A North East restauranteur has joined forces with a businessman to bring a new boutique hotel and restaurant to the Northumberland coast.
Set in the heart of Alnmouth, The Whittling House opens next month to bring a touch of luxury to the village with 10 bedrooms, a restaurant showcasing the best local produce and a bar to attract day trippers, overnight visitors and locals.
The venue, which is set to open for bookings at the end of this month, is a joint project between North East chef and restaurant owner Richard Sim, who runs the Michelin Guide-featured Potted Lobster in Bamburgh, and Kelso-based entrepreneur Tom Leslie.
The new hotel, bar and restaurant is opening at the site of the former Saddle Hotel and Grill at 24-25 Northumberland Street, which was sold last year.
Following a sucessful application for a change of use for the building, a full refit is being carried out by Edinburgh interior designers Ampersand behind the doors to the building, ahead of a planned opening in mid-October opening.
Mr Leslie said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing a new luxury hotel and restaurant to the beautiful Northumberland coast where people can eat, drink and sleep in style.
“Our vision for The Whittling House is to make it a must-visit destination for those coming from outside the area, and a regular treat for those lucky enough to live nearby - a perfect place to indulge in fine food and drink while soaking up the stunning surroundings.”
Mr Sim added: “We’re delighted with how all our ambitious plans are coming together and are incredibly excited to welcome our first guests later in the autumn.
“We want The Whittling House to be a beacon for the best of Northumberland’s food and drink producers – serving up fine dining for all occasions.”
