BARLUGA.

MANY people consider that the Morpeth branch of Barluga is a far superior restaurant to its Newcastle sister. The restaurant serves a modern British cuisine with some continental offerings.  It has a decor of stylish contemporary interiors with dramatic double-height ceilings, mezzanine floor and crisp white linen napkins on the tables. The serving team is smartly-dressed and operate very smoothly.

My starter was baked Camembert with caramelised red onion chutney and a selection of breads. My wife decided on the mussels that were prepared with a creamy white wine sauce and served with crusty bread.

I chose the Northumbrian platter for my main course. This was a medley of local ham, Northumbrian nettle cheese, Keen’s Cheddar, pickled silverskin onions, smoked salmon, pease pudding, caramelised red onion chutney and too large hunks of focacia bread, that was absolutely peppered with rosemary and tomato morsels. Anne had the New York platter of the chef’s homemade meatloaf, salami, dill pickle, coleslaw, roast turkey breast, sun-dried tomatoes with black and green olives and focacia bread. Both platters were served on a wooden board.

Anne decided to have the lemon posset with honeycomb fraiche and biscuit.

The restaurant is open from 11:00 to 21:00 on Mondays to Thursdays, 11:00 to 22:00 on Fridays. 10:00 to 22:00 on Saturdays and noon to 17:00 on Sundays. It is fully accessible to disabled diners.

Barluga is in the Sanderson Arcade, Morpeth, Northumberland and can be contacted on 01670 505000.