Food & Drink

One of the best ways to discover Northumberland is around a table.

Whether it's a cosy country pub with a roaring fire after a long walk, fresh seafood overlooking the sea or a little café tucked away in a village, this county is full of wonderful places to eat, drink and simply enjoy the slower pace of life.

One thing that's always important to me is that my dogs are welcome too.

After a walk along the beach or through the countryside, there's nothing better than finding a dog-friendly pub where muddy boots, wagging tails and happy walkers are greeted with a smile. Thankfully, Northumberland has plenty of them.

Cosy Country Pubs

Some of my favourite places are the traditional country pubs, where you'll find crackling log fires in winter, sunny beer gardens in summer and proper home-cooked food all year round.

One pub I've always enjoyed is The Cook & Barker, nestled in the beautiful countryside near Newton-on-the-Moor. It's the sort of place where you can settle in for a leisurely lunch, enjoy a delicious meal and leave wondering when you can come back.

Fresh Local Produce

Being surrounded by farmland and coastline means Northumberland is blessed with incredible local produce.

Fresh seafood landed just along the coast, locally reared beef and lamb, artisan cheeses, homemade cakes and traditional Northumberland favourites all feature on menus throughout the county.

Whether you're looking for a hearty Sunday roast, freshly caught fish, afternoon tea or a simple coffee with a homemade scone, you'll never be far from somewhere worth stopping.

More Than Just a Meal

Some of the best memories from travelling aren't made at famous attractions—they're made over lunch in a little village café, chatting to locals in a country pub or discovering a hidden restaurant you'd never have found without taking a different road.

Those are exactly the places I love sharing.

As Wendy Wanders grows, I'll be adding my favourite pubs, cafés, restaurants, tearooms and hidden gems across Northumberland, along with honest reviews, recommendations and, of course, plenty of dog-friendly stops.

Some will be award-winning gastro pubs.

Others will simply serve the best bacon sandwich you've ever tasted.

Because sometimes it's not about Michelin stars—it's about great food, a warm welcome and somewhere that makes you want to stay just a little longer.

Good food has a wonderful way of becoming part of the journey, and Northumberland has plenty of places that you'll remember long after the plates have been cleared. ❤️