A pub near Hexham has been named Northumberland’s highest-ranked entry in the Good Food Guide’s 100 Best Pubs 2026, putting The Rat Inn in Anick at number 31 in the national rankings.
Four Northumberland pubs feature in the list, which recognises venues for the quality of their food and hospitality. The result gives several county establishments further national recognition and provides a boost for the region’s food-led pub trade.
Four Northumberland pubs make the national list
The Feathers Inn at Hedley on the Hill was ranked 64th, followed closely by The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman’s Rest at Slaggyford in 65th place. The Ship Inn at Low Newton-by-the-Sea completed Northumberland’s representation, ranking 71st.
The rankings were announced during the Good Food Guide’s second annual celebration of Britain’s 100 Best Pubs. This year’s overall winner was the Queens Arms in Eccles, Greater Manchester, which combines a traditional Victorian pub with a Japanese izakaya.
The Rat Inn, a country pub near Hexham, has appeared prominently in an earlier Good Food Guide ranking. Its inclusion makes it the most highly placed Northumberland pub in this year’s list.
Recognition for local food and hospitality
The Feathers Inn has also featured on the guide’s previous list. The Hedley on the Hill pub is known for seasonal food and relationships with Northumberland farmers and producers, including Haydon Bridge butcher Tom Stephenson and his son Edward Stephenson, along with rare-breed pork producers Hugh Gray and Ann Gray.
“We're absolutely thrilled to be recognised by the Good Food Guide. This isn't just an achievement for us, but for the whole community of farmers, growers, and regulars who've supported us over the years. We feel very lucky to be part of this place and its people.”
The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman’s Rest has also enjoyed a successful period, having already received national recognition this year after being named England’s best pub.
At the coast, The Ship Inn sits close to the beach at Low Newton-by-the-Sea among former fishermen’s cottages, with views towards Dunstanburgh Castle. It serves food made with local ingredients alongside real ales produced in its own microbrewery, and has previously received recognition in Northumberland pub awards.
Guide says pubs continue to adapt
Adam Hyman, owner of the Good Food Guide, said the list showed that high-quality food and hospitality could still be found in pubs while the hospitality industry adapts to changing conditions.
“While our industry continues to adapt to the new norm of what running a hospitality business looks like in Britain, our Best Pubs list once again shows that some of the best food and hospitality can be found in pubs.”
Founded in 1951, the Good Food Guide reviews venues anonymously, with inspectors paying for their own meals.
