A country pub near Hexham has attracted renewed attention after being praised by television favourites Brenda Blethyn and Michael Palin, as well as food critic Giles Coran. The Rat Inn in Anwick is being presented as a destination for autumn meals, riverside views and clear-night stargazing.
Anwick, which the report stresses is not Alnwick, is close to Hexham and has a connection to the long-running ITV crime drama Vera. Brenda Blethyn, who played the lead role for 10 years, told ChronicleLive that she and the programme’s executive producer, Will Nicholson, enjoyed visiting The Rat for something to eat during breaks in filming.
What the famous visitors said
Michael Palin also singled out the Northumberland pub during an appearance on BBC Breakfast the previous year. The report says he described it as one of his favourite pubs in the country, highlighting its food and views over the river.
“One of my favourite pubs in the country is called The Rat. It's up in Northumberland; it's the most beautiful pub, with lovely food and marvellous view over the river and all that. Whenever I go up there I go to The Rat.”
The Rat’s reputation extends beyond television personalities. It was ranked eighth in a list of the country’s best gastropubs earlier in 2026, according to the report.
Food, landscape and stargazing
Food critic Giles Coran visited the pub earlier this year and praised it in The Times. His review referred to The Rat as a “stonking” beer pub and mentioned the stargazing associated with the venue.
“cosy as hell on a blustery night at the very edge of the Roman Empire”
The pub was said to be delighted by the review. Its beer garden offers views across the Northumberland landscape, while its location is also promoted as suitable for stargazing.
The feature’s timing links the pub’s appeal to the shift towards autumn, describing the prospect of warming up beside a fire and eating hearty food as the weather cools and the nights draw in. For Hexham residents looking for a highly recommended country-pub experience nearby, The Rat Inn is highlighted as a place associated with celebrated television visitors, critical acclaim, food and scenery.