All the Foodie News You Need to Know About This Month
The lastest food and drink news you need to know about from across Yorkshire and the North East
TIMELESS TASTES
Wooler’s Ad Gefrin distillery has just launched its second spirit, Thirlings Dry Gin. Crafted and bottled in the heart of Northumberland, the gin is a testament to local flavours and includes heather and pine from the hills, elderberry and dill from hedgerows and moss and sea buckthorn from the coast. Serve it neat, in a classic cocktail or alongside a premium tonic with a twist of orange peel. However you prefer it, this gin will be your perfect summer serve.
CRAZY FOR COCOA
Husband and wife team Matt and Cath Stephenson have launched GOZO, a new Northumberland-based premium chocolate brand. GOZO (meaning joy in Colombia where the cocoa is harvested) comes in six flavours, including dark chocolate and raspberry, sea salted caramel crisp and a non-dairy oat milk alternative. Using real ingredients and not just flavourings, and sourcing the cocoa ethically, look out for these delicious bars hitting the shelves across the region.
HEAD OF THE TABLE
La Mesa is a new chef’s table restaurant from the team behind Durham’s Barrio Comida. Located beneath the bustling taqueria, expect an intimate, refined dining experience where guests are seated along a large chef’s table and led through a multi-course tasting menu. Start with snacks inspired by Mexican antojitos before moving on to plated dishes – there’s also an optional wine pairing or non-alcoholic aguas frescas pairing available.
Read More: 22 Fine Dining Restaurants Across the North East
BEST OF BRUNCH
Popular brunch café Aidan’s Kitchen have opened their sister venue Little Aidan’s in Gosforth. Expect the same modern brunch dishes you’d find at their Sandyford location – think fluffy pancake stacks, strawberry French toast, full English breakfasts and shakshuka. Plus they use local suppliers, have weekly specials and their coffee is always silky smooth – what’s not to love?
AMBLE SHAKE UP
Hummingbird originally started as a pop-up bar as Chris and Becca toured the North East shaking up creative cocktails. Now, they’ve opened up their first café-bar in Amble. Their signature serves including the Hummingbird smash, a spiced take on an espresso martini and a fruity rum daiquiri, plus they’ll be serving sharing boards such as the Northumbrian board filled with a selection of local produce and fresh bread.
TURKISH DELIGHT
Get a taste of genuine Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine at Tynemouth’s newest restaurant Iztuzu. Capturing the traditional ambiance alongside authentic flavours, enjoy everything from hot and cold mezzes to charcoal-grilled meats and sharing platters. They also have an extensive wine and cocktail list.
Read More: 12 Distillers and Alcohol Producers in the North East and Yorkshire to Try
If you’ve got food on the brain and you’re looking for an insight into the latest food and drink news, these are the podcasts for you
Seasoned
Go behind the scenes with Michelin-starred chef Tommy Banks as he takes you on a tour of what’s happening at Oldsted during each of his weekly episodes. From top tips on cooking to recommendations for local producers and celebrity guests joining him on the farm, there’s plenty going on.
The Doorstep Kitchen
Celebrating great British food and drink, The Doorstep Kitchen hosts guests each week, chatting about cooking or producing delicious goods right on our doorstep. With some of the UK’s most talented chefs, farmers and producers, pick up some top tips from the hosts and discover new ingredients to try.
Wine Times
Comedian Suzi Ruffell joins Sunday Times wine columnist Will Lyons to share their love of wine, conversation and vinous culture with a host of special guests. Pulling the cork on some of their favourite bottles, they give listeners an insight into the world of wine, and while there hasn’t been a new episode since January, these podcasts are well worth a listen.
PHO-NOMENAL FLAVOURS
Serving authentic and healthy Vietnamese food, Pho restaurants create dishes cooked fresh each day, including spring rolls, rice bowls and wok fried noodles. Discover their York venue on Low Petergate and try the homemade pork and lemongrass meatballs with lettuce and herbs to wrap and dip – delicious! phocafe.co.uk
A NEW JOURNEY
A new restaurant with rooms from chef and sommelier team Joshua and Victoria Overington (previous owners of Le Cochon Aveugle in York) is opening in Hovingham this month. Mysé (pronounced meez) will open on 29th June and diners can expect evening and lunchtime tasting menus (with optional wine and non-alcoholic pairings) which celebrate the history of the local area – think high-quality local produce and an elegant spin on traditional Yorkshire cooking.
DUSK TO DAWN
Enjoy early morning coffees or late night drinks alongside all day dining at Leeds Dock’s latest kitchen and bar, Fearns. Head chef Jade Cawley brings sustainable indulgence to the seasonal menus here alongside a creative European influence. Expect poached eggs on sourdough for breakfast and pulled-lamb flatbreads for dinner, as well as Sunday roasts, bar snacks, cocktails and a long list of spirits and wines.
Read More: Great Foodie Hotspots Across West Yorkshire
BANKS IS BACK
Yorkshire’s Michelin-starred chef Tommy Banks has opened his latest foodie venture, The Abbey Inn in York, working with head chef Charlie Smith to develop an evolving seasonal menu which champions British food alongside their unique Oldsted style. Using ingredients from their nearby farm and garden, including their own meat reared just a mile away from the inn, expect a twist on pub classics, scrumptious Sunday roasts and bar grazing snacks alongside a well thought out drinks menu.
A TASTE OF YORKSHIRE
Creating modern British cuisine with a strong Yorkshire influence, Silversmiths restaurant in the heart of Sheffield promise a relaxed dining experience. Using ingredients from the best local suppliers, their menus includes everything from their signature lamb with crispy sweetbread and a wild garlic verde to halibut served with kale, razor clams and caviar. As well as super Sunday lunches and bottomless brunches, you’ll find midweek supper clubs and early-bird menus with plenty of dishes to choose from silversmithsrestaurant.co.uk
