The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman's Rest in Northumberland

What a lovely place. Booked for my partners birthday treat. An overnight stay and tasting menu. Firstly the room was beautiful - large, tastefully decorated. Great on- suite. Big comfy bed and fine views over the South Tyne valley. Clearly some serious money has been spent on this place. Staff helpful and delightful. I can't remember the last time someone offered to carry our bags up to the room. The man behind the bar who checked us couldn't have done more to make us feel welcome and special. In the evening after a drink at the bar we were seated at our table and enjoyed a brilliant tasting menu. Clever food beautifully presented. And the wine list! Extensive and at surprisingly low prices for some very high end wines. Great sommelier who was not in the least bit pretentious. And the waitress was friendly, funny, professional and very efficient. A totally brilliant experience. And after a good nights sleep a proper breakfast to send us on our way. Can't wait to go again!

This was our third visit having previously enjoyed the tasting menu lunch, this time we were back for Sunday lunch. The place was packed and the atmosphere was as good as the superb food and service. Faultless flavours and perfectly balanced food with just the right amount of attention from the super friendly staff. We will be back soon.

Our second visit to the Kirkstyle Inn didn’t disappoint. We’ve stayed in both the Church Stile and South Tyne View rooms, both beautifully decorated with lovely touches. Tasting menu is fantastic and wine pairings were delicious. Smoked eel was our favourite dish the first time we visited, this time the pigeon and the cod were stand outs. Staff are wonderful, very knowledgeable and friendly. We can’t wait for our next trip already!

This was our second visit here on the tasting menu dinner, bed and breakfast. We stayed in the South Tyne View room which we absolutely loved. The tasting menu was fabulous, three of the seven (I think) courses served by the relevant Chef , we bought the wine pairing too - new sommelier certainly knew his stuff . Service was fantastic, overall a wonderful stay . The room has amazing views, the bed was so comfortable and the bathroom was also beautiful, no bath in this room but a lovely shower . The dressing gowns in the room unfortunately were extremely small so we didn’t use them - would be good to have them a bit larger 🤦‍♀️ . If you love game then this restaurant would suit you, if you like fine wine then you need to stay over !! Look out on their website, they have many different events , you can also enjoy various walks from here too. We will definitely be back - then it will be our third time - would be good to have a loyalty offer . If you’re thinking about it don’t hesitate ..

The Kirkstyle Inn is just outside Slaggyford on the Brampton to Alston road and the original inn used to be owned by my wife's parents in the late 1970s. The current inn was totally rebuilt from the ground up after being recently acquired following a few years of closure and now has upmarket accommodation and a growing reputation as a fine dining restaurant focussed on local game. I took my wife for her birthday on what turned out to be a snowy weekend and she couldn't stop smiling for two days! The snow may well have been an accident but the pub itself was fantastic, both food and accommodation. It strives to remain accessible for locals as a working pub with local ales at a reasonable price but diners should expect to pay well and there doesn't seem to be options for drop in lunches for walkers. That said there is plenty going on in the bar, which meant a certain amount of noise in the rooms above but it didn't continue past closing time. Best of all, there are some nods to the former pub building including a fascinating set of sketches of regulars and a list of former landlords and original deeds of sale. The refurbishment has clearly been properly thought through and done with great care. The new bedrooms are large, well appointed and extremely comfortable - certainly 4 star city boutique hotel standard. The food was brilliant, though I would have like the menu to be clearer about the supplements being added to the standard dinner, bed and breakfast rate. We were having a celebration so cost wasn't an issue but our dinner choices cost us a lot of extras when we settled in the morning.

Most beautiful setting, traditional but well kept room and friendly staff ! Also fantastic meals prepared to a high standard ! A proper car park would have been good but it’s not as if there’s a lot of traffic!! Great stay, will definitely return.

