As temperatures are set to drop yet again in February, the need to visit a pub that offers cosy fires and warm surroundings is vital.

In the North East, there is no shortage of pubs that have cosy settings.

In particular, we are focusing our attention on Northumberland - and have pieced together seven pubs that offer a cosy element and are perfect for a visit in winter.

This list comes after The Joiners Arms in Newton By The Sea was listed in The Guardian's top ten list of UK country pubs for a winter weekend. 

Off the back of this list, we scoured TripAdvisor and found seven more places that you can visit where you'll get a cosy reception from the venue in Northumberland. 

In the Guardian article, The Joiners Arms was praised for "Pair blustery walks on Northumberland’s spectacular beaches with cosy afternoons hunkered down by the fire at the Joiners, a surprisingly luxurious inn tucked away in the quiet village of Newton-by-the-Sea.

"Accommodation ranges from rooms above the pub – with timber beans, Juliet balconies and feature bathtubs – to two quirkily styled cottages and a shepherd’s hut with outdoor hot tub, a cute retreat for two.

"At night, the pub comes alive with tables full of diners tucking into classic Chippy Teas, steak frites or North Sea crab, with a good kids’ menu and activity sheet to keep them occupied. Dunstanburgh Castle and the picturesque fishing town of Craster are a short drive away."

Here is our list of seven venues: 

The Star Inn

Harbottle Road, Harbottle, NE65 7DG

Rating: 5/5

The Northern Echo:

A refurbished country pub in a pretty village in the Northumberland National Park with B&B bedrooms, excellent food and a village shop with a newsagency and National Park information Point. A great base for walking, cycling, relaxing or exploring all that award-winning Northumberland offers.

The pub has been noted as a gem, with one diner saying: "What a hidden gem. Joined the family for supper on a dark October evening and was greeted by friendly staff and a warm atmosphere. We all selected from the specials menu and returned 4 clean plates. My pasta dish was amazing and has made it into my top 5 of all time. Perfectly cooked and presented. If only I lived locally to return. Would highly recommend it."

The Blagdon Arms

Village Square, Cramlington, Northumberland, NE23 1DN

Rating: 4.5/5

According to TripAdvisor, this is what the pub is about: "Cramlington's best pub for every occasion, whether you're looking to socialise with friends, enjoy delicious pub food with the family or sample the refreshing ales and cocktails on a weekend night out. Head down to The Blagdon Arms to sample the delicious pub food, great drinks and unforgettable experiences."

And it seems like diners are saying the same thing, with one impressed person saying: "Popped in for food and a few drinks. Nice place and friendly staff. Food was good and and served quietly and hot. Tori and Oli were on the bar. Friendly local bar."

Cock & Bull

Queen Street, Amble, NE65 0DQ

Rating: 5/5

The Northern Echo:

Another five-star rated venue, this cheese and ale house, specialising in local products, has been noted as one of the finest restaurants and bars in the whole of Northumberland. 

This venue has been rated excellent 39 times and good four times and hasn't received lower than a four-star review on TripAdvisor. 

One impressed person on TripAdvisor, which liked the Cock & Bull said: "Really nice and clean pub, filled with character. Very friendly locals and the pub was dog-friendly. Decent prices and excellent ale. The staff working in the pub were very friendly, welcoming and knowledgable about the beer and local area."

Mr Ant's Bar & Cafe

22 Priestpopple, Hexham, NE46 1PQ

Rating: 4.5/5

A family-run bar in the heart of the historic Abbey town of Hexham. However, it's about more than just the bar, with it offering buy one get one free on cocktails. 

If you're looking for experience, there is live music every Friday evening, gin tasting events and Cocktail Masterclasses for all including private parties/Hen Do’s Also available for free private hire with a full buffet menu.

One of the 91 people that has rated this venue excellent said: "Lovely place very friendly and helpful staff and realistic prices all round nice experience. I would recommend this place."

The Brown Bear Pub

27 Hide Hill Hide Hill, Berwick upon Tweed, TD15 1EQ

Rating: 4/5

The Northern Echo:

This is another pub that has been noted as a perfect place if you're looking to watch the pennies this winter too. 

The Brown Bear Pub has described itself as having "Sky Sports, Karaoke and DJ's at weekends, good, and easy on the pocket prices."

And it seems as though customers have agreed, with one person saying: "Warm and friendly atmosphere. Lovely staff and great service. Great place to meet and chat with friends."

The Dyvels Inn Restaurant

Station Road, The Dyvels Inn, Corbridge, NE45 5AY

Rating: 4/5

The Northern Echo:

One of the pubs on this list does have a warm and cosy fireplace, which can be perfect for warming up customers who have been out in the cold. 

While it may only have a four out of five-star rating, there are 95 people on TripAdvisor, which have noted it as an excellent venue. 

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This includes one impressed person, who said: "We stayed at this pub last night because we were at a wedding nearby. The staff were excellent and let us book in early to get ready. The beds are super comfy. Breakfast was excellent. Great pub and has great food."

Flinders Wine Bar

37 West Street, Berwick upon Tweed, TD15 1AS

Rating: 5/5

A relatively new venue - this place is rated 5/5 from just a few TripAdvisor reviews but is well on its way to earning its place as a solid venue for locals. 

Within the reviews so far, it hasn't got anything less than an exceptional rating.

One of the impress reviews on TripAdvisor reads: "First time here and enjoyed it. Relaxed and cost atmosphere. Very friendly and attentive service. Good selection of drinks and advice given on these. Delicious cheese board. Will go back. Good luck for the future."