Northumberland may be best known for its castles and coastline, but spend any time here and you will quickly discover that the county punches well above its weight when it comes to food and drink. Local chefs draw on an extraordinary larder -- day-boat fish from the North Sea, rare-breed livestock from hill farms, foraged ingredients from ancient woodlands -- and the results are consistently outstanding. Here is our curated guide to the pubs and restaurants that deserve a place on every visitor's itinerary.
The Feathers Inn, Hedley on the Hill
The only Northumberland pub featured in the Michelin Guide, The Feathers Inn sits on a steep hill in a characterful village south-west of Newcastle. Chef-landlord Rhian Cradock and the team work with more than 60 named local suppliers, from foragers and growers to day-boat fishermen catching sustainable species off the coast. The kitchen cures its own charcuterie, makes black pudding from scratch, and pickles North Sea herrings. Look out for the beef flank cooked in ale if you want something rich and hearty.
- Address: Hedley on the Hill, Stocksfield NE43 7SW
- Tip: The pub has limited covers, so booking ahead -- especially for weekends -- is essential.
The Rat Inn, Anick
Regularly named in the UK's Top 50 Gastropubs list, The Rat Inn occupies a peaceful spot in the hamlet of Anick, a short drive from the handsome market town of Hexham. The cooking is confident without being fussy: think pan-roasted cod with Puy lentils, or slow-braised lamb shoulder with root vegetables. The wine list is thoughtfully chosen and the local cask ales are kept in fine condition. In summer, the beer garden offers views across the Tyne Valley.
- Address: Anick, Hexham NE46 4LN
- Tip: Sunday lunch here is extremely popular. Book at least a week in advance and arrive early to grab a spot by the fire.
The Ship Inn, Low Newton-by-the-Sea
Tucked into the corner of a three-sided square of former fishermen's cottages, just yards from the beach, The Ship Inn is one of Northumberland's most atmospheric pubs. It brews its own ales on-site -- the brewery opened in 2008 and the casks are rolled a mere ten feet from brewery to cellar. Try the Sea Wheat or Ship Hop ales alongside locally caught crab, lobster, and organic lamb koftas.
- Address: The Square, Low Newton-by-the-Sea, Alnwick NE66 3EL
- Tip: The pub does not take bookings, so arrive early at lunchtime in summer -- or come for an atmospheric off-season visit when you can bag a window seat.
The Jolly Fisherman, Craster
Established in 1847, The Jolly Fisherman sits in the fishing village of Craster with panoramic views of Dunstanburgh Castle from its beer garden. The kitchen majors on seafood: the famous crab sandwich is legendary, the Jolly's Fish Pie is a signature dish, and the seafood platters are generous. Pair your meal with a walk along the coastal path to the castle ruins.
- Address: Haven Hill, Craster, Alnwick NE66 3TR
- Tip: Lunch service runs Monday to Saturday 11:00-15:00 and Sunday 12:00-18:00. Booking is recommended.
Bouchon Bistrot, Hexham
For something different, head to Bouchon Bistrot in the heart of Hexham. Owner Gregory Bureau hails from the Loire Valley and brings authentic rustic French cooking to Northumberland. Cheese souffle, steak frites, and confit duck with gratin Dauphinois are standouts. The prix-fixe lunch menu is superb value.
- Address: 4-6 Gilesgate, Hexham NE46 3NJ
- Tip: After a refurbishment, the restaurant now has a sun-trap roof terrace -- perfect for summer dining.
Practical Tips for Dining in Northumberland
- Book ahead: Northumberland's best restaurants are small and popular. Weekend tables can fill up weeks in advance.
- Check seasonal hours: Many establishments reduce hours or close certain days between November and March.
- Embrace the local: Look for Craster kippers, Lindisfarne oysters, Northumbrian cheeses, and ales from microbreweries.
- Combine with a walk: Almost every pub on this list sits near outstanding walking routes. A coastal path ramble followed by a long lunch is the Northumberland way of doing things.
Whether you are after a Michelin-level tasting menu or a pint of homebrew beside the North Sea, Northumberland delivers.
Sources & Useful Links
- The Ship Inn, Newton-by-the-Sea — Coastal gastro-pub
- Bouchon Bistrot, Hexham — French-inspired Northumberland dining
- The Jolly Fisherman, Craster — Harbourside pub and seafood
- The Potted Lobster, Bamburgh — Fine dining with castle views
- Bertram's, Warkworth — Bistro and boutique B&B
- Visit Northumberland — Food & Drink — Dining guide
