A NORTH EAST hospitality group is celebrating a successful summer, after adding a popular restaurant with rooms to its growing portfolio.

The Northumberland Pub Co, which also owns the Ponteland pub the Blackbird, recently acquired the Northumberland Arms, at Felton.

And since taking over the venue before lockdown, the group has spent more than £70k on renovations and refurbishments to update the former coaching inn, which was originally built in 1820.

Along with the building being given a fresh coat of paint and new décor, the bedrooms have benefited from new TVs and lighting, while much of the furniture in the bar, garden room and private dining room has been replaced.

A new outdoor dining and drinking space has been created and furnished – offering stunning views of the River Coquet and a 16th century bridge.

Stuart Young, of the Northumberland Pub Co, was looking for the perfect venue to add to his expanding hospitality portfolio since selling his interest in Cyclone Leisure Group last year - which owns San Lorenzo Gosforth and Washington, along with the former Union Rooms in Newcastle.

“I’ve admired the Northumberland Arms for a long time now and so it was an obvious choice for me when I learnt that the previous owners had decided to sell,” said Stuart. "We acquired the building before lockdown was enforced, so it’s given us plenty of time to work on the venue before we reopened – updating its look while retaining all of its original charm.