Food for thought: a variety of places you must visit for a bite

Are you looking for a place to eat? Whether it’s a place to set you up for the day, for lunch or for dinner, there are plenty of tasty pit stops you can find along the Northern Saints Trails.

The Way of Life

El Castillo

In the heart of Bishop Auckland, be transported to Spain at restaurant El Castillo . Translated into English to mean castle, here you can tuck into tasty tapas with a local twist or choose a hearty paella. There are dishes which have vegetables from the historic Walled Garden just up the road and some contain local Weardale Cheese. For dessert, go on a culinary tour as your table can experience the taste of different regions with a Basque Cheesecake, Crema Catalana and Tarte de Santiago.

Address: El Castillo, Market Place, Bishop Auckland DL14 7JF

The Way of Learning

Café Cenno

In the Durham Market Hall head upstairs because you’ll find the wonderful family-run Café Cenno . Start your day of adventure with a fuel-boosting English Breakfast or stop for a pie or quiche at lunch. Don’t forget to try their showstopping homemade cakes and delicious scones.

Address: Mezzanine Level of Durham Market Hall, Durham Market Place DH1 3NJ

The Angel’s Way

Blackfriars Restaurant

After a fun day of exploring, unwind and dine at a place rich in history. Blackfriars Restaurant is set within a 13th-century Dominican friary. The restaurant is the former refectory and thought to be the oldest dining room in the UK! Full of bold British food from local farms and producers, the evening award-winning set and à la carte menus are regularly updated to make the most of seasonal produce.

Address: Blackfriars, Friars Street, Newcastle, NE1 4XN

The Way of the Sea

Trenchers

After doing a great coastal walk, it seems only fitting that you should indulge in some seriously good fish and chips. At Trenchers, Spanish City taste the classic dish right inside the dome. Have an even more memorable night by going on Wednesday, Friday or Saturday when pianist, Mike Waller plays on the grand piano.

Address: Spanish City, Spanish City Plaza, Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear NE26 1BG

The Way of Light

Thomas Wright House

Craving a tasty Sunday Lunch? Grab a table at Thomas Wright House in Byers Green village. Think huge Yorkshire Puddings, roasties cooked to perfection and a delectable side of cauliflower cheese. You can choose from a variety of meats and vegetarian and vegan options are also available.

Address: Thomas Wright House, High St, Byers Green DL16 7PF

The Way of Love

Portofino

Located on the Historic Quay right by the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool is restaurant Portofino . As the name suggests, the menu offers Italian dishes but here you can also feast on Mediterranean and North African cuisines. Whilst you have a mouthwatering risotto or perhaps a warming lamb tagine, enjoy a view of the impressive HMS Trincomalee.

Address: Portofino, Maritime Ave, Hartlepool TS24 0XZ

Check out the Food & Drink section of the Northern Saints Trails website for more fantastic restaurants, cafés and pubs.