As some claim no deal will mean no dinner, at Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant, head chef Eddie Shilton has declared his kitchen an EU-free zone – just in case. To be fair, Eddie has always relied on home-produced and local produce, but his no-deal angle is raising a smile among diners drawn to the new eight-course taster featuring in-house charcuterie including Wark Forest ham, saucisson sec, smoked duck, brie and salmon. There is also semi-freddo and carpaccio of beetroot with micro-herbs; duck breast with savoury granola, black pudding, charred cauliflower and cassis jelly; and a Northumbrian cheeseboard. It might be good enough to make you forget Brexit… Battlesteads, Wark Hexham, NE48 3LS, tel 01434 230 039, www.battlesteads.com
