The Best Places to Dine This Christmas Across Yorkshire and the North East
From casual feasting to fine dining in some of the most renowned restaurants in the North, there's plenty of choice this Christmas
Matfen Hall
Matfen, Northumberland NE20 0RH
01661 886500
matfenhall.com
Gather your family and friends for a magnificent Christmas celebration at Matfen Hall. Combining traditional flavours with an exciting contemporary approach, dining here is a five-star experience. Enjoy private dining in the Sapphire or Morning rooms, sip Champagne in the stylish 1832 before taking a seat in the beautiful Emerald Restaurant, or indulge in beautiful dishes amidst the stunning architecture of Cloisters – whatever you’re after, Matfen Hall has got it. The Christmas Day five-course lunch starts with an amuse bouche, followed by black truffle and leek terrine, a tomato velouté, then classic turkey, venison Wellington or smoked applewood soufflé. Finish with Christmas pudding, a coffee and a mince pie. Looking for something a little lighter, but still with all the grandeur? Matfen’s festive afternoon tea served in the Orangery is ideal for celebratory afternoons.
The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa
Bolton Bridge, Skipton DB23 6AJ
01756 718155
thedevonshirearms.co.uk
Nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales and on Bolton Abbey Estate, The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa is the perfect place to celebrate Christmas. Throughout December, head to the Brasserie (which has panoramic views of the Dales) for fizz and canapés followed by a two- or three-course festive lunch. Start with duck confit fritters with orange, cranberry and watercress, followed by roast turkey with all the trimmings, and finish with Christmas pud with rum custard. Retire to one of the hotel’s lounges to cosy up by the crackling log fire for a festive tipple, or take a relaxing trip to the spa. If an afternoon of indulgence is what you’re after, book festive afternoon tea in The Burlington Restaurant, served with a selection of seasonal savouries and sweet treats.
The Collingwood Arms
Main Street, Cornhill TD12 4UH
01890 882424
collingwoodarms.com
Cosy up this Christmas in this Grade II-listed, Georgian hotel and restaurant which overlooks the beautiful River Tweed. From afternoon tea with friends, to a glass of wine in front of the open log fire, or a causal yet refined meal in the bar, there’s something for everyone. For more formal dining, book a table in the restaurant where head chef Peter Snelgar creates mouth-watering dishes using home-grown or locally-sourced ingredients. From the festive menu, order home-cured salmon, followed by traditional roast turkey or chestnut and wild mushroom Wellington. If you can manage a dessert, we recommend the homemade Christmas pudding, but there’s coffee and a mince pie if you want something lighter.
Hotel du Vin & bistro
Allan House, City Road, Newcastle NE1 2BE
0191 229 2200
hotelduvin.com
Add a taste of France to your festivities this Christmas at Newcastle’s Hotel du Vin. Bistro du Vin is at the heart of the hotel and offers seasonal dishes with a modern French twist. Celebrate with afternoon tea served with mince pies, cakes, scones and sandwiches (plus a glass of Champagne, of course), or choose to dine on the festive lunch or evening menus, which include everything from roast turkey ballotine to eight-hour braised beef or pan-seared cod. Looking to dine out on Christmas Day? Book your celebration lunch here and you won’t have to lift a finger or wash a single dish.
SIX
South Shore Road, Gateshead Quays, Newcastle NE8 3BA
07922 427019
sixbaltic.com/christmas
Embrace the festivities at Baltic’s rooftop restaurant, SIX. The refined modern bistro dishes here are crafted with sustainable and locally-sourced ingredients, so sit back, relax and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views over the city. Indulge in SIX’s festive afternoon tea served with turkey and cranberry sandwiches, sage and onion chutney sausage rolls and homemade mince pies, or visit in the evening, when options include classic turkey, crispy fishcakes, wild mushroom risotto or double duck pie.
The Westwood Restaurant
New Walk, Beverley HU17 7AE
01482 881999
thewestwood.co.uk
Serving quality, modern British dishes made with the finest locally-sourced ingredients, The Westwood offers delicious dishes in the elegant surroundings of an old Georgian courthouse. With a number of accolades to its name (including recognition in this year’s Michelin Guide), enjoy light lunches or evening meals alongside expertly made cocktails this festive season. The menus are always changing, but expect the likes of aromatic crispy duck salad or twice-baked cheese soufflé to start, followed by fillet steak, pan-roasted wild venison or Skipsea seabass. Finish with the hot chocolate fondant for the ultimate Christmas indulgence.
