The Cook and Barker Inn

This was our third stay at the Cook and Barker and we'd grown very fond of this beautifully-positioned Northumberland inn, largely because of its comfortable rooms and, above all, its excellent food. This time (between Christmas and New Year 2024), though the room and chambermaid service were still excellent and a very effective electric fire was, on request, quickly provided to supplement the wholly inadequate central heating, we were disappointed to find that the dining experience had deteriorated. This was evident but less marked with my vegetarian and fish choices, but very striking for my meat-eating partner. The beef stroganoff on night one was poor enough in presentation (previously a trademark of the C&B) and taste - stewing steak with little flavour and no seasoning - for her to complain to our waitress. Interestingly, (1) no refund was offered but (2) observing another customer ordering the same dish two nights later, we saw something that looked very different - and seemed to satisfy the customer. Sunday dinner had previously been a speciality at the C&B, but this time the roast beef was overcooked, difficult to cut and swamped in gravy, robbing the goose-fat roasted potatoes of their texture and taste. Puddings (bought in rather than prepared on site?) and breakfasts were still fine and But, oh dear, what a falling-off in what was one of the best, in quality and value, dining experiences we'd ever come across at a British inn.

Received a warm welcome on arrival from staff. The pub was very cosy with a glowing fire to warm us up. The real ales were very tasty and all three sampled. The room we had was in the annex at the rear, room 20, with views of the fields. It is also last on the second floor, so no noise from other guests. The bed was comfy and the room clean. The bathroom was clean and spacious for two. The dining room was fabulous and the filet steaks cooked as we liked them., medium well. Breakfast was a full English. We will stop here again in future trips up to Scotland. What we will ask for on our next visit, firmer pillows and 2 sausages and bacon to accompany the cooked breakfast.

Cannot speak too highly of the Cook and Barker - friendly and welcoming staff, great food, comfortable accommodation . Lovely atmosphere in bar and restaurant with an amazing menu choice. Reasonably priced. Have stayed here a number of times since 2005 and never been disappointed.

Spent 3 nights here, had a very comfortable stay, room was very clean and comfortable. Breakfast was excellent with a large and varied choice. We ate dinner every night and the food was tasty, especially the pie and fish and chips. What makes this place exceptional is the staff, they are welcoming and couldn’t be more helpful. Location near the A1 is perfect for exploring Northumberland.

This place is lovely, visited quite a few times now. Nice bedrooms comfortable beds. Friendly and professional staff, an example, when a confused elderly lady came in who could not find her husband, Enid (who i think was in charge) got her coat and off she went up the road, with the lady to find the husband. The pub is smashing, the food is excellent, good lunchtime/ early bird meal. Of course we will be back.

Good size and comfortable rooms and we slept well. Bathroom sanitary ware not well thought through, wash hand basin wrong choice for size of bathroom. Plenty of car parking spaces for residents However, the food is mediocre and the dining room could do with a good Spring clean. Handily placed to explore places like Alnwick and Bamburgh.