Food, drink and travel - the perfect combination. As we've entered spring, synonymous with the revival of nature and new beginnings, it's only natural to want to explore new food places in the countryside - so here's some inspiration.
Originally a 14th-century castle built by warriors, the Blackbird is located in the heart of Ponteland and within a stone’s throw from the River Pont. As soon as you walk into the pub, the cosy décor immediately catches your eye: paintings and pictures of the pub’s history on the walls, lit candles on the mantelpiece and wall sconces. Rest by the fire in the comfy armchairs, or sit outside on the wooden picnic tables – there’s seating to accommodate all types of weather.
Not only is the interior lovely, but the seasonal food is exquisite and reasonably priced too. Sticky Toffee Pudding, Sunday Roast, the Blackbird Beef Burger and more, there’s bound to be something to tickle your fancy.
A traditional harbour pub in the fishing village of Seahouses, the Bamburgh Castle Inn overlooks the coast with its white sand backed by dunes, as well as the Castle in the far distance. What better location to eat al fresco than in the beer garden?
The pub has a high reputation for quality home-cooked food and for serving a pint of Northumberland’s finest; the best part of the menu though – I have to argue - is the legendary Sunday Carvery garnished with towering Yorkshire Puddings…unreal.
Steeped in country charm, the Pheasant Inn is nestled 1 mile south-east of Kielder Water and 20 miles north-west of Hexham. Immediately enter a world of warmth and cosiness inside the former farmhouse built in the 1600s, as the pub offers two lounge bars with original beams, open fires in winter and exposed stone walls. My favourite part is the garden area where weathered wooden tables are situated next to a peaceful stream.
The Pheasant Inn source much of its menu from Northumberland, Newcastle and the North East. In addition, their cottage garden provides fresh herbs, vegetables and fruits.
The Northumberland Arms is situated in Felton. Just a mile away from the A1, this location offers the perfect opportunity to explore the North East. It was first built by Hugh Percy – the 3rd Duke of Northumberland in the 1820s – as a Coaching Inn. During lockdown, the venue underwent extensive renovation, with new décor & furnishings, as well as a larger outdoor drinking and dining area.
The Northumberland Arms pride themselves on their strong efforts to tackle climate change by providing seasonal menus, using locally sourced ingredients where possible. For example, at this time of year, you can expect a pear tart or a cheese platter with grapes on the side.
Set in the attractive village of Warkworth, the Mason’s Arms is a warm and historic pub. In fact, it’s linked to the first Jacobite Rebellion in 1715, as rebels would dine there. If the rustic décor inside isn't appealing enough, you'll find their wide beer garden (which even has a pizza hut!) at the back of the pub.
The Mason’s Arms also source their food locally in Northumberland. From Welsh Rarebit to Gammon Steak to Vegan Mason’s Beyond Burger, the selection is wide. The only downside is that they don’t take reservations – so make sure to get there before ‘rush hour’.
