Northumberland: Restaurant Hjem marked sixth birthday

Restaurant Hjem marked its sixth birthday with an extraordinary evening of culinary collaboration, welcoming one of the country’s most revered chefs, sushi master Endo Kazutoshi.

(L) Endo Kazutoshi and Alex Nietosvuori (Image: Supplied) Endo, a third-generation sushi master and the creative force behind the Michelin-starred Endo at the Rotunda in London, travelled to Northumberland to join Hjem’s head chef Alex Nietosvuori in creating a unique menu for the occasion.

Tempura green asparagus with pistachio and spring onion (Image: Supplied) Guests were treated to an intimate and immersive experience, as Endo prepared his signature Edomae-style sushi live, offering diners a rare insight into the precision and artistry behind each piece.

READ MORE: Northumberland's first Michelin-starred restaurant set to close

Alex said: “It was a real honour to welcome Endo to Hjem. His generosity, his energy, and his incredible skill made this a very special celebration for our team and our guests.

Produce Endo brought to Hjem (Image: Supplied) "We weren’t sure how our styles would blend, but it worked beautifully, and the response from diners has been amazing.”

The bespoke menu showcased the best of both chefs’ talents, from lean tuna, Northumbrian lobster tail and North Sea turbot to North Acomb Farm lamb and Freyja Garden vegetables.

Dishes from Hjem's birthday menu (Image: Supplied) Each course was paired with exceptional wine by Hjem’s sommelier, Martin Waugh and sake curated by Endo’s expert sommelier, Natsuki Kikuya. Endo’s talented sous chef, Sangha Kim, also joined the team for the night.

Guests enjoyed another thoughtful detail - handcrafted ceramic chopstick holders by local maker Rosie McLachlan, designed especially for the evening and now a future fixture on Hjem’s tables.

Dishes from Hjem's birthday menu (Image: Supplied) Endo Kazutoshi said: “It was a true honour to cook alongside chef Alex at Hjem in celebration of the restaurant’s sixth birthday.

“The collaboration was a deeply special experience for me - Hjem is such a beautiful and inspiring setting, and I was delighted to be part of marking this milestone with a shared passion for craft, precision, and creativity.”

Ceramic chopstick holders by Rosie McLachlan (Image: Supplied) This dining event was one of several special services planned throughout 2025 following the recent announcement that Restaurant Hjem will close at the end of the year.

Alex and restaurant manager Ally Thompson-Nietosvuori, his wife and long-time collaborator, will turn their focus to Freyja – a new fine dining restaurant with rooms, currently under construction on the Close House Estate in Wylam.

Freyja is set to open in 2026, marking an exciting new chapter for the duo and their team.

For more information visit www.restauranthjem.co.uk