The best pubs in Northumberland (South East)
The Beehive in Earsdon
Kicking off our list of the best pubs in Northumberland The Beehive, which is tucked away down a winding country road, is an excellent marriage of the traditional and the modern.
As soon as your step inside you’ll be welcomed into the cosy atmosphere of the recently-refurbished pub, and when the weather turns warmer you can relax in the secret garden.
The food is cooked by multi-award winning chefs and is a step above your standard pub grub.
This is a great example of a pub ran with modern thinking without sacrificing charm and character.
The Joiners Arms in Morpeth
This a great, old-fashioned real ale pub on the banks of the River Wansbeck in the gorgeous market town of Morpeth.
It’s the perfect place to relax after walking along the river or exploring the streets, and the selection of ales is excellent – the pub is frequently mentioned in Camra’s Good Beer Guide.
Depending on what you’re after the two distinct bar and lounge areas offer different atmospheres, but wherever you sit you will find The Joiner’s a comfortable and traditional place to forget your troubles with a pint or two.
Ye Olde Fat Ox Inn in Holywell
Tucked away in Holywell village, this traditional pub has tonnes of character.
It is Cask Marqued so you know the excellent selection of local ales is well kept, and the pub also has a brilliant selection of single malt scotch.
Certainly the perfect place to unwind in a comfortable, unspoilt atmosphere.
The Ridley Arms in Stannington
Great food and great beer is the order of the day at The Ridley Arms, a stylish and rustic pub just off the A1 between Cramlington and Morpeth.
The chefs use produce from the nearby Blagdon Estate to create quality food at a good price, which makes The Ridley Arms an excellent place to go with your family or a group of friends for a proper meal.
But even if you’re just after a drink, you’ll find the pub a friendly and hospitible place to relax while exploring the nearby Northumbrian countryside, including Northumberlandia, the Lady of the North.
The Three Horse Shoes in High Horton
Located just off the A189 between Cramlington and Blyth, the Three Horse Shoes sits in an elevated position that affords a fantastic view of the coastline, especially from the large beer garden.
The selection of real ales is wide-ranging, changes regularly and is one of the best offerings of local ales in the region.
There is also a really good selection of wines.
The Plough in Cramlington
Located in the old village of Cramlington, The Plough sits in former farm buildings.
Of particular note is the gin gang – where once horses would walk around the circular structure attached to a mill of wooden gears and drie shafts.
This lends itself to a fantastic and interesting architecture amongst which to sit and sample one of the great selection of seven regularly-changing ales, including a guest lager and real cider.
There are several quizzes on during the week to take part in, and another reason to make this a regular haunt is the cask ale loyalty card, which gives you a free pint for every eight stamps collected.
There is a also a large beer garden out the back, which is a great enclosed area to spend a long, summer evening.
The Wallaw in Blyth
Love or hate the Wetherspoons chain, you can’t deny that they are great at what they do – namely serving good beer and decent food at good prices in the friendly surroundings of old and interesting buildings.
The recently opened conversion of The Wallaw cinema in Blyth is an excellent example of this. They have made excellent use of the building, with a stunning mirrored art-deco bar where the big screen used to be.
They kept the foyer the same, which makes for a nice grand entrance, with the old projector welcoming you. There are even the upper seats of the auditorium kept for prosperity.
All in all this is an excellent conversion and a great place to meet friends, and appreciate this tribute to a key location in the area’s history.
The Plough Inn in Ellington
The most northerly hostelry on our list of the best pubs in Northumberland, the Plough Inn is the perfect spot to relax after exploring the beautiful Northumbrian coastline, particularly if you’ve been hiking or cycling the famous North Sea Trail.
Despite being a great place for tourits to go – the pub also has accomodation – the Plough has not lost its character as the heart of the village community, and remains friendly and welcoming.
The pub serves home-cooked food, with an excellent selection of beers, wines and spirits, and was even awarded a Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence in 2013.
The Kings Arms in Seaton Sluice
This 18th Century pub is situated in a beautiful location right on the coast, overlooking the famous harbour that gives Seaton Sluice its name. You’ll be greeted at the door with a smile, and feel right at home settled next to the log fire.
The Kings, as the pub is affectionately known, serves two house ales and at least two guests, and the food is home-cooked and very tasty, with daily specials and “pies of the week.
The selection of wines and single malts is excellent, and gin-lovers will find the welcome sight of at least 10 different gins on offer.
The King’s Arms also hosts live music every Friday night, featuring the best local bands around, which promises a fun and lively night in contrast to the relaxed atmosphere of the week.
