Otters Crouch

We had a fantastic weekend at The Apple Inn for my wife's 65th birthday, and we'll definitely return. Our room was lovely, well presented and spotlessly clean. The staff were friendly and very helpful throughout. Both the evening meal and Sunday lunch were delicious. Breakfast was a well-cooked full English, with the poached eggs spot on.

We had a great one-night stopover, conveniently close to both the A1 and Bamburgh, where we enjoyed a lovely beach walk. It was a very chilly January night, but the rooms were super warm and there was plenty of hot water. They were so welcoming to dogs too, with a sausage at breakfast and a goodie box on arrival. The staff couldn't have been more welcoming, and that really makes a difference to a visitor's experience. Dinner and breakfast were both excellent, with huge portions. We'll definitely return!

The food was amazing, and I couldn't fault the money we spent there. I called to ask if three dogs could come into the restaurant, got a yes, and came over with my partner. It was pretty empty around 4.30pm, though the weather had been grim all week. We each had three courses, including a hot roast stottie for the dogs. My partner is pescatarian, so we checked whether the chips were cooked in vegetable oil or dripping as the website says. The chef said they cook them in both to suit vegans, which was a big thumbs up. Service was impeccable, and they were extremely friendly to us and the dogs. We'll come back next time we're in the area.

The Sunday lunch was lovely, and the prices for the menu and drinks were good value. We ordered griddled chicken breast and roast beef, and neither disappointed. Staff were polite and attentive. We called in while passing, arriving around 11.40. There was plenty of room in the car park at first, but it gradually filled over the next few minutes, so it seems to be a popular watering hole. The pub mixes old and new, and the natural stone looks great. At the small reception we were asked if we'd booked. We hadn't, but they still showed us to a table. After a few minutes we ordered, our drinks arrived, and the lunches followed shortly after.