Spring is an exciting time in Northumberland for anyone with an appetite! Look out for cold water langoustine, monkfish, new season lamb, pigeons, rabbits, venison and rhubarb

Fish & Shellfish - Much of the fishing fleet is bringing in excellent cold water langoustines, whilst the rest of the fleet chase monkfish, plaice and soles up the coast. Veteran fishermen will also begin the hunt for lobster and crab, both of which begin to come into season.

Meat & Game - The very delicately flavoured new season lamb starts to make its way to market from April onwards. The gaming estates swear blind rabbits and pigeons have the best flavour during spring, whilst the forests of Northumberland begin to see the start of Venison season.

Fruit & Vegetables - As with the rest of the UK, the availability of Northumberland's fruit and veg in spring is dictated by the weather! Rhubarb is at its most succulent and, whilst not to everyone's taste, nettles and dandelions are at their most flavoursome. If the weather holds strong then Asparagus spears will be ready to eat.

Summer - May to September

Spring may be an exciting time for food, but summer in Northumberland brings some of the best produce to market. Look out for Cheviot hill lamb, grouse, crabs, lobsters, wild salmon, sea trout, mackerel, heather honey, courgettes, peas, wild mushrooms and asparagus.

Fish & Shellfish - Commercial fishermen and fishing enthusiasts alike begin the difficult job of snaring Northumberland’s fantastic wild salmon on the rivers and the sea trout that run up the coastline. Incredible crabs and lobsters are hauled out of the sea straight into the pubs and restaurants. Line caught mackerel, turbot, halibut and pollock make a wonderful delicacy.

Meat & Game - Whilst the new season lamb has been and gone, the more flavoursome local delicacy of Cheviot hill lamb will leave you speechless. Beware though; you may never want to return to "normal" lamb again! August 12th is the start of Grouse season in Northumberland. These young grouse have a wonderful flavour.

Fruit & Vegetables - The very beginning of summer guarantees the arrival of fresh, local asparagus. Courgettes, radishes, beans and peas explode with the fresh flavour of summer. In the more sheltered parts of Northumberland, wild mushrooms start to show.

Autumn - September to November

Autumn is a wonderful time of year to visit Northumberland as nearly all of the local produce is at its very best. Look out for mussels, oysters, cod, haddock, beef, Cheviot hill lamb, all game, late summer fruits and potatoes.

Fish & Shellfish - The hardy fishermen of Northumberland begin to harvest the succulent, meaty mussels and oysters that are found in abundance along the coastline. Cod and Haddock are at their very best at this time of year, much of which ends up in the fish and chip shops of Seahouses.

Meat & Game - Every species of game remains in season, so game lovers will be spoilt for choice. Exquisite beef and the last of the Cheviot hill lamb are readily available after a summer of grazing.

Fruit & Vegetables - The branches of the fruit trees heave with the weight apples, plums and the last of the summer fruits. Winter root vegetables begin to show, whilst the fabulous, versatile potato ads a touch of comfort.

Winter - December to February

While many believe winter in Northumberland to be a desolate time for food, the reality is that our producers deliver high quality, comforting food. And since it's a time to celebrate, we thought you'd want to know about the county's alcoholic drinks.

Fish & Shellfish - Fishermen are still catching prawns and the excellent round white fish out of colder waters. However, the real treat is smoked fish, something Northumberland is fast building a reputation for high quality.

Meat & Game - The game season is still in full swing and the Cheviot lambs are still being brought down from the hills. The independent poultry producers in Northumberland really come in to their own at this time of year, as can be expected. Many of the delis sell incredible hams, bacon and salami.

Alcoholic Drinks - This is the perfect time of year to sample Northumberland's warming drinks. The local micro-breweries produce award winning dark and pale ales, whilst the more adventurous connoisseur will really enjoy the selection of rums and whiskeys which will warm the insides on the coldest of nights.