Our Northumberland – Pubs

Pubs are embedded into the culture and the way of life here in Northumberland. A public house has two main purposes – to sell drinks (hopefully fine wines and local ales) and to allow people to socialise. It is the latter which is especially important in rural areas.

Here in Northumberland, don’t be surprised if someone randomly strikes up a conversation… just go with it. Rural pubs often form a hub in the community, and therefore they are a wonderful place for people to come together for a bit of craic and good banter.

So what makes a great pub?

In our opinion it is all down to welcome, atmosphere, service, value for money, customer mix, decor and a good range of drinks.

This was a tough one because there are so many great pubs out there. We have selected only a few of our favourites and all these pubs regularly receive four and five star reviews on Trip Advisor. The ones that made this list are in different areas of Northumberland and we tried to give a variety: quirky, homespun, gastro, historical.

Pubs in Northumberland

Wallace Arms – Haltwhistle. This charming pub is as quaint as they come. It is teeny tiny and we love it!

The Anchor – Haydon Bridge. One of the best beer gardens and Sunday lunches in the Tyne Valley.

The Lord Crewe – Blanchland. The Crypt Bar and the Hilliard Room exude character and history everywhere you look. Recently runner up in The Good Pub Guide Awards 2019. It’s one of the most atmospheric places to have ale in the whole of Britain.

The Heart of Northumberland – Hexham. This pub recently gained recognition as one of the best places to drink in The Observer’s Food Awards, and it is near the historic market place.

The Barrasford Arms – Barrasford. This fabulous country pub recently won Gold Award in The North East Tourism Awards.

The Pheasant Inn – Falstone. Make the journey across some of the most stunning rural landscapes and be rewarded with this little gem. Recently won the AA Gold Award 2018!

Bird In Bush – The Countryfile Christmas Special 2018 featured this pub because it is the heart and soul of rural community life.

The Dirty Bottles – Alnwick. Legendary: the pub adopted it’s name because of the cursed dirty bottles in one of the front windows, which remain untouched to this day.

The Sun Inn – Alnmouth. This pub is the perfect place to stop off and warm up after a walk on the beach.

The Jolly Fisherman – Craster. With flagged stone floors, low beamed ceilings, and roaring fires, you can enjoy some of the best views of the North Sea while eating dinner.

The Joiners Arms – Newton-By-The-Sea. Village pub & inn with a contemporary twist. Great for lovers of great country food & drink.

The Tankerville Arms – Eglingham. Nestled in a tranquil village the Tankerville Arms is a nineteenth century dog-friendly coaching inn located in north Northumberland.

The Percy Arms – Chatton. You will be able to appreciate the true splendour of Northumberland after a stunning journey through the Cheviot Hills to this pub.

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