ONE of the district's historic pubs has made an appearance on national TV this week.

The popular Blenkinsopp Castle Inn, near Haltwhistle, is a stunning coaching stable dating back to the 13th century.

Part of its history was revived on Sunday when the pub featured in an episode of BBC One's A Very Country Christmas.

Landlady Carol Stirling, who runs the pub alongside her husband Gary, revived a Christmas pie, made by Jean Blenkinsopp Coulson some 300 years ago.

"It was great to be involved," said Carol. "Presenter Angellica Bell and her team were lovely. It's just a shame that it came during such a challenging time for everyone."

Like all businesses in the hospitality industry, the Blenkinsopp Castle Inn is currently closed to the public.

Crucially, however, it is serving takeaway meals on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as Sunday lunches.

Carol and Gary, who share kitchen responsibilities between them, will also be offering take-out Christmas meals on Christmas Eve, which can be re-heated on the big day.

The pub is known for the quality of its food, and is continuing that tradition, even though the bar's usual lively atmosphere has had to remain silent.

"After the first lockdown we were busy," said Carol. "Like everyone else, we're looking forward to getting back to normal and welcoming back our loyal customers."

While serving takeaways, the Stirlings have also used the downtime to carry out refurbishment work at a venue, which when fully functioning, offers five rooms for bed and breakfast guests.

Once internal improvements have been completed, the couple are planning to start work on sprucing up the gardens in the New Year.

Gary and Carol first met as teenage members of the South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade. They took on the Blenkinsopp Castle Inn in 2014.

Previously, Carol worked in banking for more than 20 years and had been involved with renovation projects, while Gary’s background is in heating engineering.

Over the past six years, they've had some well known visitors at the Blenkinsopp Castle Inn.

In 2016, actor Robson Green attended to open a jazz room at the venue, which proved popular with musicians from near and far.

The following year, then foreign secretary Boris Johnson enjoyed a meal at the pub while walking Hadrian's Wall, before becoming Prime Minister in 2019.

Carol added: "We didn't know at the time that we had the future Prime Minister here.

"I don't envy his job. It's been a very difficult year and so many people have suffered.

"I wish everyone the best of health over what will be a different Christmas."

Visit the Blenkinsopp Castle Inn page on Facebook and https://www.blenkinsoppcastleinn.co.uk/