Tomlinson's Café

Best place to eat in outdoorsy Rothbury is the funky cafe at Tomlinson's Bunkhouse, right by the river and housed in what was once the local school. They are cycling nuts here, which explains the decor and big-print bike photography, while the menu is an any-time-of-day, family-friendly roster of big breakfasts, gourmet burgers, Mediterranean dishes, sandwiches and salads. It's a relaxing place to hang out, with bunkhouse guests, walkers with their dogs, and passing cyclists taking full advantage of the wifi, newspapers and loos – not to mention the big cabinet of homemade cakes. They have a drinks licence too, and hire bikes available if you're getting inspired by all the Lycra at the next table.