Alnwick, nestled in the heart of Northumberland, has been quietly gaining recognition as a culinary hotspot, thanks to its rich history, stunning architecture, and exceptional food scene. This charming market town, located close to the picturesque village of Amble, has been featured in a recent food and travel guide by Olive magazine, solidifying its position among the UK’s top small towns for foodies.
- Malton in North Yorkshire
- Lyme Regis in Dorset
- Alnwick, Northumberland
These towns have been praised for their creative culinary gatherings, artisan roasters, and gin distilleries, making them must-visit destinations for food enthusiasts. The market town of Alnwick is famous for its historic castle, which dates back to the 12th century. However, it’s not just the castle that makes Alnwick special – the town itself has undergone significant transformation in recent years, with a focus on showcasing its local produce and supporting small businesses. Sonnet, a fine-dining restaurant located in the heart of Alnwick, serves up a tasting menu inspired by ingredients from small local farmers, producers of rare-breed meats, and British fine food makers. This restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience, with a focus on showcasing the best of local produce. Another notable establishment is Alnwick Brewery Co & Taproom, which has been producing traditional brown ales and IPAs since the 1860s. This lively taproom regularly hosts food trucks from local establishments, offering a unique dining experience that combines great beer with delicious food. For those looking for a more relaxed dining experience, The Bistro at The Cookie Jar is a great option. This restaurant serves up local produce in dishes such as tempura cod cheeks with spicy pea purée and chorizo crisps, and homemade ice creams and sorbets. The Bistro at The Cookie Jar is a great place to unwind and enjoy the best of local cuisine. In nearby Amble, Jasper’s Bistro is an intimate seafood restaurant with just six tables, specializing in locally landed lobster, crab, and langoustines. This restaurant offers an excellent wine list and a unique dining experience that showcases the best of the sea.
“From Welsh market towns with creative culinary gatherings to Yorkshire boroughs that are home to artisan roasters and gin distilleries, these are 10 of the best foodie towns across the UK for a staycation.” – Olive magazine
Alnwick Brewery Co & Taproom has been described as “the place to be” by customers, with friendly staff, exceptional beers, and wonderful food. This taproom is also dog-friendly, with a relaxed atmosphere and quiz night every first Friday of the month. Visitors can enjoy live music on Fridays and Saturdays, and take in the stunning views from the back of the taproom. Recommended reading:
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As one visitor to the taproom wrote on Tripadvisor: “Friendly staff. Exceptional beers, wonderful food (days may vary). Live music on Fridays and some Saturdays. Excellent views out the back with plenty of seating. Very friendly and informal.” Another visitor complimented the taproom, saying: “We visited the shop in order to pick up a few bottles of beer not realizing that this is an excellent bar as well. It would have been rude not to.”
A culinary hotspot is a place that is renowned for its exceptional food scene, often characterized by a high concentration of excellent restaurants, cafes, and food shops.
A fine-dining restaurant is a high-end restaurant that serves gourmet cuisine, often with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients.
A taproom is a bar that specializes in serving beer, often with a focus on local and craft breweries.
A foodie town is a place that is renowned for its exceptional food scene, often characterized by a high concentration of excellent restaurants, cafes, and food shops.
A staycation is a vacation or holiday that is spent in one’s own country, often in a local area or town.
A gin distillery is a place where gin is produced, often using traditional methods and ingredients.
A brewery is a place where beer is produced, often using traditional methods and ingredients.
A food truck is a vehicle that serves food, often in a casual or street-food setting.
A pub is a social establishment that serves food and drinks, often in a casual or relaxed atmosphere.
A seafood restaurant is a place that specializes in serving seafood, often with a focus on locally landed fish and shellfish.
A wine list is a list of wines available for purchase or consumption in a restaurant or bar.
A quiz night is a social event where people gather to compete in a quiz, often with prizes or rewards.
A log burner is a type of fireplace that uses wood or other fuels to provide heat.
