Could I ask some inside info from those in the area? I'm up in Northumberland with the family (5 year old and 3 year old) end April . We've got some friends over in Cumbria near Carlisle but I can't be ars@d to do too much driving, so we thought we might meet halfway, around Allendale perhaps. Does anyone know any kid friendly pubs or similar in the area? Any advice much appreciated.

-- Anonymous, March 24, 2002

Answers

I used to live there, you could do worse than the Kings Head - used to do great bar meals a warm fire and has a decent pint - mind that was 7 years ago. In the center of the village cant miss it. Not much for the kids but were always welcomed over the weekends.

-- Anonymous, March 24, 2002

Thanks Wayne. Something with a play area would be good though. Doesn't need to be Allendale I suppose. Hexham area would be ok.

-- Anonymous, March 25, 2002

there's a decent gaff in blancehland, can't remember the name but it has decent beer and great atmosphere (haunted apparently) and it doesn't smell like a chip shop.

i hate pubs that smell of chips and gravy.

-- Anonymous, March 25, 2002

Well the the Lord Crew is a bit 'devonshhire tea' at five quid for my liking (what ever it is), Allendale is a lovely spot I must say although Corbridge is a better spot to get in an out of, the pubs aren't as good as they used to be but they still canny for a beer and fodder, Black Bull and Angel are the most reliable if yer have the bairns. Other out of town winners for me would be the Dipton mill (not too foody though an just outsdie Hexham), The Rat at Annick (between Hexham and Corbridge) or the Boat just West of Hexham. Nowt in Hexham itself worth looking at unless you want good beer in which case my old local the Tap & Spile used to be excellent. Anyone from Tourist information office lurking, my usual fee applies..

-- Anonymous, March 25, 2002

I haven't been able to get to the bbs recently and was only just tipped the wink about your request Pete, so sorry I'm late on this. As has been said Allendale's a canny enough spot with all the pubs bang on the main square : Allendale Inn, Golden Lion, Hare & Hounds and the Kings Head (the Hotspur closed down a couple of years back I think it was). As people have rightly said though I wouldn't class them as particularly kiddy friendly. More as places to go drink cheap bitter and eat bar meals in front of an open fire, as I was delighted to rediscover when home visiting me mam at Christmas - and persuading her not to move across the fells to Weardale !!

So loathe as I am to agree with Tynedale Man (:O) I think your best bet are probably the Corbridge pubs mentioned. Unless anyone knows if the Hadrian at Wall has a play area ?? That always did great beer and food and is just around the corner from Chesters Roman Fort to take the bairns afterwards ...

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2002

Thanks for the input everyone. Of course I'm tempted now to sample all the pubs mentioned - it's my paternal duty, surely. Corbridge is probably a good bet and always brings back fond memories since my grandparents were there for ages.

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2002

Wheee ya bugger Pete, where abouts in Corbridge?

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2002

a bungalow in Crofts Avenue, in an estate of similar 70's bungalow's. No. 12 I think.

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2002

Crofts ave? blimey that was very close but I cannot claim the 'crofts factor' except I probably walk past that four or five times a week...

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2002

Small world ;-) Whereabouts in Corbridge are you, Roger?

-- Anonymous, March 28, 2002

Pete, he is in a little known part of Corbridge called Sydney. It is well hidden though, you have to go to the back of the pub and dig 12,000 miles straight down!

-- Anonymous, March 28, 2002

As in antipodes, now that (partially) explains the "Cor" and "bridge"?!

-- Anonymous, March 28, 2002

If you start at the Lion of Corbridge That's where I was born, spent first 15 years around Woodside Ave, the about 5 years in the market place, like most other locals we couldn't afford to buy again in Corbridge. And yes I am in Sydney

-- Anonymous, March 31, 2002