The Northumberland Arms, Morpeth

The Northumberland Arms is situated just across the river from Felton in the village of West Thirston. With the car park overflowing and cars parked all the way up the lane, we were fearing the worst. You enter through a small reception area. As we arrived, a family were already there waiting for a table. They were soon directed into the main bar. We were next and were quickly told that there were no more tables, with no other suggestions offered. Having seen others taking drinks outside and over the road to the car park, we asked if we could do the same. This was accepted. A small table in the bar was proffered, in order to ensure that I could receive my drink whilst seated! The ale selection was Allendale Golden Plover, Rigg & Furrow Trickster & Run Hop Run & Sharp's Doom Bar. Whilst not wishing to risk the dark car park opposite (I had no idea if there were any tables), I managed to grab a pew on a wall overlooking a conservatory in use for diners. Within minutes, multiple tables had become free in this conservatory area. It was a real shame that the young waitress could not have offered us the opportunity to at least wait for one of these tables to become free. She must have known that they had completed their meals. But this was most likely too much trouble for her. Another food-led Northumberland pub that doesn't really cater for drinkers when busy and needs to work on its customer service.

Official site of The Northumberland Arms - www.northumberlandarms-felton.co.uk

Official site of The Northumberland Arms - www.northumberlandarms-felton.co.uk