Hjem to open pop-up restaurant at South Causey Inn, Stanley

Hjem was opened by Swedish chef Alex Nietosvuori and Ally Thompson-Nietosvuori, his Northumberland-born wife, in Wall, Northumberland in May 2019 and won its first Michelin star in January 2021.

The restaurant announced this year it will close its doors on December 31, with the couple set to embark on new project Freyja – a restaurant with rooms at the Close House estate in Wylam, opening in 2026.

But the pair have announced a final hurrah for Hjem with a pop-up set to bring its Scandinavian inspired flavours to the South Causey Inn, near Stanley, for six months.

Alex Nietosvuori and Ally Thompson-Nietosvuori in the Restaurant Hjem kitchen. (Image: PR)

Alex said: “This exciting move offers a chance to cook somewhere new, while staying close to home.

“It feels incredibly special to be staying in the North East while we work on the next chapter of our story.

“The Beamish Valley is beautiful, and the South Causey team have created something really special here over the years.”

Ally added: “The North East has always embraced us – we’re excited to spend time in a different part of it. We’ve spent six incredible years at Hjem, and we knew we wanted this in-between period to be meaningful.

“Being able to bring our team here, support their development, and still offer something special to guests means a lot to us.

“The South Causey grounds are stunning, with walking trails, beautiful rooms and so many things for guests to enjoy.”

Susan Moiser and Alex Nietosvuori at the South Causey Inn where Hjem will have a six-month residency. (Image: PR)

The team will operate from The Farmhouse building on the South Causey site for six months from February 4, while work on Freyja continues.

Diners will be able to tuck in to an à la carte menu with a six-course tasting option at dinner services from Wednesday to Friday, lunch and dinner on Saturday, and a long lunch on Sunday.

Susan Moiser, owner of the South Causey Inn, added: “As a family-owned business, it means so much to us to welcome Alex and Ally and the Hjem team to South Causey Inn.

“We have long admired their passion, creativity and commitment to exceptional food, and this collaboration feels like a natural fit for us.

“Hosting Hjem in our Farmhouse for the next six months is incredibly exciting, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience something truly special.”

Announcing the decision to close Hjem back in February, the couple admitted it was not an easy one, but said the venue will “always hold a special place in (their) hearts”.