HERE are our readers' picks of the best places to go for cocktails.

1. Mr Ant's Bar, Hexham

Winning the top spot with 10 votes was Mr Ant's Bar. "Mr Ant's does really lovely ones," one reader said. The bar has live music on Friday at 9pm, with buy one get one free cocktail deals from £8.95. Woo Woo, Pink Gin Prosecco, The Godfather and more are included in the offer.

2. Vercelli Restaurant, Hexham

Amaretto Sours, Raspberry Gin Fizz, Espresso Martini and more are available at the Italian restaurant and live music venue.

3. The Brew Bar, Haltwhistle

One Facebook review said: "We were lucky enough to stay above Brew Bar for a week so we visited for breakfast, lunch, cocktails and food trucks. The food and drink was brilliant and the staff so friendly. I would recommend visiting this fab little bar with a great atmosphere."

4. The Beaumont Hotel, Hexham

Aperol Spritz, Blood Orange Bellini, and the sophisticated Negroni are on offer at the bar in The Beaumont Hotel. Many Facebook reviews recommended the hotel for drinks, with one review saying: "Best service bar none, be back soon."

5. The Blackbird, Ponteland

From Cosmopolitan to Cuban Mojito or Rum n Raisin Manhattan, The Blackbird has plenty of creative options for you to test in a stunning 14th century castle. One Facebook review said: "Amazing food, amazing service! Great range of drinks."

6. The Badger, Ponteland

One of Britain's 'Best Loved Country Pubs', The Badger serves classic aperitifs such as Aperol Spritz, Negroni and new blends including Tarquin's Rhubarb and Raspberry Pink Gin. One Facebook review said: "Great food, great drink, really friendly staff."

7. The County Hotel, Hexham

The hotel offers a range of spirits, cocktails, lagers, beers and wines to try. One review recommended the hotel bar for a fun atmosphere, friendly bartenders, and creative cocktails.

8. YOLO, Ponteland

There's a wide range of every type of cocktail at this classy bar. From the Classics, to YOLO Signature, and Fizz, they sell two for one cocktails every Friday from 7pm until 1am. One Facebook review said: "Went yesterday for a bottomless brunch and can't recommend enough."

9. Cassia Italian Restaurant, Corbridge

An Italian restaurant which serves a wide range of wines and cocktails, Thursday night is Ladies Night with all cocktails on a two for one special. One Facebook review said: "Fantastic evening for my daughters' 21st. Food was amazing and the staff went above and beyond."

10. The Adam and Eve, Prudhoe

For £5.95 or any two for £9.95, choose from Sex on the Beach, Passiontastic, Malibu Beach or Blue Lagoon. One Facebook review said: "Absolutely love this place, the staff are always so welcoming and friendly and the food is always spot on, and so are the cocktails."