A FINE dining restauraunt in the Tyne Valley has made the shortlist of a prestigious tourism award.

Restaurant Hjem in Wall, which recently began welcoming back diners after the coronavirus lockdown, is in the running to be crowned the Taste of England at next month’s Visit England Tourism Awards 2020.

However, Tynedale’s representative is up against some stiff competition, facing off against two Michelin-starred restaurants – John’s House in Leicestershire and The Dining Room at Whatley Manor Hotel in Wiltshire.

Restaurant manager, Ally Thompson, who runs the restaurant and adjoining pub, The Hadrian with her partner and Hjem head chef Alex Nietosvuori, said: “We’re delighted and honoured to have been shortlisted in these national awards.

“Having only opened in May 2019, it feels like a real achievement to be named as finalists alongside these established and Michelin-starred restaurants.

“As ever, we’re incredibly proud to be flying the flag for Northumberland and the fantastic farmers, producers and growers we’re lucky to have on our doorstep.”

“We always wanted Hjem to be a destination restaurant, offering a food experience people were willing to travel for, so we’re thrilled to be given this recognition by the Visit England judges.

“Since reopening on in July, we have been enjoying welcoming guests back to Hjem and this news has given us all an extra spring in our step.”