“With its choice of creative dining or robust pub food, plus a location near Hadrian's Wall, this village coaching inn appeals to both adventurous foodies and walkers. Bedrooms are simple yet comfortable, the staff are welcoming and the views terrific.”
“With its choice of creative dining or robust pub food, plus a location near Hadrian's Wall, this village coaching inn appeals to both adventurous foodies and walkers. Bedrooms are simple yet comfortable, the staff are welcoming and the views terrific.”
Hotel Review
From the outside it looks a handsome coaching inn - which it is, with a welcoming, comfortable bar, log fires, good pub food and real ales. Yet tucked behind a curtain there is possibly the north-east’s most adventurous and creative restaurant, Hjem. Ally Thompson and (Swedish-born) Alex Nietosvuori (manager and head chef, respectively) have created a village pub that caters for locals and walkers (Hadrian’s Wall is less than a mile) as well as for adventurous foodies. Hjem, which is coolly Scandinavian in style with a vast open kitchen, offers 12-course taster menus that highlight Northumbrian produce in taste-intense but fuss-free dishes such as delicate lamb tartare with dense caramelised onions or horseradish ice cream with apple caramel. (Guests, of course, have the choice of more standard dishes in the pub-restaurant.) Bedrooms, by contrast, are simple and light, and primarily designed to give a good night’s rest to weary walkers: comfortable beds, plenty of hot water (baths for deep soaks) and a minimum of fussy details. Coffee machines and home-made biscuits are a nice touch while the best rooms look south over the Tyne valley. With Hadrian’s Wall on the doorstep, there’s plenty of opportunity both to work up an appetite or walk off over-indulgence.
Written by Helen Pickles
Recommended For
- Country Escape
- A charming hotel, complete with superb food and roaring fires, surrounded by some of Northumberland's prettiest countryside
- Foodies
- The fine dining restaurant which serves Scandinavian cuisine is both ambitious and very well executed
- Great walks
- Walk alongside Hadrian’s Wall and through Northumberland National Park
- Sights nearby
- Visit the Roman sites of Housesteads Fort, Chesters Fort and Vindolanda
- Local markets
- Visit the local market in Hexam and sample local produce
- Intimate
- Full of character
- Family Suites
- Quiet
- Gourmet
- Charming
- Traditional
- Disabled access
- Child friendly
- Inn
- Restaurant
Facilities
- Fireplace
- Bar
- Family Suites
- Parking
- Wifi
- Disabled access
- Child friendly
- Garden
- Restaurant
Activities
- Great walks
- Walk alongside Hadrian’s Wall and through Northumberland National Park
- Sights nearby
- Visit the Roman sites of Housesteads Fort, Chesters Fort and Vindolanda
- Local markets
- Visit the local market in Hexam and sample local produce
Map & Location
