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An engaging old coaching inn, very popular with locals and visiting tourists alike, where the customer is treated as somebody they really welcome. The food is Northumbrian in character, but quite modern in interpretation. Bar meals are served in the warm and friendly bar area, with the same menu as in the restaurant, the only difference is that tables can be reserved in the large restaurant. Both are excellent, with fresh local produce much in evidence, rounded off well by a lively little wine list.

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.

With excellent value for money deals, fabulous food and a relaxed atmosphere, Mullios has captured the palates of the discerning locals yearning for Italian and Spanish food. From the mirrors and paintings to the vibrantly coloured walls, the setting is just right either for a family meal or an intimate tête-à-tête.

The menu may seem textbook Italian but the kitchen's allegiance to local ingredients and pronounced flavours elevate it to a different level. Mixed hors d'oeuvres of Parma ham, salami, peppers, olives and salad line up in the starters section alongside king prawns in garlic and parsley butter. Go on to main courses of cheese and ham rolled in a chicken breast coated in breadcrumbs or a choice of salmon or sea bass cooked in cider and butter sauce.

Don't be surprised if you find yourself pining for an extra small plate of those delightful mouthfuls of spicy Spanish sausages, deep fried mushrooms or mixed vegetable paella - the tapas selection is certainly worth exploring.

Dalchini, the Hindi word for cinnamon, conjures up the exotic scent of Indian spices and this engaging Indian restaurant at Alnwick has a similar lingering effect on diners and thrives on repeat business.

Tastefully done up in pleasant colours, the restaurant has comfortable high-backed chairs that provide contemporary elegance. Its customised furniture, crockery and cutlery add a classy touch, while the extensive carte presents traditional Indian fare as well as some British dishes, along with an attractive bar menu.

You could begin a meal with chicken or lamb tikka roasted in a tandoor with garlic mushrooms, or feast on seafood in a sweet and sour sauce. If you prefer something milder, then the prawn masala with cream and aromatic spices is a good bet. Their lamb tikka marinated in yoghurt and a bouquet of spices and cooked in a clay oven and topped with almonds is also well worth a try.

A special Malayan curry, a combination of pineapple and bananas is a vegetarian's delight, as is the mixed vegetables simmered in a sauce made from ginger, garlic and fresh coriander leaves. The food is carefully selected and lovingly cooked. Shab, Dalchini's proprietor, takes great pride in their signature dishes like stuffed peppers and seafood specials, and the warm service the restaurant is now synonymous with.

Dining at The Art House is a treat to the eyes as well as the taste buds with photographs and modern art from internationally renowned artists dotting the walls. The furniture and lighting add a touch of subtlety without overshadowing the main features of this place, that being artwork and, of course, food.

Gently stroke you appetite with starters of soup of the day with crusty bread, spiced lamb patties with yogurt, cucumber and mint dip and smoked salmon platter. Main courses bring in touches from across the globe with vegetable Moroccan tagine with lemon and herb cous cous or sea bass with stir fry vegetables and a soy and fish sauce dressing, served with egg noodles. How about a hot sticky toffee pudding with a butterscotch and Alnwick rum sauce to round things off?

Be sure to pop in at lunch time to sample their steak and Alnwick ale pie, Art House burger or Northumberland ploughman's with homemade chutney.

Blackmore's is an exclusive boutique hotel and restaurant in Alnwick, right in the heart of Northumberland, and it offers an exquisite experience whether you choose to dine and/or stay there to enjoy the marvellous luxury that they offer. The décor is understated and uses contemporary muted colours to make an elegant style statement. The bistro offers a casual atmosphere, perfect for relaxing over a delicious sandwich or baguette while the à la carte in the restaurant is an excellent option for a more elaborate dining experience.

Amongst starters, you could expect to find roasted smoked salmon served on a tossed salad with dill pesto, followed by a slow cooked lamb shank in rosemary served on caramelised red onions with gravy. Fish lovers will enjoy the whole tail scampi served with crispy chips and tartar sauce and the list of decadent desserts are displayed on the blackboard. The bar at Blackmore's is adequately stocked with beers, ales and fine wines that complement the meal expertly.