The Joiners Arms

The Northumberland coast doesn’t just have beaches, it has amazing beaches, in all their rolling-dune, white-sand glory. And in the same way, the Joiners Arms is so much more than just a pub. They describe themselves as “gastro pub and luxury five-star inn” and we’ll take that because this converted village inn is a pretty handsome specimen all round. There’s nothing olde-worlde about it; instead think rustic-chic, with a dramatic stone-flagged bar and potted plants everywhere. They’ve done great things with the rooms – very high-end boutiquey, and more than a little bit glam – and if you’re thinking of a romantic coastal weekend away, they would certainly hit the spot. The food is fancy pub style (local lamb, fish and chips, steak-frites, pasta) and pretty good value, while outside tables soak up the passing drinkers’ trade in summer. Ultimately, the surroundings are all – just half a mile to the local beach where you can potter all day, a little further to the breezy hilltop ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle and the scenic harbour at Craster, and a short drive to the mighty castles of Bamburgh and Alnwick.