SITE VISIT APRIL ‘24

Site visit with Alex and Bob.

Trees now planted and beds marked up. The greenhouse is ordered and will be installed in the coming months. The beds are marked out as per the Edwardian plans that Bob has studied, ensuring the garden will be as it was originally. We filmed the first 2 episodes of Freya’s new YouTube Chanel with head gardener Bob, the series will explore the development of the walled garden, from planning, to building to planting! Bob will give us guides on how to and Alex will then cook dishes with the produce. We hope to launch this in the near furture and plan on releasing 1 roughly 10 minute long episode per week.

First Site Visit

Welcome

...to a culinary journey like no other, where the past meets the future, and gastronomy intertwines with nature. Nestled within the picturesque grounds of Close House in Hexham, an extraordinary culinary venture has sprouted from the creative minds of two visionaries: the renowned Chef Alex Nietosvuori and his innovative partner, Charlie Watkins. This groundbreaking restaurant, situated within the timeless embrace of a Victorian walled garden, is poised to redefine the very essence of fine dining.

Fresh

What sets this establishment apart is its profound commitment to sustainability and seasonality. Here, the kitchen's heartbeat is synchronized with the rhythm of nature, thanks to the bountiful harvests cultivated by Hexham Organics. This garden, born from scratch, serves as the restaurant's beating heart, providing the freshest, most vibrant ingredients imaginable. What's truly remarkable is that these ingredients need not undergo refrigeration; they are plucked from the earth on the very day they grace your plate, delivering unparalleled flavor and a connection to the land that's nothing short of transformative.

Ambition

With aspirations to become a culinary destination that transcends the ordinary, Chef Alex Nietosvuori and Charlie Watkins invite you to embark on an unforgettable gastronomic adventure. Prepare to be enchanted by flavors that dance with the seasons, as this conceptual restaurant venture redefines the boundaries of epicurean delight, all while embracing the timeless charm of Close House's Victorian walled garden. This is more than a dining experience; it's a harmonious fusion of nature's bounty and culinary mastery, promising to leave an indelible mark on your palate and your soul.

Let The Story Begin

As a storyteller, I am poised to embark on an incredible adventure, one that will unfold over the next two years, chronicling the evolution of this top-level restaurant and hotel project from its very inception to its culmination.

I will capture not just the aesthetics of design and construction but also the very essence of this conceptual restaurant. From the moment the first brick is laid to the first sprout emerging from the fertile soil of the Victorian walled garden, my images will breathe life into the narrative. I'll be there to document the creative sparks that ignite during culinary experiments, the smiles of satisfaction when a dish is perfected, and the moments of inspiration that come from working in harmony with nature.

This project represents more than just bricks and mortar; it's a living, breathing embodiment of creativity and dedication. My role as the storyteller is pivotal in conveying the heart and soul of this endeavour to the world. As I document the journey, I’ll be weaving a narrative that transcends mere food and architecture—it's about dreams realized, the beauty of collaboration, and the passion that fuels innovation.

Latest News.

Intro Filming with Monochroma Team.

Shot on location in Alison and Vincents wonderful apartment in London. Here the Monochroma team introduce themselves, their role in the project and how they came to be. They discuss their excitement for the journey and how they are putting the branding and graphical identity of Freyja together.

Monochroma BTS stills of the filming.

Alex Shot for VIBERG BOOTS

Alex shot and filmed for a VIBERG BOOTS projects named ‘Excellence’. We also took this opportunity to gather some content of Alex and Bob on location @Hexhamshire Organics.