The Ox Inn in Northumberland

Really disappointed. Food wasn't up to standard and very overpriced. Made to feel unwelcome by locals and staff

No fuss, no gimmicks. Real beef, not a catering pack in sight, beautifully cooked and generous portions too. Friendly and attentive service in a traditional country pub setting. Good real ale options from local "First and Last" brewery. Close to Wallington National Trust and Belsay Hall English Heritage.

I'll happily drive out of my way to if I'm anywhere near this place. Especially on a Thursday night. Thursday night is Meat, Sauce, Fries. Tasty, well cooked and a great atmosphere with some good beers. Well worth visiting.

Lovely old fashioned pub in a lovely location. Good Sunday lunches! All cooked fresh. No frozen veg here. I've been going for years, summer and winter and all between . It's like a little haven.

Awesome food really friendly staff no frills menu no fussy eating.. I would post pictures but we ate it all too quick enjoying every bite 😊😊

Passed this pub on the way back from a day out, looked like a friendly place, stopped off for a meal. Great choice of real ales, menu was full of interesting dishes, not just the usual pub grub. Food arrived quickly, freshly prepared, it was superb, amazing attention to detail. The perfect local village pub, wish it was nearer. Will be back next time we are in the area.

We were renting a bothy cottage 7 miles, and the cottage information simply said: 'Great for a pint, food served' but we went along anyway for a walk and a spot of lunch. A simple black board displays the menu, from which we spotted the set 3 course meal for £18. We grabbed at the offer and never regretted it. All the food is cooked on an open fire using cherry wood, giving the food a distinctive flavouring as well as filling the pub with a lovely welcoming smell. 2 young lads ran this pub and they both served up and cooked a suberb lunch that'll take me a long time to forget. As for doing it for £18, I just don't know how? They got a well deserved tip from me.

This is a lovely old country pub, not far from Wallington Hall, so we combined a visit to the Hall with an early dinner at the pub. We had the set menu, £18 for three courses, and were amazed by the superb quality of the food. The starter was a couple of crispy-coated balls of chicken and ham, delicious, and accompanied by tasty garnishes. Main was bacon chops with nicely cooked vegetables and a sauce that we could have licked off the plates (good manners prevented this). Pudding was a rich cheesecake with coulis. Not your average pub food! The beer selection included local ales and the service was friendly and efficient. The main menu included a few more choices, but they are wise to stick to a limited menu so they can concentrate on excellence and value for money. Highly recommended.

Great bar staff and if you like something a little different give the food a try. The menu changes depending on the season or sometimes even the weather, so stay tuned.

Out for a walk and so stopped in here for lunch as I'd heard good things. Unfortunately I was to be disappointed. The main menu wasn't available - just a choice of 3 meats. Opted for the port loin - usually one of my favourite roasts. Not this time. The meat was dry, the vegetable 'side' undercooked - so crunchy carrots with dry meat. Not great. The gravy was watery. The whole thing was also under-seasoned so bland. We had to ask for salt and pepper - which is something I never normally need to do. I'd heard good things about this place - so perhaps the 'normal' lunch is better. But I won't be coming back in a hurry unfortunately.

Called in for lunch on our way to Wallington National trust, we were pleasantly surprised by the chefy food on offer which was delicious and really well priced. The staff were great and the drinks reasonable.

A long awaited Sunday lunch with good friends following good recommendations. The service was outstanding, friendly and efficient, and the beer and ambiance of the place very good. Unfortunately we were disappointed in the food! There was no choice on offer other than roast meat, which one friend would have preferred. The beef that we chose was beautifully pink but far from tender and one of our number had it replaced with no quibble. So disappointing after waiting so long to meet up there.

Called for a pint at this friendly and welcoming pub after a walk from Middleton to Shaftoe Crags and back. Beers from First & Last Brewery were in good condition. Recommended.

Having eaten previously at the Ox and had a fantastic roast we decided to take some friends as they had not been before. The beer was great and the atmosphere lively but on this occasion the roast was not up to spec; it was not piping hot when brought to our table and the beef , although succulent was quite chewy and some of the vegetables in the side dish were uncooked. We were very disappointed especially after recommending it to our friends. Hopefully this was just a one off and next time we it will be back up to scratch. On the plus side, the beer was great and of course it's in a lovely location. We will return.