The Derwent Arms
Edmundbyers, Consett DH8 9NL
01207 255545
derwent-arms.co.uk
The Derwent Arms is a traditional pub sitting in the beautiful countryside between County Durham and Northumberland. With traditional menus focusing on seasonal and local produce, and plenty of local ales available, it’s a great country pub to cosy up in this Christmas. Alongside a sumptuous Christmas menu which includes all the trimmings, the bar will be serving festive-themed drinks throughout December. Looking to continue the celebrations on Boxing Day? The Derwent Arms’ Boxing Day brunch is a new addition and includes a mimosa on arrival, followed by a cooked breakfast, pastries, coffee and fruit juice.
Lucia
York, Harrogate and Beverley
luciawinebar.co.uk
These popular Italian restaurants shouldn’t be overlooked this Christmas. Great food and drink, combined with fabulous cocktails and festive decorations, make Lucia a great place for celebrations. Their seasonal Christmas menu includes all the classics, plus some tasty alternatives. We like the sound of the turkey escalop with sage and onion stuffing, wrapped in parma ham and served with pigs in blankets and chestnut gravy.
Pearly Cow
1 Clifton, York YO30 6AA
01904 946299
pearlycow.co.uk/pearly-cow-york
Eat, drink and be merry at the Pearly Cow this festive season. Using the freshest local produce (on ice or cooked over fire) the team of chefs have designed menus that reflect seasonal ingredients. Alongside stand-out cocktails, the fridges will be stocked and the wine will be mulled so you can enjoy a tipple or two by the roaring fire or over a candle-lit dinner. Looking for Christmas Day lunch? Book here for five courses of fabulous food, including truffle and parmesan gougères and lobster tacos, followed by roast turkey or sirloin of beef served with all the trimmings. Finish with traditional Christmas pudding with brandy sauce or a Yorkshire cheese board with crackers and chutney, then nibble on homemade mince pies with coffee.
Victors
106 Quayside, Newcastle NE1 3DX
0191 359 2906
victors.co.uk
One of Newcastle’s most Instagrammable restaurants, with floral ceiling decor and creative cocktails, Victors is a great choice for a festive meal out. Offering a modern American- and Asian-inspired menu with small and larger plates, as well as a sushi afternoon tea and Sunday lunches, there’s plenty to choose from. Christmas menus include smoked salmon and caviar sushi rolls or crispy duck salad to start, followed by turkey ballotine, teriyaki salmon or miso and harissa roast vegetables, and Christmas pudding or a chocolate and hazelnut bombe for dessert.
Acropolis Street Food
Seaburn, Newcastle and Jesmond
07591 913704
acropolisstreetfood.co.uk
Built from the ground up, this award-winning North East vendor now has permanent venues in Grainger Market, Stack Seaburn and Jesmond, as well as pop-up stalls at markets across the region. Keep an eye out for their newest location opening in the Metrocentre soon. Offering an extensive menu of delicious Greek dishes, including chicken, halloumi and vegetable gyros, speciality platters and scrumptious loaded fries, get a taste of Greece this festive season at Acropolis.
Jesmond Dene House
Jesmond Dene Road, Newcastle NE2 2EY
0191 212 3000
jesmonddenehouse.co.uk
Whether you’re having festive fun in your own private dining space, indulging in Christmas afternoon tea in The Great Hall or enjoying a two- or three-course supper in Fern, the hotel’s upmarket neighbourhood dining room, Jesmond Dene House is a sure bet for this year’s celebrations. Food here is all about skilful cooking led by executive head chef Eddie Saint who takes inspiration from the classics and modern cookery techniques to showcase seasonal ingredients in his non-fussy, contemporary dishes.
The Pine Marten
Otley Road, Harrogate HG3 1UE
01423 709999
thepinemarten.com
Fabulously festive dishes, hand-crafted cocktails and an expertly selected wine list – there’s enough to keep you celebrating right through to the new year at The Pine Marten. Kids can join Santa for a festive brunch, or the whole family can celebrate on Christmas and Boxing Day with a feast filled with traditional dishes and added extras – from an amuse bouche entrée to chocolate truffles to finish. With drinks packages (great for parties) available, the festive menu begins in November so you can start your celebrations as you mean to go on.
