While you can’t visit the island, the sweet, honey-tinted tipple is available to order online. This recipe uses Mead with a twist, as it is made with blood orange and therefore comes pretty in pink. Keep an eye on Lindisfarne Mead’s Facebook page for virtual Happy Hours, discount codes and updates. Click here for The Lindisfarne Pink Mead-arita recipe The Lindisfarne Naughty Girl This cocktail recipe was shared by The Joiners Arms, a coastal, cosy pub nestled away in Newton-by-the-Sea. Normally served as a complimentary room cocktail for hotel guests, they have shared the recipe while they are closed so you can close your eyes, take a sip and imagine that you are in Northumberland. This one is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth, as the caramel, vanilla and toasted coconut flavours from the Holy Island Spiced Rum infuse with the berry blast from the drop of Chambord. Click here for The Lindisfarne Naughty Girl Recipe  Pretty Kitty Mocktail Kitty’s Homemade Ginger Wine is a local, family-run businesses that creates homemade, non-alcoholic wine using root ginger and a host of other fresh ingredients. The refreshing, citrusy burst of flavour is perfect for pouring into a mocktail, or adding to a cocktail for a warming finish. Kitty shares a number of cocktail recipes on her website, but we have picked the ‘Pretty Kitty’ which is perfect to mix up for kids as well as parents. No shaker needed and not even a fancy glass, as it’s served tall with ice. Click here for The Pretty Kitty Mocktail Recipe HOT DRINKS HEAVEN Northern Edge Coffee       View this post on Instagram A post shared by Northern Edge Coffee (@northernedgecoffee) on Apr 10, 2020 at 1:27am PDT If you’re local to Berwick-upon-Tweed and you’re missing your macchiatos and craving a cappuccino, Berwick based coffee roastery, Northern Edge Coffee, are in the midst of trialling their hot coffee collection service. Every Thursday, from 9am – 1pm, they will be serving takeaway coffees with strict, social-distancing guidelines in place. Not local to Berwick? That’s OK, you can still support this family-run business by buying a bag of freshly ground coffee online. Check out their Instagram page for takeaway details and their website to make ground coffee orders. Hot Chocolate with a Twist Slip a splash of Holy Island Spiced Rum into a creamy cup of hot chocolate. We have been tipped by the team at St Aidan’s Winery that the caramel, vanilla and toasted coconut flavours work excellently when mixed with luxuriant, creamy and chocolatey hot chocolate drinks. Earl Grey Tea Earl Grey tea has a long and intriguing history that begins at Howick Hall in Northumberland. Pop some Earl Grey in your next online shopping basket, or be extra Zen and make it at home. We shared a recipe on our other blog that you can try at home. DON’T WORRY, BEER HAPPY The Twice Brewed Inn       View this post on Instagram A post shared by Twice Brewed Brew House (@twicebrewedbrewhouse) on Mar 16, 2020 at 6:52am PDT While the Twice Brewed Inn pub is currently closed, its attached mini-brewery is still open and operating safely in the heart of Northumberland National Park. Their door to door service means that, if you’re missing your pub pints, delicious local ale can be placed on your porch. They also distil their own spirits, so if one of you fancies a beer and the other a G&T, you can choose from their array of artisan gins and liqueurs. Allendale Brewery Sitting on the banks of the River Allen on the edge of the rugged North Pennines, Allendale Brewery brews quality cask ales in kegs bottles and cans. They are currently delivering 10 litre beer boxes locally and bottles and cans are available for UK-wide delivery, so you can sip on local Northumbrian beer from anywhere in the UK. RAISE YOUR SPIRITS Northumberland Spirit Company Check out Northumberland Spirit Company to scroll through spirits that you can order to your door. They are the makers of the delicious, hand-crafted Alnwick Gin, as well as sweet Alnwick Sloe Gin and Firestone Gin to make up the perfect G&T or gin cocktail. A range of miniature bottles are also available to add to your online shopping basket. Marlish Tonics and Soft Drinks Pair your Northumbrian spirit of choice with Marlish Tonics and soft drinks for a guilt-free G&T, as they operate with sustainability as their number one priority. Their fresh, sugar free drinks are made using a sustainable water supply at Marlish Farm, from rainwater that falls on the Northumbrian hills. Taking hundreds of years to naturally filter through the rock strata, it gains a high level of purity and mineralisation. All products are packaged on the farm to reduce their carbon footprint and preserve the purity of the water, and no plastics are used in their packaging. Heather & Bale Luxury Hampers       View this post on Instagram A post shared by Heather and Bale (@heatherandbale) on May 14, 2020 at 6:03am PDT If you just can’t decide between Northumberland’s brilliant beverages, bag yourself a Heather and Bale alcohol hamper and try a little bit of everything. Delivering luxury to your living room, their elegant hampers include a range of Northumberland’s products, such as Alnwick Gin, Alnwick Ale, Brinkburn Prosecco and Cheviot Wine (oh, and they also sell chocolate and cheese hampers, just saying…). If you want more information on the county's local food and drink, visit our Produced in Northumberland page. Then close your eyes, drink up and picture yourself in breath-taking Northumberland. 

