Heavenly Horton Grange

Eager to ease the post-Christmas January blues, I recently visited Horton Grange Country House Hotel for an evening of delicious food & drink with my wife Lisa and son Jack.

Situated in the heart of Northumberland near Newcastle Airport, the Grade-II listed privately owned hotel boasts nine luxurious bedrooms, an award-winning restaurant and cosy bar and lounge areas. The venue is also available for private hire with catering for various events including weddings and corporate functions. With numerous dining options on offer including Sunday Lunch and Afternoon Tea, on this occasion we decided to sample the venue’s à la carte menu, which has recently been revamped to reflect the season.

After a warm reception, we were swiftly ushered to the snug dining area. With comfortable seating, traditional décor and open fireplaces, the restaurant promoted feelings of relaxation and conviviality, which was complemented by an easy-listening modern pop soundtrack. The cosy ambience accompanies the new menu perfectly with a plethora of unique, locally sourced dishes on offer. Note strong flavours ideally suited to the season including beetroot, smoked cheese and black pudding. As if we hadn’t already indulged enough during the festive season, we anticipated the feast that was in store. Feeling famished, we were delighted by the arrival of our starters. I tasted the beetroot & gin cured salmon with crunchy thyme crackers and fennel pollen cream whilst Lisa sampled the wild mushroom & blue cheese arancini served with an exquisite truffle mayonnaise salad. Meanwhile, Jack devoured the confit chicken & black pudding terrine embellished by tasty toasted brioche and a honey & mustard dressing. The starters proved extremely flavoursome and nutritious, especially when chaperoned by a lovely bottle of Pinot Noir.

The bold flavours extended to the main courses with much mouth-watering cuisine on offer. Whilst I savoured the delectable roast breast of chicken accompanied by fondant potatoes and baby carrots, Lisa was delighted by the pan seared pork fillet served with braised red cabbage and delicious creamed potatoes. Jack meanwhile enjoyed the roast loin of venison. With dauphinoise potatoes, buttered kale and parsnip puree, the scrumptious dish offered a fusion of delicious flavours, making it clear that Horton Grange offers only the freshest and finest ingredients.

Despite feeling satisfied, we were still eager to sample the restaurant’s dessert offering. I devoured the heavenly rhubarb posset served with piquant orange & ginger ice cream whilst Jack tasted the luscious hot chocolate fondant. With more of a savoury palette, Lisa enjoyed the selection of local cheeses alongside celery, grapes and a zingy tomato chutney. Despite falling spectacularly off the new year diet wagon, the desserts were absolutely exquisite and coupled nicely with our final teas and coffees.

Along with exceptional food, the service at Horton Grange was impeccable as always with friendly, attentive staff. With a special ‘Wine and Dine’ offer of two courses for only £39 per couple including a glass of wine each available every night until 31st March, Horton Grange really does go above and beyond for its customers.

We then left Horton Grange after a thoroughly enjoyable and relaxing evening. With indulgent cuisine, cosy surrounds and excellent hospitality, Horton Grange provides the perfect place to dine, relax and unwind. We can’t wait to return.