Beadnell Towers & Kitchen
The Wynding, Beadnell NE67 5AY
01665 721211
beadnelltowers.co.uk
Make your Christmas even more magical at Beadnell Towers & Kitchen, where you can explore the rugged coastline before relaxing by the roaring fire with a festive cocktail in hand. Head to the restaurant for delicious seasonal dishes created by the talented team of chefs, and if you’re joining Beadnell Towers for Christmas Day lunch, expect Craster’s famous smoked salmon, local game terrine or cauliflower cheese soup to start, followed by roast turkey with pigs in blankets and goose fat roasties, treacle-cured fillet of beef or spiced vegetable, lentil and mushroom nut roast. Finish with classic sherry trifle or a Northumbrian cheese board, and retire for coffee and a mince pie.
Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant
Wark on Tyne, near Hexham NE48 3LS
01434 230209
battlesteads.com
Nestled in the picturesque village of Wark, Battlesteads use the finest Northumbrian game, meat and fish to create modern British dishes which change with the seasons. Celebrate Christmas with a relaxed dinner and look out for dishes such as braised beef cheek with buttery mash and seasonal greens, seared lamb liver or homemade fish pie, or go all out and book one of their five- or eight-course tasting menus.
Hide & Hoof
Delph House Farm, High Flatts Huddersfield HD8 8XY
01226 762551
yummyyorkshire.co.uk
Whether you’re dropping in for breakfast or organising a festive dining experience, Yummy Yorkshire’s Hide & Hoof restaurant has something for everyone. Using only the best quality ingredients from more than 30 local producers, head chef Chris and his team create an array of mouth-watering dishes. Indulge in festive afternoon tea served with quiche, pigs in blankets, festive sweet treats, scones and a selection of homemade seasonal sandwiches – think orange and thyme roasted turkey with stuffing and Cornish brie with spiced chutney. There are vegan and gluten-free options too and you can add a glass of fizz, cocktail or mocktail for an extra special treat. There are also four special dining nights in the run up to Christmas, where a festive three-course menu will be served.
The Lord Crewe
Front Street, Bamburgh NE69 7BL
01668 214243
lord-crewe.co.uk
Escape to the Northumberland coast this Christmas and enjoy delicious dining at Bamburgh’s award winning The Lord Crewe. Specialising in luxurious seafood dishes, with a strong focus on high-quality and local produce, expect dishes such as Lindisfarne oysters, lobster Thermidor and 28-day-aged ribeye steak. There’s also a great Sunday lunch menu, so you can blow away the cobwebs with a walk along Bamburgh beach then head here for a scrumptious roast washed down with a glass of wine or pint of ale.
Mantra Thai
29 Forth Banks, Newcastle NE1 3SG
0191 232 6080
mantra-thai.co.uk
With chefs who have more than 30 years of experience between them and a passion for creating authentic dishes from Thailand, a meal here will tantalise your tastebuds this Christmas. On the à la carte menu there’s everything from sharing platters, Thai fishcakes and soft shell crab, to stir fries, curries, seafood and chargrilled dishes. For something extra special, why not order one of Mantra’s set menus? We love the Chitta menu, starting with an appetiser platter of chicken satay, prawn toast, king prawns and spring rolls, followed by mains such as duck curry, pan-fried seabass, garlic prawns and massaman lamb curry.
Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa
High Street, Helmsley YO62 5AG
01439 770766
fevershamarmshotel.com
Have a very merry Christmas at the Feversham Arms and enjoy modern British dishes at the two-AA Rosette Weathervane restaurant. With its roots firmly in Yorkshire’s own larder and making good use of locally-sourced and foraged ingredients, head chef Jon Appleby creates seasonally-driven menus perfect for a festive feast. Afternoon tea is also a highlight here, served with a selection of delicate sandwiches, homemade scones, fabulous patisserie and sweet treats, all washed down with tea, coffee or Champagne.
Stable Hearth
33–35 Duke Street, Darlington DL3 7RX
info@stablehearth.com
facebook.com/stablehearth
Keeping it casual this Christmas doesn’t mean any less flavour, especially at Darlington’s award-winning pizzeria, Stable Hearth. The team at this Neapolitan-style pizzeria and enoteca have a passion for fantastic food and Italian fine wines, serving scrumptious pizzas alongside a range of street food inspired sides, salads and desserts – all of which are made in-house. Wanting to bring the party to your own home? Stable Hearth offer takeaway pizza, meaning you can host your very own Christmas pizza party.
Cresci Pizzeria
20 Piccadilly, York YO1 9NU
01904 639395
crescipizzeria.com
Get a taste of delicious Neapolitan pizza at York’s Cresci restaurant this Christmas. The doors to this popular pizzeria opened three and a half years ago and the team have been slinging delicious slices alongside Italian street food starters ever since – we love the deep fried bucatini pasta with béchamel sauce and pecorino cheese. Book a table to celebrate the festivities with friends here, and enjoy pizza topped with the finest ingredients (look out for their seasonal specials) alongside a selection of Italian beers and wines.