With all of this extra time at home, many of us are becoming professional chefs and expert bakers as we take to the kitchen to cook up new concoctions. Northumberland is home to many traditional eats and tipples – Craster Kippers, Lindisfarne Mead and Doddington Dairy Ice cream to name a few. Unfortunately, not all of them are accessible while the UK is in lockdown, but some of them can be cooked up in your own kitchen… We have searched the web for classic, Northumbrian recipes, so you can put your skills to the test and get a taste of Northumberland from home. Cook up a storm with a cheesy potato dish, spongy stotties or a historical hot beverage with our foodie round-up: 1) Pan Haggerty         View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Hannah Mactaggart 🍎 (@hansieskitchen) This crispy one-pan wonder is a potato dish with a little Northumbrian love sprinkled over it. Traditionally, it involves frying layers of potatoes, cheese and onions in butter and oil, then popping them under the grill until the cheese bubbles and turns golden. For a meaty variation, you can turn it into a Panhackerty by tossing in some salty bacon pieces or corned beef. We’ve trawled for the best recipe and we love the look of this one from Lavender and Lovage. It’s called ‘Nanny’s Pan Haggerty’ and it doesn’t get much more traditional than straight from a North Eastern nana’s kitchen. We tried this one ourselves, so check out our Instagram story and cook with us. 2) Stotty Cake/ Stotties       View this post on Instagram A post shared by Karen S Burns-Booth (@lavenderandlovage) on Apr 6, 2020 at 8:18am PDT Despite its name, the stotty cake is actually a type of bread, and the chewy goodness has a similar consistency to sourdough. Like many Northumbrian recipes, it came from frugality – waste not want not – and the idea was that it could be made using any excess white bread dough. It was traditionally chucked into the bottom of the oven, reacting to the initial burst of heat and continuing to bake while the oven was cooling down. Once it’s cooled and ready to eat, you can enjoy it like a sandwich and fill it with Doddington Dairy cheese, thick slices of ham or whatever tickles your fancy. We stuck with Lavender and Lovage again for this Stotty Cake recipe – this one was actually a secret recipe discovered many years after her Grandmother’s passing, so it must be pretty special! 3) Singing Hinny       View this post on Instagram A post shared by Powoli Po Prostu. (@powolipoprostu) on Jun 28, 2016 at 1:16am PDT The word ‘hinny’ is a term of endearment up here in the North East, supposedly deriving from the word ‘honey’ and having a similar meaning to ‘darling’ or ‘dear’. What a lovely name, then, for this delicious, fruity bake, which gets the second part of its name from the sizzling noise that it makes on the griddle pan. Fairly similar to a scone, this light and fluffy concoction is filled with dried fruits and can be enjoyed lathered in butter or with a sprinkling of sugar over the top. We found a traditional recipe from The Spruce Eats so you can try them out for yourself at home. 4) Earl Grey Tea       View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lifestyle • Interior • Dog&Cat (@karolina_pingielska) on Feb 27, 2020 at 12:32am PST There’s something extremely comforting about curling up on the sofa with a cuppa. Make your next brew a Northumbrian delicacy by filling your tea pot with Earl Grey. This fragrant beverage was originally made in Northumberland and named after Charles Grey, who received the tea blend from a Chinese mandarin as a gift, specially blended with bergamot to suit the water from the spring at Howick Hall. Lady Grey served it to guests, and it became so popular that British tea merchants requested permission to replicate it. Buy it in your next online shop, or if you want to be really Zen, make it yourself. We found this recipe from Mossy Meadow Farm, using loose leaf black tea and bergamot oil for the perfect homemade pot. 5) Pease Pudding       View this post on Instagram A post shared by Daisy Winter (@daisywinter_) on Feb 6, 2020 at 11:29am PST “Pease pudding hot, Pease pudding cold, Pease pudding in the pot – nine days old. Some like it hot, some like it cold, Some like it in the pot – nine days old.” You may have heard the old nursery rhyme, paying homage to the North East’s famous pease pudding. This comforting dish, with a thick and smooth consistency, is made from split yellow peas (hence its yellow appearance) and most often served with cooked ham, gammon or sausages. You can even enjoy it alongside fish and chips in place of good old mushy peas (another British delicacy for any non-British readers out there!). Or, spread it on a stotty with a salty joint of gammon for a truly traditional lunch and a fantastic burst of flavours. There are a number of recipes to choose from online, but we like the look of this one from The Spruce Eats. Remember, leaving the house just isn't worth the whisk, so bake us proud by staying at home to stay safe, keep calm and carry on cooking.

