A rural pub in the North Tyne has been named the most hospitable traditional hotel in the North East.

The Holly Bush Inn, in Greenhaugh, received the award from LUXlife website in its Resorts and Retreats Awards 2020.

John Thompson, who runs the pub along with his wife Lynne, said: “We are really chuffed.

“It softens the blow a little bit.”

The Holly Bush Inn, an old 17th century drovers inn, has seven guest rooms with en-suites.

The pub also made it into the Good Beer Guide 2021.

Despite some pubs closing permanently in the Tyne Valley due to the impacts of the pandemic, John said: “We will be fine.

“We are still serving takeaways on Friday and Saturday evenings.”

“The food is getting really good reviews,” he added.

John and Lynne, who live in Lanehead, took over the pub in May 2019.

“The locals are such a friendly bunch,” John said.

“It’s a great little community.”

Ann Cleeves, the author behind ITV’s Vera, has visited, and the pub in her latest novel ‘The Darkest Evening’ was inspired by the Holly Bush Inn.

John said people from all around the country have come to stay at the pub and enjoy the North Tyne’s surroundings.

“It’s a stunning place.”

He added: “We have seen an uptick in bookings for later in the year.”

The pub sees many guests re-booking, John said.

“There’s a lot of people who loving coming back.”

Last year the couple spent money on improving the pub’s beer garden and John said: “It’s got to be one of the prettiest anywhere really.”

John praised their staff and said they love to chat with visitors, giving them tips on things to do in the local area.

The Holly Bush Inn is currently looking for more staff for when they are allowed to re-open.