Northumberland's Pine restaurant named best in the UK by SquareMeal

The award has been bestowed upon restaurant Pine from independent restaurant guide, SquareMeal.

The guide publishes a thoroughly researched Top 100 UK restaurants list each year.

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The list excludes restaurants from London, making a point of showcasing the wider dining scene across the country.

The rankings are based on both reader reviews and feedback from independent food critics.

The title recognises the hard work and innovation of the restaurant's dynamic chef duo, Cal Byerley and Ian Waller.

Their culinary talents shine in the homely setting of a converted barn, where the hearty food and friendly atmosphere blend to offer a laid-back dining experience.

Pine is a family-run venture, with Mr Byerley's wife, Sian, managing the front-of-house operations, while Mr Waller's partner, head sommelier Vanessa Stoltz, is in charge of the carefully curated wine list.

The team is credited with creating an exceptional restaurant that has captured the attention of food critics and diners alike.

On being recognised as the best restaurant in the UK, Mr and Mrs Byerley said: "We are absolutely thrilled and honoured to be recognised as the best restaurant in the UK by SquareMeal.

"This achievement is a testament to the extraordinary dedication and talent of our exceptional team, whose passion and commitment to excellence has brought us to this incredible accomplishment."

Explaining the success of Pine, SquareMeal’s Restaurants Editor, Pete Dreyer praised the continuous dedication to quality and innovation in the food industry.

He said: "In Pine we have a true trailblazer leading from the top spot.

"The team sticks resolutely to sustainable principles, but is constantly striving to produce unique and exceptional dishes.

"Adventurous, entertaining, and absolutely impossible to pigeonhole, Pine is unquestionably one of the very best restaurants in the country."