After walking through the exquisite countryside that the county has to offer, there’s no better way to refuel and relax than at one of the best pubs in Northumberland, especially one that offers up scrumptious grub and a fabulous selection of pints. From traditionally quaint English pubs to more modern gastro versions, we’ve got all of the best country pubs in Northumberland covered.
Whether you’re looking for the best beer offering or the best pub food in Northumberland, our choice of pubs certainly won’t disappoint. So, kick off your walking boots, get comfy next to the fire and enjoy our list of the very best pubs in Northumberland in 2022.
Be sure to check out our guide to the best pubs in Oxford and the best pubs in Edinburgh, too.
Best country pubs in Northumberland
The Pheasant Inn, Hexham
A picture-postcard, quintessentially British pub on the outside and a cosy, welcoming abode on the inside, The Pheasant Inn is definitely one of the best Northumberland pubs that you won’t want to miss out on. Nestled away in the open countryside, this Northumberland pub is located just outside of the beautiful Kielder Water, making it the perfect spot to dig into some well-deserved grub or a pint after exploring the North East of England and the Scottish borders. Set within an original coaching inn step into this cosy pub and you’ll be welcomed by exposed stone walls, oak beams, roaring open fires and a well-stocked traditional bar.
The menu at this country pub in Northumberland comprises hearty home-cooked food created from locally sourced ingredients. Start your pub meal off right with homemade soup of the day, twice baked cheese soufflรฉ, chicken liver parfait and hot smoked salmon with new potatoes. Moving onto main, choose from the likes of slow roast shoulder of lamb, Moroccan baked cod, fresh dressed crab and game and mushroom pie. Still got room for dessert? Find classic sweets like sticky toffee pudding, warm Bakewell tart and seasonal fruit crumbles.
The Northumberland Arms, Felton
Renowned as a destination for some of the best pub food in Northumberland, this is the perfect spot for foodies visiting the county. This pub dates back to the 19820s when it was built by the 3rd Duke of Northumberland as a coaching inn for visitors to his nearby home at Alnwick Castle. Today, The Northumberland Arms draws in a diverse collection of guests, from walkers and dog owners to locals and tourists, with people coming from far and wide to sample some of the best pub food in Northumberland. The exterior is charmingly whitewashed, while the interior is laidback and rustic, with stripped wood flooring, wood-burning stoves, mismatched chairs, velvet Chesterfields and exposed stone walls.
This foodie country pub in Northumberland has something to suit every time of day or mood. Whether you’re looking for lunch, afternoon tea, Sunday dinner, or an ร large carte evening meal, The Northumberland Arms has you covered. Serving up delicious classics alongside some more contemporary dishes, you can find starters like baked camembert, Asian crispy beef salad and beetroot tartare. When it comes to main course, find classic favourites like beer battered haddock and chips, fish pie, mozzarella stuffed chicken and vegan burger, as well as a number of steak options for the carnivores. Finish off your pub food in Northumberland with a vanilla creme brulee, chocolate brownie, tiramisu trifle or pear and almond tart. This country pub in Northumberland also features an impressive drinks list to wash it all down, with a modest wine menu and six local real ales to choose from.
The Hope & Anchor, Alnmouth
Located in the picturesque seaside village of Alnmouth, The Hope & Anchor is a classy pub in Northumberland serving an eclectic range of dishes, suited to all tastes. A white wash-fronted exterior with stand out blue sign draws in visitors and their dogs from the beach, while their cosy interior welcomes them in with a warm hug. The interior of this Northumberland pub takes inspiration from its surroundings, combining nautical touches with sophisticated, Mediterranean-inspired dรฉcor. Think wooden oak tables, tiled bar, and of course unbeatable sea views.
The food continues this nautical theme, while also offering options for those less keen on seafood. Serving everything from freshly caughtt fish and seafood to wood-fired pizzas, this country pub in Northumberland really does cater for all. Choose from classics like steak and Guinness pie, braised lamb, fresh fillet of seabass and slow cooked pork belly. And, with a pizza oven in the vicinity, you can even order a perfectly cooked wood-fired pizza, made fresh!
