A POPULAR Tynedale pub, which has a reputation for good food, is continuing to raise the bar in a prestigious list of the UK’s best gastro pubs.

The Rat Inn, Anick, has featured in the list of the UK’s top 50 gastro pubs, compiled by pub trade magazine The Publican’s Morning Advertiser, since 2013 – this year coming in at number 11.

At number 19 is The Broad Chare, Newcastle and The Staith House, North Shields features at number 33.

Karen Errington, who runs the pub with her partner and chef, Phil Mason, credits the work of the newly-expanded kitchen team as a big part of the success and said: “We were at number 13 last year, so to keep climbing and improving is such good news for us. We’re really pleased.”

“Phil oversees our head chef and two other members of kitchen staff so, between the four of them, we’re able to open the kitchen seven days a week when previously we were closed for food on Mondays.

“We buy small quantities of good quality locally-sourced ingredients and change the menu everyday.

“We find that keeps the interest for customers and we’re delighted it’s put us on the map in Northumberland, on a list which features some really big-hitters.”

Nicholas Robinson, Top 50 Gastropubs editor, said: “Gastropubs in the UK are the backbone of accessible and high-quality food, which is why we have seen such steep growth in the category.”