Pubs With Log Fires to Enjoy Up North
As the temperatures drop and the days get shorter, there’s nothing better than a walk in the crisp fresh air followed by some decent food in a cosy pub, especially on a Sunday. And what makes for the perfect cosy pub? Pubs with log fires. There are some gorgeous traditional pubs and inns across the North East that have retained their character and open fires, ideal for enjoying a good meal or hearty Sunday lunch beside.
From the Northumberland coast to the Lake District, here are some of the fantastic pubs with log fires up North. I’m sure there are many more including some hidden gems, but these are some of my favourites that I’d always recommend depending on whereabouts you are.
The Jolly Fisherman, Craster
Located in the picturesque fishing village of Craster, The Jolly Fisherman is known for its incredible coastal views and beer garden. On a clear day you can see right over to Dunstanburgh Castle, and it’s a popular relatively easy flat walk.
Although the beer garden is preferred in summer, in Autumn and winter head inside for lunch by the fire. Settle in with a traditional Sunday roast featuring locally sourced meats and their famous seafood dishes – I’d recommend the Lindisfarne oysters to start if you like them. With the North Sea just outside the window, the fire crackling inside, and the old wood beams overhead the Jolly Fisherman is a very popular choice and well worth a visit.
They’re dog friendly in the bar area but not the main restaurant.
Lord Crewe Arms, Bamburgh
In possibly the most beautiful village in Northumberland, the Lord Crewe Arms Bamburgh is a fabulous spot for an evening meal or Sunday lunch. They have a big dog friendly area with fireplace at one end of the pub, that even has views of Bamburgh Castle.
The food is excellent and there’s a mix of local seafood and meat options. Sunday lunch is always popular, or you could go for a walk on Bamburgh beach or up to the castle and visit for a hot chocolate afterwards.
The Cook & Barker, Swarland
Another cosy country pub in the village of Swarland, and just a short drive from the Percy Wood caravan park where you might be staying in a lodge or caravan. The Cook & Barker is a great choice for Sunday lunch here, renowned for excellent food
and warm hospitality. The roaring log fire is the first thing you’ll spot as you go inside to the bar, and it’s very welcoming, especially on a cold day.
You can book tables, and they’re family and dog friendly. I’ve enjoyed my food on every type of visit, Sunday or the evening menu, with very generous portions. Sunday roast has all the trimmings, and their menu offers something for everyone, whether you’re a meat lover or vegetarian. There’s plenty of parking too.
The Whittling House, Alnmouth
A slightly more modern yet still very homely restaurant located in the heart of Alnmouth, one of my favourite Northumberland towns. The Whittling House has a lovely restaurant on one side, and a cosy bar area on the other – both of which have feature fireplaces or a log burner. The bar area is dog friendly, so go for a dog walk along the beach and walk from there into the village for your lunch.
Expect a refined Sunday dinner, made from locally sourced meats and fresh seafood, as The Whittling House prides itself on using high-quality ingredients, ensuring each dish comes from Northumbrian produce. Similar to their other restaurants the Potted Lobster in Bamburgh, and Bertram’s in Warkworth it won’t disappoint.
The Red Lion, Alnmouth
Also in Alnmouth, The Red Lion is a very traditional pub and the owners are very canny. It therefore has a friendly, laid-back atmosphere and is one of my favourite spots in summer for a pizza in the beer garden from their pizza oven. In winter though, the inside is fabulous, so cosy with a cracking fire.
Their Sunday lunches run from October, they only serve pizza until then. They’re walk in only and very dog friendly.
The Queens Head, Great Whittington
The Queens Head in Great Whittington, is a bit of a hidden gem near Matfen in Northumberland. It’s a charming family-run establishment that welcomes families, dogs, solo drinkers and anyone looking for great food. I’ve enjoyed a delicious steak and ale pie with creamy mash and rich gravy here in the past, followed by homemade apple and pear crumble with custard. Both dishes were fabulous.
It has big cosy log fires, friendly locals, and a welcoming atmosphere. There is plenty parking on site, it’s conveniently located near Matfen, East Farm Glamping, and Northumberland Nook if you’re having a glamping holiday, and don’t miss their Wednesday steak night or renowned Sunday roast.
