CHRISTMAS IS coming early to diners at one North East pub, as it unveils festive dishes and new additions.

The Blackbird, at Ponteland, has revealed that its Christmas menu will be available from 29 November to 23 December, featuring a mix of traditional dishes and creative flavour combinations.

And it’s not the only thing diners have to look forward to this year, as the venue plans to launch an outdoor kitchen and welcome back its popular tipi from mid November – which will now be a permanent feature at the pub.

Starters on the new menu include cream of Jerusalem artichoke soup, chicken liver parfait, treacle-cured salmon and roast beetroot.

Main dishes will feature festive favourite, traditional roast turkey, along with options such as tempura sea bream, pork ballotine, slow-braised featherblade of beef and caramelised white onion and thyme tarte tatin.

Those with a sweet tooth can choose from traditional Christmas pudding, rich dark chocolate mousse, gingerbread panna cotta or white chocolate and cherry parfait.

Diners planning a get-together will once again be able to make the most of the upstairs Minstrel Gallery for Christmas parties and private dining, with the added option of hiring out the tipi for larger bookings.

And those dining outdoors can also sample dishes from the new street food kitchen, including pizzas, burgers and more.

Stuart Young of the Northumberland Pub Company, which operates the Blackbird, believes the festive menu has something for everyone.

“While many people don’t get into the Christmas spirit until at least November, our chefs have been hard at work for weeks now to perfect the delicious dishes we’ll be serving throughout December,” he said.

“They’ve come up with some excellent options and – coupled with our new street food kitchen – there’s a fantastic choice of dishes on offer this year.

“We’re delighted to reveal the return of our festive tipi which was so popular during the summer months, as it’s a great choice for anyone looking for something a little different for their Christmas party.

“And it’s here to stay – so our customers can now enjoy it year-round.”

For more information, or to book, visit www.theblackbirdponteland.co.uk/christmas-2021