The Best North East Pubs for Foodies
The cosiest local pubs for foodies this winter
The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman’s Rest
Holding a recommendation from the Michelin Guide and three AA Rosettes, you might assume that The Kirkstyle doesn’t belong on a cosy pubs list, but despite its refined food offering this remains a proper country pub at heart, with an emphasis on local game and a great range of beer and wine to enjoy by the fire.
Slaggyford, Brampton CA8 7PB
01434 671526
theksi.co.uk
The Boatside Inn
This no-nonsense country pub was taken over by Emma and James Middleton two years ago and has recently earned its first AA Rosette. Their bar offering centres around cask ales and local brews, with a regular rotation of guest ales to try. There’s a decent wine list and a menu of locally-sourced, hearty pub food.
Warden, Hexham NE46 4SQ
01434 602233
theboatsideinn.co.uk
The Feathers Inn
This family-run establishment is helmed by husband and wife duo Rhian and Helen Cradock, who have kept the ship steady since 2007. There are three snugs to choose from here, each complete with its own wood-burning stove, and the space is dog friendly too. Locality plays a significant role here, influencing what you’ll find behind the bar and what’s on the menu.
Hedley on the Hill, Stocksfield NE43 7SW
01661 843607
thefeathers.net
Lord Crewe Arms
Stepping across the hearth here is like stepping back in time. Dating back to the 12th century, from the flagstone floors to the medieval vaulted chambers, there’s history at every turn. The Crypt Bar is where to head for a pint, offering a hearty stock of Northumbrian ales and plenty of quality bar bites. For something more substantial, stop by The Bishop’s Dining Room for wholesome yet refined pub food.
The Square, Blanchland, Northumberland DH8 9SP
01434 677100
lordcrewearmsblanchland.co.uk
The Broad Chare
The Broad Chare has all the polished wood furnishings and cheerful atmosphere you’d expect in a proper pub. Enjoy a pint of their own-label house ale (a dry hopped pale ale from Anarchy Brew Co), and tuck into elevated pub classics like hand-raised pork pies with piccalilli, and grilled calves’ liver with bacon, sage and crispy onions.
25 Broad Chare, Newcastle NE1 3DQ
0191 211 2144
thebroadchare.co.uk
The Rose & Crown
This ivy-clad 18th century inn is straight out of a storybook, glowing with warm hospitality. Tuck yourself away in a corner here (ideally by the fire) and enjoy what The Rose & Crown has to offer. From the bar, sample a range of local real ales and more than 50 wines from around the world. Pair that with treacle-glazed pork loin (complete with potato dauphinoise, apple sauce and greens) and you’re all set.
Romaldkirk, Barnard Castle, County Durham DL12 9EB
01833 650213
rose-and-crown.co.uk
The Owl & Otter
It’s easy to drive past this place without paying it any mind, but you won’t regret a visit. The decor is charmingly eclectic and the space is much larger than it appears from outside, broken down into a maze of nooks and cosy corners. The menu offers classic dishes cooked well and served in generous portions, but there’s also plenty of space to settle in with a drink instead.
Mountsett, Burnopfield NE16 6BA
01207 571113
theowlandotter.co.uk
The Golden Lion
In the heart of Corbridge, The Golden Lion is a family-run country pub and this popular local has a menu filled with pub favourites – think beer-battered haddock and Cumberland sausage with braised onions. Wash it down with a pint of Corbridge Lion Ale, a guest ale, or a glass of wine.
Corbridge, Northumberland NE45 5AA
01434 239348
goldenlioncorbridge.com
Ye Old Elm Tree
Purported to be Durham’s oldest (and cosiest) pub, Ye Old Elm Tree certainly seems to have the credentials to match. They like to keep things traditional here and its superb offering earned it a spot on The Telegraph’s list of the 500 Best Pubs in England for 2025. Log fires, hearty home-cooked food and real ale – what’s not to love?
12 Crossgate, Durham DH1 4PS
@yeoldelmtreedurham
Holly Bush Inn
Tucked in a quiet corner of a quiet county, this is the perfect place to hide away from the world and enjoy a pint in peace. The food here is pleasantly straightforward and sourced locally (the Reiver pie with chicken, haggis, black pudding and mushrooms is particularly good), and the emphasis at the bar is on quality real ales.
Greenhaugh, near Kielder, Northumberland NE48 1PW
01434 240391
hollybushinn.net
The Pheasant Inn
Warm yourself by the fire and sip on one of the quality cask ales which have won the Pheasant awards. There are two comfortable lounge bars here, both with open fires, and the homely restaurant serves all the pub classics made with the best local ingredients.
Stannersburn, near Kielder Water, Falstone NE48 1DD
01434 240382
thepheasantinn.com
Black Horse Beamish
This idyllic 300-year-old country pub is set in the Red Rowe estate and beyond its honey-toned exterior, you’ll find a proper dog-friendly pub and a menu covering everything from casual pub lunches to intimate dinners. Relax by the fire in the bar after a day spent exploring the Beamish Valley.
Red Row Estate, Beamish DH9 0RW
01207 232569
blackhorsebeamish.co.uk
The Bay Horse
With a spot in the Michelin Guide, this is a step above your typical pub. Nevertheless, the welcome is no less warm. Set in a 15th century coaching inn, enjoy its traditional charm with a pint of something local and refreshing.
45 The Green, Hurworth DL2 2AA
01325 720663
thebayhorsehurworth.com
The Rat Inn
Enjoy fantastic views of the countryside from the windows of this charming country pub. Originally a drover’s inn, this historic site dates back to the 18th century and has earned a steadfast reputation for proper pub food and drink. They pride themselves on stocking the highest quality real ales (including a good range from local microbreweries).
Anick, Hexham, Northumberland NE46 4LN
01434 602814
theratinn.com
The Black Bull Inn
Spend a day exploring the charms of rural Northumberland before stopping in at The Black Bull Inn for a refreshing pint and something delicious. They offer a choice of real ale and keg beers, as well as offering a broad selection of international wines. The menu is packed full of independent local suppliers, from Doddington Dairy cheese to Hodgson’s fish.
2-4 Main Street, Lowick, Northumberland TD15 2UA
01289 388375
blackbulllowick.co.uk
The Blackbird
This fascinating pub has a chequered history, and was once a castle built in the 14th century. Now, guests can enjoy a menu of warming winter dishes alongside drinks from the bar. Specials change regularly so keep an eye on the blackboards for the latest.
North Road, Ponteland NE20 9UH
01661 822684
theblackbirdponteland.co.uk
The King’s Head Inn
This quintessential country pub stands at the gateway to the North York Moors National Park and lies only a short distance from Roseberry Topping. There’s a great outdoor terrace for warmer months, and in the winter enjoy the cosy interiors with a well-kept pint and something from the seasonal menu.
The Green, Newton under Roseberry, Great Ayton, Cleveland TS9 6QR
01642 722318
inncollectiongroup.com
