The Ridley Arms, Morpeth

This impressive pub is part of the John Fitzgerald Group, based in Newcastle. The pub opens at 11.30 daily, 12 on a Sunday. The pub does look big from the outside, but once inside it's even larger. The staff were friendly and chatty on this visit and the service was excellent. The interior of the pub was tastefully decorated and comfortable. The was a good size patio garden, which was a real sun trap on our visit. Seven ales on handpump, so I went for the Sonnet 43, Alnwick Amber Ale and Anarchy Blonde Star, all of which were excellent. The pub serves food and there was a good few diners on our visit.