The Feathers Inn

This small stone-built free house is well patronised locally, but strangers are frequently charmed by the friendly and relaxed atmosphere created here by owners Rhian Cradock and Helen Greer. It's also worth the detour for its tip-top Northumbrian micro-brewery ales, some cracking pub food and the splendid views across the Cheviot Hills. Old oak beams, stone walls decorated with local photographs, coal fires and rustic settles set the informal scene, and there's a good selection of traditional pub games like shove ha'penny and bar skittles. Rhian's impressive daily menu makes sound use of the freshest local ingredients - including game from local shoots, rare breed local cattle and Longhorn beef - to create great British classics as well as regional dishes from the north east. You could start with potted local hare and middlewhite pork with toast and pickled walnuts or Rhian's home-made black pudding with a village egg and devilled gravy. Typical main courses range from a hearty Angus steak and kidney pie with creamy mash and buttered carrots to grilled North Sea plaice with heritage potatoes, spinach, white wine and samphire velouté. Leave room for desserts like sticky date pudding with butterscotch sauce and local cream or dark chocolate tart with marmalade ice cream. Relax and sup one of the cask ales, perhaps Wylam Red Kite or Mordue Workie Ticket, beside a real open fire and dip into one of the many cookery books that spill out all over the place. The Feathers is the perfect location to enjoy a relaxing lunch with beautiful Northumbrian views, or meet with friends for an intimate dinner. Families are welcome, and a small side room can be booked in advance if required. The annual beer and food festival takes place over Easter and includes a barrel race, egg jarping, barbecue and a farmers' market.