Restaurant Hjem is set to launch Hjem Vin, a relaxed outdoor wine and dining experience, at South Causey Inn as the concept returns following its success during the Covid pandemic.
The opening will be celebrated with a special launch barbecue led by Ulf Nietosvuori, international barbecue master and father of chef-patron Alex Nietosvuori, who will travel from his home in Sweden to bring a personal element to the event.
Set within the grounds of South Causey Inn, where Restaurant Hjem is currently enjoying a six-month residency at The Farmhouse, Hjem Vin will offer guests the chance to enjoy a selection of seasonal small plates with accompanying wines in the open air. The experience is designed for a more informal, spontaneous style of dining that makes the most of its countryside surroundings, with a covered marquee in place to ensure the experience can continue whatever the weather.
First introduced in 2021 at Hjem’s original Northumberland home, Hjem Vin was born out of necessity during lockdown restrictions but quickly became a favourite for guests and staff – combining the team’s signature attention to detail with a more relaxed, al fresco approach.
Now, as Hjem settles into its stay at South Causey Inn, Alex and co-founder Ally Thompson-Nietosvuori say the timing feels right to bring it back.
“We’ve always wanted to revisit Hjem Vin,” said Ally. “While it was created to allow us to reopen during restrictions, it quickly became something we genuinely loved – a different way to connect with guests and showcase what we do in a more relaxed setting. Being here at South Causey, with the space and the setting, felt like the perfect opportunity to bring it back.”
The launch barbecue on May 17 will see Alex and his father cook together – with a menu that celebrates bold, simple flavours and the best seasonal produce.
Main dishes are set to include hot smoked salmon, agave and lemon; pulled pork; chicken thigh and barbecue sauce; sirloin on the fire; and slow-cooked pork belly. Sides will include spicy roast potatoes, cream corn, mac and cheese, grilled sweetcorn, and chilli beans.
“Cooking with my dad for this feels really special,” said Alex. “It’s where everything started for me – simple food, cooked over fire, no fuss, just good ingredients. To bring that into Hjem Vin and share it with guests is something I’m really looking forward to.”
Ulf, who competed in national and international barbecue competitions for many years and runs a barbecue catering service, said: “Cooking like this is where it all begins – good ingredients, fire, and people coming together. It’s not about overcomplicating things, it’s about flavour and feeling. I’m looking forward to coming to the North East to share this with Alex and Ally’s guests.”
Hjem Vin will continue beyond the launch event, opening noon-5pm on Saturdays and Sundays and offering a concise, regularly updated menu of small plates paired with wines.
Bookings for the launch event and Hjem Vin weekends will open at 10am on April 24 at www.southcausey.co.uk/event/hjem-at-south-causey-inn
