Ahead of Corbridge Food & Drink Festival, which takes places October 4-7 and celebrates the best food and drink from across Northumberland, we sample the best of Corbridge – a village made for foodies.
A food and drink tour of Northumberland must include Corbridge – one of the county’s prettiest villages and the perfect place to eat, drink and stay awhile among the shops, restaurants, pubs and cafés.
Corbridge’s acclaimed independent cafés, pubs, restaurants and shops are all involved in the four-day Corbridge Food Festival on October 4-7 this year, which includes a series of special events.
Organised by the community group Visit Corbridge, the whole of the village’s vibrant food scene will be involved, presenting a packed programme of tastings, food and drink demonstrations, special offers and competitions, live music and more.
Profits from the sale of the Festival programme will go to three good causes – The Charlotte Straker Project, Corbridge Youth Initiative and the Transplant Ward at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle. Highlights of the festival will include a cocktail masterclass, the Great Corbridge Gin Off, Spanish and Italian nights, a Taste of Norway, and the Great Corbridge Bake Off. www.visitcorbridge.co.uk
Brocksbushes Farm
As the Appetite team is heading back along the A69 following a trip to Corbridge, we pop into Brocksbushes Farm Shop for fresh produce from the farm, homemade goods, bread, cheese and gifts. The tea room is perfect for coffee or lunch and to watch the world go by. A69 Corbridge NE43 7UB, tel 01434 633 100, www.brocksbushes.co.uk
Corbridge Cookshop
Corbridge Cookshop is desrvedly renowned as one of the best in the region, home to a huge range of quality goods for home cooking, baking and cake decorating, storage, gadgets, giftware, homeware and hardware. Middle Street, Corbridge, NE45 5AT, tel 01434 632 582, www.corbridgecookshop.co.uk
Corbridge Larder
This brilliant cook shop, deli and café is home to so many of our favourite things that we make a weekly pilgrimage. It sells fantastic fresh breads, including an artisan range from Vallum Bakery on the Military Road, the best ingredients from regional producers, a huge range of artisan and hard-to-find goods and it’s home to the excellent Heron Café.
Hill Street, Corbridge, NE45 5AA, tel 01434 632 948, www.corbridgelarder.co.uk
The Duck House Housed in Corbridge’s lovely old Town Hall, The Duck House is a must-visit for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and cocktails. It serves up a fine breakfast and lunch showcasing local produce, it offers a Hendrick’s Gin afternoon tea and 2-4-1 cocktails every Friday. Princes Street, Corbridge, NE45 5AD, tel 01434 634 368 www.duckhousecorbridge.co.uk
J.D. Hall Butchers
When we’re in need of a bit of advice and a friendly butcher, we visit Jim Higginson at J.D. Hall Butchers on Hill Street. In addition to supplying some of the region’s best restaurant kitchens, Jim is on hand with advice and knowledge regarding the excellent range he has for sale. We highly recommend the steak and carrot pasty for lunch. Hill Street, Corbridge, NE45 5AA, tel 01434 632 005
Il Piccolo
This lovely restaurant, wine bar and deli is a major draw for visitors to Corbridge, where you will find chef patron Emanuele Orto, who uses the best seasonal produce for his wonderful food and sources fantastic Italian produce for the deli. A Northumberland foodie gem. St Helens Street, Corbridge, NE45 5BE, tel 01434 634 554, www.ilpiccolo.co.uk
Massey’s Tea Room
The homemade cakes at this welcoming tea room and café are the stuff of legend – beautifully displayed and every one of them delicious. Before making your decision, sample the extensive lunch menu – the homemade soups are a highlight. Middle Street, Corbridge, NE45 5AT tel 01434 633 130, www.masseystearoom.co.uk
Spokes Kitchen
Open seven days a week, this fantastic cycle shop café draws a happy mix of cyclists, day trippers and locals plus their four-legged friends for breakfast, lunch, cakes, tray bakes and coffee. The lunch specials change daily and there are regular special events, including a monthly bistro on the last Friday evening of each month.
Watling Street, Corbridge, NE45 5AG tel 01434 632 950, www.facebook.com/SpokesKitchen
Tea and Tipple
At the heart of the village in the Market Place, Tea & Tipple buzzes with locals and visitors who gather to meet up, catch up and enjoy light meals, excellent scones, beautiful cakes, coffee and a lively atmosphere. Market Place Corbridge, NE45 5AW, tel 01434 632 886, teaandtipple.blogspot.com
Watling Coffee House
Watling Coffee House is a Corbridge institution, occupying its quaint corner site for 39 years, throughout the years always providing a warm welcome to locals and visitors who return time and again for homemade food, fantastic cakes and scones, tea and coffee. Watling Street, Corbridge, NE45 5AG, tel 01434 634 820, www.facebook.com/watlingcoffeehouse
