Customers could enjoy dining indoors from last week for the first time in months as lockdown restrictions eased.

And as guests returned to Northumberland’s only Michelin Star restaurant, Restaurant Hjem, they were welcomed into its new dining room.

Although their new space was originally planned for private dining, the restaurant said the implications of social distancing guidelines and restrictions means that it will initially be used to ensure Restaurant Hjem can welcome the same number of bookings as they could before the pandemic.

The extension work for the new space, which has its own kitchen area and views over the restaurant’s garden, was completed towards the end of 2020.

Restaurant manager Ally Thompson, who runs Hjem with her partner and head chef, Alex Nietosvuori, said: “To say we’re delighted to be able to welcome people back under Hjem’s roof is a massive understatement - and it’s really nice to be able to unveil something new.

“Plans for the private dining room have changed for the time being, which enables us to take more bookings than we could after things opened up last summer under social distancing guidance.”

She added: “After such a long-enforced closure through the winter, reopening really does feel like a beginning of sorts - and of course this is the first time we have been able to serve people our Tasting Menu since we were given the Michelin Star.”

The fine dining restaurant, in Wall, recently served small plates and drinks to guests outdoors whilst they ran a pop-up wine garden for three weeks.

Restaurant Hjem first opened in May 2019, bringing together Northumberland produce with Scandinavian flavours and cooking techniques.

Ally and Alex also run the adjoining pub and hotel, The Hadrian.

The couple said the latest lockdown also gave them a chance to carry out a refurbishment of its bar area.

The upgrade has included a top-to-bottom paint job, a new hard oak floor laid in the bottom bar, and a sanded wood floor installed in the top bar.

The banquette cushions have also been reupholstered, all chairs have been sanded, varnished and given new seat pads, and new cushions have been added.

Ally added: “It has been such a lovely atmosphere in the pub this week as both locals and visitors to the area have been able to get back into The Hadrian and make the most of what’s on offer.

“The whole team have been on a high and have loved seeing the place come to life and there’s been lots of positive feedback on The Hadrian’s new look as well as the extension to Hjem, which has been great to hear.”