Restaurant Hjem.
Restaurant Hjem was the dream project of chef Alexander Nietosvuori and his wife, Ally Thompson-Nietosvuori.
Hjem was opened in 2019 and Alexander was awarded his first Michelin Star in January 2021. Hjem’s final service was New Year’s Eve 2025.
At Hjem, Alexander used produce from the surrounding farms and gardens, fish and seafood from the North Sea and game from the fells all over the Tyne Valley.
With this he created a menu that married his Scandinavian style with our wonderful Northern ingredients.
Where do you get your influences from?
I can’t help being influenced by where I come from: Sweden. The experiences I have had in my career so far also play a part. I always feel inspired walking in the hills and countryside of Northumberland though, and ready to draw and build on those influences.
Is there a dish you could never take off the menu at Hjem?
The horseradish sorbet with caramel sauce will probably always be on the menu, in one way or another. We asked Ally’s Dad to hand-make an apple-shaped bowl for the serving when it first went on. Seeing the work he put into that dish, it felt like we could never take it off, and guests seem to love it too which always helps! At the moment we are working on a version with lavender, violas and an apple caramel.