Don’t be put off by the curious rodent moniker, this Rat is a charming creature – a revamped 18th-century drovers’ inn by the local village green, with a roaring fire, good beer, spectacular views of the Tyne Valley and a liking for locally sourced seasonal food. A typical day’s offering (chalked on the blackboard) might run from plates of charcuterie or crispy lamb belly with courgettes, broad beans and salsa verde to grilled pork chop with apricot, fennel and radish salad or sea trout with sauté potatoes, baby gem, bacon, tomatoes and anchovy, while puds could feature the likes of spicy warm gingerbread with toffee apple. There’s also an all-day menu of hot and cold sandwiches, snacks and steaks (not Sun). Six real ales from North country breweries such as Timothy Taylor and Wylam are regularly on draught, alongside a wine list with a dozen by-the-glass selections.