Brilliant country pub serving fantastic locally sourced food expertly cooked and served in a no fuss no pretence manor, all at an amazing price. Seasonal, variable menu depending on what’s good. Great beer too….First and Last brewery from Elsdon. Had 40 day aged local sirloin…..superb. Massive, at least 16oz and perfectly cooked. £20!!!! How is that possible? Lovely to see this place busy and buzzing. Have been many times to previous trustees….but only went once. Suspect will now be weekly regulars.

Popped in as it was near to where we had been for a walk. What a phenomenal find. The food was exquisite. I had the deep fried crispy venison and it was so tender and flavoursome. Washed it down with some local ales. I can heartily recommend.

I haven't managed to get up there yet, but I do know that its management recently changed to the chef who ran the wonderful Bistro 43 in Jesmond. The food there was always top class the four or five times I visited. I have no...

Called for Sunday lunch and what a treat. Best Sunday lunch in the area by far. Love the ambiance of an old pub just how a pub should be. Loved it

Wow! What an incredible experience. A classic British pub almost like stepping back in time but with stunning modern food cooked by a top top chef. We visited for my partners birthday with friends and everyone had an amazing time. Local beers and a fresh...

I visited the Ox on a Thursday night, which is when they run the popular "Meat Sauce Fries" night which was extremely popular in Jesmond over the lockdowns (my mum and dad ordered it a lot and raved about it, as well as Bistro Fourty...

We are so pleased that a talented chef like Max Gott has taken over The Ox Inn. We live in Northumberland so it’s great that Max is sourcing food locally and using his imagination and flair to produce delicious menus at very reasonable prices. We...

Nice little country pub. Call in for a pint with the locals or a meal with the family. Great food at a reasonable price. Good pint. Friendly locals in the bar Nice friendly service too. Would highly recommend Thoroughly enjoyed everythimg we have eaten here....

We have just eaten for the second time in ten days. This is possibly the first time I have left a review on any site but felt the new owners who have taken a chance on our local deserved it. The food was fantastic. Locally...

I can't believe a top class chef opening his own new restaurant can't see the amount of flies disturbing you while you are eating your meal !! We spent our entire time wafting them away from our food, we couldn't wait to get outside to...

The Ox at Middleton has always been a great local pub and is now open again under Chef Max Gott (a 2018 Masterchef quarter finalist and previously running a city bistro) It's always been a friendly place in a beautiful location and that hasn't changed....

This beautiful setting is now matched by absolutely beautiful food to go with it! We've now been three times, once for wild and dine fine dining outdoors, once for a good old barbecue and this evening for burger night - every time it's been wonderful!...

The Ox has re-opened as of July 21 and is a fantastic venue to visit. We went to Wine & Dine with Max, Tim Maddams & Hepple Gin and it was just great. 5 courses, delicious food and a great, great evening. So pleased this...

The Ox is open under a new owner. Go! We went for a BBQ in the outdoor area over the quiet road and a little brook. Beautiful setting. The food was wonderful. Great choice of beers including local First & Last. At present the map...

Had a fab lunch in the open air in the field opposite this restaurant. Staff couldn’t do enough to help. The food was amazing. Only thing I would add to the menu is fish for vegetarians. Lovely to see this country pubs reopen

We ordered the three meats Sunday lunch which was absolutely delicious - why bother to cook when you get this amazing homemade meal! And you get lots left over for later.

Sunday dinner. Very good. Great food and service in a warm friendly and cosy environment. We are regulars and never disappointed with our main course. We don’t normally do pudding so can’t comment. Beers are good too

Having passed this pub a few times we decided to try it out, and we were very happy we did. I am surprised by some of the negative comments having experienced an excellent Sunday dinner and desserts too, but everybody to their own. I'm quite hard to please for a Sunday dinner aspect, and we both left extremely happy and a smile on our faces. Staff/owners were great , the pub is as it should be for in the country, loo's outdoors..so what if they are!!! get over it. Fire crackling away and great beers as well, we were made very welcome by the staff and the locals were happy to chat away. Thank you The Ox Inn, you will never please everybody, but you certainly made us very happy, don't change what you do.

I called in to this lovely little tucked away pub on Sunday 4th Aug. I was alone and wanted to get out of the heat! The pub was like stepping back in time.. in a very good way! I ordered a lamb dinner and was so pleased when I received a very much home made, down to the veg too.. Sunday lunch along with a very generous gravy jug full of very obviously home made, with the meat juices, gravy! Absolutely delicious! Friendly staff and in a lovely place! Very much worth the visit!