Four of us visited for the tasting menu. We arrived early and were welcomed for pre dinner drinks in the bar area. The place was very busy. We chose the standard wine pairing. Service at first was a little hectic however one of the staff members told us that they had last minute short staffing issues due to sickness. These things happen - but we appreciated the explanation and to be fair the following service was very good, particularly from the Romanian (Welsh!!) gentleman and the young waiter whose name we didnt catch! I rarely have the wine pairing as I find it is often poor value with few glasses and small measures - not the case here! Some lovely wines and decent measures! However the best part of the evening was the food - wow!! Every course was excellent. We had eaten at a Michelin starred restaurant 7 miles up the road the night before at twice the price and we all agreed that the food at the Kirkstyle was better! I also liked the fact that the pub catered well for its locals who just wanted to come in for a pint or two. Too many village gastro pubs dont do this. However its important that they do. Well done all.

What a fabulous find!! Unfortunately we were only able to stay for 1 night but to visit this stunning cosy Inn with such amazing staff was a real delight!! Delicious food, I had the Beetroot starter followed by the Halibut!! Simply stunning!! The room was extremely comfortable, warm, amazing linen and a heavenly comfy bed!! We will be returning to discover more about the beautiful area and sample more of the warmth and happiness of this heavenly Inn!

Enjoyed a fabulous midweek overnight stay and dinner for my husband's birthday. Gloriously comfortable room (Knarburn) - spacious, beautiful decor and furniture and just a great place to relax before a delicious dinner. The local chef creates great food (especially if you like fish and game) in an informal and friendly setting. Outstanding value for this quality. Very lovely isolated spot with Hadrian's Wall is only 15 minutes away.

We had a lovely stay here in October. This was a great find for us. We stayed overnight and the room was excellent - charming decor and spotlessly clean. We had drinks in the bar area and the tasting menu that was fantastic. The wine list is extensive and very reasonable.

Endroit parfait, cuisine de qualité (produits, goût, présentation). Chambre et bâtisse rénovées avec beaucoup de bon goût. Les matériaux sont de qualité. Tout y est agréable, l’ambiance est super douce et délicate, chaleureuse. Accueil bienveillant et informations complètes. Très calme. Vue magnifique sur les paysages. Je recommande cet établissement.

Leftover sourdough, Blue Darling Custard and Smoked Eel were stand outs. Strawberries were also exceptionally good.

Our introduction to this country pub was to a spacious, comfortable, immaculately clean bedroom, with stunning views of the fells. Next dinner and cooking of Michelin quality. A highlight was the scallop with belly pork, a brilliant dish. Next morning breakfast, again flawless in every respect from the service to the produce. Any prospective dining pub owner/chef should come here to see how it's done.

Stayed here for dinner, bed and breakfast. Tasting menu was fantastic and super value. Great location for walking and off road cycling. Highly recommend if you’re a foodie

This place came recommended and it did not disappoint. Good quality food on the tasting menu, great hospitality from the bar manger and chefs, gorgeous bedroom with superb views and some really lovely personal touches, and top notch breakfast with great service next morning. Price wise, it was worth every penny. Would recommend - will be back!

Had tasting menu, pre starters world class and the menu Excelled throughout, the beetroot pudding being particularly superb and I'm sure it's worthy of a Michelin star, booked in for the wine tasting set menu in July, I hope it's as good as our first experience

We were very pleased to be invited here for a family birthday celebration last Sunday - it’s a lovely Inn in a tiny hamlet not far from Alston and we sat outside in the sunshine waiting for our family to arrive. Perfect. The starters were really top notch, plaice/radishes and scallops/pigs cheek, so we were really looking forward to the main course. The roast beef was very tasty but not the best - we’re not ones for complaining online, on the rare occasion we have a problem we prefer to go to the venue direct - so, we emailed the chef and told him we wanted to give constructive feedback as our roast beef had a long string of sinew on each of the two small pieces, making it impossible to chew /swallow - three on our table had to take beef out of their mouths, not a nice thing to do in front of a table of six, and we didn’t even get the courtesy of a reply. We did say we would like to return to Kirkstyle as there were things we really enjoyed at this Inn, including the location, starters, desserts and the buzz, but having been ignored regarding a genuine complaint we will now definitely go elsewhere.

