Food/Drink North East

The North East of England has a strong working class history and this is reflected in their practical traditional foods.

With the wide range of local delicacies and the excellent level of local produce, the food available in the north east is known for being outstanding. There are dairies, micro-breweries, high street chains, independent cafes, delis, farm shops and restaurants, both casual and high end for you to choose from that are disabled friendly.

Visitors will find that there are plenty of accessible options all across the region, from the big names of the cities like Leeds and Newcastle to the smaller establishments in the heart of Yorkshire, you’ll be sure to find something that suits your needs, as well as your tastes and budgets.

It isn’t just about fine dining and top end restaurants, there are plenty of laid back places, pop ups, restaurants overlooking beaches and moorland with disabled access. These establishments offer the usual traditional fare, but there is also the opportunity to find international cuisine. The North East is diverse with residents originating from all over the world and putting their own spin on their national cuisines. You’ll find Indians, Thais, Mexicans, French, Chinese, Japanese… The list of international restaurants is endless!

One of the most popular dishes to be found in the North East is Chicken Parmo, traditionally this dish is chicken in breadcrumbs covered in a béchamel sauce and topped with cheese. It was apparently invented by an American chef called Nick Harris, who moved to Middlesbrough in the fifties which was where he created the dish. It is now one of the best loved dishes in the region and a must for anyone visiting for the first time.

Another popular dish found in the north east is pease pudding, which is made from yellow peas and then served with ham or beacon. Why not head to one of the traditional pubs in the region and see if you can spot panackelty on the menu? This casserole dish consists of corned beef and root vegetables and was once a staple in the diets of the mining community.

Yorkshire has its own famous dishes that you should hunt down when in the area. Everyone has heard of Yorkshire puddings, so be sure to get at least one Sunday Roast so you can try a real Yorkshire Pudding.
If you happen to be in the county over bonfire night, you might find shops and cafes offering Parkin, this is a gingerbread cake made with black treacle and is traditionally eaten on Guy Fawkes night.

There is an area of Yorkshire called Wensleydale, which can be found in the Dales. You’ll have no doubt heard of the cheese that hails from the region, you’ll want to make time to sample it at every opportunity.

One thing the North East is never in short supply of is fine ale. You’ll find breweries creating a whole range of different flavoured ales, stouts and beers all over the region.

The restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs listed below all advertise their accessibility, there are establishments with hearing loops, tables that are adapted for mobility aids, large print menus and more.