A NORTH Tyne pub has been named the Best Pub in Northumberland at the National Pub & Bar Awards.

The Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant in Wark has been chosen as the county winner by a judging panel at the Pub & Bar Magazine and will now go on to represent Northumberland at the National Pub & Bar Awards grand final at London’s BAFTA theatre on Tuesday, May 24.

The pubs were judged on all aspects of hospitality, from perfect service and product range to aesthetic design and entertainment.

The Battlesteads was chosen for its friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable staff, wide range of local and national cask ales, well-travelled list of sustainable and biodynamic wines and fantastic food, featuring home-grown ingredients and locally-sourced produce.

Speaking after winning the award, owner of the Battlesteads Richard Slade said: “We are absolutely delighted that out of the brilliant pubs and inns in Northumberland, we have been chosen as the best.

“It is great to be recognised by Pub & Bar Magazine, one of the leading titles for the industry and it will be an honour to represent the county at the grand final in May.”

Tristan O’Hana, Editor of Pub & Bar Magazine, said: “The winning pubs, including the Battlesteads, represent all that is great about the modern on-trade.

“You can only imagine the fantastic variety of operations we have discovered through the judging process – it’s been an absolute pleasure to investigate just how all of these incredible operators run their businesses.

“What’s great about the awards is that all the attendees of the grand final are already winners – we’re very much looking forward to celebrating with everyone at BAFTA in London.”

The Battlesteads will be joining 93 other county winners from England, Scotland and Wales to compete for the national title at the grand final..