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Disappointment of the week with Tris39 on the Pub Forum

The Tanners Arms, Alnwick

Pub added by elizabeth mcgraw
Hotspur Street
Alnwick
NE66 1QF
Phone: 01665602553

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Reviews (Current Rating Average: 6 of 10) Add Review see review guidelines


Blackthorn _ left this review about The Tanners Arms

A traditional looking stone built pub located just off the High Street, it’s an attractive building but in some ways looks a little dated perhaps, and I couldn’t help wondering if it was perhaps going to be a little basic internally and perhaps needing some TLC. I needn’t have worried though, it’s clearly been looked after, and from chatting to some of the friendly locals I understand that it was renovated during lockdown, but without losing any of it’s character it would appear.

It’s all one open plan room internally, and not especially large, but that just added to it’s homely and cosy feel. The walls are almost entirely exposed stonework whilst the ceiling is a rather vibrant shade of violet, which might sound odd, but it works. The flooring was some sort of stone tiling, but the main feature was a large tree apparently growing in the centre of the pub with it’s foliage spreading across the ceiling. I didn’t inspect it, I assume it must have been an old trunk and fake leaves, but it was certainly effective and was complimented by hanging lanterns around about. A handful of artistic prints were scattered around the walls, and an old fireplace was off to one side.

Beers on tap were Three Kings Darkside, GNEB Rivet Catcher and Clasper’s Citra, Durham Strata and Firebrick’s Elder Statesman, whilst a sixth pump appeared unused. The solitary cider was the excellent Willowtree which was a new one on me, but is I understand brewed locally. Overall a cracking little pub, and well worth checking out.

On 28th July 2023 - rating: 8
[User has posted 1947 recommendations about 1860 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


Danny O'Revey left this review about The Tanners Arms

one roomed modernised but lovely bar, seats on the outside a large ntree perch in the middle makes it different and the beer is good.

On 15th May 2022 - rating: 8
[User has posted 1456 recommendations about 1434 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


Will Larter left this review about The Tanners Arms

This is, I suppose, Alnwick's specialist alehouse, and was the only one with a recommendation from my companion, who has been here before. After several pubs that were good but not special, I was hoping for something better, and the offering of four ales and a cider on the six hand pumps looked promising. My half of Born in the Borders Black Horse was good, but again nothing outstanding. The slight smell of damp, possibly caused by condensation, was noticeable. Maybe it's better here in summer.

Date of visit: 12th March 2018

On 27th April 2018 - rating: 6
[User has posted 3733 recommendations about 3470 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


colin zeal left this review about The Tanners Arms

the tanners arms used to be one of the best pubs in alnwick but of late it has become decidedly average. bizarre decor and uninterested barman detract from its appeal. very much a locals pub, there are better places in alnwick to have a drink

On 22nd October 2014 - rating: 3
[User has posted 1 recommendations about 1 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


John Bonser left this review about The Tanners Arms

Sorry, I don't do photos, but I'm pleased to be able to add a first review to this pub's page

Occupying a reasonably central street corner position is The Tanners Arms, a typical stone built building that resembles to some extent a private residential property.

It’s a single room with a smallish mahogany bar counter in one corner and traditional seating and red velour bar stools around the perimeter of the room and a flagstoned floor. An old fireplace with a wood burning stove is in one corner. In the centre of the room, an unusual feature is a tree branch which goes up from the floor to the ceiling, where it supports the white plastered ceiling and the fake beams.

One wall is painted a horrible orange colour and has a shelf with old bottles. Other walls have been stripped back to the original stone. Despite the few quirky touches, it’s a rather featureless interior and, with, no photos or prints etc of Alnwick or the surrounding countryside, there’s something of an any - pub – any- where feel to it.

An unusual sliding door leads to toilets that might, euphemistically, be described as cosy

It’s very much a locals pub, but with an evident interest in real ale. 6 pumps were serving 4 beers from Tempest, Allendale, Alnwick and Scottish Borders. An exceptionally moreish pint of Alnwick Stout was enjoyed.

Alnwick is not well off for decent pubs, but it’s probably worth popping your head around the door if you’re in town. Finally, do note that it doesn’t open till 5 pm on Mondays – Fridays

On 4th December 2013 - rating: 6
[User has posted 560 recommendations about 560 pubs]