A FAMILY-RUN business has invested more than £400,000 to establish a modern style cafe/restaurant and accompanying bed and breakfast accommodation in the North Tyne.

Fountain Cottage in Bellingham, has undergone a extensive 12-month renovation, culminating in six modern luxury bedrooms, including three hot tub suites featuring inbuilt TVs.

The cafe/restaurant will be open seven days a week offering alfresco-style dining including breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and early evening meals.

The business is set to employ ten people over both enterprises.

Directors of Fountain Cottage, Danielle and Michael Hudson, said a main feature on the restaurant’s menu would be an emphasis on local food.

Danielle said: “Whenever possible we source local fresh produce such as meat from Bellingham Craft Butchers, Craster kippers, Hodgson’s Fish, Northumberland Sausage Company, Morwick Ice-cream, as well as craft and fine ales from breweries including Plough-to-Pint at Ancrum and First & Last Brewery at Elsdon.

“We want our guests and visitors to experience Northumbrian hospitality and local produce at its finest.”

The abundance of local food on the menu is note solely down the taste, but also reflects the couple’s passion for the environment and reducing food-miles.

“We live and work in a beautiful area and want to help maintain the environment,” said Danielle.

Located on the doorstep of Kielder Water and observatory, as well as Bellingham Golf Course, the couple are hoping to be a hot spot for tourists looking to get a taste of Northumberland.

“We want people to visit Northumberland and enjoy first class accommodation as well as tasting some of the region’s finest locally-sourced food,” said Danielle.

The Hudsons have also ensured the facilities are inclusive to all guests, with a specially designed disabled-friendly bathroom and shower facility available.

Steeped in history, the stone-built property dates back to 1839 and has had many uses during the past 180-years, including being a former workhouse.

Fountain Cottage is due to open to the public for lunch on Sunday, January 5.