I tried the Northumberland fine dining experience that OOZES class and sophistication

The Tempus is all about the destination, not the journey - and I’ve got to say, I never wanted to leave!

If you’re looking for a last minute bite, this isn’t the place for you, well, unless you live in rural Northumberland. But if you’re eyeing something to last long in the memory - and even bank a place to come stayover for a weekend - The Tempus need to be at the top of your list.

The journey. That’s kind of the thing with this, it’s very much, as mentioned, a destination. I was kindly invited up for a midweek try out of the beautifully season and classic, a la carte menu, and while it took me the best part of an hour to get there, it was worth every minute. I didn’t want to leave.

As we meandered through the snaking paths, through canopies of trees, what eventually opened up was a site to behold. Tucked away in the forests off the A1, just past Alnwick, is the beautiful grounds of Charlton Hall.

With it’s stately home-like charm on one side, full of barn rooms and the old hall, there’s a whole new development on the other, with outdoor summer seating - if we get any sun to enjoy - with it’s live music tips, equipped with pizza oven and bar. In the main building, which also doubles as more hotel rooms, is an eclectic bar and restaurant, with warm, cosy drinks at one end and an amazing light orangery at the other. This is where they seated NewcastleWorld’s two diners for the evening.

The ‘perfect introduction’

We skipped the bread and olives at the start - although I usually wouldn’t - we dived straight into the starters, knowing that we had three courses to try!

Opting for the chicken and ham hock terrine, with amazingly tart mini apple adornments and rhubarb, it burst with flavour. The fruity sweetness cutting through the pancetta-laden terrine.

We also went for a chicken liver parfait, which was velvety rich and everything you’d expect from a dish that, when done well like this, acts as the perfect introduction to a night well spent.

Battle over the mains - but not in a bad way

There was a little internal battle going on between these two diners for the main - both of us wanted the belly pork. Roasted with apples and prunes and with a crunch so crisp it shatters the ambience to the bite. It even had another one of those apples, too. They were a delight.

I relent and let my fellow diner tuck in. For me, however, was a subtle lamb number, served with pea puree, asparagus and a creamy, cheesy arancini for texture. While I’d not wanted to detour from the porky goodness, I was not to be disappointed. Looking at the menu as a whole it is hard to see how you could be, in fairness.

This dish let the perfectly-cooked lamb do the work, with the greenery around it giving hints of freshness, that kept the palate interested.

No other way to end, is there?

Three courses is a lot, especially for a week night, but when in Rome (Northumberland), why not?

My fellow diner opted for the creme brulee - not my cup of tea, but let’s give it a go.

While that was crunchy and creamy, if - my only criticism, a little burnt-tasting - the sticky toffee pudding, my choice, absolutely blew it out of the water.

Is there any other way to end the perfect meal? Not for me.

In summary, the venue oozes class and sophistication, with a classic feel with a vibrant modern twist. The food was just as good, with fresh ingredients married with classical techniques and modern favourites.

TASTE: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

SERVICE: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

VIBE: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

RETURNABILITY ⭐⭐⭐⭐