Manahatta
9–17 Collingwood Street, Newcastle NE1 1HE
0191 323 5000
manahatta.co.uk
Manahatta is making its grand debut in Newcastle, launching a New York-inspired bar and kitchen in the city centre. Whether it’s a quick catch-up lunch, early evening cocktails or a big night out, Manahatta promises an unforgettable experience. For festive celebrations, book their two hour bottomless brunch and enjoy free-flowing cocktails alongside tasty brunch dishes, or order a festive feast, perfect for sharing, and tuck into a banquet of nibbles. From an enviable cocktail menu and delicious food to live entertainment, Manahatta promises to be the hottest new spot in town.
The Fairfax Arms
Main Street, Gilling East, York YO62 4JH
01439 788212
thefairfaxarms.co.uk
Celebrate the festive season at this traditional country inn in the heart of the historic village of Gilling East. Menus here are created by executive chef Michael Kenworthy and his team, whipping up imaginative dishes using fresh ingredients. Starting from the end of November, enjoy a festive two- or three-course meal. We love the sound of the pheasant roulade or the grilled prawn and hot smoked salmon bruschetta to start, followed by traditional roast turkey. The vegetable crumble with applewood cheese sounds delicious if you’re meat-free, and be sure to leave room for the sloe gin and fruit sponge pudding with vanilla custard.
The Botanist
Monument Mall, Newcastle NE1 7AL
0191 261 6307
thebotanist.uk.com
This plant and floral-themed restaurant and bar overlooking Grey’s Monument is the perfect place to start your festivities. The menu has been given a Christmas twist, including The Botanist’s famous hanging kebabs served with turkey, ham, stuffing and pigs in blankets, covered in an orange cranberry glaze. Alongside live music and entertainment, enjoy the limited edition cocktail menu, or book your own festive get-together with a set menu and celebration drinks packages, ideal for groups of six or more.
Tharavadu
7–8 Mill Hill, Leeds LS1 5DQ
0113 244 0500
tharavadurestaurants.com
Multi-award winning Tharavadu serve authentic Kerala dishes and at the hands of their experienced chefs, traditional flavours really come alive. For the festive season, Tharavadu have created a number of set menus so you can get together with friends and enjoy a two- or four-course feast for lunch or dinner. We love the sound of the Meen Chuttathu grilled fish with aromatic spices, followed by the Kozhi Kurumulag chicken curry. Make sure to leave room for dessert, because the mango kulfi is delicious.
Dogh
Welburn YO60 7DX
01653 618352
dogh.co.uk
In the Howardian Hills, just a stone’s throw from Malton and York, Dogh is a family-run café and deli which focuses on fabulous homemade food. If you’re looking for a cosy and causal way to celebrate this Christmas, look no further, as this delightful place welcomes everyone – including the dog! Start the day the right way with a hearty breakfast, pop in for lunch or look out for the monthly bistro evenings when they serve a delicious five-course set menu. Afternoon tea is a highlight here, with a selection of sandwiches, quiche slices, fruit scones and a variety of cakes, alongside refillable pots of tea – it’s the ultimate way to celebrate the season.
Thirty Nine Kitchen & Bakehouse
39 The Grove, Ilkley LS29 9NJ
39thegrove.co.uk
For a deliciously casual Christmas, head to Thirty Nine Kitchen & Bakehouse in the heart of Ilkley, where homemade cakes, barista coffee and fabulous dishes are served. What more could you want? Working with suppliers and producers as locally and as sustainably as possible, brunch and lunch dishes are made with the finest seasonal ingredients here. Look out for festive specials such as homemade mince pies with brandy butter and pig-in-blanket hotdogs.
Spanish City
Spanish City Plaza, Whitley Bay NE26 1BG
0191 691 7090
spanishcity.co.uk
Dine under the iconic dome at Trenchers inside Spanish City this festive season. Next to the 30-foot Christmas tree, enjoy the festive set menu which includes Scottish mussels, ham hock and black pudding terrine or prawn cocktail, followed by fish and chips, turkey escalope or Trenchers fish pie. If you can manage dessert, it’s got to be the spiced cranberry and almond tart. Why not indulge over a three-tiered afternoon tea in The Gallery, or enjoy some fine dining overlooking the sea in the 1910 restaurant?