A dog-friendly establishment is a place that welcomes dogs, often with special amenities or services for canine customers.
A staycation is a vacation or holiday that is spent in one’s own country, often in a local area or town.
A mini break is a short vacation or holiday, often in a local area or town.
A coastal pub is a social establishment that serves food and drinks, often in a casual or relaxed atmosphere, with a focus on coastal or sea views.
A brewery is a place where beer is produced, often using traditional methods and ingredients.
A craft brewery is a brewery that specializes in producing unique or high-quality beers using traditional methods and ingredients.
A foodie is a person who is enthusiastic about food, often with a focus on trying new and exotic dishes.
A local produce is food that is grown or produced in a specific geographic area, often with a focus on supporting local farmers and businesses.
A rare-breed meat is a type of meat that is raised from a specific breed of animal, often with a focus on quality and flavor.
A fine food maker is a person or business that produces high-quality food products, often with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients.
A beer is a type of alcoholic drink made from fermented grains, often with a focus on quality and flavor.
A pub is a social establishment that serves food and drinks, often in a casual or relaxed atmosphere.
A seafood restaurant is a place that specializes in serving seafood, often with a focus on locally landed fish and shellfish.
A wine list is a list of wines available for purchase or consumption in a restaurant or bar.
A quiz night is a social event where people gather to compete in a quiz, often with prizes or rewards.
A log burner is a type of fireplace that uses wood or other fuels to provide heat.
A dog-friendly establishment is a place that welcomes dogs, often with special amenities or services for canine customers.
A mini break is a short vacation or holiday, often in a local area or town.
A coastal pub is a social establishment that serves food and drinks, often in a casual or relaxed atmosphere, with a focus on coastal or sea views.
A craft brewery is a brewery that specializes in producing unique or high-quality beers using traditional methods and ingredients.
A foodie is a person who is enthusiastic about food, often with a focus on trying new and exotic dishes.
A local produce is food that is grown or produced in a specific geographic area, often with a focus on supporting local farmers and businesses.
A rare-breed meat is a type of meat that is raised from a specific breed of animal, often with a focus on quality and flavor.
A fine food maker is a person or business that produces high-quality food products, often with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients.
A beer is a type of alcoholic drink made from fermented grains, often with a focus on quality and flavor.
A pub is a social establishment that serves food and drinks, often in a casual or relaxed atmosphere.
A seafood restaurant is a place that specializes in serving seafood, often with a focus on locally landed fish and shellfish.
A wine list is a list of wines available for purchase or consumption in a restaurant or bar.
A quiz night is a social event where people gather to compete in a quiz, often with prizes or rewards.
A log burner is a type of fireplace that uses wood or other fuels to provide heat.
A dog-friendly establishment is a place that welcomes dogs, often with special amenities or services for canine customers.
A mini break is a short vacation or holiday, often in a local area or town.
A coastal pub is a social establishment that serves food and drinks, often in a casual or relaxed atmosphere, with a focus on coastal or sea views.
A craft brewery is a brewery that specializes in producing unique or high-quality beers using traditional methods and ingredients.
A foodie is a person who is enthusiastic about food, often with a focus on trying new and exotic dishes.
A local produce is food that is grown or produced in a specific geographic area, often with a focus on supporting local farmers and businesses.
A rare-breed meat is a type of meat that is raised from a specific breed of animal, often with a focus on quality and flavor.
A fine food maker is a person or business that produces high-quality food products, often with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients.
A beer is a type of alcoholic drink made from fermented grains, often with a focus on quality and flavor.
A pub is a social establishment that serves food and drinks, often in a casual or relaxed atmosphere.
A seafood restaurant is a place that specializes in serving seafood, often with a focus on locally landed fish and shellfish.
A wine list is a list of wines available for purchase or consumption in a restaurant or bar.
A quiz night is a social event where people gather to compete in a quiz, often with prizes or rewards.