We went as a family for Sunday lunch and chose a variety of meats which were all fairly mediocre. Good selection of vegetables and extra gravy served. On the following day, four of our party suffered with severe stomach pains and diarrhoea (we had all eaten different meat) plus our dog who had also eaten some meat had the same symptoms).I have tried to call to pass this on to the manager without success hence posting this review.Unfortunately, we will not be returning and suggest that the kitchen hygiene is review quickly.

Went for lunch. Worst vegetarian (microwaved?) meal I have had at a pub. Beer was fine. Partner's roast mediocre.

We visited whilst on a short break in the area. Recommended by a family member. Excellent, traditional Sunday dinner with a choice of 3 roasts. Plenty of vegetables - not the usual peas and carrots but a selection of 4. Food was piping hot and came with lovely gravy. Very friendly staff and choice of beers.

We booked a table and were offered a table inside or out. A quiet location but pub was well frequented by locals and cyclists without being crowded. The Sunday roasts were all good - beef, lamb and pork.We were too full for the selection of home made puddings. Real ales were well kept and refreshing.Service was terrific and our dog was welcome. Strongly recommend it for good value and being unpretentious and offering excellent food and drinks.

Had my first shandy here when a brat in the ‘60s. Lovely local pub with atmosphere and good beer. Food pleasant, no gastro pretentions. Very pleasant evening.

I’ve passed here on the bike before and it always looks good. We came for some refreshments after a trip to Wallington. The beers were very good and it was nice sitting in the beer garden on a warm sunny day. The food looked very good and we will return for Sunday lunch.

Took family and dog to Ox Inn at Middleton for Sunday lunch which was superb. The food was great, service was terrific and prices were very reasonable.... especially for the quality and quantity of the food. Definitely going back soon.

First trip to Ox Inn Middleton, fantastic experience. Delicious Sunday dinner, great service and as I said in best Sunday dinner ive ever had. 5 star

My partner and I had booked a table for the 3 of us (including our 6 month old) for Sunday lunch as we had surprisingly found this place on a drive a few months ago. Unfortunately we couldn't make it so rearranged for the next weekend, and invited the family also. Despite all the phone calls back and fourth the service was great from the owners, and adapted our booking each time. And as for the food, great portions, and as said by a few "the best Sunday dinner they had ever had"! Everything tasted amazing and we couldn't find a fault with anything, including puddings! The service was excellent, and we can't wait to return again. An amazing find and so glad we eventually made it!

Sunday dinner at this pub is immense! The best Sunday dinner I've had out in years. Have also been on the weekend when they do evening meals. Love this place, authentic country pub with no frills, just good food and good beer!

We didn't even know this place existed until we drove past last weekend. Looking at all the excellent reviews we decided to give it a go and it was possibly the nicest Sunday lunch we have ever had. I would highly recommend!

Paramos en este acogedor pub para comer el domingo. Nosotros, y nuestro perro King Charles cavalier se hicieron más que bienvenidos. Pedimos el almuerzo de domingo 3 de carne (de cerdo, cordero y ternera); puede, si lo desea elegir para seleccionar sólo uno o dos carnes. También puedes budín de Yorkshire, patatas asadas y verduras de temporada. El budín de yorkshire está hecho en el lugar y una verdadera delicia. Todo estaba perfectamente preparado. Tuve pudin de postre y no demasiado dulce. Mi esposa casero tarta de manzana. Ambas ofertas eran deliciosos. Porciones generosas a un precio razonable. Altamente recomendado.

Habiendo cambiado hace poco la familia y yo estábamos buscando el almuerzo de domingo. Decidimos probar el buey por recomendación. Es un típico rural local, virgen por brillantes luces y máquinas de juego máquina. El entorno es sencillo, pero muy amable, la cerveza parece ser cambiantes pero nunca mal y el personal muy amable. Todos tuvimos el almuerzo tradicional y chico, qué era un almuerzo. Muy generosas porciones, como muchas carnes como desee y verduras brillantemente preparado. En resumen, un magnífico almuerzo en un pub que se visitarán una y otra vez.

