The best farm-to-fork foodie pubs in Northumberland

Lord Crewe Arms at Blanchland

Historic inn with a seasonal, ingredient-led menu

Few Northumberland pubs can match the atmospheric refuge of the Lord Crewe Arms, in the tiny, historic village of Blanchland within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Housed in a listed medieval building, originally the abbot’s lodge, it has fortress-thick stone walls, roaring inglenook fireplaces, and a stylish yet traditional country charm. Your dog is also welcome, with water bowls in the garden. 

The kitchen places a strong emphasis on seasonal British produce, with a menu shaped by what’s available locally at any given time. The menu, overseen by a head chef who previously worked with two Michelin-starred Nathan Outlaw, celebrates robust, seasonal British fare. Highlights include chargrilled côte de boeuf and baked North Sea cod loin, alongside comforting puddings like sticky toffee pudding. Wines are available by the glass, carafe or bottle, and the local gins and cocktails are exceptional.

Stay at: Lord Crewe Arms at Blanchland and stay in one of hugely comfortable bedrooms with well-dressed beds and deep baths.

The Beresford Arms

Modern gastropub championing local suppliers

Taking home Silver for the Pub of the Year awards at the North East England Tourism Awards 2025, The Beresford Arms near Morpeth is a standout. The gastropub champions seasonal, locally sourced ingredients with a distinctive ‘Beresford twist’. 

Menus are built around regional produce, with a focus on quality meat, fresh fish and kitchen crafted accompaniments. Expect hearty favourites like bacon loin chop with lovage and parsley emulsion, cottage pie, and pan-fried cod loin served with hand cut triple-cooked chips. The relaxed atmosphere is perfect for families and dog owners alike, with local ales and ciders flowing. 

Stay at: Coquet Cottage, a cosy riverside retreat in a tiny ham leg perfect for couples and country walks that end at the pub. 

Bamburgh Castle Inn

Coastal pub celebrating North Sea seafood

In the bustling fishing village of Seahouses, gateway to the Farne Islands, the Bamburgh Castle Inn is a firm favourite for classic seaside comfort food. Take a ferry trip to see puffins, or a windswept walk across the dune-filled, rock-pooling beach, and learn about daring Grace Darling, the lighthouse keeper’s daughter, who rowed though the waves to help rescue shipwrecked seafarers in 1838.

With its coastal location, seafood naturally takes centre stage, with menus reflecting the daily catch and the surrounding waters. Return for homemade pub classics, who cater well to all diets, including vegetarians, vegan and kids. 

Stay at: Swallow Dean, a little gem of a country-chic bolthole tucked on a rural Northumbrian estate with other cottages, close to the rugged coast. 

The Pheasant Inn

Traditional inn rooted in regional produce

Surrounded by the beauty of Northumberland National Park, The Pheasant Inn is a true hidden gem. Full of old-world colour and charm, it boasts cosy rooms and local produce on the menu. 

Inside, polished brass taps gleam, vintage photos adorn stone walls, and saddle and bowler hat décor add a quirky touch. The menu focuses on regional ingredients and traditional cooking, with a strong emphasis on sourcing from nearby farms and producers. House ales like Timothy Taylor’s and Wylam are expertly kept and Sunday lunch here has been voted ‘Best in the North’ by The Observer. 

Stay at: The Pheasant Inn and spent the night in one of the charming, converted hay barn bedrooms, then spend days sailing on Kielder Water, hiking the nearby hills, or stargazing at the Kielder Observatory, one of the best places in the UK for dark sky viewing. 

The Rat Inn

Top gastropub with a serious farm-to-fork ethos

Regularly named among the Top 50 Gastropubs in the UK, The Rat Inn near Hexham is a relaxed country pub with outstanding food credentials. A community champion, it’s been recognised by Sawday’s Pubs for its commitment to local, seasonal and organic produce.

Menus change daily based on what’s available from trusted local suppliers, with a strong farm-to-fork philosophy underpinning every dish. Expect Lindisfarne oysters, Craster smoked salmon and perfectly grilled steaks alongside inventive small plates like Scotch eggs with kimchi.

Stay at: 3 Ada Crescent, a Victorian townhouse B&B full of fresh flowers, friendly dogs and homemade breakfasts. 

The Joiners Arms

Seasonal cooking with a Northumbrian identity

Not far from Alnwick, an idyllic market town with a magical castle beloved by Harry Potter fans, The Joiners Arms hits the nail on the head for country menus delivered in a cosy setting.  

Their ethos is simple – great quality food, locally sourced and lovingly prepared. They call it “honest, home-style cooking with a Northumbrian twist” which translates as choosing the best regional produce to create seasonal menus packed with flavour. One of the most popular sections of the menu is their “chippy tea” offerings, serving up dishes like North Sea haddock and locally baked stottie and butter. Eat indoors at wooden tables or sip a glass of something cold in the pub garden on warm days. All around are stunning views, rugged walks and breathtakingly beautiful beaches. 

Stay at: Keeper’s Cottage, a 1820s cottage with long views, a lovely garden and generous extras.  

 

A region defined by its ingredients

A true farm-to-fork pub experience is about more than just good food. It’s about understanding where ingredients come from, how they’re used, and the connection between landscape and plate. In Northumberland, that connection feels particularly strong, with producers, chefs and pubs working closely together to showcase the region at its best.

Whether you’re drawn by coastal seafood, countryside cooking or simply the idea of eating more seasonally, these pubs offer a grounded and genuinely local way to experience the area. Book a table, stay the night, and you’ll get a much clearer sense of what makes Northumberland’s food scene so distinctive.

 

Featured places to stay in Northumberland

 

Browse all our places to stay in Northumberland >

You might also like