First it was self-catering which found the attractions of the treehouse and now even a restaurant has discovered that life in the canopy can be quite attractive – this time in Northumberland.
The Treehouse Restaurant is in Alnwick Gardens, about as far north as its possible to go before you reach the Scottish borders on the eastern side of England. No stranger to different ideas, the Alnwick Gardens were the creation of the Duchess of Northumberland as a “garden for gardeners” rather than just another garden laid out more for aesthetic appeal than any real horticultural purpose.
In just 10 years the Alnwick Gardens have taken the open garden world by storm, and the Duchess is no doubt hoping that this new concept of a dining in the trees will have the same effect on diners.
The treehouse is quite an extensive collection of buildings built in and around the trees, thus becoming more one with the environment rather than simply bolted onto it. Ideas such as the candle-lit suspension bridge on which you enter the restaurant give even more of the idea that you’re becoming a little part of this eco-system and that this restaurant has more of a purpose than most.
The menu is mostly locally sourced from around Northumberland, keeping up the green credentials, although whether anyone would really want the whole roasted wood pigeon we’re not too sure. Oh and incase you’ve ever visited the gardens – we’re pretty sure they don’t use anything from the “These plants can kill” section of the garden, which is only accessible via guided tour.
Perhaps the next venture for Gordon Ramsey et al should be a Yurt in tree instead of one of those boring old gastro pubs or restaurant in a posh hotel…?
More information can be found at the Alnwick Treehouse Restaurant page.
Update: Discovered a site giving lots of good photos of this treehouse restaurant.
More links in Alnwick:
Visitor attractions around Alnwick
Hotels and B&Bs in Alnwick, Northumberland
Holiday cottages in Alnwick