Mi novia y mi familia visitó el buey hoy para comer el domingo (mi regalo), reserva una mesa el día anterior. Una experiencia fantástica a través y a través. Había una buena selección de carnes, donde un trío de cordero, ternera y cerdo también estaba disponible, que todos terminamos optando por. Los budines yorkshire casero eran deliciosos, la carne muy tierna y las verduras bien cocido. La salsa que se sirve con wqas estaba delicioso. Un montón de condimentos siempre a la mesa, tales como salsa de menta, mostaza y rábano picante, que siempre es un bonito detalle. Sus cervezas son bien cuidados. Tengo que recomendar la fábrica de cervezas cruzar la bahía, tales como la caída, que es una muy buena sesión de ale. También compartimos una botella de South African Bird 'ecretary Merlot, lo cual fue fantástico desde la apertura de la botella. Combinaba muy bien con la comida. Postres, y todo seguido pronto presente acordó eran encantadores. Pudin con crema, buenas maneras de esponja jarabe y flan y pastel de manzana, todo un lujo.

El sábado fuimos a ver el juego mafia de lynch. Qué Pub. ! Pintoresca y antigua antigua - fabuloso. Loos fuera pero limpio y acogedor. Muchos lugares para aparcar. El personal era amable, así como los clientes, y los precios del bar muy razonable. Un gran hallazgo.

Este lugar me pareció muy refrescante, ya que, lo que queríamos era sólo un simple y sencilla comida de domingo y eso es exactamente lo que conseguimos. Sin lujos, sin cursilerías, ni siquiera un menú escrito, sólo una cálida bienvenida, una opción sencilla de tres carnes y antes de que sabía que estaba allí, delante de nosotros. Buena comida, buena cerveza, excelente servicio y taaaaan acogedor.

No hay elección, excepto almuerzo de domingo en domingo - a una variedad de carnes. Muy decepcionante - por debajo de la media de cocina. Personal agradable. El retrete está fuera, como en los viejos tiempos!

Muy agradable almuerzo de domingo: un montón de carne, muy bien preparado y amable servicio. Sentimos que hemos recibido en relación calidad-precio.

Rubish wine rubbish sunday lunch dont waste your money hard carrots burnt yorkshires cauliflower black inside at the price for two drinks and two dinners of £26 felt ripped off would never go back

Real pub with good food and good beer. We like to go on the way back from Bolam lake. Always very welcoming, dogs allowed but must be on a lead

Nice day for a run out so hubby took me and a girlfriend out for Sunday lunch. Small run family pub that only opens from 5pm during the week but is obviously the place to dine at weekends.It was a Sunday and the place had obviously been very busy as we got there at two and most tables needed clearing. We sat down and waitress advised us of meat selection and went off with our order while hubby went to the bar. Got himself a pint of local beer and two nicely chilled glasses of rose.Dinner arrived and local lamb was tender and delicious as was the beef all followed by sticky toffee pud & cheese cake. Well worth a visit as very pretty scenery.

Went for Sunday lunch with family and friends, great food. The service is excellent and they have real ale. What more could you ask for.Hopefully visit again soon.

The sticky toffee pudding with cream was really tasty and so was the roast pudding that came with Yorkshire puddings and mash potato.

Went for Sunday lunch & was just ok, food was luke warm, lamb was a undercooked pink colour & very chewy, hard & crunchy carrots & colly. Deserts were nice but don't think we'll venture back!

We were visiting a pal at Kirkharle and we'd avoided grub all day in the hope of finding a top notch Sunday dinner and did our mate not do us proud....."visit the Ox three miles along the road, it's brill for Sunday dins!"We arrived around 2.30pm and were warmly welcomed by the host, I asked for the menu and the lady serving said that there was no menu for Sunday dins just choose your roast and hey presto, she suggested I try the 'all three Sunday lunch' consisting of some lamb, beef and pork.....perfect.After a short wait the most appetising plate of meats, homemade Yorkshire pud, roasties and stuffing arrived, it looked amazing. She told us "I'll just get the veg".....wonderful, and so followed a hearty plate of mashed tatties, 'neeps, cauliflower and carrots. Everything really was cooked to perfection, couldn't hold back and after demolishing it all between two of us I was wondering how to walk back to the car, I needed a good rest to digest ;o)There are loads of great pubs/restaurants in rural Northumbria who provide amazing Sunday lunches but I can honestly say that the Ox is the DB's. A proper traditional pub, no pretentions, no flim flam about being 'gastro' (what's all that about), just a real village pub with a real team, all chatty and very approachable, a proper wonderful experience and we can't wait to go back.10/10 for the food, 10/10 for the welcome, 10/10 for the team behind this wonderful experience and 10/10 for keeping the pub very much real.

