After first visiting the Northumberland Arms in November 2020 on the eve of Lockdown 2.0 the venue became a huge favourite of mine.
I made a flying Sunday Lunch visit a year later and now, after completing a very busy November edition, decided to complete the hat trick.
On a bleak wintery afternoon my wife Lisa and I made the short journey up the A1 to the picturesque village of Felton.
Being a lover of pubs the venue ticked every box for me combining the snug atmosphere of a country local with wonderful food and sumptuous accommodation.
It is situated in a breathtaking location overlooking the River Coquet and offers a terrific alternate to the larger hotels in the area.
This is a venue rich in history, originally built in the 1820’s by Hugh Percy, 3rd Duke of Northumberland as a coaching inn where his coach horses, family and visitors could take refreshment before journeying on to Alnwick Castle.
If the setting is impressive then the warmth of welcome was no less so.
Owner Stuart Young is someone who I have worked with for many years and his expertise in the hospitality industry is second to none as shown with sister venues Lovage and the Blackbird Ponteland in recent years.
The hotel’s individually decorated guest rooms capture the spirit of Northumberland and are all tastefully appointed with tartan rugs, Bergere sofas, plush bedding and heavy drapes. Bathed in a countrified colour palette – all greens, browns, purples and mauve- ours was a haven of comfort and tranquillity with a beamed, vaulted ceiling adding real character.
After a quick change we headed downstairs to the comfortable bar area where we found a lively mix of late lunchers and early evening boozers. This would also be the perfect place to unwind afters a day’s walking or cycling.
Over a warming pint of Guinness I perused the extensive main menu which is updated seasonally and found a huge selection of classic main meals, a la carte dishes and mouthwatering desserts on offer.
After much deliberation we decided to kick off with a sharing seafood platter of mini fishcakes, breaded haddock, smoked salmon, prawn & crayfish cocktail.
Showcasing the diversity of flavours and textures from the sea this was a pleasantly versatile choice and something that we reflected we should try more often.
Carrying on the nautical theme I chose the classic comfort dish of beer battered haddock and chips with accompanying mushy peas and tartare sauce. The fish was delicate and tasty and the chips golden brown and crispy as they should be. This was an absolute winner.
Lisa meanwhile chose a delicious dish of pan fried chicken breast with potato and onion bhajis, carrot and coconut puree, toasted almonds and fresh coriander. Lovingly presented, beautifully cooked and quickly devoured!
Washed down with a lovely bottle of Sauvignon Blanc this was terrific fayre and the perfect way to kick off the run through to Christmas.
After much discussion we sidestepped dessert but noted the terrific variety of sweet tooth options available. Next time…
Service was friendly and attentive throughout as it had been on our previous two visits.
After a rare eight hours sleep we sampled further sumptuous fayre at breakfast with a full English and smoked salmon and scrambled eggs setting us up for the journey home.
Three visits, three flawless experiences. Make a beeline to the Northumberland Arms for the perfect country escape.
For further information visit northumberlandarms-felton.co.uk