A log burner is a type of fireplace that uses wood or other fuels to provide heat.
A dog-friendly establishment is a place that welcomes dogs, often with special amenities or services for canine customers.
A mini break is a short vacation or holiday, often in a local area or town.
A coastal pub is a social establishment that serves food and drinks, often in a casual or relaxed atmosphere, with a focus on coastal or sea views.
A craft brewery is a brewery that specializes in producing unique or high-quality beers using traditional methods and ingredients.
A foodie is a person who is enthusiastic about food, often with a focus on trying new and exotic dishes.
A local produce is food that is grown or produced in a specific geographic area, often with a focus on supporting local farmers and businesses.
A rare-breed meat is a type of meat that is raised from a specific breed of animal, often with a focus on quality and flavor.
A fine food maker is a person or business that produces high-quality food products, often with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients.
A beer is a type of alcoholic drink made from fermented grains, often with a focus on quality and flavor.
A pub is a social establishment that serves food and drinks, often in a casual or relaxed atmosphere.
A seafood restaurant is a place that specializes in serving seafood, often with a focus on locally landed fish and shellfish.
A wine list is a list of wines available for purchase or consumption in a restaurant or bar.
A quiz night is a social event where people gather to compete in a quiz, often with prizes or rewards.
A log burner is a type of fireplace that uses wood or other fuels to provide heat.
A dog-friendly establishment is a place that welcomes dogs, often with special amenities or services for canine customers.
A mini break is a short vacation or holiday, often in a local area or town.
A coastal pub is a social establishment that serves food and drinks, often in a casual or relaxed atmosphere, with a focus on coastal or sea views.
A craft brewery is a brewery that specializes in producing unique or high-quality beers using traditional methods and ingredients.
A foodie is a person who is enthusiastic about food, often with a focus on trying new and exotic dishes.
A local produce is food that is grown or produced in a specific geographic area, often with a focus on supporting local farmers and businesses.
A rare-breed meat is a type of meat that is raised from a specific breed of animal, often with a focus on quality and flavor.
A fine food maker is a person or business that produces high-quality food products, often with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients.
A beer is a type of alcoholic drink made from fermented grains, often with a focus on quality and flavor.
A pub is a social establishment that serves food and drinks, often in a casual or relaxed atmosphere.
A seafood restaurant is a place that specializes in serving seafood, often with a focus on locally landed fish and shellfish.
A wine list is a list of wines available for purchase or consumption in a restaurant or bar.
A quiz night is a social event where people gather to compete in a quiz, often with prizes or rewards.
A log burner is a type of fireplace that uses wood or other fuels to provide heat.
A dog-friendly establishment is a place that welcomes dogs, often with special amenities or services for canine customers.
A mini break is a short vacation or holiday, often in a local area or town.
A coastal pub is a social establishment that serves food and drinks, often in a casual or relaxed atmosphere, with a focus on coastal or sea views.
A craft brewery is a brewery that specializes in producing unique or high-quality beers using traditional methods and ingredients.
A foodie is a person who is enthusiastic about food, often with a focus on trying new and exotic dishes.
A local produce is food that is grown or produced in a specific geographic area, often with a focus on supporting local farmers and businesses.
A rare-breed meat is a type of meat that is raised from a specific breed of animal, often with a focus on quality and flavor.
A fine food maker is a person or business that produces high-quality food products, often with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients.
A beer is a type of alcoholic drink made from fermented grains, often with a focus on quality and flavor.
A pub is a social establishment that serves food and drinks, often in a casual or relaxed atmosphere.
A seafood restaurant is a place that specializes in serving seafood, often with a focus on locally landed fish and shellfish.
A wine list is a list of wines available for purchase or consumption in a restaurant or bar.
A quiz night is a social event where people gather to compete in a quiz, often with prizes or rewards.
A log burner is a type of fireplace that uses wood or other fuels to provide heat.
