The North of England and South of Scotland really cuts the mustard on the foodie front

If you're anything like us, holidays revolve around food…and plenty of it. Luckily here in the North of England and South of Scotland we've some of UK's top producers on our doorstep, so our C&C guests never go hungry.

Better still, September is the month for foodies – late-ripening summer crops are ready to harvest, new autumn produce is popping up, shellfish is at its prime and game is back on the menu. 

So if you fancy eating your way around the region and sampling the finest local produce, we’ve got some tips up our sleeve. From Northumbrian meats and cheeses, to Scottish whisky, freshly-caught seafood and artisan gin, there’s something to whet every appetite. We've included some of our favourites in our Artisan Flavour Trail…

 

 

Bostock Bakery, North Berwick and East Linton
Popular artisan bakery offering bread, pastries, cake and coffee to take away or have in. Think: raspberry pistachio cruffins, big jammy doughnuts, twice baked banana, pecan and caramel croissants, savoury brioche, filled bagels and the region’s best sourdough. They also run a superb Friday Pizza Night, and their East Linton branch now stocks delicious pickles, honey, coffee, milk alternatives, cereals, protein bars and pasta sauces.

Cocoa Black, Peebles
A stop off at Cocoa Black is a must. With two Royal visits, a BBC TV series and the popular Chocolate and Pastry School, Cocoa Black is a Peebles institution and the brainchild of UK World Chocolate Master Ruth Hinks. It is nigh on impossible to leave their shop empty-handed!

Craster Kippers, Craster
Northumberland is home to the world-famous Craster Kippers. Having produced these little beauties for over 100 years, L Robson & Sons is a fourth generation family business based in the tiny fishing village of Craster. Their original smokehouses are always worth a visit, do pop in...

Doddington Dairy, Wooler
Deep in the heart of the Glendale Valley you’ll find the Doddington herd and a dairy that produces a unique range of hand-crafted cheeses and ice creams made from the finest British ingredients, including milk from their very own cows. The Doddington Milk Bar is not to be missed – their ice creams, milkshakes, floats and smoothies are unbeatable.

Hepple Spirits, Morpeth
Deep in the Northumberland Moors on the Hepple Hills you’ll find one of Britain’s last wild sanctuaries for juniper and this exciting, up-and-coming master distillers. Their world-renowned Hepple Gin, Hepple Sloe and Hawthorn Gin and Douglas Fir Vodka are sure to warm the cockles on a chilly evening.

Jarvis Pickle, Eyemouth
Based in the Borders, Jarvis Pickle makes award-winning artisan meat, fish, vegetarian and vegan filled pies. All ingredients are responsibly sourced and each pie is handcrafted in their kitchen. Expect flavours such as pork and blue cheese, Moroccan lamb, cullen skink and vegan haggis. There’s even a Christmas Pie.

Northumberland Cheese Company, Blagdon
A lovely little cheese hub producing award-winning cow’s, goat’s and sheep’s cheese, including the best-selling Brinkburn, Oak-smoked and Nettle. Visit the Cheese Loft Café & Shop - set above their working dairy - for great hampers, platters and the ultimate Cheese Lover’s Afternoon Tea.

Tempest Brewery, Tweedbank
An award-winning brewery in the Scottish Borders creating fresh innovative craft beers with some pretty unique flavours, including Mexican chocolate cake, toffee, peach, mango and vanilla. Visit their taproom for a beer school tour and tasting or one of their afternoon or evening sessions.

 

 

We’re also very pleased to hear that some of our region’s best festivals and events are going ahead this autumn, with COVID-safe measures in place. Do check out the Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight (5^th – 20^th September), York Food Festival (25^th – 27^th September) and regular Malton Food Market (every second Saturday of the Month).

 

 

Given that we’ve now officially arrived in Yorkshire and launched our first property, Heatherdene we’re on the hunt for top local foodie haunts in that area. So far we can report back that Two Dales Bakery in Reeth, Inspired Chocolate in Leyburn and Richmond’s Swaledale Cheese Company are all top of our list…

 

 

And finally, if you’d really rather stay home and put your feet up during your stay with us, we can bring the region’s foodie greats to you. Our roster of top-notch local chefs and cooks can be available full time for the duration of your stay, part time or for one-off celebratory occasions.

If you’d like to know more, give us a buzz on 01573 226711 or drop a line to info@crabtreeandcrabtree.com