Call 01434 602 814

About us

Welcome to The Rat, a quintessential country pub in the heart of the Tyne Valley, with an outstanding and award winning reputation for British cooking, fine wines, real ales and a warm welcome.

From the beautiful  sandstone exterior, to the cosy interior with polished oak, flagstones, open fires and collection of chamber pots hanging from the ceiling, the unique atmosphere of The Rat is well loved by customers and critics alike. Visitors travel from miles around throughout the year to sample its charms.

The mainstay of all menus at The Rat is a wide range of locally sourced, seasonal produce and the menu changes daily to incorporate the best produce available – please see our food section for more about our menus.

Diners can choose from three areas in which to enjoy their time at The Rat, the cosy bar area, the conservatory with its stunning views or the dining room for a special occasion. By arrangement we can cater for larger groups and the conservatory can be booked for private parties of up to 12.

As well as our indoor dining areas we also have a beautiful beer garden with stunning views across the valley, perfect for enjoying a drink or even some al fresco dining in the warmer months.

We are proud to be ranked number 14 in the Estrella Damm Top 50 gastropubs 2024 – our 13th consecutive year of inclusion on this prestigious list.View the full list HERE

Good ingredients, combined cleverly with minimal faffing about by the chef.
Tim Auld, The Telegraph