A NORTH-East hotel has been named as the inn of the year in a leading guide for discerning pub goers in the UK.

The Lord Crewe Arms at Blanchland, on the Northumberland Durham border, was given the top accolade by the Good Pub Guide 2018.

The historic inn, which re-opened in April 2014 following a two-year refurbishment, was named as the country’s best pub with rooms.

General manager Tommy Mark said: “With such strong competition across the whole of the UK to be singled out for this title is a tremendous coup.

“This is a big pat on the back to all the team for their hard work.

“It’s a fantastic accolade which follows hot on the heels of many others over the last couple of years.”

The centuries old pub, which was formerly the abbot’s house and kitchens of a nearby medieval abbey, re-opened in 2014 following a £1.5m refurbishment.

Since re-opening it has featured in a number of lists of top hotels and won several awards

The Grade II*-listed hotel, which is named after Lord Nathaniel Crewe, an 18th century Bishop of Durham, is run by the Lord Crewe charity.

It’s head chef is Simon Hicks

The Good Pub Guide is an annual publication produced as a results of regular feedback from customers as well as random inspections by its editors.

Each year, it awards a number of awards across various pub categories.