Highfield
Windmill Hill, Driffield YO25 5YP
01377 256231
thehighfieldhouse.com
Built in 1864 and reimagined in 2022 by international design duo Andy and Lindsey Lampard, this country manor house, which sits in the Yorkshire Wolds, has a fabulous fine-dining restaurant perfect for all your festive celebrations. As well as hearty breakfasts and light lunches, enjoy evening meals which are created with fresh, locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients from the kitchen gardens and the very best Yorkshire farmers and suppliers. For something extra special, why not book one of the five-, eight- or nine-course tasting menus, or indulge over a traditional, Champagne or cocktail afternoon tea served in The Pink Parlour.
Sheesh Mahal
346–348 Kirkstall Road, Leeds LS4 2DS
0113 230 4161
sheeshmahal.co.uk
Add a bit of spice to your Christmas at Leeds’ multi-award winning restaurant Sheesh Mahal. Since opening in 1990, this popular restaurant has gained a reputation for serving deliciously authentic Indian cuisine. Each dish is cooked using fresh ingredients, and we suggest starting with a selection of pickles, sundries and popadoms, followed by a medium-spiced laziz curry cooked with garlic, lemon and tomatoes – or try the chicken madras or vindaloo for a bit more heat this Christmas.
The Lime Tree Inn
Branton Lane, Great Ouseburn YO26 9RS
01423 324100
thelimetreeinn.com
‘Tis the season to eat, drink and be merry, particularly at The Lime Tree Inn. Step inside this cosy country pub run by husband and wife team Rob and Heloisa Mitchell and cosy up by the roaring fire for a festive pint or two. Take a seat in the restaurant and enjoy the festive à la carte menu, which includes game meatballs or Shetland mussels followed by Yorkshire partridge or rolled breast of turkey. For something extra special, why not book the luxury seven-course Christmas tasting menu? Available every evening for parties of any size, sample treacle-cured salmon, slow-cooked beef and roast cod, followed by mulled pear with a Christmas cookie, and Wensleydale cheese with fruitcake.
Bewicks
Church Street, Rothbury NE65 7UP
01669 621717
bewicksrothbury.com
For the first time since opening in 2020, Bewicks are offering Christmas Day lunch. Start with Champagne cocktails and canapés, followed by smoked duck, cheese soufflé or game terrine, then enjoy traditional turkey, beef fillet or halibut, with Christmas pudding and a creamy coffee served with petit fours to finish. If you’re looking for a delicious meal out with friends, Bewicks are also serving a two- and three-course festive menu starting in late November.
The Front Parlour Coffee House & Kitchen
6 Grange Terrace, Sunderland SR2 7DF
07759 907977
thefrontparlour.co.uk
Since opening earlier this year, this cosy Sunderland café and coffee house have been serving delicious brunch dishes as well as running their popular monthly supper clubs. Whether you’re looking to enjoy an indulgent afternoon tea, or celebrating with friends over Christmas lunch, The Front Parlour has you covered. Their afternoon tea has been given a festive twist – think turkey, stuffing and cranberry sandwiches, clementine and cranberry scones and mini sweet mince pies – or tuck into a Christmas grazing board filled with charcuterie, nibbles, breads, crackers and baked camembert.
Blackfriars
Friars Street, Newcastle NE1 4XN
0191 261 5945
blackfriarsrestaurant.co.uk
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at Blackfriars, a former 13th century refectory believed to be the oldest dining room in the UK. The Christmas menu is filled with treats, including festive cocktails like a chocolate orange martini or a Christmas cosmo. Start with homemade black pudding with crispy onions or Scottish scallops with cauliflower cheese purée, followed by lentil and nut roast, potato and truffle pan haggerty or classic butter roasted turkey. If you’re looking for an alternative way to celebrate, why not book one of their cookery classes and challenge your friends to create a delicious feast?
The Feather and Beak @ Brickfields
Kirby Mills, Kirkbymoorside YO62 6NS
01751 433074
thefeatherandbeak.co.uk
Set in the grounds of Brickfields Farm, among naturally landscaped pasture, woodland and water, this bistro-style restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy an elegant Christmas feast. Dishes here are inspired by the seasons and food is cooked with care and always fresh to order – think smoked haddock chowder or goats’ cheese pastry to start, followed by pan-fried duck with orange sauce, Ryedale venison or North Atlantic haddock. As well as fabulous food, The Feather and Beak also have a good selection of wine, local craft beers, spirits and aperitifs.
