I went to the tranquil northumberland restaurant where a risotto costs £19

Just off the A695 at Crawcrook, is Bradley Gardens. An 18th century walled garden which allows you to think you’re anywhere but two minutes off one off the busiest A-Roads in the county.

Within the walled garden, which looks like a postcard for The Chelsea Flower Show, is the Glasshouse conservatory - serving up fine dining. It’s important to get this out of the way now - to

many, this isn’t an ‘eat here every month’ sort of place but rather a special treat sort of visit - but there is no doubting you'll enjoy the food. It’s that balance between something

delicious and be preparing to pay for it - and I think Bradley Gardens, right on the Northumberland boreder, just about warrants it. We sat outside in the sunshine toddler in tow. We risked

not booking a table but I wouldn’t recommend the gamble, especially on a Sunday. As it were, we there on a Saturday eager to try their through the week menu. We skipped starters - but did

order a 175ml white wine at £8.50, and a cordial at 50p - which is a pleasant surprise given some of the prices places charge - although the price of the wine did make my eyes water

slightly. We opted for the smoked haddock risotto, and the cheese burger. The risotto was plentiful and tasty but was more like a soup or broth in places - to put it simply, it was just a

bit wet! But the haddock was cooked to perfection - lovely chunky pieces accompanied by spring onions, chives and grated cheese. That set you back £19.00 - which reaffirms why to many this

is a one in a blue moon treat - was it worth £19? It was tasty, fresh and filling - so if that ticks your boxes, then yes, although I can understand some people’s skepticism. Onto the burger

- it was loaded with two beef patties. In a world dominated by smash patties it’s refreshing to see that thick burgers can still be done to a high standard as well as fresh. I like my meat

a little rarer to how the burger came but that’s just preference. It tasted great, with that taste of the sear coming through. The Swiss blue cheese added a little bit of a savoury tipple,

which accompanied it nicely, with the gherkin proving that sweetness. The bacon for me, could have done with a little bit longer but again, that’s down to taste. The bun, lightly toasted,

was thick, and able to handle what was reasonably stacked burger - any bun that doesn’t fall apart as soon as you lift it, is a winner for me. The only disappointment were the chips. Sadly,

they were just bang average. Little seasoning and some could have done with a tad longer cooking. For £18.50, the expectation that the chips bring something to the table alongside the burger

isn’t an unfair one! Overall, the burger was decent. Up there with the best I’ve had? No, but I would have it again. It’s not going to blow your mind like some of the North East’s eateries

but if you can get past the price point, you’ll leave feeling reasonably satisfied. We did have our toddler with us, and opted for something off the kid’s menu. Sadly, this is where the

biggest complaint comes. There was a variety of choice - we opted for beans on toast at £6. Yes, you read that correctly, £6. One slice of toast and a small ramequin of beans. For £6 I

expected a bigger portion - it’s an extortionist amount of money for what it is - which in reality is a few spoonfuls of beans! As it turns out, the toast went down a treat, the beans not so

much! So I had them - out of principle. Given we skipped starters - we decided to snap up some desserts. One brown sugar meringue (£9.75) and one chocolate brownie (£8). The meringue was a

size covered with a compote and a selection of different berries. It was sweet and fluffy. The brownie was sweet and fresh with soft centre and white chocolate bits in the middle. While the

size of it was just right, you do have to question the price point. EIGHT POUNDS! As nice as it was, charging that much is boarding on the ridiculous. We left feeling satisfied - not too

full and not hungry but just right, which isn’t always an easy balance to strike! The staff were pleasant and attentive and the setting is wonderful - the noise of birds drowning out the

nearby traffic. Honestly, as soon as you walk in, you slip into a relaxing atmosphere. But the big question is the price. Our bill, including a cheeky lemonade came to £75 - and

understandably, a few may question the value for money. If you consider what Bradley Gardens is - and I would argue successfully - trying to be, that being offering fresh and fine food in a

wonderful setting, and you compare it to some other restaurants in the same field, then it’s prices are quite reasonable. RATINGS Food - 4 Service: 4 Value for Money - 3 Atmosphere - 5