Northumberland pub named among UK’s best for a winter walk

The Kirkstyle Inn & Sportsman’s Rest in Slaggyford, Northumberland, “capitalises on its rugged location” by bringing in “pedigree produce” from across the county, according to The Good Food Guide.

It’s set among the “ravishing” open moorland near the Cumbrian border and Pennine Way, and has been praised by the foodie experts for its “crowd-pulling” Sunday roasts recommended by MasterChef host Grace Dent.

Why this Northumberland pub is one of Britain’s best for a winter walk

The Good Food Guide shared: “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.

“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.”

It continues: “A party who undertook an intrepid three-hour drive weren’t disappointed, but instead sang the praises of a pigeon pie starter in cherry gravy, as well as the concluding Darling Blue (cheese) panna cotta with plums and walnuts (‘a work of alchemy’).

“Lucky locals also take full advantage of this ‘fantastic community hub’. Diners might kick off with a scallop alongside mushroom and spelt ragoût and hollandaise, while mains pump up the volume for pork collar and crispy jowl with carrot and fermented hispi, or pollock and mussels with celeriac and kale.

“There are, of course, crowd-pulling Sunday roasts, and if you’re after something offbeat to finish, look to madeleine with blackberries and woodruff.”

The Sunday roasts at the pub include roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, cauliflower cheese, seasonal vegetables, roast potatoes and plenty of gravy.

A recent customer wrote on Tripadvisor: “Recommended by the savvy Grace Dent and her review in The Guardian. And what a recommendation. Sunday lunch was plentiful, fresh and tasty – well above the average offerings you get in 90 per cent of venues.”

The surrounding area of the Kirkstyle Inn transforms into a winter wonderland when it snows (Image: Tripadvisor)

Another posted: “This was our third visit, having previously enjoyed the tasting menu lunch, this time we were back for Sunday lunch. The place was packed, and the atmosphere was as good as the superb food and service. Faultless flavours and perfectly balanced food with just the right amount of attention from the super-friendly staff. We will be back soon.”

Someone else commented: “We had a wonderful Sunday lunch here, all 5 of us came out practically raving about this place as we walked back along the Pennine Way.”

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Meanwhile, this happy guest put: “Went for Sunday Lunch which was delicious (possibly the best I’ve ever had! ) and loved this hidden gem. Attentive, friendly staff and dog friendly.”

The Kirkstyle Inn & Sportsman’s Rest is also known for its “magnificent” wine list and “wouldn’t let the side down at a Mayfair boutique, albeit at mark-ups that Mayfair hasn’t seen in half a century”.

The Good Food Guide continued: “French classics lead the charge, but are followed by a Brazilian Chardonnay, a German Pinot, Swiss Dôle, Uruguayan Tannat – it’s all good.”