Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum and Distillery in Wooler, Northumberland has announced the launch of Bēodern as it celebrates its second birthday.
Taking its name from the Old English term for dining hall, Bēodern (pronounced Bay-od-urn), aims to build on the success of the Ad Gefrin Bistro.
Bēodern brings a new dimension to Ad Gefrin’s culinary offering, bringing together a refined yet welcoming dining experience with a deep-rooted connection to the region’s rich history and local produce. Inspired by the great feasts of the Anglo-Saxon royal court at Gefrin – where people gathered in grand timber halls to share food, drink and hospitality – Bēodern aims to carry this legacy into the present day.
Dinner will now be served Thursday to Saturday – alongside lunch offered seven days a week, including Sunday lunch.
Head chef Olivier Borja, who has more than 30 years of experience in fine dining, has created the new dinner menu. His career includes time in several Michelin-starred restaurants across France, including the three-starred Lucas-Carton and two-starred Hôtel du Crillon. His international career spans senior roles in both France and Mexico, and he joined Ad Gefrin from a long-term tenure as executive chef at Roxburghe Hotel & Golf Course.
Diners can look forward to dishes including homemade game terrine with fig chutney; pickled beetroot with sourdough bread; and mackerel escabeche with saffron mayonnaise, sourdough bread and compressed cucumber to start. Mains include duck breast with fondant potatoes, pickled blackberries, celeriac and apple purée; and bacon crumble-coated cod with aubergine, preserved tomato, garlic and fresh herb mayonnaise. Desserts include Madagascan vanilla and Tácnbora whisky crème brûlée; and a seasonal fruit crumble with Tácnbora whisky crème anglaise.
A commitment to supporting Northumberland’s farmers and artisans lies at the heart of Bēodern – with the menu featuring Particularly Good Potatoes from Turvelaws Farm, Bread and Roses sourdough from Alnwick, and Doddington Dairy cheeses and ice creams.
The drinks offering is also rooted in quality local craftsmanship with Ad Gefrin’s own spirits – Tácnbora Blended Whisky, Thirlings Gin, and Flyte Whisky Cream – taking centre stage. The drinks list also features Marlish Water, Alnwick Brewery, and Cheviot Brewery.
Eileen Ferguson, co-founder of Ad Gefrin, said: “From the very beginning, our vision for Ad Gefrin has been to create a place where people can come together, celebrate, and share moments that matter. The success of our Bistro over the past two years has shown us the appetite for something more, something that truly reflects the abundance and richness of our region. With Bēodern, we are delighted to take the next step in our journey, offering a space that is both welcoming and refined, where guests can savour the best of Northumbrian produce, crafted with care and creativity.”
