The best dining experiences in the North East feature in the latest SquareMeal Top 100 UK restaurants list.
The region’s contingent is led by Michelin-starred Pine in sixth place, with Kenny Atkinson’s second Newcastle restaurant, Solstice, in 17th place. Northumberland’s Hjem (20), Darlington’s two Michelin-starred Raby Hunt (28), House of Tides (54), Peace & Loaf (81), and Route (94) are also featured in the list.
SquareMeal’s annual UK list is unique, with each of the top 100 results combining SquareMeal’s in-house critic-led opinions and thousands of diner votes. This dual approach represents both professional opinion and thousands of real-life experiences provided by diners, which help reinforce the judges’ final decisions. SquareMeal also publishes a separate top 100 list for London.
In order to make a place on the list, each restaurant has to offer more than just a good meal. It has to provide guests with an exceptional all-round experience. From gorgeous interiors, top-class wine lists and stunning views through to exemplary service and sustainability commitments, every detail is taken into account.
Caroline Hendry, SquareMeal’s head of content, said: “Huge congratulations to all 100 restaurants featured in this year’s list. This marks the first full year we’ve all been able to go out and about to eat again without Covid restrictions. With our restored freedom we’ve rediscovered the pure joy of a phenomenal meal and we couldn’t be happier to celebrate those moments through our awards. We’d like to thank the incredible hospitality professionals that create such seamless experiences across the whole of the UK, as well as all our readers who voted in their thousands to help us make our final decisions.”
