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Restaurant Hjem: Michelin-Starred Scandinavian Fine Dining in Northumberland

Michelin-starred Scandinavian fine dining in Northumberland, blending local ingredients with Nordic precision in a warm, intimate setting.

4.8

Nestled within The Hadrian Hotel in Wall, near Hexham, Restaurant Hjem offers an intimate Michelin-starred dining experience blending Scandinavian culinary precision with the finest local Northumbrian ingredients. Known for its inventive tasting menus, warm atmosphere, and exceptional service, Hjem presents a unique fusion of Nordic techniques and British terroir in a relaxed yet refined setting.

A brief summary to Restaurant Hjem

  • The Hadrian Hotel, Front St, Hexham, Wall, NE46 4EE, GB
  • +441434681232
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 2 to 4 hours
  • Luxury
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Wednesday 7 pm-11 pm
  • Thursday 7 pm-11 pm
  • Friday 7 pm-11 pm
  • Saturday 7 pm-11 pm

Local tips

  • Reservations are essential and often booked months in advance; plan and book early to secure a table.
  • Be open to the tasting menu experience, as the dishes are served as surprises with no menu until the end.
  • Consider staying overnight at The Hadrian Hotel to enjoy the full culinary experience including breakfast.
  • Engage with the chefs and staff; they often serve dishes personally and enjoy explaining the ingredients and techniques.
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Restaurant Hjem location weather suitability

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  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
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Discover more about Restaurant Hjem

A Fusion of Scandinavian Heritage and Northumbrian Terroir

Restaurant Hjem, located in the historic village of Wall near Hexham, Northumberland, is a Michelin-starred gem that marries the culinary traditions of Scandinavia with the rich local produce of Northern England. The name “Hjem,” meaning “home” in both Scandinavian and Northumbrian dialects, reflects the personal heritage of its owners and chefs, Alex Nietosvuori from Sweden and Ally Thompson from Northumberland. This intimate 24-seat restaurant is housed within The Hadrian Hotel, itself a charming coaching inn, offering a setting that balances rustic charm with modern minimalism.

Atmosphere and Dining Experience

The restaurant’s atmosphere is warm and relaxed, far from the formality often associated with Michelin-starred venues. Guests begin their evening in a cozy bar area reminiscent of a friendly village local before moving behind a subtle curtain into the pared-back, Scandinavian-inspired dining room. The space features clean lines, pale woods, and neutral tones punctuated by seasonal hedgerow flowers, creating a calm and inviting canvas for the culinary artistry to unfold.

Innovative Tasting Menus and Culinary Philosophy

Hjem’s tasting menu is a carefully curated journey of around 15 to 18 courses, showcasing precision Scandinavian cooking techniques applied to locally sourced ingredients. Dishes range from delicate lamb tartare with caramelized onions to lobster claw beignets and horseradish ice cream beneath caramelized apple discs. The kitchen emphasizes simplicity in composition—often just two or three main ingredients per dish—while delivering bold, clean flavors. The chefs maintain an open kitchen, and it’s common for them to personally serve and explain each course, fostering a connection between kitchen and diner.

Local Sourcing and Sustainability Commitment

A strong commitment to localism permeates every aspect of Hjem’s operation. Ingredients are sourced from the surrounding Northumberland landscape, including local farms and foraged produce, ensuring freshness and sustainability. Even the bread is ground and baked in-house using locally supplied wheat, paired with rich, locally churned butter. The wine list, curated by sommelier Anna Frost, features predominantly French and biodynamic wines that complement the menu’s flavors.

Accommodation and Extended Experience

For guests wishing to extend their visit, The Hadrian Hotel offers simple but comfortable rooms aimed at walkers and travelers seeking rest after a day of exploration. The rooms are light-filled with minimal fuss, some offering stunning views over the Tyne valley. Breakfast, prepared by Chef Alex, continues the culinary excellence with dishes like scrambled eggs praised as nearly heavenly. The overall experience at Hjem and The Hadrian Hotel is one of understated luxury, exceptional food, and heartfelt hospitality.

Legacy and Recognition

Since opening, Restaurant Hjem has rapidly gained acclaim, earning a Michelin star and becoming a destination for food lovers across the UK and beyond. Its blend of Scandinavian technique, Northumbrian ingredients, and a welcoming atmosphere has set a new standard for fine dining in the region. The team’s dedication to quality, creativity, and local community shines through, making Hjem not just a restaurant but a celebration of place and culture.

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