12 Restaurants to Book For Your Festive Feasting this Christmas
Whether you’re wanting to dine in some of the finest establishments, or looking for somewhere to cosy up for a festive feast – we have you covered
Hibou Blanc
This popular bar and restaurant sits proudly in the Grade II-listed Sunlight Chambers on the corner of Newcastle’s Bigg Market and High Bridge. With a strong focus on using the best British seafood available as well as sourcing the freshest local produce, Hibou Blanc creates classic dishes served simply, with an impressive range of flavours. Their Christmas menu offers everything from oysters and steak tartare, to traditional roast turkey, 10oz dry aged ribeye steak and Dover sole. Relax and indulge in this stunning restaurant with glamour-packed interiors.
High Bridge, Newcastle NE1 1EN
0191 261 8000
hiboublanc.co.uk
The Sandpiper Inn
Chef patron Jonathan Harrison promotes his ethos of using the finest local ingredients in his creative dishes at The Sandpiper Inn. The menu is all about local and seasonal, while the cosy bar and snug is the perfect place for a local ale. From a double-baked vintage cheddar soufflé with creamed leeks to start, to roasted cauliflower steak on a lentil dhal, a trio of pork with roasted butternut squash, and spearhead fillet steak with garlic mushrooms for main dishes, there is plenty of choice at this friendly Yorkshire inn. We can’t imagine anything better than escaping the wintery Dales weather and cosying-up by the log burning stove this Christmas.
Market Place, Leyburn DL8 5AT
01969 622206
sandpiperinn.co.uk
Jesmond Dene House
Whether you’re dining in the newly refurbished Fern Dining Room, or indulging in a delicate afternoon tea, Jesmond Dene House has something for all occasions. Fern is an upmarket neighbourhood dining room and bar which serves contemporary, non-fussy meals created by head chef Danny Parker and his team. The MasterChef The Professionals finalist takes inspiration from classic and modern cookery techniques, offering a seasonally changing à la carte menu. Champagne cocktails, mince pies and lots of festive spirit is exactly what you can expect this Christmas – if you’re wanting to take a break from your Christmas shopping, enjoy a festive afternoon tea and a glass of fizz in the Great Hall.
Jesmond Dene Road, Newcastle NE2 2EY
0191 212 3000
jesmonddenehouse.co.uk
The Hide & Hoof
Embrace the beautiful surroundings, savour their exceptional, hearty dishes and enjoy a festive tipple or two at Hide & Hoof at Yummy Yorkshire. Choose to indulge in a festive afternoon tea which includes delicious filled sandwiches, pigs in blankets, sweet treats and a gin fizz. Alternatively, book in for an evening of Christmas dining and enjoy a scrumptious festive two- or three-course evening meal. Enjoy a traditional Christmas roast with all the trimmings (think roast chestnut and bacon Brussel sprouts, and honey and wholegrain mustard roasted parsnips) or choose to indulge in dishes such as the confit Gressingham duck leg, seared sea bream or roast portobello mushroom wellington.
Delph House Farm, High Flatts, Denby Dale, Huddersfield HD8 8XY
01226 762551
yummyyorkshire.co.uk
Eleven
This relaxed neighbourhood restaurant and wine bar in Ponteland take a modern British and super seasonal approach to their dishes. Lunch means charcuterie, cheese and small plates which are perfect for sharing amongst friends and family over a glass of wine, while the five-course evening tasting menu is designed to showcase their skilful cooking. After an afternoon of Christmas shopping head to their cosy wine bar where a full range of drinks can be enjoyed alongside snacks such as gordal olives, fermented potato bread and saucisse seche salami.
11 Main Street, Ponteland NE20 9NH
01661 598054
elevenponteland.co.uk
William & Victoria
Owned by the Straker family since 1982, the William & Victoria work closely with hand-picked suppliers to source the best local and seasonal produce. Their wine list boasts more than 70 wines carefully selected to complement the menu, as well as many locally made Yorkshire gins and a range of hand-pulled beers. This year’s festive set menu includes a choice of roast turkey parcel with cranberry stuffing, pigs in blankets, roast potatoes, glazed carrots and Brussel sprouts, or slow roast rib of beef, pan-fried fillet of hake, or stuffed roast butternut squash. Finish with a delicious dessert such as the classic Christmas pudding, or a Yorkshire cheeseboard.
