We're obsessed with good food and passionate about our beautiful region
Who are we?
Established in 2018, Triple A Food Tours is the North East's leading walking food tour company. The name 'Triple A' derives from business owner Amy Whitfield's name, her son Archie and her husband Andrew.
Our tours are carefully curated to showcase some of the best independent local businesses who are passionate about their offering and proud of their roots. We have a strong focus on sustainability, championing those partners who strive to deliver locally sourced ingredients and implement eco-friendly practices. For example, Lindsay Bros Fishmongers catch their oysters daily in the North Sea whilst Blackfriars Restaurant have been awarded the prestigious Green Tourism Gold Award.
Amy
Born and bred in the North East, Amy has black and white running through her veins. She's never met a cheese she didn't like and can talk for England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland - all at the same time!
In 2018, Amy saw a gap in the market (and we're so glad she did!) Amy spotted that Newcastle needed it's very own walking food tour to champion the many wonderful independent eateries and their hard working teams.
Since then, Amy has continued to grow Triple A Food Tours to become the most reputable walking food tour in the region, adding a further 6 tours and scooping up notable awards for her achievements.
Ali
Ali is also a local lass. She grew up in Chester-le-Street, spent a couple of years in London whilst completing her Masters in Acting at one of the capital's drama schools and returned to her beloved North East to open her very own children's theatre school (we think she just missed the stotties!)
Following the sale of her business in 2022, Ali has gone on to invest in property, publish her debut novel and become a key member of the Triple A team, both as a guide and behind the scenes. Ali has also worked as Regional Partnerships Manager for Compassion UK and in the Product and Operations department for Artisan Travel.
With plenty of experience, an unrivalled love of food and appreciation for exceptional customer service, Ali knows her stuff!
Our wonderful guides ...
Avril
Avril discovered Triple A Food Tours as a guest on the Newcastle and Ouseburn tours. Embracing the Geordie saying “shy bairns get nowt,” she called Amy, and the rest is history! A true foodie, she loves great food, dry white wine, and has twice dined aboard the luxurious Northern Belle train. When not leading tours, Avril stays active with Barre classes and enjoys knitting twiddle muffs with her 91-year-old Mam—who still loves helping *the old people*!
Donna
Donna hosts the Durham tours, bringing her passion for food to every experience. A trained chef, she left the demanding kitchen hours behind after having her youngest child and found the perfect balance in guiding—staying in the industry she loves while managing family life.
A true foodie, Donna’s ultimate meal would be a dozen oysters with lashings of Picpoul wine (a Market Hall Wines discovery!), followed by a spicy Tom Yum soup.
Julie
Julie was born in Zimbabwe and spent 21 years immersed in its rich food culture. From Sadza and Mopane worms to expertly spiced barbecued meats, her love for food began around the traditional braai.
She became a food tour guide in June 2022 when the Durham Food Tour launched and has never looked back. While she enjoys all cuisines, Thai and Indian take the top spot! A keen traveller, she loves exploring different cultures through their food, traditions, and history. When not leading tours, Julie volunteers at two historical sites in Durham, sharing the city’s fascinating past.
Lesley
Lesley’s love for food runs deep—she once ran a café with her daughter, who baked incredible cakes while she handled everything else.
She enjoys taking her mother-in-law out for afternoon tea, fish and chips, or a hearty bowl of homemade soup. A fan of local dishes, panhaggerty with stottie cake is a favourite.
Outside of food tours, Lesley enjoys modern jive, playing the mandolin, and volunteering with Wagg & Co., visiting people with her miniature Jack Russell, Hallie. She also works part-time in a solicitors and loves exploring Morpeth’s food scene!
Nina
For the past three years, Nina has been sharing her passion for food and fun with guests on Triple A Food Tours. A seasoned presenter and researcher in freelance media, she brings energy and charm to every tour. While Italian cuisine holds a special place in her heart, she never says no to a classic Sunday roast—or anything involving cake and a proper pot of tea. When not guiding, she enjoys crafting, dancing, live music, and exploring National Trust sites. With a love for hats and berets, she makes it a point to don a stylish headpiece on every tour.
The Perfect Gift
Give the gift of unforgettable food experiences with a Triple A Food Tours gift voucher! Perfect for food lovers, our vouchers can be redeemed for any of our award-winning food tours. Whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion, treat someone to a culinary adventure across Newcastle, Durham, Northumberland, or Edinburgh.
