Great Whittington, British, Traditional Restaurant Guide

“Delightful old inn” with a “blackboard menu of uncomplicated, unchallenging, proper food done well” (“good local produce; noted for steak”) and “a lovely garden with views over the Tyne Valley”. Chef Phil Mason and his wife Karen have been at the helm for almost two decades, impressing both Hexham locals and visitors including the likes of Michael Palin and Brenda Blethyn. Top Tip – “the bar area with open fire is lovely and cosy; the second dining room down a couple of steps perhaps less so, although it’s much brighter if you’re the sort of person who likes to photograph their lunch”.