TOWIE star visits Northumberland pub as part of new BBC show

A Northumberland pub has added a traditional North East dish to their permanent menu, after getting the stamp of approval from a reality TV star.

The Northumberland Arms based in Felton, Morpeth were visited by The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE) star, Mark Wright, who dined at the venue with his dad (also named Mark) and his brother Josh.

The 36-year-old reality TV star, who has been married to Coronation Street actress Michelle Keegan since 2015, is launching a brand-new show on BBC, named A Wright Family Holiday.

The show will follow Mark, his dad and his brother as they go on an ‘epic road trip’ across Britain.

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As part of the show, they visited The Northumberland Arms, and tried their ‘pan haggerty’, a traditional dish made up of sliced potatoes, onions, butter, and shredded cheddar cheese.

The dish was originally part of the Northumberland Arms’ specials menu, but has now been permanently added to their main menu, after Mark and his family enjoyed the meal.

Stuart Young of the Northumberland Pub Co, which operates The Northumberland Arms said:  “They’d never tried pan haggerty before, and they absolutely loved it.”

He continued: “After all, what’s not to love? Potatoes, onions and cheese sourced from one of our finest Northumberland cheesemakers – they’re a match made in heaven.

“If you’re from the North East you’ve probably had pan haggerty – or a version of it – before. But often we’re so keen to try new things that old dishes fall out of favour.

“Seeing how much Mark and his family enjoyed it reminded us of just how special it is.”