A Northumberland pub has picked up a prestigious accolade for the third time.
The Northumberland Arms in Felton, near Alnwick, has once again been awarded the Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards, which are given out on the basis of top quality reviews from visitors.
It comes after the former coaching inn was awarded the prize for the first time last year and then again this spring.
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It was a double celebration for the Northumberland Pub Company which owns the venue with their second establishment, The Blackbird in Ponteland, also landing the award for the first time.
It is the latest accolade for the venues after The Blackbird was named North East Pub of the Year in the North East Tourism Awards earlier this year.
Owner Stuart Young said: "It is a massive credit to our team who all work very, very hard. We try to give our customers the best possible experience and on the whole I would say we make people very happy.
"We have the same team members, particularly at the Blackbird where we have a very stable team who have been with us for many years."
Both venues have consistently received high praise from customers about their experience, with recent reviews for The Blackbird including comments such as “food was beautiful” “lovely atmosphere” and “service, quality and quantity deserves 5.5.”
The Northumberland Arms also gets overwhelmingly positive comments including “food was lovely” “service is first class” and “very pleasant atmosphere and staff.”
Stuart has owned the Blackbird for seven year and took over the Northumberland Arms at one of the hospitality industry's most challenging times, just before the start of the coronavirus lockdown in 2020.
Stuart said: "We took over the Northumberland Arms two years ago, just before the coronavirus lockdown.
"I think the most difficult part was getting to know the team as they were on furlough and names on a sheet. There are members of the team still working with us now."
During lockdown the venue has been given an extensive renovation which has seen new decor, furnishings and technology through the building.
The outdoor drinking and dining area was expanded and offers stunning views of the River Coquet and a historic bridge.
Stuart said: "When we took over the Northumberland Arms we felt it had a similar demographic in terms of the types of customers, while both businesses are unique in their own right but both are listed buildings and historic.
"We find that customers who go to one quite often go to the other."
As the cost of living crisis continues to grip the North East, Stuart said the industry is facing a period more challenging than coronavirus.
Stuart said: "I think the next few months are going to be more difficult than the lockdown with coronavirus.
"Everybody was in exactly the same boat and the same level playing field.
"There was a massive support for everybody. At the moment there is not a great deal of support.
Stuart, who has worked in the industry for four decades, added: "I think the industry is facing its biggest challenge yet.
"There is an awful lot more money you need to find with rising utility bills, breweries increasing prices, and butchers putting the price of meat up.
"It is going to be a very, very difficult time for the industry and sadly many will not survive."
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