StyleNest took a trip to traditional pub St Mary’s Inn near Morpeth in Northumberland, sampling dinner for two.
A firm foodie favourite since our first visit shortly after it opened at the end of last year, St Mary’s Inn is a pub specialising in local fare and simply delicious meals. Such is their focus on fine food, that the pub’s organic vegetable supplier delivers his produce within 24 hours of harvesting. In addition, there is Northumbrian game, Lindisfarne oysters and Cheviot lamb for the taking, all regionally reared. Stepping into the bar area, the atmosphere is cosy, chic and inviting, drawing guests in whether they are visiting for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner.
Shown to our table in the main restaurant area, the exposed beams and open space immediately catch the eye, summoning diners in to take a seat. Our last visit was for Sunday lunch, a time of tempting, warming ambience. For dinner this feel continued, but with an evening twist of clinking glasses and Saturday night celebrations. Service as excellent as expected, we sipped on a G&T whilst surveying the menu and specials board.
Selecting House Hot Smoked Salmon, English Asparagus and Lowna Dairy Goats Curd to start, my other half joined me with Pig’s Head Terrine with Pickled Gooseberries and Apple. We also tucked into some seriously tasty Malted Rye Sourdough and Butter, superbly presented on a wooden block complete with knife slot. Still smacking our lips from the starters, our main course choice was the Porterhouse Steak with Bearnaise Sauce from the Lumpwood Charcoal Grill, sharing spring greens and chips as our sides. Arriving at the table with a fresh-off-the grill hot charcoal aroma, steak was succulent and extremely scrumptious. Bone marrow niftily placed on the side of the plate, St Mary’s Inn food is fabulously simple and exquisite at the same time.
To finish, I chose the Chocolate Brownie Sundae while the Mr plumped for Strawberry and Vanilla Cheesecake with Strawberry Ice Cream. Unique presentation, dedicated service plus flavoursome and fantastic food, St Mary’s Inn never fails to disappoint. Rooms are available should you wish to extend your visit, a notion we would thoroughly recommend, with both dog and child friendly options on offer.
With live music, pie and pint nights and lots of local events to be enjoyed, a stopover at St Mary’s Inn should be top of your seasonal to-do list.
For enquiries and reservations telephone 01670 293293 or email [email protected].