The new menu at Fern, Jesmond Dene House welcomes spring with the finest local produce in dishes inspired by the rhythm of the seasons. Highlights include Whitby crab, watermelon and Isle of Wight cherry tomatoes; lamb rump, dauphinoise potatoes, lettuce, peas and bacon; and vanilla crème brûlée with shortbread. Afternoon tea is served in fine bone china with three-tiered stands overflowing with cakes, dainty finger sandwiches and scones warm from the oven.
Meanwhile, in May the hotel’s secret garden will provide the perfect setting for a barbecue with live music and a talk from Hepple Gin experts on how to make the perfect G&T and summer gin cocktails.
Jesmond Dene House, Jesmond Dene Road, Newcastle, NE2 2EY, tel 0191 212 6060, www.jesmonddenehouse.co.uk
