TWO of the best pubs in the UK for a pint of cask ale were revealed to be in Northumberland, according to a list by The Good Food Guide.
The guide's list of the 100 Best Pubs of 2025 seeks to 'define British pub culture at its best: a warm welcome, good, honest cooking and a perfectly poured pint'.
Timothy Taylor's Landlord is the UK’s number one cask ale, and The Good Food Guide listed 31 of the best pubs in the country, which are 'ready and waiting to serve you a perfectly conditioned pint of it on your next visit'.
From Devon and Hertfordshire to North Yorkshire, London, and Somerset, the pubs all aim to deliver the best in hospitality and dining.
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One pub based in Northumberland was The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman's Rest, in Slaggyford, which is also considered one of the best for pairing with a winter walk.
'Magnificent wine and fine food off the beaten track' is on offer at this modern British pub, rated 'good' overall by the guide.
"Slaggyford's finest, the Kirkstyle, has been a watering hole since the 19th century, although it did service as the local rectory for many centuries before that," the guide said.
"In ravishing open moorland near the Cumbrian border, it capitalises on its rugged location by bringing in pedigree produce from across the county of Northumberland.
"Pasture-raised sheep and cattle, together with seasonal game and fish, adorn Connor Wilson's enterprising menus, and the immaculate presentational style is full of contemporary chic, although it doesn't occlude the essentially straightforward approach to its distinguished ingredients."
The Rat Inn, Anick, which was also listed as one of the best pubs for a pint of Landlord, was rated 'good' overall by The Good Food Guide.
"‘Great food, great atmosphere, proper pub,' declared one reader who lives locally," it began.
"This revamped 18th-century drovers’ inn atop a hill also offers spectacular views of the Tyne Valley and proves its worth as a local watering hole, with an atmospheric bar, up to six ales from North Country microbreweries on tap and 'lots of quirky items to look at'.
"The cooking has real character too, and it's obvious that the kitchen is passionate about provenance and Northumbrian produce – check out the board detailing the local farms and herds that supply its meat.
"You can sample the results by ordering from the regular ‘seasonal menu’, which puts the emphasis firmly on steaks – sold by weight and served with the pub’s own ‘steak sauce’."
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