This is our third visit to this warm and well thought out pub. On all occasions we had our rescue collie Jess with us and she was made welcome. I loved the fact that we could come in here after a long walk and have a few drinks and still be made to feel as welcome as diners. Unfortunately too many pubs are now aimed at food only and if you just want a drink and a rest in the middle of your walk you find all tables set up for food service with nowhere to sit. We will definitely come to dine at some point as the food looked amazing. Thank you for making everyone welcome in your lovely inn and keep up the good work!

We passed this place a few weeks ago and thought it looked beautifully refurbished from the outside and well worth a try. Today, we went for lunch, and the first impressions were correct. The interior is beautifully executed, a lovely bar, great beer, and wines on offer. The food was lovingly prepared, and the service and timing were superb. These people know what they're doing. The prices were very reasonable for food that matched many Michelin starred establishments at which we've eaten. Deserts were a real treat. We wish them every success. They deserve it.

Stayed in The Armstrong room, stunning. Spent an enjoyable afternoon by the fire looked after by lovely staff, Dinner was exceptional, we slept well and enjoyed a cracking breakfast, can’t wait to come back.

Stunning location, great environment just a shame the food doesn’t match the former. Indeed there wasn’t quite enough food to make a judgement. My priority is always the quality of the food not the quantity but when you only have a couple of mouthfuls, for a main course that costs £25 with no complimentary vegetables or indeed complimentary anything, followed by a pudding that also leaves you wanting more, the only feeling I was left with was overall disappointment….and hunger!!! I would love to have made a plan to return but this will not happen… even the view is not enough…

The premise is well presented and warm unfortunately my experience this week was not so pleasant. The staff appeared nervous but efficient however, all were at odds to engage with their customers. The menu was pretentious for an Inn I ordered the Duck which when it emerged from the kitchen appeared to be 1/4 brest two small roast potatoes and dressed in beetroot and purple leaves a picture on a plate whilst I would agree duck is served pink my particular portion was Ruby red uncooked. In order to fill the plate my friend and I ordered an extra portion of mash this was not value for money dish at £26.00 The saving grace was the Rum and Raisin soufflé which was excellent. I only wish I had commented to the establishment it’s self instead of writing these comment describing my poor experience, in-spite of my excellent desert I would not recommend this establishment at the moment there are far too many managerial issues to resolve.

We were a party of 6 friends meeting for a celebration meal at the Kirkstyle Inn. The occasion was a great success. Vanessa was our server and proudly told us that the lamb on the menu was from her farm. It was delicious. All the courses were outstanding, the menu varied and drawing on good local produce. The wines were excellent. The atmosphere in this country restaurant was warm, relaxed and friendly. The service was smooth and nothing was too much trouble. Prices were very reasonable and the meal was great value for money. Our thanks to Vanessa and the whole team for making it such a lovely evening.

We had a two night stay and two meals and breakfasts at the Kirkstyle. The whole experience was in our view perfect. Food exquisite and accommodation first class. We loved it, relaxed Inn atmosphere, will definitely be back.

Our second visit to the Kirkstyle, and it’s becoming a firm favourite. Well structured menu based on locality and seasonality. Plenty of choice to suit all palates. The precision of cooking and flavour profiles are faultless along with presentation. Side portions are needed however for those with hearty appetites. Service is very friendly but could be a little more attentive, particularly regarding drinks. Wine prices are very reasonable indeed! The fixed price menu represents jaw dropping value for money!

We had a wonderful weekend staying and dining in the Kirkstyle last weekend. It is a very friendly and warm hostelry, the food was excellent, particularly the grouse, and the staff were very friendly and professional. The bed was extremely comfortable and we look forward to going back and seeing Mick and his staff. Bob and Isobel,

I had originally booked for 2 but our neighbours wanted to join us, quick phone call and they squeezed us all in. We all had the set menu which was outstanding value for money. Decent portions as well. No poncy tasting menus here, thank goodness. Wines were excellent and reasonably priced. We live about 25 mins away and just hope that this doesn't become so popular we can't get in!