Lovely location great food and good selection on the menu.The young girl who looked after us was brilliant, nothing was too much trouble, would call here again when we are next in the area.

often call in to the ox for a quick drink while were out and about, if we manage to hit on the times theyre open....understandably as its off the beaten track the pub only opens in the evenings and at weekends, but the staff and the locals are really friendly and welcoming....and a big plus for us they always make our 2 little dogs very welcome.We only ate there for the first time last weekend and it wasn't bad at all....my husband had lasagne and he said it was really good (big portion) I had chicken coujons with sweet chilli sauce...very tasty thank you

Visited the Ox Inn a month or so ago. My grandfather used to come here to meet friends from Scot's Gap, which was our reason for visiting. The pub itself and area it is located is beautiful. The scenery is exceptional, it is so peaceful. The building is a traditional old home converted into a pub with lots of character. Lovely home cooked food made by the landlady, pub food with options such as fish & chips, sausage, pies, lasagne, goujons and chips, pulled pork and Sunday dinners etc.Beer garden outside on a nice day is bliss! Landlord and landlady are pleasant and endearing, atmosphere inside the pub is warm and cordial. Old fire, small restaurant inside with locals relaxing and having a drink.Will visit again shortly, and encourage all in the area to take a detour to this wonderful setting to sample the food and the atmosphere.

We visited one evening for a trip out a beer and bite to eat as our son and his girlfriend had visited it recently and they were impressed . My wife lived in this area until we were married and it was one of their locals but has changed hands few times in recent years . The current couple who run it are very friendly pleasant people , they have created a lovely outdoor beer garden in peacefull surroundings and some outdoor seating directly outside too, we sat in sunshine with a drink and ordered some food which we opted to eat inside beside a log fire all food home made I had chicken goujons in crispy batter , son had sausage for a change wife had lasagne ( home made no nonsense good quality good value home made pub food they do steaks , home made pie , fish and chips etc if you want peacefull surroundings with tasty food or just a drink go and try it told Sunday lunches are very good too and they even have occasional music nights we will definately be going back and good luck to them .

Took my wife here today for Sunday lunch. Good atmosphere and hospitality. Would recommend to anyone.

This is real pub food in a real pub. The Ox is completely unpretentious. The landlord is a local boy and most of the customers live within a few miles of the pub. The food is good honest pub grub, always served piping hot, cooked by the excellent landlady and always served with a smile! Portions are generous (but smaller portions can be negotiated, as can variations, e.g. garlic bread instead of chips). If you call in for a meal on a Friday night you will usually find my husband and I there enjoying a bite to eat at the end of another busy week.

We found both the staff and the customers to be very friendly, the food was lovely and kids are made welcome.

It is great to see a proper country pub, and nice to read such good reviews. This used to be my local years ago. I haven't been back in a long time, but popped in recently for a drink, on the way back from a holiday. And was very pleasantly surprised. The two smaller rooms have been made into one big bar, with a fire at either end - a must in the winter.We organised a family Sunday Lunch to celebrate a birthday, and the landlord and landlady could not do enough for us, including organising a birthday cake. The food was your typical Sunday lunch with home prepared and cooked vegetables and plenty of them, and great big slices of beef, Yorkshire puds and loads of gravy. Just what you'd expect from a home cooked Sunday lunch. The food was really good and plentiful, the beers and wine was lovely, it was just a really nice country pub, with no airs or graces, just good old fashioned friendly and welcoming service.

On my way on the motorbike me and my partner wanted a little stop off for a drinkSuper friendly staff very welcoming with very friendly locals who just like to get to know you :-)Didn't go to the food due to time + by the look of the food reviews maybe won't until it's been looked into and updated Cost of drinks was good though and staff member was super helpful on correcting my directions to where I was headed Might return for a pint in the future

Stopped in with a friend at his recommendation for Sunday lunch and drink, lovely place with character and welcoming owners. The ale is good and the food tasty and plentiful. Well worth the stop.

This place was so friendly we called in for a drink and ended up talking to a group who had turned up for a Christening which then became a wedding. Great fun!

Brilliant Sunday lunch at the Ox today. One beef, pork & lamb mix, one beef, one lamb, one pork = four cleared plates.

Called in as we have done many times while were out and about....can't comment on meals but love the friendly laid back atmosphere....great should be more like it.

While staying at Rothley Lodge myself and a large group of friends had a walk to the Ox inn on Saturday afternoon! Great little country pub with excellent staff to make you feel welcome! Recommend popping in for a pint!

