A HEXHAM hotel has been given a glowing review by one of Britain’s top restaurant reviewers.

Grace Dent is a regular critic on BBC’s Master Chef and a food critic for the Guardian.

She was in Hexham for the annual book festival recently and stayed at the Beaumont Hotel, a family-owned High Street business which she described as one of the best three restaurants she has visited in 2021,

In her Guardian review she admits that she had no intention of eating at the Beaumont because she never eats in hotels in which she is staying.

She fell asleep, however, and had no time to go anywhere else.

She said she had intended to only have an entree but ended up eating three courses in the restaurant rating each one highly.

She ordered mackerel with gooseberry and samphire which she said was better than anything similar she had been served on Master Chef. Her main was chicken stuffed with artichokes and she finished her meal with a black sesame peach frangipane which she described as “rib-stickingly moreish.”

Beaumont owner Roger Davy said he was not aware that the critic was eating at the hotel.

“Because it was the book festival we were very busy so we did not recognise specific guests.

“I understand she was here to speak at the festival. I know who she is but did not realise she was staying and eating here.”

He said he was obviously proud of the review.

“We have had a few calls since. For example there was a couple who had thought about coming to see Hadrian’s Wall. After seeing the review they decided to come. While the hotel was full they said they would stay elsewhere but would eat here.”

He said the hotel is still very busy “and although we have had more enquiries since the article appeared, it will be interesting to see if the article has a short life or may perhaps generate a long term interest.”

While remote geographically, Northumberland has a reputation for food.

“There is another good restaurant in the town and a Michelin Star one in the area.”

Malcolm Harwood, head chef, and Jack Catherall, sous chef, are young ambitious chefs, both in their late 20s, who has been working in kitchens since they were young teenagers, Mr Davy said.

“We don’t push ourselves forward as individuals but they deserve the credit,” he said.

He said the Beaumont is in the middle of the town centre and tries to balance between offering fantastic food and "sensible" prices.