Warm welcome , beautiful room, view to die for , reasonable wine well chilled enjoyed as we watched the world go by with ample outside seating. Food was lovely, service unhurried, breakfast quality ingredients served hot and plentiful. What’s not too like.

Disappointing experience, staff were nice but service was slow and inattentive, Iwe waited nearly an hour before food came even though there were only a handful of other diners. The best thing about the lunch were the 'pre starters' delicious and freshly made, the first courses felt as if they had been put together some time before and waited awhile. Confit of lamb was overcooked had it been pink would have been delicious. Pork belly was dry and crackling chewy. Very nice bread, but we did have to ask for it! Cant rate the puddings as after 1 and 3/4 hours we felt we had had enough. I would reccomend for beautiful location and a drink outside, beer and wine well priced and good.

We had a wonderful Sunday lunch here, all 5 of us came out practically raving about this place as we walked back along the Pennine Way. My wood pigeon starter in particular was excellent. Very good quality, largely locally sourced food, in wonderful surroundings and with an excellent, warm and friendly service. So glad we found room for deserts too, they tasted as beautiful as they looked. My wife and mother in law had white wine with their meal, which we thought was very sensibly priced. We’d definitely return and highly recommend. Many thanks to the whole team for a great lunch service!

A truly excellent lunch spot (and dinner too I'm sure) - short but varied menu, everything we eat used good quality ingredients and was beautifully prepared. We were welcomed warmly and service was prompt but unobtrusive. We felt very lucky - and the drive here is truly scenic.

I suggested this place to a group of dining friends on the strength of it being a fairly new venue. Alas my roast beef dinner was a disappointment two bits of gristly beef coated in some sort of gravy browning. The veg were barely warm with the sad solitary parsnip dead on the plate. One of my companions carried the beef off home in a napkin presumably to punish the cat! A decent pint from theTwice Brewed brewery was ok. The Kirkstyle is in a pleasant location but despite this there's better value to be had a few miles away.

We booked dinner, bed and breakfast to celebrate our golden wedding anniversary. Reception was friendly and efficient and we were shown to our superb room. Dinner was excellent with prices being very reasonable for both food and drink. Breakfast next morning was also really good...

Fantastic food and service. Catered professionally for dietary requirements. We'll be back and I've already recommended to others. Thanks for a wonderful meal.

Excellent. Can't recommend enough. Food fab. Rooms stylish and breakfast best ever. Staff friendly and attentive. Only down side was a hum from a generator or something but not loud just noticeable when room quite.

You can't go wrong with a Sunday lunch? Yes you can - the star anise in the mash was the dominant flavour. Pretentious food. Good wine menu but if you are a beer lover - forget it. On the up side the sticky toffee pudding...

Merchants of Foie Gras. Boy Cot if you have any moral value. However I did eat there, only to discover this after the sitting. If you want a "posh-ish"/ Pricey meal that may or may not fill your boots and dont have any moral value...

Set high up in Northumberland's South Tyne Valley, a few miles below England's highest town, Alston, is the little hamlet of Slaggyford - just a straggle of cottages and farmhouses, an ancient church and set next the the church yard's stone style an C18th ex...

Tastefully renovated and relaxed country inn with a nice mix of dining area, small relaxed seating area and bar. Huge difference from the pretty awful place it was previously. Food was spot on, fish and meat courses cooked perfectly. A good chef here who knows...

Recommended by the savvy Grace Dent and her review in The Guardian. And what a recommendation. Sunday lunch was plentiful, fresh and tasty - well above the average offerings you get in 90 per cent of venues. The three snacks as starters were full of...

First time visiting but won’t be the last ! Food was lovely, staff excellent, special thanks to Vanessa for making time for my Mum. The ambiance and styling is excellent, been renovated with care and attention to detail. The menu has good variety and the...

We have been here four times now, the food is excellent and the service very friendly and efficient. The menu is based around meat and fish, a couple more vegetarian dishes would be nice. A lovely dining experience for that special meal, way ahead of...