Todays Telegraph Weekend Section has let some of the best Northumberland secrets out of the bag - and I am delighted for the owners:
One of the top pubs, The Barrasford Arms, features on the back page of the Weekend section
- http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/pubs/5245641/British-pub-guide-The-Barrasford-Arms-Northumberland.html
Was taken there recently and if anything it is better than they describe.
Then 3 local farm shops make it into the list of the top farm shops in the North
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/5252329/Britains-top-50-farm-shops-East-Midlands-and-the-North.html
i). Brocksbushes Farm Nr. Corbridge, Northumberland (01434 633 100, www.brocksbushes.co.uk)
A good shop that offers pick-your-own asparagus and soft fruits. Strawberries in June, then raspberries, gooseberries, tayberries, black and red currants, plums and blackberries.
- virtually my ocal shop and very good.
ii). North Acomb Farm Stocksfield, Northumberland(01661 843181; www.northacombfarmshop.co.uk)
Opened in 1978 by Robin and Caroline Baty, this is a shop in a handsome yard, with a barn that houses their Welsh pigs. Home-made blood pudding, cakes and pies. Also, home-churned butter, outstanding bacon and sausages and certified Aberdeen Angus beef.
iii). Moorhouse Farm Shop 21 Station Road, Stannington, Morpeth, Northumberland (01670 789016; www.moorhousefarmshop.co.uk)
Affordable, accessible farm shop with an abundant display of the farm's home-reared meat. Sacks of potatoes, locally grown vegetables and excellent Gilchesters Flour milled on a nearby farm by Andrew Wilkinson from pre-war wheat breeds (a must-try for keen bakers).
[+ a special mention for Tebay - without a doubt the best motorway service station, masquerading as a farm shop,in the world! - and a lifesaver to all of us who use the M6 too much]:
