Restaurant Hjem, which gained Northumberland its first Michelin Star, will close its doors on December 31, 2025 after a remarkable six years which redefined the North East’s fine dining scene.
Opened in May 2019 by Swedish chef, Alex Nietosvuori and his Northumberland-born partner (now wife), Ally Thompson-Nietosvuori, the restaurant immediately caught the attention of Michelin Guide inspectors and became a must-visit for food lovers from all over the region, the UK and beyond thanks to its signature style, which married the best Northumbrian produce with traditional Scandinavian cooking techniques.
Restaurant Hjem, named in honour of both the Swedish and Northumbrian word for ‘home’, achieved the county’s first Michelin Star in January 2021 – retaining it year on year as Alex and his team continued to impress with their culinary excellence, creativity and commitment to showcasing the finest local and seasonal ingredients.
Having announced plans to build and open a purpose-built restaurant-with-rooms, Freyja on the Close House Estate in nearby Wylam, Alex and Ally have decided that the rest of 2025 will serve as a glorious celebration of everything they have accomplished at Hjem as they look forward to their next adventure.
“We want to make Restaurant Hjem’s final year its best one yet,” said Alex. “We’re excited to celebrate everything we’ve achieved and leave a lasting impression in the hearts of those who’ve supported us along the way before we start a new chapter.
“Making the decision to close has not been an easy one. The past six years has been an incredible journey, filled with amazing people, unforgettable experiences, and a passion to create something truly special.
“It gave a platform for me to showcase my abilities and share my passion for food. It has shaped who I am and will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Ally, who manages front of house operations at Hjem, added: “When we first dreamed of opening Restaurant Hjem, we wrote down what we hoped to create. Looking back now, we can honestly say we’ve done it – beyond anything we could have imagined.
“Hjem has always been more than just a place to eat – it has been a family. From our team to our guests and everyone in between, it’s been the relationships that have made this place so special.
“A break clause in our lease prompted us to think long and hard about the next few years and the ambitious plans we have for Freyja, which will open in autumn 2026.
“It feels fitting that as we break ground on Freyja, we spend time celebrating what we’ve created at Hjem. That’s why we’re making this announcement now, to give as many people who want to return to Hjem – or visit us for the first time – the chance to do so.”
As the team behind Restaurant Hjem make plans for their next venture, Ally and Alex are inviting guests to join them for a series of one-off events, including a special sixth birthday menu – details to be revealed soon.
Meanwhile throughout the year, tasting menus will feature some of Alex’s most beloved and popular dishes, including pink fir potatoes, blackcurrant leaves and North Acomb farm butter; chicken liver parfait – currently on the menu with Pedro Ximenez syrup and walnuts; and the 2015 experiment which became a menu fixture, horseradish ice cream with warm apple caramel and fresh horseradish.
“Closing Restaurant Hjem is bittersweet, but we want to give our guests lots of last chances to experience the magic of what we’ve created here,” said Alex.
“The journey at Hjem has been an adventure, and we’ve grown stronger as people through it all. We’ve faced challenges, embraced the unexpected, and built something truly remarkable together.”