Across North East England, local specialities are sold in village shops, at food markets and festivals. Try homemade chilli sauces and marinades from local company Trees Can’t Dance. Buy the sweetest Lanchester asparagus fresh from the soil. If you’ve a sweet tooth, visit Archers Jersey Ice Cream. This family-run business creates the smoothest ice cream using milk from its own cows and home-grown fruit.

There’s always something foodie happening. The excellent Living North Fairs are held twice a year in key locations and Darlington Food Fayre is a monthly treat. And, if you time it right, you could catch the brilliant Alnwick Food Festival or EAT! - NewcastleGateshead’s annual two-week celebration of good food. Be sure to make a trip to either Hexham or Alnwick, who both have farmers markets which feature in Times Online's top 12 UK markets.

We’re very proud of our produce and you’ll taste it time and again in pubs, restaurants and bed and breakfasts. You'll also find it for sale in butchers, delis and food halls throughout the region. Savour oak-smoked Craster kippers, and ripe Northumberland cheeses. Pick your own summer berries at Brocksbushes Fruit Farm, visit micro-breweries and spread salty pease pudding on hot buttered toast. In North East England everyday eating is a speciality.