6 Cold Bath Road, Harrogate HG2 0NA
01423 506883
williamandvictoria.com
Guy Fawkes Inn
Enjoy a blend of classic and modern British pub food at Guy Fawkes Inn. Set in an atmospheric candle- and gas lamp-lit restaurant with wooden floors, the building itself is steeped in history. Using local and fresh produce, expect to see the dishes such as Irish stew, slow-cooked pork belly, hand-battered haddock fillet and W.Peats’ award-winning sausages and mash. Looking for somewhere to enjoy a festive lunch? Head here and enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, and a tasty Christmas pudding with brandy custard and amaretti mascarpone to finish.
25 High Petergate, York YO1 7HP
01904 623716
guyfawkesinnyork.com
Restaurant Pine
Restaurant Pine is set in an old barn overlooking the sloping Tyne Valley landscape alongside Hadrian's Wall, and is the debut restaurants of Northumberland-born Cal Byerley and partner Siân Buchan. Watch the skilled chefs work their magic in the open kitchen, and make sure you experience the wine flight, which has been carefully designed by their head sommelier, Vanessa Stoltz. With a real focus on local and seasonal ingredients the tasting menu can change on a daily basis, but the food remains exceptional and celebrates the finest British ingredients in a relaxed dining setting.
Vallum Farm, Military Road, East Wallhouses NE18 0LL
01434 671202
restaurantpine.co.uk
The Lord Crewe Arms
If you’re looking for culinary confidence then look no further than The Lord Crewe Arms. Nestled in the honey-stone village of Blanchland, the food here is a collaboration between heritage and landscape, offering dishes such as aged cote de boeuf and roasted guinea hen, as well as fabulous Sunday lunches and a traditional afternoon tea. If you’re just after somewhere for a cosy festive drink, head to the Crypt Bar – a warm and welcoming bar set in the medieval vaulted chamber, offering a hearty stock of Northumbrian ales including their very own Lord Crewe Brew on tap.
The Square, Blanchland DH8 9SP
01434 677100
lordcrewearmsblanchland.co.uk
The Pipe and Glass Inn
This former coaching inn is set in the glorious surroundings of the Dalton Estate and has been run by James and Kate Mackenzie since 2006. The dedicated kitchen team, headed by James, offer everything from a sandwich at the bar to a full-blown Michelin-star experience in the restaurant. The evening menu includes starters such as cold smoked Yorkshire-reared duck breast and Yellison goats’ cheesecake, as well as spiced slow cooked shoulder of lamb, 30-day aged fillet steak and roast loin of deer.
West End, South Dalton, Beverley, HU17 7PN
01430 810246
pipeandglass.co.uk
Le Cochon Aveugle
Inspired by the traditional French cooking techniques he learned during his time in Paris, owner and chef Josh Overington serves one menu at his restaurant Le Cochon Aveugle. Using high-quality seasonal produce sourced from local farmers and suppliers, this York-based restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a blind tasting menu that mirrors a dinner party style, where all guests arrive and dine at the same time. Sit back and enjoy the Le Cochon Aveugle experience to its full potential as Josh and his team cook up sensational dishes.
37 Walmgate, York YO1 9TX
lecochonaveugle.uk
Trenchers
Winner of the UK’s Best Fish and Chip Restaurant in 2019 as part of the National Fish and Chip Awards, Trenchers are proud to bring their award-winning food to Whitley Bay. Set in the stunning Spanish City, Trenchers is spreading the festive spirit this year, with guests dining next to their spectacular 40-foot Christmas tree. Their festive menu features dishes including Scottish smoked salmon, chicken and ham hock terrine, as well as classic cod, turkey escallop and roast hake.
Spanish City, Spanish City Plaza, Whitley Bay NE26 1BG
0191 6917090
spanishcity.co.uk
