Mary Wilkins: bringing excellent cuisine to Coquetdale.

Mary Wilkins Fine dining chef, cooking teacher/demonstrator, and entrepreneur - but now, making us all very happy within Coquetdale, Mary and Neil are running The Rose and Thistle at Alwinton.

This is what I wrote about Mary, back in 2021.

Mary was born in Rothbury in 1974 into a family that loved food and cooking. Her granny taught her the art of home cuisine: “Good old-fashioned filling food, such as steak and kidney pie”. When her teacher at Brownies declared Mary's butterfly cakes “The best I have ever tasted”, Mary's confidence and passion were confirmed. She knew she wanted to be a cook.

So, after school, she went to catering college, and from there to London, to learn from some of the most inspiring chefs of the time: at restaurants including the Savoy, and the Dorchester. Mary also worked for Rhubarb Food Design, the renowned venue caterers, and learned the craft of catering.

Mary returned to Coquetdale in 2004, reuniting with Neil, who she had met at college and spent time with in London. They became a partnership, both romantically and in business, setting up a catering company and cookery school together: Wilkins Fine Dining. The couple had great success organising dinner parties in private homes, and catering for weddings.

“Having worked in the intense environment of some of the world's most famed kitchens we know that attention to detail is paramount”. Their talents for listening to clients' needs, and their ability to provide innovative and inspirational food, ensured business success.

They took on units at Rothbury Industrial Estate where the equipment to cater for up to 200 guests is stored, and industrial-sized fridges and cookers are housed.

Besides being successful chefs and business partners, they also have two sons. 'What do you make for their tea'? I ask. Mary laughs: 'It goes from one extreme to the next; one night it might be scallops and mussels, the next beans on toast!”.

When the pandemic struck, hospitality had to halt. Far from being down-hearted, Mary's entrepreneurial temperament enabled her to take stock and to look for other opportunities. They opened a shop, Rothbury Fruit and Vegetables, at Town Foot. They also came to the rescue of many hungry folk with their Rothbury Food Truck. “The aim is to cook up some fabulous fresh food which we take on the road to our wonderful customers in Coquetdale”.

Picture credit: NICRE

I ask what will happen after lock-down finally ends? “The shop is important, customers come in and chat, while choosing their fruit and vegetables. So, this will continue, as will the Food Truck”.

But Mary is really looking forward to being able to offer her cookery classes again. She tells me “I've had a really amazing career and met loads of fascinating folk and learned so much. I love to share my passion for creating food that is honest, full of flavour, and made from only the finest ingredients”.

That was the article, back in 2021. But Mary and Neil's culinary adventures took a different turn, and we are delighted that they now run the Rose and Thistle at Alwinton. The reviews are superb, and everyone who has eaten there is astounded at just how creative and delicious the meals are.

"A very friendly, comfortable dining room with fantastic views"
"The food was delicious, served promptly, and was good value for money"
"A highly enjoyable experience".

Definitely worth a visit, when you are visiting beautiful Alwinton and Coquetdale.