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How Lucky We Are

Steve and I have just returned from a few days away on the North Yorkshire coast. Sometimes it takes a visit to somewhere new to realise how amazing everything is on your doorstep. Don’t get me wrong, you all see how much we rave about everything Northumberland has to offer, particularly North Northumberland. But this has really opened our eyes to how good tourism is in our area.

The North Yorkshire coastline is so well known but just so busy. Parking anywhere has been a nightmare and you have to pay for every few minutes which can add up over the day.  It has really made me think how fortunate we are here in Northumberland. So many of the car parks are free and even if you do have to pay it’s nowhere near as expensive as we have seen these last few days.

I think I have taken a little bit for granted all the fantastic attractions we have to offer. Bamburgh Castle, Alnwick Gardens & Castle and Holy Island. We tell our guests in great detail of all the wonderful places they can visit while here without realising how lucky we are. There are plenty of places to visit here in this part of in Yorkshire. But by the time you have found some where to park, paid the parking or walk a fair old way to get there you lose interest. Our bigger attractions in Northumberland all have their own parking or parking nearby.

We have enjoyed some lovely food on our stay. But again, I keep comparing it to all our local restaurants and how good they all are. The White Swan, The Potted Lobster, The Pack Horse and many more. Like us, all of these restaurants use our wonderful local ingredients showcasing how much Northumberland has to offer. We have seen an incredible increase in guests over the last 11 years. Steve and I both feel that Northumberland is really becoming the destination of choice for so many more people.

We hope you will want to come and stay with us to experience everything North Northumberland has to offer. Just click on the link to go to our Booking page to check our availability.

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Box. – Great Pizza With A Beautiful View

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Winter Break and Great Coffee

It’s always a sad time when something comes to an end and today it was our favourite coffee shop. Pilgrims Coffee House is closing its doors for the last time.

Sorry, that’s probably a bit dramatic and we should explain that it is only for the winter. They WILL be back next year and with a few exciting changes. Firstly, the main reason we went.

We had a few errands to run on the island. Fudge for the guests and a look at what new bottled delights the winery may have acquired. But most importantly the new book produced by Pilgrims. Victoria Mundy and Roy Player wrote the book and it  is a combination of recipes, stories and photographs. It shows the best of Lindisfarne in beautiful photography and local stories. The recipes have been taken from both the surrounding area as well as those used in Pilgrims itself. From the north east staple of Panhaggerty to the Cuthbert Slice (we’re definitely making that one) there’s something for everyone. Book bought, lunch next.

What we love about Pilgrims is they have a great sense of humour and an honest approach to selling. Looking at the sparse (but still lovely) offerings in the cabinet we couldn’t help but smile. Written on the glass is “If you can’t find what you want its because we’re closing and we only have what we have”. Totally non offensive and simply true. Pilgrims sells honest food from good ingredients and is well made. It’s not just the coffee that gets all the love. Ham, Cheese and Bechamel sauce baguette for lunch, lovely.

We bought a couple of bags of their Myanmar as presents for a couple of coffee fiends we know and had a chat with Jonny. Andy and Jonny are off to India this week to select their next batch of coffees. They don’t just buy “off the shelf” or online, they actually go where it’s grown.

Pilgrims has an ethical approach to everything they do. From serving everything in or on recyclable, compostable or burnable plates/cups etc to choosing their coffee beans. They prefer small growers to support their expansion and have included plantations of bean types which have almost died out. This allows a greater diversity in their coffee choices. Better for the growers and certainly better for us coffee lovers.

Purchases made we headed back to the mainland with the intention of heading over the day they open again next year. Why? Because they are in the process of making a huge change to the coffee garden and the roastery currently in the yurt. Because they are moving the roasting equipment to its new home? If you don’t know yet then we’re not going to spoil it but we suggest you get over there as soon as they open again. It’s going to be great. Find them here.

https://www.pilgrimscoffee.com

A picnic with Grace Darling (and pirates)

Well, not quite. But when offered a trip to Longstone lighthouse on a glorious summer evening we weren’t going to say no. Who wouldn’t want to visit the island on which Grace Darling lived. And while this technically doesn’t have a lot to do with food it was the perfect place for a picnic.

