Nestled in the corner of Northumberland, is the small town of Ponteland, a place filled with jolly pubs and plenty of unique places to grab a bite to eat.
Ponteland is rich in 14th-century history, including sites such as the Pele Tower and the Blackbird Inn. Yet, Ponteland is still a cosmopolitan area where there is something different around every corner. At one point during the recent recession to hit the British economy, only one pub remained open in Ponteland. Since then the change has been dramatic and Ponteland has become a real social hub, packed with cosy coffee shops, pubs and restaurants, to cocktail bars.
Opening during this period of economic difficulty was Fratelli. Covering traditional Italian cuisine to contemporary dishes, Fratelli caters for all. Winning the Secret Diner Best Family Restaurant in 2013 and 2014, as well as becoming a finalist of the 2016 English Italian Restaurant Awards, restaurant Fratelli is not one to miss when visiting Ponteland with your loved ones. With plenty of seasonal offers, the repertoire of Fratelli covers cocktails at two for £10, Sunday lunch from £10.95, as well as plenty of traditional Italian treats that you can sink your teeth into. According to owner Fabrizio Saba, some friends questioned opening the restaurant in a relatively small ‘village’, calling it a risk. However, 12 years later and Fratelli is still providing an atmosphere that encourages ‘intimate family times’, from an independent family run business, in a contemporary environment. Fratelli brings a touch of the modern city centre to this cosy corner of Northumberland, while complimenting Ponteland’s community feel with a high quality restaurant, perfect for all the family.
Like Fratelli, the next pick of Ponteland is considerably more modern than the traditional pubs Northumberland is known for. You Only Live Once or Yolo, as it is more commonly known, opened in September 2015 and brings something totally new to Ponteland. Yolo is a cocktail bar first and foremost, serving over 20 different alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, chilled wines and a range of beers and lagers. With a DJ every Friday to accompany the 2-4- 1 cocktails offer, Yolo really was a ‘social experiment for Ponteland’, as noted by Neill Winch, owner of Yolo and CEO of Danieli Holdings. When Yolo is not being the glamorous party host of Ponteland, it gives its customers a range of food offers until the weekend rolls around once more. From coffee to sharing platters, to half price food each Thursday, Yolo really adds a touch a glamour to Ponteland.
If you are the type of person that prefers something a little cosier, then look no further than the Post Box. This café/bistro prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients to create brilliant coffee and delicious food in a relaxing and comfortable environment. Post Box is a place that is perfect for a catch-up with friends over coffee and homemade cakes or scones. Although this may look like any normal café, as ever with the places in Ponteland, there is a twist. In the evening’s Post Box becomes a night café, serving dinner and drinks giving the locals of Ponteland an alternative to a restaurant or bar atmosphere. Post Box adds something different to Ponteland and greets anyone that enters with a warm welcome (and a Postman’s Breakfast!), establishing itself firmly in the picks of Ponteland for its modern twist on a typical snug café.
The final pick on this list is a place that some consider to be the heart of Ponteland. The Blackbird Inn was originally a castle built by warriors in the 14th century and has been an alehouse since 1597. It includes many features of historic interest such as an ancient tower and Tudor fireplace that are still intact today. Over the last few hundred years this cosy, country pub has served locals and visitors with a variety of wines, ales, lagers and meals, but in 2020 The Blackbird is as good as it has ever been. Serving four different menus throughout the week with beautiful fresh food that is made to order, holding over 70 different varieties of gin, and creating a warm and lively atmosphere, this is so much more than a pub and really does cater for all occasions.