We are delighted that our premier dining destination, Emerald Restaurant has been awarded 3 Rosettes by the AA. As the only Northumbrian hotel to have achieved this benchmark of excellence in 2025, Emerald now ranks among the very finest in the UK.
This prestigious accolade recognises and celebrates culinary standards deserving of national acclaim and is testament to the creativity, imagination and hard work of our team.
Our country hotel has also retained its AA 5 Star status for a second year, making this the perfect time to escape to the country for an evening of 5 star splendour, exquisite dining and Northumbrian charm.
The Jewel In The Crown
Wreathed in heritage oak panelling and glowing with old-school elegance, Emerald Restaurant draws you into a world of opulence and timeless luxury. Settle by its ornate, crackling fire and look out onto rolling parkland to savour an evening like no other.
The place for your best bib and tucker, sweep into a 5 star experience with a chilled aperitif in the glamorous 1832 bar before sitting down to an exquisite 8 course Tasting Menu, surrounded by warm opulence and accompanied by thoughtful wine pairing from our own charismatic cellar.
A Seasonal Approach
Under the guidance of Head Chef Eddie Saint and Head Pastry Chef Laurèns Le Gal, the Tasting Menus of Emerald Restaurant flow and change with the turn of the seasons. Nestled in the heart of Northumberland, Matfen Hall is perfectly placed to source high quality produce from the fields, forests farms and coastlines of our beautiful part of the world.
Flavour pairings are carefully considered to showcase the best of the region throughout the year.
Imaginative and contemporary, timeless and classic- each plate is exquisitely crafted to offer a moment to celebrate our carefully sourced produce, in season and full of flavour.
Northumbrian Tasting Notes
Refreshed to reflect each season, our Tasting Menus change regularly. But to offer a flavour of the finest, here are a selection of tasting notes from our latest, 3 AA Rosette award-winning menu .
A stylish overture to the main event, your evening begins with a a duo of delicate snacks, served with a glass of Laurent Perrier Heritage Champagne.
Freshly brought in from the Northumbrian coast, Lindisfarne oyster is paired with French onion and gruyere alongside a refreshing glass of 2022 Terra De Asorei Albarino.
A characterful and lively Beaujolais is the perfect partner to salt aged beef tartare with girolle and caviar. And native lobster, spiced carrot and saffron is served with a glass of beautifully balanced Domaine Carrette Pouilly Fuisse.
Pear, juniper berry and white chocolate is offset by local Hepple Gin and paired with a classic Sauternes. And your 8 course experience closes on a suitably indulgent note with an 18 month comte espuma with java long pepper, winter truffle and a glass of 2020 Vignamaggio Chianti Classico.
5 Star From Dawn To Dusk
Emerald Restaurant sits at the heart of Matfen Hall, a magnificent Grade II listed estate and Northumberland’s first 5 star hotel. It’s your indulgent invitation to turn an evening of fine dining into a country escape to remember for years to come.
Awarded AA 5 Star status for 2025, our team is ready to welcome you into a world of sumptuous elegance where every your every need is already considered and taken care of.
Let stresses melt away with an afternoon in The Retreat, our spa sanctuary and the perfect prelude to your reservation at Emerald Restaurant. And at the close of your evening, float up our grand oak staircase to your individually decorated suite to sink into an emperor bed and a blissful night’s sleep.
From a romantic table for two to an unforgettable country retreat, plan your experience at Northumberland’s 3 AA Rosette Restaurant here.