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Alex Nietosvuori and Ally Thompson-Nietosvuori, founders of Restaurant Hjem

Farewell feast as Hjem set to bow out in style

A Northumberland fine dining favourite is set to mark the end of an era with a special celebration to see in the new year.

Hjem, the region’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, will close its doors on December 31, after six years that helped redefine the North East’s culinary scene. 

To mark the occasion, the restaurant will host Hjem’s Last Hurrah – a New Year’s Eve event blending food, music and festive flair.

Departing from its signature tasting menu, Hjem’s kitchen team will cook from the grill and seafood bar, serving an array of dishes alongside indulgent desserts. 

Guests can enjoy bespoke cocktails, Champagne and fine wines throughout the evening, with interactive beverage masterclasses adding to the celebrations.

From 11pm, live DJs will set the tone for the countdown, culminating in a firework display to welcome 2026 – and the next chapter for Hjem’s award-winning team.

Head chef and co-founder Alex Nietosvuori said: “We wanted our final night at Hjem to feel like a true celebration – not just of what we’ve achieved, but of the people who have been part of it.

“Every dish, every song, every glass raised will be a thank you to our guests and team. 

“It’s less of a farewell and more of a full-hearted send-off before we turn the page and begin the next story at Freyja.”

Restaurant manager and co-founder Ally Thompson-Nietosvuori added: “Hjem has always been about more than exquisite food. It’s been about warmth, generosity, and the sense of belonging that comes from gathering around a table.

“This New Year’s Eve, we’ll celebrate that spirit one last time - with laughter, music and a bit of magic. 

“It will be an evening to remember, and a beautiful way to close the doors on a place that has meant so much to us all.”

Alex and Ally’s new venture will come to life at Freyja, a purpose-built restaurant-with-rooms opening in 2026 at the Close House Estate near Wylam. 

Building on their signature blend of Nordic design and Northumbrian ingredients, Freyja will transform their vision into a full dining destination complete with on-site accommodation.

Guests wishing to stay up to date with Freyja’s development and opening announcements can join the mailing list via freyjarestaurant.com, where updates will be shared in the coming months.

Tickets for Hjem’s Last Hurrah New Year’s Eve Party are now available at www.restauranthjem.co.uk.

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