Best Pubs in Northumberland for Thirsty Lads and Lassies

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Best Pubs in Northumberland | No. 1

The Jolly Fisherman, Craster

Dog-friendly | Find it: NE66 3TR 

Established in 1847, The Jolly Fisherman in Craster has spent the last 173 years at the heart of this wonderful fishing community, becoming one of the best pubs in Northumberland.

Awarded ‘Pub of the Year’ in 2015, The Jolly Fisherman is well known for its delicious grub and well-kept ales, but the dish that keeps people coming back for more is its kippers – sourced from the nearby historic Robson & Sons smoke house.

Expect a beautiful pub garden, home-cooked food and an unbeatable, historic setting overlooking the small harbour. Jackpot.

Pic Credit: The Jolly Fisherman

Best Pubs in Northumberland | No. 2

Beadnell Towers, Beadnell

Dog-friendly | Find it: NE67 5AY | Stay Nearby: Ebba’s Neuk Apartment 

Whether you arrive in heels, flip flops, walking boots, or crocs covered in sand after a beach day, The Beadnell Towers opens its doors to you.

Located in the centre of Beadnell Village, this friendly contemporary gastro pub and hotel has all the well-heeled swagger of an city-slicker joint, yet the hearty Northumbrian welcome that makes the region so special.

Enjoy fine dining in the stylish Towers Kitchen where the food comes fresh and local and follows the seasons. Alternatively, take a seat at the chic Hotspur Bar where you can find delicious local beer, lively chat and a range of spirits unique to the Towers. Let’s go!

Pic Credit: Beadnell Towers

Best Pubs in Northumberland | No. 3

The Joiners Arms, Newton-by-the-Sea

Dog-friendly | Find it: NE66 3EA

A common lunch spot for walkers and dog lovers, The Joiners Arms in Newton-by-Sea, Alnwick, reigns champ of friendly, locally-sourced homemade pub grub.

The pub itself is surrounded by postcard pretty views and is only a short walk away from the beach. It’s also only a couple of miles from the spectacular Farne Islands and Alnwick Castle and Gardens.

The secret to this Northumberland pub’s success? Honest, quality food, warm service, and their heavenly fish and chips (served to take away Mon – Frid, 2pm – 5pm).

They also boast 5 individually-styled boutique rooms should you over indulge on local gin and don’t fancy the wobble home!

Pic Credit: The Joiners Arms

Best Pubs in Northumberland | No. 4

Lord Crewe Arms, Blanchland

Dog-friendly | Find it: DH8 9SP

Soaked in Northumbrian soul, the Lord Crew Arms in Blanchland is just the spot for a high-class pie and local pint or a well-heeled afternoon tea.

This historic pub in Northumberland, built as a guest house around 1165, offers weary travellers delicious homecooked food served in The Bishop’s Dining Room or the Hilyard, and afternoon tea served in the Derwent.

Unlike other pubs in the area its bar is somewhat unusual: The Crypt Bar is tucked inside a medieval vaulted chamber with a candlelit ambience that could easily pass for a setting from Merlin or Harry Potter.

In short, the Lord Crew Arms has it all: landscape, culture, real ale, excellent food and even ghosts. Best have another gin to steady your nerves.

Pic Credit: Lord Crewe Arms

Best Pubs in Northumberland | No. 5

The Ship Inn, Low Newton

Dog-friendly | Find it: NE66 3EL | Stay Nearby: The Tempus Hotel

A stone’s throw away from the rugged and wild coastal beach of Newton-by-the-Sea, the small but perfectly formed Ship Inn is a cosy whitewashed pub with a roaring open fire, live music and a very big heart.

Always full of happy and hungry walkers, The Ship Inn serves beer brewed on-site in the pub’s very own brewery and nearly all the fish on the menu comes from local fishermen. Head to this wonderful Northumberland pub from June – October and it’ll be dishing up lobster straight from Newton Bay.

A visit to The Ship Inn goes hand-in-hand with a beautiful coastal walk from Craster to Low Newton, passing the mighty ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle as you go.

Pic Credit: The Ship Inn

Best Pubs in Northumberland | No. 6

The Castle Inn, Bamburgh

Dog-friendly | Find it: NE69 7BW

With its wood-panelled rooms, open fires, decent local beer and affordable hearty food, the Castle Inn in Bamburgh is a great pit-stop on a Sunday after a walk on Bamburgh beach.

Sunday lunches come heaped with juicy meats, roasties and plenty of vegetables and the quick service matches the generous helpings and friendly staff.

There’s a traditional pub atmosphere in this Northumberland gem with locals enjoying a drink whilst chatting with day trippers from around the country. Yes, the Castle Inn is a favourite that it’ll be hard not to return to again and again. Of course, there’s plenty more things to do in Bamburgh besides the pub – if you can tear yourself away, that is.

Pic Credit: TripAdvisor

Best Pubs in Northumberland | No. 7

The Olde Ship Inn, Seahouses

Dog-friendly | Find it: NE68 7RD

Staying faithful to the sea-fairing ways of The North, The Olde Ship Inn is a cosy, friendly, quirky Northumberland pub, packed wall-to-ceiling with nautical treasures.

Almost more a sea museum than a traditional watering hole, it’s a firm favourite of those visitors who’ve just finished one of the many Farne Islands boat trips to run out of Seahouses and for the fishermen who work out of Seahouses harbour. Conveniently, it is just a short stroll away from where their boats land catches of fresh fish.

The pub’s menu stretches far and wide: from chunky homemade sandwiches and freshly-caught seafood to wholesome, warming chowders. And, as you’d expect, there’s also good local beer and ales for sinking. Although this pub may be little, trust us: its fiercely addictive.