THE Redesdale Arms is an old coaching inn situated on the edge of the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park at Rochester just north of Otterburn. Chef-owner Mark Pinner and his partner Carrol Armstrong offer top quality, home cooked food served daily from 12 noon to 8.30pm, and Sunday roasts from 12-8pm. A special Christmas menu is available until December 23. Offering a choice of turkey, twice-cooked belly pork and black pudding, roast lamb, oven baked salmon and a vegetarian option, plus five starters and four homemade desserts. Three course lunch £19.95, dinner £21.95. There is a daily specials board and the kitchen also offers a wide choice of vegetarian meals and a gluten free menu. The inn has ten comfortable en-suite bedrooms including spacious family rooms. www.redesdale-arms.co.uk
The Duke of Wellington, just off the A69 at Newton near Corbridge offers award-winning food and 5 Star Gold Standard rated accommodation in seven luxury bedrooms. Food from seasonal menus is served in the dining room or bar at lunchtime and evenings seven days a week. A Christmas menu is available until December 24, from 12noon to 9pm. Two courses £15.95, 3 courses £18.95. There is also a Festive a la carte evening menu served between 6 and 9pm. www.thedukeofwellingtoninn.co.uk
The Bay Horse Inn at West Woodburn is an 18th century coaching inn on the A68 which has always been a popular halt for travellers. This country pub which has seven en-suite rooms, specialises in traditional home cooked meals using the best local meat, fish and vegetables served in the bar or restaurant. A popular Sunday attraction is a hog roast and carvery. Traditional home cooked specialities include mince and dumplings and a Lamb Feast, and vegetarian and vegan dishes are also available. www.bayhorseinn.org
The Errington Arms at Stagshaw, Corbridge, just a stone’s throw from Hadrian’s Wall, is a restaurant and public house offering fine cuisine ranging from traditional favourites such as steak and ale pie and seafood platters, along with many continental style dishes. The lunchtime menu features world-wide themed sandwiches including Masala Madness, Julius Caesar and Three Little Pigs. The Christmas Fayre menu features locally reared turkey and Northumbrian lamb. www.erringtonarms.co.uk
The Ship Inn pub and brewery enjoys a superb setting just off the beach in a grassy square at Low Newton-by-the-Sea. From a small kitchen all food is freshly cooked to order including locally caught fish, free range meat from local farms, vegetarian dishes and old fashioned puddings. Lunch is served daily from 12-2.30 and evening meals (to be booked in advance) from Wednesday to Saturday, 7-8pm. The pub’s micro brewery produces 20 acclaimed beers. www.shipinnnewton.co.uk
