A FAMILY-RUN pub has been named value pub of the year in the Good Pub Guide 2020.

Landlady at the Dipton Mill Inn, Janet Brooker, said she was “absolutely delighted” with the news, which saw them singled out as one of the best drinking and eating spots in the UK.

“We’re really proud,” Janet said. “This award is a national thing, with pubs from all around the country with a much more dense population than we have here.

“It’s really nice for the staff as we all work so hard and we are very very grateful for the customers who come and enjoy their experience and recommended us for this.”

Described as a “quaint little country pub, the guide adds: “The neatly kept snug bar has genuine character, dark ply panelling, low ceilings, red furnishings, a dark red carpet and two welcoming open fires.”

“The garden is peaceful and pretty with attractive planting and seats on grass by a restored mill stream. Hexham Racecourse is not far away and there are also woodland walks nearby.”

After being singled out in the category for value, Janet said an important part to keeping costs down was buying local ingredients.

“We buy local ingredients like ice cream, tea, meat and bread from local producers and suppliers and we serve it simply with pride,” she said.

She also pointed out that the pub was runner-up in the category, ‘pub with its own brewery’.

“Part of our attraction is having our own brewery on site and we try new ales from time to time. We have brought out a new one with the theme of dry January.”

The new brew, Tynedale, is available throughout January and is a session pale ale made with cascade hops. The pub is currently submitting an application for funding to allow it to make improvements and better access to the garden.