If you’re looking for something to do this Easter, why not take the kids to one of over 260 Easter Egg Hunts that are taking place from the 1st-28th April – many at National Trust properties?
Once the kids have let off steam, it’s time for your treat: a meal at a nearby Michelin-recommended pub or restaurant.
Cheshire
Hunt: Little Moreton Hall, Congleton, CW12 4SD
Restaurant: Joseph Benjamin, Chester, CH1 2HT
This personally and passionately run bistro is named after its owners, Joe and Ben. The light, simple décor mirrors the style of cooking and the monthly menu offers tasty, well-judged dishes. They serve breakfast, lunch, coffee and homemade pastries and, from Thursday to Saturday, intimate candlelit dinners.
Cornwall
Hunt: Holywell Beach, Newquay
Restaurant: Fifteen Cornwall, Watergate Bay, TR8 4AA
Take in fabulous bay views from this lively beachfront restaurant. The profits go towards training disengaged adults to become chefs. Unfussy Italian menus have a Cornish twist and feature homemade pastas and steaks from the Josper grill. At lunch they also serve antipasti at the unbookable bar counter.
Hunt: Trengwainton Gardens, Penzance, TR20 8RZ
Pub: Gurnard’s Head, Zennor, TR26 3DE
Surrounded by nothing but fields and livestock is this dog-friendly pub with shabby-chic décor, blazing fires and a relaxed, cosy feel. Menus rely on regional and foraged produce and the wine list offers some interesting choices by the glass.
Cumbria
Hunt: Fell Foot Park, Newby Bridge, LA12 8NN
Hunt: Townend, Troutbeck, LA23 1LB
Pub: Punch Bowl Inn, Crosthwaite, LA8 8HR
The picturesque Lyth Valley plays host to this charming 17C inn, where a cosy beamed bar doubles as the village post office. Have a pint of local beer and some homemade pork scratchings or carefully cooked classics like cheese soufflé or coq au vin.
Pub: Drunken Duck Inn, Ambleside, LA22 0NG
This picture-postcard pub sits in the heart of the beautiful Lakeland countryside. Simple brunches are followed by elaborate dinners with subtle global influences. Cooking is generous, service is attentive and the ales are brewed on-site.
Greater Manchester
Hunt: Dunham Massey Hall, Altrincham, WA14 4SJ
Restaurant: Wood Manchester, Manchester, M15 4RA
The old Gaythorn Gas Works redevelopment is home to this large modern restaurant run by MasterChef winner Simon Wood. There’s a lively buzz to the place, which could best be described as ‘industrial-chic’ in looks. Carefully crafted dishes are modern and creative.
Kent
Hunt: Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Cranbrook, TN17 2AB
Pub: The Windmill, Hollingbourne, ME17 1TR
With its giant inglenook fireplace and low-slung beams, the Windmill is as characterful as they come. You’ll find tempting bar snacks, hearty British classics and a selection of more refined dishes too. On Sundays there are roasts to share.
Northumberland
Hunt: Housesteads Roman Fort and Hadrian’s Wall, Hexham, NE47 6NN
Pub: The Feathers Inn, Hedley on the Hill, NE43 7SW
This warm, welcoming pub is set on a steep hill in the heart of a characterful village and is a hub of the local community. Constantly evolving menus highlight Northumbrian produce and everything is made in-house.
Tyne & Wear
Hunt: Gibside Georgian Landscaped Garden, Burnopfield, NE16 6BG
Hunt: Washington Old Hall, Washington Village, Sunderland, NE38 7LE
Hunt: Penshaw Monument, Penshaw, Sunderland, DH4 7NJ
Pub: Broad Chare, Newcastle, NE1 3DQ
You can eat either in the snug ground floor bar or the more comfortable upstairs dining room of this quayside pub. Choose from a snack menu of ‘Geordie Tapas’, an appealing ‘on toast’ selection, hearty daily specials and tasty nursery puds. They also offer over 40 ales, some of which are custom-made.
