James Martin's Islands to Highlands

In Northumberland, James joins Michelin‑starred chef Kenny Atkinson for a culinary adventure. Together they learn the traditional process of making mead on historic Holy Island and then embark on a boat cruise that circles the wildlife‑rich Coquet Island along its scenic coastline.

The episode forms part of the series Northumberland, a programme that follows its host as he explores the county’s distinctive food and landscape. In this instalment, James is accompanied by Michelin‑starred chef Kenny Atkinson, whose reputation for fine cooking adds a culinary perspective to the journey. Together they travel to Holy Island, where they observe the traditional process of making mead. The pair watch the fermentation and learn the steps involved in turning honey into the historic drink, gaining insight into a craft that has been part of the island’s heritage for centuries. After the mead‑making session, James and Kenny board a boat for a cruise around Coquet Island. The outing lets them view the island’s coastal scenery from the water, offering a different angle on the region’s natural environment. The cruise provides a brief yet informative glimpse of the island’s surrounding waters and wildlife. By pairing a hands‑on culinary experience with a short maritime excursion, the episode showcases two contrasting yet complementary aspects of Northumberland. It blends the art of traditional beverage production with the simple pleasure of a coastal sail, giving viewers a rounded impression of the county’s cultural and natural attractions.