The Best Pubs in Northumberland to Visit Now
For fantastic pub grub and pints, head north
The Anglers Arms
Weldon Bridge, Longframlington NE65 8AX
01665 570271
anglersarms.com
Dating back to the 18th century, this traditional coaching inn is full of old-fashioned character and has an enviable reputation for good, locally-sourced food, whether you’re stopping by for a quick sandwich at the bar, a relaxing pub lunch with friends or a meal in the restaurant. Expect to find all your pub favourites on the menu here, alongside sharing platters and steaks from the grill. The bar is dog-friendly and there’s a great sun-trap beer garden here too.
Battlesteads Hotel And Restaurant
Wark on Tyne, near Hexham NE48 3LS
01434 230209
battlesteads.com
A hidden gem in the picturesque village of Wark, this friendly hotel and restaurant is surrounded by the finest game, fish, fruits and vegetables in the country. Head chef Eddie Shilton takes full advantage of this, using local ingredients to create dishes that pack a punch (like pan-fried duck or creamy fish pie) whether you opt for a light lunch or a dinner. For something more indulgent, they also offer five- and eight- course tasting menus.
The Boatside Inn
Warden, Hexham NE46 4SQ
01434 602233
theboatsideinn.co.uk
This dog-friendly, traditional country pub is now under new management and is popular with families (with good reason – there’s a play area in the substantial garden). It serves classic British dishes in its spacious dining room, and there’s always a good range of daily specials available too. A big attraction is the outdoor beer garden where food is served.
The Duke Of Wellington Inn
Newton NE43 7UL
01661 844446
thedukeofwellingtoninn.co.uk
The Duke of Wellington Inn is first and foremost a village pub, but we think it has a menu that is worth travelling for. Their seasonal comfort food has won them an AA Rosette award, and is accompanied by far-reaching views south across the Tyne Valley, a roaring log fire and lots of local ales.
The Feathers Inn
Hedley-on-the-Hill, Stocksfield NE43 7SW
01661 843607
thefeathers.net
A cosy country pub with a reputation for exceptional food, the award-winning Feathers Inn draws visitors from near and far. There are three snug rooms, each with its own wood-burning stove, and a sheltered and covered yard outside with firepits to keep you toasty. The pub’s menu changes regularly and features a plethora of local produce, with detailed information on provenance listed alongside each dish. Keep an eye on their socials so you don’t miss their pop-up pizzeria, pop-up patisserie on Saturday mornings and special menus.
General Havelock Inn
Ratcliffe Road, Haydon Bridge NE47 6ER
01434 684376
The popular General Havelock serves traditional pub grub and hand-pulled ales. It’s a really friendly and fuss-free local so expect generous portions at reasonable prices.
Holly Bush Inn
Greenhaugh, near Kielder NE48 1PW
01434 240391
hollybushinn.net
A self-described ‘proper little pub’ in the heart of Northumberland National Park and the Dark Sky Park, this is a cosy spot for a pint or two. The fantastic views from the beer garden here have been described as the best in Northumberland, and the kitchen serves up pub classics done well (watch out for the occasional curry night too). Best of all, the pub is dog-friendly.
The Kirkstyle Inn And Sportsman’s Rest
Slaggyford, Brampton CA8 7PB
01434 671526
theksi.co.uk
A popular pub packed with history, The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman’s Rest lies on the borders of Cumbria and Northumberland. The menu is game-led with seasonality and sustainability at its heart – all ingredients are sourced within a 50-mile radius. Local lad and head chef Connor Wilson is keen to support local producers and farmers. So whether you’re rounding off the weekend with Sunday lunch, trying out the tasting menu with wine pairings, or opting for the à la carte menu, diners are promised fine-dining with a warm and friendly welcome.
The Northumberland Arms
The Peth, West Thirston, Felton NE65 9EE
01670 787370
northumberlandarms-felton.co.uk
An historic coaching inn, The Northumberland Arms has retained plenty of its original rustic charm. The menu changes regularly and includes plenty of choice – from sharing platters and small plates to pub classics, steaks and à la carte dishes. There’s a good children’s menu, and the Sunday lunch here is hugely popular (make sure you book in advance).
The Percy Arms
Main Road, Chatton NE66 5PS
01668 215244
percyarmschatton.co.uk
A dog-friendly country pub with a focus on local, seasonal dishes across its welcoming bar and restaurant. Think homemade Northumbrian favourites using the best produce from both coast and countryside. The all-day menu features hearty fare such as classic fish and chips, the Percy burger and bangers and mash, while the popular Sunday lunch is served with all the trimmings.
The Pheasant Inn
Stannersburn, Falstone, Hexham NE48 1DD
01434 240382
thepheasantinn.com
Expect original beams, exposed stone walls and plenty of rustic charm at this old coaching inn, which dates back to the mid 1600s and has been in the same family since 1985. The blackboard menu changes with the seasons, making the most of local produce (including herbs, vegetables and soft fruits from the pub’s cottage garden). A pretty brook winds its way past the weathered wooden tables in the garden – the perfect place for a summer lunch.
The Rat Inn
Anick, Hexham NE46 4LN
01434 602814
theratinn.com
This award-winning and hugely popular country pub in the small hamlet of Anick (just outside Hexham) has views across the Tyne Valley from the beer garden, and a cosy interior. The Rat Inn’s daily changing chalkboard menu champions seasonal ingredients from the Northumberland countryside.
