Fenwick to host eight-week residency for Northumberland Michelin Star restaurant Hjem

Newcastle city centre department store Fenwick is set to host Northumberland's first Michelin Star restaurant for an eight week residency this summer.

Hjem, based in Wall, Northumberland, gained the county's first Michelin Star in 2021 and has retained it ever since. Housed in the Hadrian Hotel, it serves up multi-course fine-dining meals created by Swedish chef Alex Nietosvuori.

Alex and his Northumberland-born wife Ally Thompson, have already announced earlier this year that they would expand with a new venture at Close House, named Freyja. However, first they will take up residence in one of Newcastle's best known shops throughout June and July.

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It is not the first time Fenwick has partnered up with a North East food institution, with Bistro Greggs getting a fine-dining twist at the bakery's pop up in December 2023. However, there'll be no sausage rolls in sight on the Hjem/Fenwick menu, with foodies instead treated to dishes such as chicken liver parfait with brioche and Pedro Ximenez syrup, fried chicken with Kewpie mayo and gougères filled with Doddington cheese cream.

For Alex, the partnership means being able to cook for people who may not ordinarily choose or be able to visit Hjem in Northumberland, which has just 28 seats and is notoriously difficult to book. And Ally, who grew up shopping at Fenwick, believes the residency is an opportunity to marry both brand's matching values and bring Hjem's corner of Northumberland to the city centre.

A post on the Fenwick Facebook page read: "We are bringing one of the most celebrated restaurants in the North East to Fenwick Newcastle. Michelin-starred restaurant Hjem will be in residency for eight weeks from May 31, inviting foodies from Newcastle and beyond to experience its famous flavours and signature style of cooking.

"The menu will emphasise local and seasonal produce, but with a twist. There will also be a frequently-changing tasting menu, all served by a dedicated team in a relaxed setting."

Hjem at Fenwick can be found on the first floor at Fenwick Newcastle, from May 31 until August 4.