The Jolly Fisherman, Craster
Established in 1847, The Jolly Fisherman is set within the pretty seaside village of Craster some 100 yards from the harbour. With an elevated position, this is one of the best pubs in Northumberland for incredible views towards Dunstanburgh Castle and beyond. Having been family-run since 2011, this Northumberland pub is famous in the local area for its locally sourced seafood, with the lobsters coming straight from Craster harbour. In fact, The Jolly Fisherman is known for serving up some of the best pub food in Northumberland, as well as some of the best ales, having been awarded ‘Pub of the Year’ in 2015.
When it comes to the food at this cosy pub in Northumberland, you won’t find it much fresher. For starter, choose from the likes of kipper scotch eggs, steamed mussels, devilled crab toast and the famous crab soup. Moving onto main, pick from delights like luxury fish pie, dressed crab salad, king prawn kebab, pan-fried hake and more. Fancy trying a bit of everything? Why not order a seafood sharing board, comprising everything from smoked salmon and sweet-cured herring to Lindisfarne mussels and anchovy fillets. You can even add a bottle of prosecco for an extra touch of pizazz! If you’re not a fan of seafood, don’t worry – they also serve up a great range of other pub food in Northumberland, including vegetable wellington and butternut squash curry. So, if you’re a fish-lover, this is certainly one of the best pubs in Northumberland for seafood.
The Lord Crewe Arms, Blanchland
An atmospheric hotel and country pub in Northumberland, The Lord Crewe Arms is located on the border with Durham in the centre of the picture-perfect village of Blanchland. Housed within the Abbot’s lodging of a 12th century priory, this Northumberland pub is one of the oldest hostelries in the country and it retains much of the original fabric of the building. Think stone-flagged floors, vast fireplaces, pale-washed floorboards, deep mullioned windows, reclaimed church chairs, and tartan cushions.
The food here is heartily British, combining punchy flavours with unpretentious presentation. On the menu, you’ll find starters like handpicked crab on sourdough toast, Crewe smoked salmon with chive creme fraiche and sharing baked camembert. Moving onto the main event, choose from the likes of marinated Yorkshire lamb rump, ox cheek and wild mushroom ragout, chargrilled salt aged rib eye steak and butter roasted chicken. Need something sweet? Indulge in glazed lemon tart, vanilla and buttermilk panna cotta or warm chocolate mousse. So, if you’re looking for a quintessentially British country pub in Northumberland, look no further than the historical Lord Crewe Arms.
The Whittling House, Alnmouth
Situated on the main street of the village of Alnmouth, this country pub in Northumberland is one of the more recent additions to the scene, only opening in 2021. The interiors are elegant but homely, with roaring open fires, an open plan ground floor bar and dining area, bright artwork on the walls and smart furniture. The shades of blue against a white backdrop stylishly reference the coastal surroundings, being just a five minute walk from the beach.
This cosy haunt also serves up some of the best pub food in Northumberland thanks to the Head Chef and his expert team. The menu features a range of delicious dishes, made from ingredients that have all been sourced from trusted local suppliers to ensure they are of the highest quality and freshness. Enjoy smoked haddock chowder, cheese and chive soufflรฉ, or crispy Serrano ham croquettes to start. Then, indulge in mains like lager and lemon fresh battered haddock, feather blade of beef, beetroot gnocchi, and chilli salt monkfish. Not finished? Check out the dessert menu, featuring everything from lemon curd and elderflower cheesecake to dark chocolate delice.
The Amble Inn, Amble
Last but not least, The Amble Inn is another one of the best pubs in Northumberland. As the name suggests, this cosy pub is located in the seaside favourite of Amble, making it a great stop off on the way to Bamburgh, Alnmouth and Low Newton-by-the-Sea. Featuring dark wood tables, a well-stocked bar and trendy banquet seating, the vibe here is chilled but sophisticated, perfect for either a casual lunch or an evening meal. This is also the perfect country pub in Northumberland if you’re visiting in the summer thanks to it’s rather large beer garden.
When it comes to pub food at this Northumberland pub, you won’t be disappointed either. For starter, you can pick from mushroom brioche, salt and pepper crispy squid, loaded potato skins, crispy duck salad and more. On the mains menu, you’ll find favourites like roast pork fillet and scampi and chips alongside some dishes with a little twist like bacon and cider mussels and Tandoori-spiced chicken skewer. They also serve a range of burgers, pizzas and sandwiches for those that are a little fussier. For dessert, why not sample the banana split sundae, the strawberry Eton mess or the sticky toffee pudding jar? One thing’s for sure, you won’t be short on choice at this country pub in Northumberland.
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