There's no razzmatazz at the Smithy Bistro in Ponteland. It promises and delivers quality food in charming surroundings with friendly and efficient service. Located in an elegantly converted blacksmith's cottage, this is a place that can hold its own without going to town about it. Take the A696 Newcastle to Edinburgh road to get there.

Come prepared to do justice to a fine three course meal. Start with fresh mussels in a white wine, garlic and cream sauce, chicken liver parfait with plum chutney or smoked salmon with lemon and fried capers. Having sampled what's on offer now prepare to indulge in confit of duck with plum and black cherries sauce, pork loin with confit of apple and calvados sauce or prime cut fillet steak with truffle mash, wild mushrooms and red wine sauce. End a satisfying repast with raspberry crème brulee with shortbread biscuits, baked white chocolate cheesecake with coffee amaretto ice cream or chocolate marquise with chocolate sauce. Smithy's offers an early dinner menu and on Sundays is open till 5 p.m.