County shouts about great taste

15th February 2011

Categories: Visitor News

Durham is a county with a growing reputation for high quality food and drink.

With 59 eateries holding the prestigious TasteDurham food quality mark – awarded to businesses which champion local produce and offer consistently good service – there is so much choice, from hearty pub grub to sophisticated fine dining.

Now is a great time to grab a deal on eating out. The Durham Deals section of this website offers great value savings at leading restaurants, from 25 per cent off at Oldfields Noted Eating House, Filini at Radisson Blu Hotel Durham and La Tasca to a free bottle of house wine at exclusive eateries such as Ozone at Seaham Hall Hotel and The Serenity Spa.

Here are six great food experiences that will whet your appetite for a taste of Durham.

Rachael and Edward Jewson – Knitsley Farm Shop, Consett
Voted best farm retail newcomer in the UK by FARMA (Farm and Rural Markets Association). This husband and wife duo raise all their meats on the farm, hang them for 21 days for flavour and tenderness and have an onsite butchery. Specialities include Pork and Red Onion Marmalade  and Chilli and Chocolate sausages. www.knitsleyfarmshop.co.uk

The Orangery – Headlam Hall, Gainford
Four star Headlam Hall Hotel in Teesdale prides itself on its relationship with local butcher Joe Simpson of Cockfield. They serve lamb reared in their own pastures and have done for 25 years. www.headlamhall.co.uk

The Morritt Country House Hotel, Teesdale
Owners Barbara and Peter are passionate about reducing food miles. They have their own herb garden, sweet grapes, bramley apple orchard and plum trees but they have gone a step further by rearing traditional English breed pigs in their back garden – making for a hearty local breakfast. www.themorritt.co.uk

Broom House Farm, Witton Gilbert
Broom House baked black pudding is made to a traditional Durham recipe handed down to head butcher Michael Coates who has been making it for 20 years with a special secret ingredient. The pudding is boiled rather than baked and has a savoury taste. www.broomhousedurham.co.uk/

Oldfields Noted Eating House, Durham City
Food heroes are part of the furniture in this city centre restaurant, literally. From placemats to wall hangings the names and stories of Oldfield’s suppliers are there for all customers to enjoy, from “Wild Boar” Bob Stanbridge’s mutton to Ian Alexander’s Venison pie. www.oldfieldsrealfood.co.uk

The Pumphouse, Durham City
One of Durham’s most established restaurants, The Pumphouse sources fresh, seasonal and local produce including eggs from Houghall Farm just two miles away. This February, the restaurant is relaunching with a relaxed and informal ethos, including early evening sittings, flexible portion sizes and light bite options.

www.thepumphouserestaurant.co.uk

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