Restaurant: 21, Newcastle, NE1 2HH
Start with a gin from the huge selection behind the zinc-topped counter then head through to the smart red and black brasserie. Menus offer a comprehensive array of confidently cooked classics – the ‘menu du jour’ is good value.
Restaurant: Träkol, Gateshead, NE8 2BH (New Addition)
An assortment of shipping containers in an enviable waterside location make up this on-trend eatery which even has its own microbrewery. Its name is Swedish for ‘charcoal’ and cooking takes place over an open fire. Bold, hearty dishes range from small plates to feasting dishes for two.
West Sussex
Hunt: Petworth House, Petworth, GU28 0AE
Restaurant: Lickfold Inn, Lickfold, GU28 9EY
This pretty Grade II listed brick and timber pub offers the choice of a characterful lounge-bar serving small plates or a formal first floor restaurant. Terse descriptions hide the true complexities of the innovative dishes, which echo the seasons and come with a touch of theatre. Service is friendly and eager to please.
Hunt: Standen House, East Grinstead, RH19 4NE
Restaurant: The Cat, West Hoathly, RH19 4PP
The locals love the Cat and it’s very much a village pub, with its beamed ceilings, pewter tankards, open fires and plenty of cosy corners. Carefully executed, good value cooking focuses on tasty pub classics like locally smoked ham, egg and chips or steak, mushroom and ale pie. Service is friendly and efficient.
Yorkshire
Hunt: Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
Pub: Crown and Cushion, Welburn, YO60 7DZ
This well-run 18C pub is just two miles from Castle Howard. The menu champions local meats and the kitchen’s pride and joy is its charcoal-fired rotisserie. Dishes are hearty, sandwiches are doorstops, and puddings are of the nursery variety.
Hunt: Treasurer’s House, York, YO1 7JL
Restaurant: Star Inn The City, York, YO1 7DR
A buzzy all-day brasserie in an old brick engine house, located in a delightful riverside spot beside the Museum Gardens. Well-judged dishes are modern yet gutsy and showcase top Yorkshire produce – chargrilled meats are a highlight.
Restaurant: Mr P’s Curious Tavern, York, YO1 7HY
This is indeed a curious place; it’s set in a Grade I listed house in the shadow of the Minster and has a fun, bohemian style and a lively buzz. Well-priced dishes are full of personality and use local suppliers. Cooking mixes British and global influences – the sharing boards are popular.
Scotland
Hunt: Craigievar Castle, Alford, Aberdeenshire, AB33 8JF
Hunt: Mar Lodge Estate, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5YJ
Pub: The Flying Stag, Fife Arms Hotel, Braemar, AB35 5YN
Set within an imposing former coaching inn dating from 1856, this buzzy pub is the hub of the village. Enjoy local beers, spirits and, of course, whiskies, and to accompany, choose from a selection of bar snacks and stout Scottish dishes, including haggis, neeps & tatties.
Wales
Hunt: Dyffryn Gardens, Cardiff, CF5 6SU
Pub: Heathcock, Cardiff, CF5 2EN
This modest neighbourhood pub is the newly opened sister to the Hare & Hounds in Aberthin, and shares its passion for sourcing great ingredients and preparing them with care. The enticing menu changes daily and the delicious homemade breads are a highlight. Wash these down with a local beer or two.
Hunt: Dolaucothi Gold Mines, Pumsaint, SA19 8US
Pub: Y Talbot, Tregaron, SY25 6JL
Y Talbot was originally a drover’s inn and dates back to the 17C. The bar rooms are where the action is and so the best place to sit. Seasonal menus offer full-flavoured traditional dishes made using Welsh produce. There’s also an elephant buried in the garden!
For more Easter Egg Hunts near you visit:https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/join-the-cadbury-easter-egg-hunts
Photo Credit: Alena Koval
