Hjem, Northumberland’s first Michelin star, will close at year’s end. Owners will focus on Freyja, a new project.
Alex Nietosvuori and Ally Thompson launched Hjem in 2019. In 2021, it earned a Michelin star, and it kept this star; Michelin confirmed this earlier this month.
Hjem also had a pop-up in Newcastle’s Fenwick, highlighting local food and Scandinavian methods. Hjem will close December 31st, and the pair said it’s time for a change.
They planned Freyja last year; it’s a restaurant with rooms that sits on Close House Estate in Wylam. They want to honor Hjem’s success this year and begin their next adventure later.
Alex wants Hjem’s last year to be great, and he’s excited to celebrate their achievements, hoping to leave a mark on supporters before they start a new chapter.
Closing was not easy; the last six years were incredible. They met amazing people, had great times, and he shared his passion for food. It shaped him, and he will cherish it.
Ally manages the dining room, and she said they dreamed about opening Hjem, writing down their goals. Now, they’ve exceeded their vision. Hjem was more than a place to eat; it was a family, she added. Their team and guests made it special.
A lease clause made them think ahead. They have big plans for Freyja, which will open in autumn 2026. Celebrating Hjem as they build Freyja feels right. They want people to revisit Hjem now, and they also want first-time visits.
Now, they plan special events to honor Hjem, including a sixth birthday menu; bookings are open until the end of September. They will offer tasting menus this year, and Alex will feature favorite dishes. Closing Hjem is bittersweet, he said, and he wants guests to experience its magic.
The Hjem journey was an adventure. They grew stronger as people, faced challenges, and embraced surprises, building something remarkable together.