Our cooker is temporarily out of commission so we went to the Ox for a sandwich on Saturday and Sunday lunch today. On both occasions we were warmly welcomed by friendly staff. The sandwich (ham and cheese) was brilliant. A really good filling and a tasty bun wrapped round it. (Not the usual cardboard rubbish that passes for bread in many places.) The lunch on Sunday (roast pork with crackling, stuffing, apple sauce was top quality, served hot and within a very reasonable time of ordering. The pork was as good as we would have at home, and we buy our meat very selectively from a local farm shop. The beer was from a local brewery and had been properly looked after. One of Saturday's beers (from a local micro brewery) had run out and replaced by a similar brew from another. The menu is a little restricted with the emphasis very much on quality rather than variety. I could suggest that the people who find this unacceptable try a restaurant or large city pub rather than a homely, welcoming and first rate country pub. One of the draws for me, apart from the high quality cooking and excellent beers, is that the Ox retains it's original atmosphere.Loved it and will certainly be going back.

We popped in today for a pint after a walk around Bolam lake. There was a choice of 2 locally brewed ales, both of which the landlord offered up for a sample before I made my choice, I settled on the Seahouses Pale Ale, and was not disappointed.All of the staff were very friendly and took the time to have a good chat.If you are ever in the area and fancy a good beer and a warm welcome, I would recommend the OX. We will be back to try the food in the future.

Had another lovely sunday lunch at the ox. Hope your dog has recovered from my tiny terror of a son!

We stumbled across the OX on a walk from the wallington hall estate. It was a Monday and opens at 4:30 in the week. A nice pint of local real ale, reasonably priced, as were the crisps! And a lovely warm fire. The staff and the locals who had mostly popped in for a pint on the way home . A most welcoming, a proper country local!

Enjoyed our evening meal at this rural country pub. Food was traditional pub food , very tasty and plenty of it. Good value for money . Will return .

Went for a bar meal on a Saturday night at the ox inn in Middleton basic menu only 7 dishes to choose from went for the steak and ale pie which wasn't bad along side some cheap frozen chips , portion sizes small and partner went for scampi which was poor to say the least,would definitely not recommend this country pub.

My hubby decided we should drive out into the country and try out this country pub, eek BIG mistake !Tiny house converted into licensed premises. Meal; no starters, 7 basic dishes all with chips (yuk) and the staff hadn't turned in when we ordered! On a plus, there was draft lager and Guinness if you drink it, the open fire welcoming and the local dog other than that give it a very wide birth!!!

Since the pub has changed management the service and food was terrible. Meat totally tough and tasteless and very small portion sizes for 9.99 total waste of money. Charged 7.50 for a tiny kids meal. And the service was terrible they didn't even ask how our meal was! Don't waste your money

We discovered the Ox a number of years ago and what a find it was amazing service and even nicer food - both the the Sunday lunch and sticky toffee pudding was incredible. We visited the Ox about 4 times a year since we discovered it. We went today for our fathers birthday meal and upon arriving today we found that the Ox has changed management much to our disappointment but thought we would stay and try it, well I with we had not bothered.The choice was beef or pork Sunday lunch and was £9.95 for adults and £7.50 for kids and the beef was really tough and you get a small portion and small Yorkshire and separate veg in small dishes which there was 8 of us so got two dishes of veg and 2 dishes of roast potatoes- we had to ask for more as they were so small and tasteless So all in all tough meat and tasteless over cooked veg.We will not be back to what was once a fantastic pub lunch

Have called in here for a pint many times over the years. It is a beer haven near the huge historically "dry" Wallington Estate (National Trust - former home of the philanthropic Quaker Trevelyan family) and hidden in a picturesque sleepy valley at Middleton. Visited yesterday after a long absence and pleased to find real ale on tap (not usual in the past) and a friendly welcome (as ever), with a jolly atmosphere generated as people started to arrive at about 7 pm, some of whom were about to dine. A great place to sit outside on a sunny day. Go and see for yourselves!

Went toThe Ox Inn with my partner and his parents for Sunday lunch, after my partner recommending it as he'd been years ago. Couldn't fault the service and meal at all! As it is the quiet time of year, it was a shorter menu, but we only needed a main and a dessert. We all had the beef, although my partner had the peppered beef pie that was on the menu. I had the three scoops of Doddington's ice cream, so did my partner's father, and my partner had the sticky toffee pudding, whilst my partner's mum had the lemon sponge cake. All delicious! It worked out at around £16 for the two courses with drinks, so very reasonable, for top quality food. Will be returning again soon.