New head chef appointed at The Northumberland Arms

The Northumberland Arms at Felton has a new man at the helm in the kitchen.
Mal Farmer joins The Northumberland Arms at Felton as head chef. Picture by Paula Rosa PhotograhyMal Farmer joins The Northumberland Arms at Felton as head chef. Picture by Paula Rosa Photograhy
Mal Farmer joins The Northumberland Arms at Felton as head chef. Picture by Paula Rosa Photograhy

Mal Farmer, who has landed the plum role of head chef, is determined to take the food there to another level and says he won’t stop until he’s achieved the coveted AA Rosette standard to align the food offering with the stylish interior of the entire venue.

The venue opened to critical acclaim in late 2013 following substantial capital investment to revive the impressive but flagging 1820s coaching inn.

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Its six luxury en-suite guest rooms were awarded a 4-star Gold rating in 2014 and a 5-star rating in 2015.

The pub-cum-hotel soon became a popular place to eat and sleep and boasts an impressive list of wines and guest ales.

The whole venue has been lovingly furnished in a chic, eclectic style, with bar, intimate restaurant and River Room Conservatory.

“I’m thrilled and excited to be given this opportunity,” said Mal. “The Northumberland Arms already has a great reputation. Currently, the food is good; we intend to make it exceptional.”

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Mal is joined by sous chef Martyn Barry, who has worked alongside him at numerous venues throughout Mal’s successful career, and together they plan “to push forward with inspiring menus using fresh, seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients to prepare dishes that not only taste amazing but bring a smile to the face of the diner”.

“If food is art (and it is), my team and I are going to contribute hugely to the unique dining experience we plan to offer going forward, he said.

The appointments are the first step in The Northumberland Arms’ plans to further enhance their food and beverage offering with an investment in the re-design of the kitchen layout, car park and other non-public spaces.

The venue, as well as its sister business The Percy Arms at Chatton, has also made an application to Northumberland County Council to licence civil ceremony weddings.

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It also intends to provide a full private-hire ‘function’ facility with the intention of firmly establishing The Arms in the county.

For more information, contact general manager Gina Doyle on 01670 787 370 or email [email protected]