Best pub in North East for sale near Scottish Border

The Star Inn, Harbottle, is near the legendary 2,000-tonne Drake Stone <i>(Image: Andrew Mitchell, Northumberland National Park Authority/Christie & Co)</i>
The Star Inn, Harbottle, is near the legendary 2,000-tonne Drake Stone (Image: Andrew Mitchell, Northumberland National Park Authority/Christie & Co)
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'THE best pub in the North East' is for sale in a 'peaceful' Northumberland village near the Scottish Border.

The Star Inn is the village of Harbottle's only pub, and was built in 1800 from sandstone from the nearby Harbottle Castle ruins.

Inside the historic pub (Image: Christie & Co)

Based in the peaceful stone-built village within Northumberland National Park, it is in a prime location for tourists, walkers, and cyclists.

The site includes the main pub building, a courtyard, a large barn, and outbuildings that have been sympathetically converted for guest use.

The pub was built in 1800 (Image: Christie & Co)

Christie & Co, which is marketing the property, said: "Just 10 miles west of Rothbury and close to the Scottish Border, the Inn is surrounded by dramatic landscapes, ancient ruins and walking trails that wind through Coquetdale and the Cheviot Hills.

The bar area (Image: Christie & Co)

"The nearby Harbottle Castle ruins and the legendary Drake Stone add a touch of history and folklore to the area."

The Drake Stone is a 30-foot-tall sandstone boulder said to have mystical healing powers. It is the largest free-standing boulder in Northumberland.

Until not too long ago, children were passed over the 2,000-tonne stone to cure them of illness.

The site includes the main pub building, a courtyard, a large barn, and outbuildings (Image: Christie & Co)

The refurbished pub is said to have been refurbished to a "very high standard" and is described as a "turnkey inn" due to its condition.

The pub is also a community hub and has three luxury ensuite bedrooms, with planning permission granted for additional rooms.

The village shop on the site (Image: Christie & Co)

The Star Inn has a five-star hygiene and five-star cask marque and was awarded Winner of Pub of the Year North East 2026 in the My Local Awards and was a finalist in the Best of Northumberland 2025 Awards for Best Food and Drinks.

An aerial view of the site (Image: Christie & Co)

Christie & Co said: "With its own village shop, newsagent and National Park Information Point, The Star Inn is more than just a pub, it is a community hub and a perfect base for exploring Northumberland’s wild beauty and dark skies.

"Whether you are stopping for a pint, a wood-fired pizza, or a peaceful overnight stay in one of the luxurious en suite rooms, the Inn’s tranquil setting and friendly atmosphere make it a standout destination in one of England’s most scenic regions."

Owner of The Star Inn, Karen Wilkinson, posted on Facebook: "After pouring my heart and soul into this wonderful pub for several years, I feel I’ve taken it as far as I can, whilst at the same time, leaving some scope for a future owner to put their own mark on it. The business has had year-on-year growth, its refurbishment is to a very high standard and there’s a great team in place.

An aerial view of the site (Image: Christie & Co)

"As I near my 40th working year, the time feels right to step back and retire knowing that the business is well established and ready for new owners to take it forward; a new chapter.

"A huge thank you goes to everyone who has been a part of this journey; customers, suppliers, tradesmen, staff past and present, family and friends. I could not have done any of this without you.

"The Star Inn will always be a very special place to me, helped enormously by the fabulous community we have here.

The Drake Stone, near Harbottle (Image: Andrew Mitchell, Northumberland National Park Authority)

"Whether the pub sells quickly or slowly, I’ll be here, giving it 100 per cent until the end of my tenure."

There is also a separate kitchen in the courtyard which serves pizzas, pub classics, and seasonal specials.

Christie & Co said the inn is a "well-established free-house with a very strong local following".

The company said it offers a "blend of traditional pub charm, modern dining, retail, and luxury accommodation".

The business has consistent revenue streams and has achieved excellent online reviews on Booking.com, Google, TripAdvisor and various social media platforms.

The Star Inn is for sale for £850,000.

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