A POPULAR North Tyne pub is now in new hands.

Michael and Victoria Eames have taken over the Barrasford Arms from former owner Tony Binks, after his decision to retire after 11 years.

Michael, who worked as executive head chef at Slaley Hall until October last year, before moving to open the new Malmaison in Dundee, said he felt it was time to take on something of his own.

He and wife Victoria, who is running front of house at the Barrasford Arms, took over the reigns in June.

"There have been a few changes to the menu, but coming into a small village we are not coming in to change everything - simple things done well work well," said Michael.

"The poly-tunnels are up and running now, so we can grow some of our own ingredients.

"Some of the classics will never leave, such as the cheese souffle, the grilled ribeye steak and the sticky toffee pudding - they are very well liked.

"I'm quite big on local suppliers so there's Sewingshields farm along the military road, Jamie Murray from there supplies us with our beef and lamb, Wheelbirks for our ice cream and we also use Matfen Brewery.

"I think it's important to make the food reflect the north east of England. After living in Scotland I can see there's a lot more happening on the doorstep in Northumberland than what people realise."

Michael, who is originally from Whitfield, said the cooking demonstrations which are on on the second Tuesday of every month will continue, while there is a gin afternoon planned for the August bank holiday weekend.

The pub, which earned a spot in the Michelin Guide for 2017, is now open all day every day, despite it previously having afternoon and evening opening times.

"The restaurant will be mainly 12-2 and 6-9 but in the afternoon we will accommodate for if someone wants a sandwich or a bowl of chips, for cyclists passing through for example," added Michael.