The Joiners Arms, Newton by the Sea
There’s a running theme here isn’t there, another great pub by the sea on the Northumberland coast. The Joiners Arms in Newton by the Sea offers a cosy warm interior, complete with an inviting fire.
Their food is gastro style, with locally sourced ingredients and Sunday lunch is served from 12-4pm.
Twice Brewed Inn, Bardon Mill near Hexham
A Northumberland pub that isn’t on the coast, instead the Twice Brewed Inn is set in the landscape of Hadrian’s Wall, and very close to the Sycamore Gap. The Twice Brewed Inn is a historic pub with a brewery on site, and star gazing experiences on offer too.
It’s a no frill pub very popular with walkers and cyclists year round, with a lot of charm. There are plenty of tables and a roaring fire to enjoy after a chilly day spent exploring the countryside. Their Sunday lunches are hearty and generous, with local beef and pork, seasonal vegetables, and all the usual trimmings. It’s a perfect stop-off for those walking the iconic Hadrian’s Wall.
Middleton Lodge, Richmond, North Yorkshire
The main restaurant at Middleton Lodge doesn’t have an open fire, but the Snug bar area does, and the outside covered courtyard has a huge firepit. You can dine in both of these areas, either cosy in the Snug, or wrap up under blankets outside.
The estate itself is stunning and makes for a beautiful walk through, and the food really is exceptional for all meals. Their farm-to-table ethos ensures that all ingredients are of the highest quality, making their Sunday lunches an exceptional treat. After your meal, definitely take a stroll around the Georgian estate grounds.
The Drunken Duck, Ambleside, Lake District
Tucked away just outside of Ambleside in the Lake District, The Drunken Duck is a charming and very popular pub with a reputation for serving some of the best food in the area. They also have one of the best views from their beer garden.
Inside though it’s all the cosy vibes, complete with a gorgeous roaring fire in the bar, making it an the ideal setting for a post-hike pint, meal or Sunday lunch. The menu is seasonal, and serving hours do vary. If you want to guarantee a table you’ll need to book for the restaurant, as the bar sometimes isn’t serving food depending how busy they are.
I’ve enjoyed hot soup and warm bread rolls here when they have been serving, and washed down with one of their own house-brewed ales it’s the perfect way to refuel after a day spent exploring the nearby fells.
They are dog friendly in the bar area but not in the main restaurant.
The Bridge Hotel, Buttermere, Lake District
The Bridge Hotel in Buttermere is one of my favourite Lake District pubs, it really is a true Lakes pub experience, surrounded by mountains and dramatic scenery. They refurbed a few years ago, but thankfully kept the traditional feel and look it was known for. Expect low beam ceilings, a big roaring fire, and flagstone floors ideal for muddy boots or wellies, and of course it’s dog friendly.
The food here is excellent quality, from lunchtime pub sandwiches to proper British hearty meals like sausage and mash, pie and gravy and on Sundays a big Sunday roast. It’s perfect for warming up after a day spent outdoors whether you’ve done a big hike, a walk round the lake or just pottered around the village. A must visit.
The Beehive, Whitley Bay
Closer to home for me, right on my doorstep actually, The Beehive in Whitley Bay takes some beating for their classic pub dishes and especially their Sunday lunch. It’s a classic pub that books up weeks in advance thanks to it’s friendly staff and reputation for cracking scran.
As an old coaching inn, it’s made up of lots of little rooms and nooks, some with a roaring fires and one of which is dog friendly. The Beehive’s Sunday lunches are definitely a local favourite, with huge portions, with perfectly cooked meats, crisp roast potatoes, and indulgent Yorkshire puddings.
Each of these pubs offers not just a delicious Sunday roast, but an inviting atmosphere with a cosy fire, making them the perfect spots for a cosy meal. Whether you’re exploring the Northumberland coastline or venturing into the Lake District, head to one of these after your dog walk, hike or day out exploring the local areas.
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My picks for Sunday lunch up North