With the nights drawing in and Autumn on the horizon, now is the perfect time to venture out into the countryside for a weekend walk and a delicious Sunday Lunch. With Northumberland and County Durham only short drives away, there are plenty of options for cosy village pubs serving up the best roast dinners in the North East.
The Percy Arms in Chatton- just outside Alnwick- is the ideal countryside location for a Sunday lunch after a wander around Alnwick. Their giant Yorkshire puddings and seasonal vegetables are a great accompaniment to their perfectly cooked meats and vegetarian options. The pub is dog-friendly and also hosts five luxury bedrooms if a weekend away is what you need. With stunning views of the Northumberland countryside and with cosy fires and soft seating, this is an ideal location for a wintry Sunday lunch.
Closer to the coast is the newly refurbished Beadnell Towers in the village of Beadnell, near Seahouses and Bamburgh. Situated in the heart of the village, Beadnell Towers has an expansive outdoor seating area and bedrooms, but the new restaurant is the star of their show. With an open kitchen setting and leather seating, they offer beef, pork, lamb, fish and vegetarian options on their Sunday lunch menu.
Just down the coast is Dunstanburgh Castle Hotel in Embleton- offering a cosy, affordable venue for Sunday lunch. With their beef option only £13.95, this is the perfect setting for a large family lunch after a walk on the beach. Right in the heart of the village, this pub is easily accessible and is full of friendly locals. Their bar is stocked with local beers and ales from around Northumberland and is a great place to settle down by one of the fires and enjoy a local pint.
The Whittling House in Alnmouth is a unique pub and hotel with tasteful seaside themed decor and a bright airy feel. The Sunday lunch menu boasts the usual meats, a grill option and lobsters- a real surf and turf of roast dinners. Using local produce and lobsters caught nearby, everything is fresh and delicious. The portions are well-sized, and dogs are welcome in part of the restaurant.
The Pack Horse Inn in Ellingham is the ultimate cosy country pub. With large roaring fires and a dog-friendly atmosphere, they are the perfect place following a walk in Northumberland National Park or a walk on the coast. Their meat is sourced in the village from farmers who drink in the pub, their eggs come from their neighbour and their gin is from nearby Holy Island. Their passion for local food is fantastic and can really be felt within the dishes. The Sunday lunch menu expands to more than just a roast, and there really is something for everyone.
On the Northumberland/Durham border is The Lord Crewe Arms in the pretty village of Blanchland. They have a unique take on Sunday lunches and provide a sharing platter of meats and vegetables for the whole table to enjoy. With a number of rooms across the restaurant, there is formal dining, cosy log fires and spaces for larger groups. Emma- the chef- uses ingredients from the pub’s kitchen garden and sources eggs and meat from the village.
The Blackbird in Ponteland is popular with Darras Hall residents and has a fantastic Sunday lunch just outside of Newcastle. With old stone walls and large fires, this is the ideal place for a quick drive from the city centre. Their roasts come with all the trimmings including pigs in blankets year-round, and they offer a trio of meats for only £16.95.
Located in the North Pennines, Carts Bog Inn in the village of Langley has stunning panoramic views of the hills and a traditional stone fireplace under high beamed ceilings. Their Sunday lunches are well-portioned with plenty of local veg and meat from nearby JW Davison. Local ales from Allendale Brewery provide a great tipple to wash down the meal before a delicious dessert- if you can find room!
