The North East is one of the places to be when it comes to looking for some of the best pubs around.
The Bay Horse at Hurworth, Darlington, The Crown Inn, Humshaugh in Northumberland and Three Mile in Newcastle upon Tyne have been named the best in the region at this year’s National Pub & Bar Awards.
A total of 94 pubs and bars have been recognised following the unveiling of the National Pub & Bar Awards County Winners.
The awards aim to highlight the positive and inspiring work being carried out across the UK’s hospitality industry.
The three North East pubs named best in the region
The Bay Horse at Hurworth is set in a 15th-century coaching inn.
On its website, it says: "The Bay Horse at Hurworth has both retained its traditional charm and embraced modern architecture to give two elegant dining areas."
The pub also has a walled garden which is described as being a suntrap in the warmer months.
It's no stranger to awards as the pub has previously won the infamous Michelin Bib Gourmand and Gastropub Chef of the Year among many others.
On Tripadvisor, The Bay Horse has a current rating of 4.5.
One visitor posted: "Superb food and excellent service. The food was beautifully presented and perfectly cooked and very tasty. The wine was also excellent- and the waitress was attentive, efficient and very pleasant - highly recommended."
Meanwhile, The Crown Inn, Humshaugh located in Northumberland is a “traditional county pub just off Hadrian’s Wall, with a large beer garden serving local cask ales and good food.”
On Instagram, the pub posted: “Absolutely delighted to find out this morning that we have won best pub in Northumberland in this year’s National Pub & Bar Awards, the awards ceremony isn’t until the end of June but we had to share now.
“Huge thanks must go to all of our customers both old and new who come from near and far for continuing to support us but most importantly the biggest thanks needs to go to our team here at the Crown who continue to go above and beyond every day to make pub what it is.
“This morning’s news is a great way to start Easter.”
On Tripadvisor, The Crown Inn has a high rating of 4.5.
One review said: “Fabulous local country pub, with warm friendly atmosphere. The menu is varied, portion sizes large and very good quality ingredients. Try the homemade chips :)”
Three Mile is located in the heart of Gosforth and says it offers a “comfortable stopping-off point for travellers along the Great North Road, a place where families can relax over a post school-run coffee, or where you can meet friends for a great night out, over dinner and drinks” on the venue’s website.
A customer wrote this review about Three Mile on Tripadvisor: “Well presented light bites. My daughter loved them and me too. Will be back. Presentation very nice. Lovely staff.”
National Pub & Bar Awards announced ahead of grand final
Overjoyed pub and bar venues were informed of their achievements ahead of the grand final awards ceremony, which takes place in London on June 28.
The County Winners will discover which pubs will be taking home a regional title, as well as which site is to be named the UK’s best, leaving with the overall National Pub & Bar of the year accolade.
Entries for the awards have been open since the start of the year, with hundreds of venues outlining the details of their operation, summarising the work that goes into design, training, team welfare, sustainability, food, drink, marketing and many other areas.
Tristan O’Hana, editor of Pub & Bar magazine, which runs the awards said: “We were overwhelmed by the level and quality of entries this year.
“It just goes to show what magnificent work is going on across the UK hospitality sector. With outrageous energy costs, recruitment shortages and a punishing taxation system, these businesses are once again facing tough times.
“Now, more than ever, it’s vital that people support their local pubs and bars. So, ahead of the long Easter weekend, why not check out the finest in your county?”
