Lauded restaurant wins national newcomer title

It is one of only a handful of places in the whole of the North East to currently have a perfect score on Trip Advisor and now a “flawless” restaurant in Northumberland has even more reason to celebrate, having taken home the best newcomer title at a prestigious national awards ceremony.

- SIMON DUKE

Owned and run by Gary McDermott and Claudia Mazareanu, a couple with over two decades of hospitality experience under their belts, there was a lot of curiosity around Sonnet when it opened in Bondgate, Alnwick last year.

That curiosity has now blossomed into immense success and popularity, with Sonnet landing firmly on the radar of Michelin experts and earning a place in the 2025 Guide, despite not even being open a year at that point. It has also won a UK’s Top New Restaurant accolade from Conde Nast Traveller.