Two North East gastropubs have been named among the UK’s top 50 to visit for 2024.

The Rat Inn at Hexham in Northumberland and The Broad Chare in Newcastle upon Tyne featured among the highly-praised locations listed by the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs.

Top 50 Gastropubs was established in 2009 with the “purpose of recognising the hardworking individuals in the gastropubs industry.”

The website adds: “We also aim to be a go-to source for the best pubs to dine at in the UK.

“The list is created by collecting votes from more than 100 industry professionals who are key people in the hospitality industry.

“Our judges come from leading pub businesses, editors of media brands and food writers who are geographically spread across the UK to ensure no regional bias.”

2 North East gastropubs among 50 best in the UK for 2024

The Rat Inn, Northumberland – ranked 14th place

Owned by Karen Errington and Phil Mason, just some of the menu highlights at this country pub have included “slow-cooked belly pork with chestnut and chorizo stew; red mullet with fennel, broccoli and crab bisque; and home-made Scotch eggs with kimchi,” writes the Top 50 Gastropubs website.

“Seasonal menu dishes have included Lindisfarne oysters with shallot vinaigrette; Robsons of Craster smoked salmon with lemon, capers and soda bread; and terrine of the day served with house chutney and toast.

“There’s a range of dishes from the grill too, starting with the cheaper option of flat iron steak to the more expensive fillet, all locally sourced, served peppered with hand cut chips, watercress, roasted tomato and Rat steak sauce.

“Drinks wise, the pub offers a range of tempting local ales as well as a thoughtfully compiled, affordable wine list.”

It adds: “The Rat benefits from being surrounded by plentiful local farms and, during shooting season, a wealth of delicious game.

“It regularly hosts wine dinners, jamborees and similar events for the surrounding community. In 2015 it hosted its first summer music festival.

“This is an outstanding countryside pub that exudes character and a significant amount of talent in the kitchen.

“Truly a stunning pub, filled to the brim with personality, love and character, this is one to visit.”

Tripadvisor rating: 4/5 out of 757 reviews.

The Broad Chare, Newcastle under Tyne – ranked 23rd place

“Surrounded by a buzz of activity in what’s become a local food and drink hub boasting significant areas of interest including the Baltic art gallery and the Sage concert venue, the Broad Chare has become a favourite for both local and destination diners,” comments Top 50 Gastropubs.

“The Michelin Bib Gourmand holder prides itself on being a proper pub, with good-quality, good-value cooking and beer, so expect to find a bustling community hub full of cheer as well as a spot for a superb meal.”

When it comes to the food and drink you could expect to try, Top 50 Gastropubs said: “Make no mistake, there is some serious skill on display from chef-patron Terry Laybourne, who cut his teeth working across some of the country’s top restaurants and now owns several venues in Newcastle.

“The Broad Chare’s menu is a broad church, with previous highlights including Jerusalem artichoke soup with hazelnuts; salad of celery hearts, walnut, pear and Beenleigh Blue; and game terrine with hedgerow jelly and sourdough for starters.

“Mains have consisted of dry-aged rib-eye steak with watercress and steak butter; charred celeriac with spelt, spenwood, black kale and truffle; and black pudding, wild mushrooms and devilled sauce.

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“For afters, expect the likes of lemon posset with spiced plums and shortbread; chocolate, chestnut and rum mess; and many other seasonally inspired sweet delights.

“Beer-wise, the Broad Chare offers a range of local cask ales and liquid treats from further afield, as well as Guinness and West Mungo on tap.”

Tripadvisor rating: 4.5/5 out of 1,282 reviews.