Efforts by the Duchess of Northumberland to transform the grounds and gardens at her husband's ancestral home in Northumberland have met with varying responses, most of them favourable. Amongst her aims has been to capitalise on the unusual nature of the site with such responses as massive water-works, a poison garden and - a Tree House. The town of Alnwick may never be the same, but the local benefits are considerable.

The menu can be loosely described as a cross between a good brasserie and an up market cafe and amongst the starters look to find slow braised ham hock and pig's trotter terrine. Main courses could include baked fillet of pork Wellington with prunes, Stilton and walnuts with pear cider sauce. For the vegetarians a stuffed butternut squash crumble makes an attractive alternative.

Puddings may yield a Turkish delight crème brûlée with toasted cumin shortbread or a warm dark chocolate and nut brownie with Alnwick rum and raisin ice cream.