Northumberland's culinary traditions were developed through the generations. From the monks at Lindisfarne to the kitchens of the great castles and country houses, through to the gardens of the shepherd's cottage and allotments of the miner's terrace, the food heritage of Northumberland is rich, varied and very much alive.

With the great salmon rivers of the Tweed in the north and Tyne in the south, the North Sea to the east, Northumberland produces one of Britain’s finest range of quality fish. Flat fish, white fish, wild salmon, sea trout, crabs, lobsters, the only harvested mussels between The Wash and Aberdeen and oysters grown within the nature reserve of the Holy Island of Lindisfarne . . . Northumberland's sea food is a genuine treasure and an important resource for the people of the county.

Our famous Craster kippers are served to the Queen, Heatherslaw Bakery biscuits are sold by Fortnum & Mason, Chain Bridge Honey Farm supplies Britain's best delis - but only locally will you find Border Tarts!

Northumberland though has an important and valuable crop, grown in great quantities and always of exceptional quality - grass! Not just common or garden grass - the grass that feeds the fine quality beef and lamb, both organic and traditional from one of the greatest meat and game producing counties in the United Kingdom.

The uplands of Northumberland are world famous for the production of lamb. These small, heather-fed lambs roam the Cheviots which produces a distinct and sweet flavour and their low-fat meat content makes them a great find on any menu or at any local butcher.

The lowlands of Northumberland provide rich arable land that grows great seasonal vegetables such as the famous Carrolls Heritage potatoes, wheat for milling and barley for brewing. We have no shortage of excellent brewers and bakers in the county and a rich heritage of distilling which is still being re-discovered today. From the caves at Howick to the legends of Black Rory and the Simonside Dwarfs in Coquetdale, many of our producers have extravagant and entertaining tales to tell.

From grain to game, meat to fish, vegetables, fruit, cheese, cakes, ice cream, preserves, puddings and pies, Northumberland has it all. No matter what the season, Northumberland's home-grown, fresh, natural ingredients are an essential ingredient in any visit to Northumberland.