On a beautiful, sunny, quiet evening in June we took part in a promotional trip out to the Longstone lighthouse with The Golden Gate. The only boat allowed to land on Longstone Island, The Golden Gate provides a unique opportunity in the Farne Islands. The chance to enter and explore the lighthouse lived in by Grace Darling and her father. It was from here that they carried out the rescue they are so famous for.

The trip out was stunning. Calm sea, warm air and amazing views of the Farne Islands. We were slightly worried when we spotted a smaller boat following us. The crew dressed in black keeping their distance, we fully expected them to run up the skull and crossbones and start boarding. It turned out to be the rangers from Inner Farne who had jumped at the chance of real food in the lighthouse. A welcome change from foraging for roots and berries on the island!

After docking we had the chance to just wander to our hearts content and explore. The island has abundant birdlife and the ever present seals making it a great photo opportunity. The lighthouse is available to look around and you can also go all the way up to the light room. This is where you get a fantastic view of the Farnes and beyond

After our wandering we all made our way to the dining area in the lighthouse. Everyone had brought something (that’s the food bit) and we had a lovely picnic with a bit of Prosecco thrown in. Everyone talked and explored the residential area of the lighthouse which while basic is functional. Not sure we’d want to live there for any length of time. Except maybe for the beautiful view every morning. The pirates (sorry, rangers) made the most of it, plates piled high and doggy bags to see them through the weekend. Amanda’s peanut butter squares (see, more food) being a particular favourite for them.

The trip back to Seahouses was longer as George, owner of Golden Gate took us back via some of the other islands. Brownsman Island was where the Darlings started their lighthouse keeping and remnants still remain. The base of the original lighthouse, the cottage and even her father’s rhubarb are still there. There were more birds than we could shake a stick at and of course loads more seals.

All in all it was an amazing way to enjoy a picnic.

And in the interest of fairness, other boat trips to the Farnes are available.

Garce Darling Lighthouse

Picnic with Grace darling

Market Season

When we first moved to Belford one of the many delights was realising there were so many new places to discover and visit. As I have said before, how and where food is produced is one of my passions so hunting out a local market was a must. These are just a couple to get you started.

Alnwick Market

Regular markets in the (market) town of Alnwick are a great staple and the monthly farmers & craft market have those extra local delights. Held on Fridays and Saturdays during the spring and summer there are a good number of local producers here. Everything from local meats, baking treats and handmade crafts including shoes.

The farmers market every last Friday of the month mostly concentrates on local produce. Regulars are Northumberland Cheese and D R C Collins for beautifully fresh fish, two of our favourites and ones for later blogs. Local meats, beers and some crafts are always here and well worth trying.

Worth mentioning is also the Taste of Northumbria shop in the market square. This an outlet for locally made/brewed beers and spirits. Made from local grains and in the case of the gins and vodkas, botanicals from the area that provide a unique flavour and bouquet. Always worth popping in to see what’s new.

St Abbs Market

On our travels St Abbs Market appeared on our radar.  Held at the Ebba centre in St Abbs every Friday it’s a great morning out.  A lovely find on one of our visits was Kiki’s Chocolate. We had been looking for something a little special for guests celebrating an occation. Kiki was able to personalise a handmade chocolate bar with “Best Wishes from Market Cross”. Ideal for any occasion and always well received by our guests. They taste amazing too.

St Abbs Market also travels to several other destinations in north Northumberland. If you want to find one near to where you may be staying the website is st-abbs-market.com.

Belford Market

As I posted in my last blog (All About Bread) I bake around 30 loaves of bread every bank holiday weekend. This is for the Belford Market which while small is held for a great reason. Apart from attracting visitors to the village its purpose is to support various charities. The market has grown since we first arrived in the village. It now has around sixteen stalls manned by local people helping to make a difference.

These range from Blue House Goats Cheese, locally made cupcakes, crafts, photographs and plants. Tea and coffee is always provided either by the Belford WI or St Marys Church. Such a friendly atmosphere and worth dropping in. We are looking forward to an extended market in July as this coincides with the Belford Arts Festival. 28thand 29thJuly. Come and have a look at the local artistic talent. You won’t be disappointed.

St Abbs Market