Small Northumberland market town among UK's best for foodies

Alnwick, close to Amble in Northumberland, was highlighted by food, travel, and restaurant publication Olive magazine.

The area is said to be “quietly becoming something of a culinary hotspot”.

It was named among the likes of Malton in North Yorkshire and Lyme Regis in Dorset.

@mollytraves 📍alnwick town centre, northumberland #englishtowns #northernengland #northumberland #alnwick #towncentre #giftshop #bookstore #barterbooks #jellycat #collection #wildolive #castletown #traveluk ♬ Home - Matthew Hall

Commenting on its recent food and travel guide, the publisher said: “From Welsh market towns with creative culinary gatherings to Yorkshire boroughs that are home to artisan roasters and gin distilleries, these are 10 of the best foodie towns across the UK for a staycation.”

Read about all of the UK’s top small towns for foodies via the Olive magazine website.

What did the food and travel experts say about Alnwick?

The publisher revealed: “The market town of Alnwick, famous for its historic castle, is quietly becoming something of a culinary hotspot.

“New fine-dining restaurant Sonnet serves up a tasting menu inspired by ingredients from small local farmers, producers of rare-breed meats and British fine food makers.”

Meanwhile, Alnwick Brewery Co & Taproom has been producing “traditional brown ales and IPAs since the 1860s, and is a lively hangout that regularly hosts food trucks from local establishments like Caribbean Ren’s Kitchen”. 

Olive magazine also praised The Bistro at The Cookie Jar for being a “relaxing restaurant serving up local produce in dishes such as tempura cod cheeks with spicy pea purée and chorizo crisps, and homemade ice creams and sorbets.”

It adds: “Jasper’s Bistro, in nearby Amble, is an intimate seafood restaurant with just six tables, specialising in locally landed lobster, crab and langoustines, with an excellent wine list.”

Alnwick Brewery Co & Taproom, which is located on Hawkhill Business Park, has been described as “the place to be” by customers.

You could even stop by Alnwick Castle (Image: Marco Tenback/Getty)

As this person who recently visited wrote on Tripadvisor: “Friendly staff. Exceptional beers, wonderful food (days may vary). Live music on Fridays and some Saturdays. Excellent views out the back with plenty of seating. Very friendly and informal.

“All beer is brewed upstairs by the regular master brewers’. A lovely log burner to warm yourself in the cold winter months. Dog friendly. Quiz night every first Friday of the month. Off sales available on all products. Relaxed atmosphere. Must be visited to appreciate its splendor. Great venue for events available on request.”

Another complimented: “We visited the shop in order to pick up a few bottles of beer not realising that these is an excellent bar as well. It would have been rude not to.

"Outstanding beer, great staff and a warm welcome. We will be back soon but this time by bus.”