A dog-friendly establishment is a place that welcomes dogs, often with special amenities or services for canine customers.
A mini break is a short vacation or holiday, often in a local area or town.
A coastal pub is a social establishment that serves food and drinks, often in a casual or relaxed atmosphere, with a focus on coastal or sea views.
A craft brewery is a brewery that specializes in producing unique or high-quality beers using traditional methods and ingredients.
A foodie is a person who is enthusiastic about food, often with a focus on trying new and exotic dishes.
A local produce is food that is grown or produced in a specific geographic area, often with a focus on supporting local farmers and businesses.
A rare-breed meat is a type of meat that is raised from a specific breed of animal, often with a focus on quality and flavor.
A fine food maker is a person or business that produces high-quality food products, often with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients.
A beer is a type of alcoholic drink made from fermented grains, often with a focus on quality and flavor.
A pub is a social establishment that serves food and drinks, often in a casual or relaxed atmosphere.
A seafood restaurant is a place that specializes in serving seafood, often with a focus on locally landed fish and shellfish.
A wine list is a list of wines available for purchase or consumption in a restaurant or bar.
A quiz night is a social event where people gather to compete in a quiz, often with prizes or rewards.
A log burner is a type of fireplace that uses wood or other fuels to provide heat.
A dog-friendly establishment is a place that welcomes dogs, often with special amenities or services for canine customers.
A mini break is a short vacation or holiday, often in a local area or town.
A coastal pub is a social establishment that serves food and drinks, often in a casual or relaxed atmosphere, with a focus on coastal or sea views.
A craft brewery is a brewery that specializes in producing unique or high-quality beers using traditional methods and ingredients.
A foodie is a person who is enthusiastic about food, often with a focus on trying new and exotic dishes.
A local produce is food that is grown or produced in a specific geographic area, often with a focus on supporting local farmers and businesses.
A rare-breed meat is a type of meat that is raised from a specific breed of animal, often with a focus on quality and flavor.
A fine food maker is a person or business that produces high-quality food products, often with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients.
A beer is a type of alcoholic drink made from fermented grains, often with a focus on quality and flavor.
A pub is a social establishment that serves food and drinks, often in a casual or relaxed atmosphere.
A seafood restaurant is a place that specializes in serving seafood, often with a focus on locally landed fish and shellfish.
A wine list is a list of wines available for purchase or consumption in a restaurant or bar.
A quiz night is a social event where people gather to compete in a quiz, often with prizes or rewards.
A log burner is a type of fireplace that uses wood or other fuels to provide heat.
A dog-friendly establishment is a place that welcomes dogs, often with special amenities or services for canine customers.
A mini break is a short vacation or holiday, often in a local area or town.
A coastal pub is a social establishment that serves food and drinks, often in a casual or relaxed atmosphere, with a focus on coastal or sea views.
A craft brewery is a brewery that specializes in producing unique or high-quality beers using traditional methods and ingredients.
A foodie is a person who is enthusiastic about food, often with a focus on trying new and exotic dishes.
A local produce is food that is grown or produced in a specific geographic area, often with a focus on supporting local farmers and businesses.
A rare-breed meat is a type of meat that is raised from a specific breed of animal, often with a focus on quality and flavor.
A fine food maker is a person or business that produces high-quality food products, often with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients.
A beer is a type of alcoholic drink made from fermented grains, often with a focus on quality and flavor.
A pub is a social establishment that serves food and drinks, often in a casual or relaxed atmosphere.
A seafood restaurant is a place that specializes in serving seafood, often with a focus on locally landed fish and shellfish.
A wine list is a list of wines available for purchase or consumption in a restaurant or bar.
A quiz night is a social event where people gather to compete in a quiz, often with prizes or rewards.
A log burner is a type of fireplace that uses wood or other fuels to provide heat.
A dog-friendly establishment is a place that welcomes dogs, often with special amenities or services for canine customers.
