The Cheviot Hotel, Hexham

The village of Bellingham seems a long way away from civilisation. But the Cheviot Hotel provides villagers and visitors alike with a decent watering hole. The bar opens at 10am each day and as we arrived late on a Sunday morning, it was already very busy with what seemed to be mainly locals. All tables were taken in the main bar area. But at the rear, a small games area was being used for additional seating under Covid regulations, with the dartboard and pool table covered. Further seating is available on bench seating outside at the front of the building. 5 real ales were on - High House Farm Nel's Best, Wylam Jakehead IPA, Hadrian Border Tyneside Blonde & Northern Pale & Twice Brewed Steel Rigg. I chose the Steel Rigg, which a good quality porter. A decent place. Although, staff did not seem too friendly. Whilst

Nothing much has changed since the previous reviewer was here five years ago, apart from an improvement in the beer selection. Entrance is through the left-hand door off the lobby to the stone-flagged floor of the bar area. There are five hand pumps on the bar, with a cider and four real ales available at the time of my visit. The beers were all from Tyne Valley breweries (see photos) and those I had were in good condition (though the 6.3% IPA was a bit murky). An essential stop if staying in or near the village. Date of visit: 2nd May 2017

Solid three-storey stone building, slightly raised above the main street and thus quite prominent, with a small ground-floor extension appearing to have been added to the facade. Patio seating area to front. 'L'-shaped shaped bar and pool table to the left of the entrance and a restaurant to right. Lively but friendly atmosphere. Five handpumps, offering Black Sheep, Doom Bar, Hadrian Border Geordie Blues (£3.00), Allendale Wolf and Old Rosie cider. Overall, gives the impression of being the best pub in the area.