Hjem

Here are three unique and unconventional aspects of the Michelin-starred restaurant Hjem, Wall:

1. Dual Cultural Heritage Reflected in Name and Cuisine
The name "Hjem" means "home" in both Northumbrian and Scandinavian dialects, symbolizing the fusion of the owners' birthplaces—Sweden and North East England. This dual heritage is also expressed in the restaurant’s approach, which combines local Northumbrian produce with Scandinavian cooking techniques, reflecting the chef’s background and experience in top Nordic restaurants.

2. Location and Atmosphere: Village Pub Setting with Scenic Views
Unlike many Michelin-starred restaurants located in urban or standalone fine dining venues, Hjem is housed inside a village pub, The Hadrian Hotel, in the small village of Wall. Guests first gather for an aperitif in a cozy, pub-like space before moving to a minimalist dining room with beautiful views over the Tyne Valley and proximity to Hadrian’s Wall, creating a unique blend of rustic charm and refined dining.

3. The Swedish Tradition of 'Fika' as a Dessert Experience
As a nod to Chef Alex’s Swedish heritage, the meal concludes with a version of "fika," a traditional Swedish coffee break. Instead of a single dessert, the table is covered with an assortment of sweet treats and snacks, offering a generous and memorable finale to the dining experience that contrasts with the typical plated dessert course.

The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant Hjem in Wall are:

• Seasonal Northumbrian produce: Hjem emphasizes using the finest seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms and gardens in Northumberland, reflecting a strong commitment to locality and freshness.

• Doddington cheese cream: Featured in their gougeres, this cheese adds a rich, creamy element to the dish, showcasing local dairy excellence.

• Chicken liver parfait: Served with brioche and Pedro Ximenez syrup, this ingredient highlights traditional Scandinavian techniques combined with luxurious flavors.

• Preserved mushrooms (chanterelle, morel, hedgehog): Used in dishes like mushroom on toast and morel mushroom ‘mushi,’ these preserved fungi bring intense umami and earthy flavors, enhanced by pickling and herbs, demonstrating a Nordic influence on preservation and flavor layering.

• Scandinavian cooking techniques: While not an ingredient, the exclusive use of Scandinavian methods is key to how these ingredients are transformed into signature dishes, such as the traditional Swedish-inspired 'fika' dessert experience.

These ingredients and techniques collectively define Hjem’s identity, blending Northumbrian terroir with Scandinavian culinary heritage in refined, seasonal dishes.

Tasting Menu

• £165 per person (dinner)

Lunch Reservation

• £50 per person