Best Pubs in Alnwick

Alnwick has a pub scene that punches well above its weight. For a market town of around 8,000 people, the range of drinking establishments is impressive, from centuries-old inns with genuinely fascinating histories to cosy locals with real ales and roaring fires. Several of the town's pubs are included in the Good Beer Guide, and the compact town centre means you can easily walk between them.

Here's our guide to the best pubs in Alnwick.

The Dirty Bottles

No guide to Alnwick's pubs would be complete without The Dirty Bottles on Narrowgate. The name comes from a collection of dusty wine bottles that have sat undisturbed in the front window for well over a century, supposedly left there after the death of a previous landlord. Legend has it that removing them would bring bad luck, so there they remain. Inside, the pub is far more modern than the window display suggests, with a vibrant, eclectic decor, a solid drinks list, and a regular programme of live music and events. It is one of those places that every visitor to Alnwick ends up in sooner or later.

Best for: Historic pub with a famous story, live music, vibrant atmosphere.

The Market Tavern

The Market Tavern on Fenkle Street is a proper all-rounder. As well as being one of the best places to eat in town (the steaks are a particular highlight), it functions as a genuine community local with a warm, convivial atmosphere. The beer selection is reliable, covering a mix of cask ales and popular lagers, and the staff are friendly and welcoming. It draws a good mix of locals and visitors, especially on weekend evenings. If you only have time for one pub in Alnwick, this would be a strong choice.

Best for: Great food and drink, friendly atmosphere, a proper local.

John Bull Inn

The John Bull Inn on Howick Street is a traditional, no-nonsense pub with a focus on real ale and good company. It has a loyal local following and a welcoming attitude to newcomers. The interior is traditional and unpretentious, with the kind of atmosphere where conversations start easily. It regularly features in the Good Beer Guide, which tells you all you need to know about the quality of what's on tap. A proper pub in the best sense of the word.

Best for: Real ale, traditional pub, a Good Beer Guide regular.

The Tanners Arms

The Tanners Arms is a rustic stone-built pub with exposed brickwork and bags of character. The real ales are well kept, and the pub hosts regular acoustic music nights that draw a loyal crowd. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, and it is the kind of place where you intend to stay for one pint and end up staying for three. Highly rated by locals and visitors alike, it is one of Alnwick's hidden gems.

Best for: Rustic charm, acoustic music nights, well-kept ales.

The Plough

The Plough is a cosy, homely pub close to Alnwick Castle that serves comforting food alongside a decent selection of drinks. The interior features exposed beams and wooden furniture, giving it a warm, traditional feel. The hearty pies and Sunday roasts are popular with regulars. It is a good option if you want somewhere slightly quieter and more relaxed than the busier town-centre pubs, especially on a winter evening.

Best for: Cosy and traditional, hearty food, close to the castle.

The Fleece Inn

A welcoming pub on the edge of the town centre, The Fleece Inn offers a straightforward, friendly experience with a good range of beers and a menu of pub classics. It is a popular spot with locals and has a reputation for being consistently welcoming. The prices are fair, the beer is well kept, and the atmosphere is unpretentious. Exactly what a good local pub should be.

Best for: Welcoming local, fair prices, no-fuss drinking.

Planning a pub crawl

Alnwick's compact town centre makes a pub crawl wonderfully easy. Start at The Dirty Bottles on Narrowgate, work your way down to the John Bull Inn, drop into The Tanners Arms, and finish at The Market Tavern on Fenkle Street. Four very different pubs, all within a few minutes' walk of each other, and not a bad pint among them.