There is only one thing that can improve your mug of frothy deliciousness, and that is a brew-tiful sea view. Whether you need a pick-me-up mid-walk; something to warm you up on a winter’s day; or just a cupful of comfort as you explore Northumberlands towns and villages, we have rounded up some waterside venues that we like a latte. Here are 5 of Northumberland’s coastal coffee spots in honour of the energy-boosting beverage: 1) Box Pizza, Beadnell This new pizza restaurant-stroke-café, with its quirky shipping container design and airy interior, offers awe-inspiring views across Beadnell’s countryside and the blue waters of Beadnell Bay. Hand-made, wood-fired pizza is its primary focus, but Box Pizza also offers locally-roasted coffee from Luckie Beans, an award-winning coffee shop based in Berwick. Carry your cup to the outdoor seating area to get a closer look at the simply breath-taking view from the top of the hill in Swinhoe where Box Pizza is perched. Check their social calendar online and head along to espresso yourself at their regular cultural events, which include jam nights, poetry readings, art exhibitions and more. 2) The Lookout, Berwick The Lookout Café, nestled away on the banks of The River Tweed, offers an outdoor seating area on the cobbled quayside of Berwick-Upon-Tweed. Here, you can slurp on your cappuccino with the peaceful view of the river in front of you and tuck into your spongey slab of cake with the beautiful Berwick Bridge as your backdrop. If the weather isn’t cooperating with your al fresco coffee, inside The Lookout you’ll find a cosy haven of teapots, coffee cups, comfy seating and an exposed brick interior. 3) Drift Café, Cresswell This dog-friendly, coastal café looks out over Druridge Bay the rugged dunes that sit behind Cresswell Beach. You can cosy up inside the café, where large windows frame the breath-taking view, or you can sit outdoors on the terrace and breathe in the salty sea air while you sip on your coffee. From here, you can venture over the sand dunes where the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty awaits. Dogs are more than welcome, making it an excellent spot to rest your legs after your beach walk with your buddy. 4) The Ship Inn, Low Newton The Ship Inn is a white-washed pub that sits nestled by the sweeping beach of Newton Haven. Standing in an open square of cosy cottages, it is preceded by a large grass area with picnic benches. If all of the seats outside are taken, there is plenty of space to lay down a blanket, rest your coffee cup on the grass and laze on the lawn (trust us, you don’t want to miss out on those sea views). If the weather takes a turn for the worst, head inside to find rustic stone walls, reams of ivy intertwined with twinkling fairy lights, and the warming glow of a crackling log burner. If java ain’t your jam, try one of the local ales and tipples from their own microbrewery. The pub is dog friendly, so you can walk here from Dunstanburgh Castle with your dog by your side.  This pocket-sized chunk of a once grand fortress teeters on the coast in Craster and is a must-see when you’re in the vicinity. 5) The Commissioners Quay Inn The Commissioners Quay Inn is located on Blyth’s historic quayside, where sailing boats drift lazily on the water and the sunset shimmers across the North Sea. The décor of this sleek, beautifully-designed pub integrates Blyth’s industrial shipping and fishing heritage with modern, boho-chic touches throughout. Low-hanging lampshades, cosy alcoves, dark wooden beams and rudders used as wall hangings all culminate in one mass of nautical interior with an urban twist. Grab the dog, order a doppio and admire the scenic view through the panoramic windows from the private dog friendly seating area. Or, step outside and onto the waterfront terrace where you can wrap your hands around your warming macchiato and admire the sea up-close. It’s not too latte to join the party, just take a look at our food and drinks page for more inspiration and to discover the best coffee spots for an energising drink and comfort food in the winter, to summer seaside coffee destinations to enjoy with all of the family on your day out.