A Foodie’s Guide to the North of England & South of Scotland
One of the great joys of any getaway is the delicious local food and drink. Whether you’re tucking into a Michelin-starred tasting menu, sipping a locally-distilled spirit, or warming up in a cosy café after a bracing coastal walk, the North of England and South of Scotland are perfect destinations for foodies.
From fine dining spots fit for the most special of occasions to welcoming pubs serving hearty dishes to re-energise you after a day spent exploring, we’re spoilt for choice in this wonderful corner of the world. Here’s our handpicked guide to the must-visit spots for food and drink in Crabtree & Crabtree country.
GASTROPUBS
For those who love a welcoming country pub with top-notch food, these gems offer outstanding menus in stunning surroundings.
Kirkstyle Inn
Slaggyford, Northumberland
Nestled in the South Tyne Valley, this charming country pub combines old-world charm with exceptional food. Expect seasonal menus showcasing locally sourced game, fresh fish, and hearty Northumbrian classics by a roaring log fire.
Rose & Crown
Romaldkirk, County Durham
This 17th-century coaching inn offers a true taste of the Dales. The menu champions local produce, with highlights including slow-braised Yorkshire beef and homemade black pudding Scotch eggs, all served with hand-pulled local ales.
Lord Crewe Arms
Blanchland, Northumberland
Set in a medieval former abbot’s lodge, this historic inn offers atmospheric dining with candlelit stone interiors. The menu is a love letter to Northumberland’s rich larder, featuring dishes such as venison haunch and freshly baked sourdough.
Black Swan Inn
Seahouses, Northumberland
A traditional pub just moments from the harbour, perfect for refueling after a beach walk. The menu is brimming with fresh seafood, including hand-dived scallops and beer-battered haddock with triple-cooked chips.
The Whittling House
Alnmouth, Northumberland
A refined yet relaxed coastal pub, known for its expertly aged steaks, locally landed fish, and a well-curated wine list. The perfect spot for a post-golf or beachside supper.
The Bonnie Badger
Gullane, East Lothian
A Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded gastropub from renowned chef Tom Kitchin. Here, farm-to-table dining meets Scottish heritage, with standouts such as Highland venison and East Lothian lobster.
DISTILLERIES & BREWERIES
A great meal deserves a great drink. Whether it’s whisky, gin or craft beer, these spots offer an excellent tipple.
Ad Gefrin
Wooler, Northumberland
More than just a distillery, Ad Gefrin is a cultural experience that brings Anglo-Saxon heritage to life. Visit to sample their Tácnbora Blended Whisky, Flýte Whisky Cream Liqueur or Thirlings Dry Gin and enjoy guided tastings that reveal the flavours of Northumberland’s landscape.
Rigg & Furrow
Acklington, Northumberland
A family-run farm brewery producing rustic, small-batch beers. The Farmhouse Pale is a must-try, and their taproom offers a relaxed space to sample beers with views over rolling farmland.
Glenkinchie Distillery
Pencaitland, East Lothian
This Lowland distillery is the home of The Edinburgh Malt. Tours explore the traditional whisky-making process, ending with tastings of its delicate, floral drams.
Black Sheep Brewery
Ripon, Yorkshire
A Yorkshire institution crafting classic bitters and modern craft brews. The brewery tour gives a fascinating insight into their signature ales, with a lively taproom to enjoy a pint or two.
Hepple Spirits
Morpeth, Northumberland
A distillery with a passion for wild Northumbrian botanicals, creating gins and vodkas that capture the rugged beauty of the region. Their Hepple Gin, made with hand-picked juniper, is a must-try.
Buck & Birch
Tranent, East Lothian
Masters of wild foraging, Buck & Birch create botanical liqueurs infused with elderberries, rowan, and sea buckthorn. Book a tasting to experience Scotland’s untamed flavours.
SEAFOOD SHACKS
Nothing beats the taste of freshly-caught seafood, and these eateries celebrate the best of the ocean.
Creel & Reel
Bamburgh, Northumberland
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Bamburgh Castle, this seafood haven serves the freshest catch, from dressed crab to grilled langoustines.
Riley’s Fish Shack
Tynemouth, Northumberland
A rustic, beachside eatery famed for its wood-fired seafood. The chargrilled monkfish and mackerel wrap are worth queuing for.
Lobster Shack
North Berwick, East Lothian
Dine on freshly landed lobster, hand-dived scallops, and crab rolls just metres from the sea. The informal setting and unbeatable views make it a must-visit.
The Fish Shack
Amble, Northumberland
A charming harbourside spot where you can watch the fishing boats unload their catch while enjoying a steaming bowl of Cullen skink or a seafood platter.
MICHELIN STARRED
For a truly special dining experience, these award-winning restaurants promise an unforgettable meal.
Hjem
Wall, Northumberland
A Michelin-starred gem where Nordic-inspired cuisine meets Northumbrian produce. The tasting menu is an intricate journey through the region’s finest ingredients, paired with expertly selected wines.
Sonnet
Alnwick, Northumberland
A fine dining experience featuring Chef Phil Farmer’s innovative menus transforming seasonal ingredients into exquisite dishes that tell a story on the plate.
The Black Swan
Oldstead, Yorkshire
Run by Tommy Banks, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves inventive dishes rooted in traditional Yorkshire ingredients, many grown on the family farm.
Pine
East Wallhouses, Northumberland
A Michelin-starred restaurant run by husband-and-wife team Cal and Siân Byerley, offering a foraged and farmed tasting menu that evolves with the seasons.
CAFÉS & BRUNCH SPOTS
For those who love lazy mornings, excellent coffee, and indulgent brunches, these spots are perfect.
Flat White Kitchen
Durham, County Durham
An artisan coffee shop housed in a historic townhouse, known for its creamy flat whites, sourdough toasties, and divine buttermilk pancakes.
Drift
North Berwick, East Lothian
This clifftop café, housed in an upcycled shipping container, offers sweeping sea views alongside locally roasted coffee and seasonal brunch dishes like smoked salmon and poached eggs on homemade sourdough.
Northumberland HQ
East Wallhouses, Northumberland
A sleek and stylish café serving up top-quality coffee, house-baked pastries, and a frequently changing seasonal brunch menu.
Kiosk
York, Yorkshire
A quirky café serving up globally inspired brunches, from shakshuka to kimchi-topped sourdough, in a tucked-away corner of York.
Pilgrims Coffee
Lindisfarne, Northumberland
A must-visit on Holy Island, roasting its own beans and serving ethically sourced coffee alongside homemade cakes and rustic lunch plates.
Plan your foodie escape
If you’re feeling inspired and you’d like to discover the local delicacies in the North of England and South of Scotland for yourself, explore our collection of wonderful holiday cottages here, from pretty boltholes for two to grand houses for special occasion gatherings.
