Orchard Pig 0623
Orchard Pig 0623

About us

Built around 1750 and situated in the picturesque hamlet of Anick, approximately 1 mile from the historic market town of Hexham, the Rat Inn boasts spectacular views across Hexham and the Tyne Valley. A charming and characterful pub with a stunning beer garden and roaring fires to sit by in winter, the Rat Inn is a classic country pub. Phil and Karen took over the pub in late 2007,having previously owned the successful, Michelin rated Green Room restaurant in Hexham. The menu at the Rat Inn offers a quality selection of traditional British dishes with a commitment to source as many local and seasonal ingredients as possible. A separate bar menu offers lighter snacks, washed down with hand pulled ales, or a glass of wine from a carefully chosen list.

We're in The Green Pub Guide

The Rat Inn takes pride in British cooking with menus featuring locally sourced food and seasonal produce for specials. The menu is changed daily to ensure the best and freshest ingredients and this includes all meat, which has been bought from local farms since 2007. Much of the other produce used in the kitchen arrives at The Rat Inn from the surrounding countryside and crucially, chefs purchase in small amounts to ensure low waste.

Another aspect to sustainable food comes via The Rat Inn’s own home-grown herbs and vegetables. The venue then cuts food waste further by composting and this is spread on the garden. Veg cuttings are even given to the small and local pig producer supplying the pub’s pork while an independent waste company is used for recycling. A significant amount of cardboard is also sent to compost.

The Rat Inn scrapped plastic straws and stirrers for drinks four years ago and continues this eco-theme by displaying menus on blackboards to reduce paper usage.

There’s a local ethos too through using nearby companies for elements such as bathroom hygiene. This is part of the pub’s continued drive to reduce carbon impact, while supporting the local economy.

Plans the future include installing electric charging points for vehicles in the car park, handy for those who travel from miles around throughout the year to enjoy The Rat Inn’s ivy-clad, sandstone exterior and unique and cosy interior. This is filled with polished oak, open fires and a collection of chamber pots hanging from the ceiling.

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Facilities

Beer gardenCar parkFamily friendlyFoodOutside areaReal aleReal fire
Pub reviews

Reviews

4.5/5

Carol Greenwood

4 months ago

A lovely old pub worth visiting. Great ales. We had a light lunch but a bit disappointing. The crispy bacon baquette was well charred. Lovely staff and dog friendly. Lovely views and walks nearby

M&C Reynolds

6 months ago

Fantastic country pub tucked away up the slopes of the Tyne Valley. Excellent food options with high quality, locally sourced ingredients and freshly prepared dishes. Great selection of drinks from the bar or wine list. Friendly but relaxed service in an busy but comfortable setting. Fine views across the hills and River Tyne from the beer garden and front windows. NB: Some seating is in the bar area which has plenty of hustle and bustle going on during busy evenings - not a problem but not as intimate as some tables. Well worth the trip out to Anick (not Alnwick!).

Crozza

8 months ago

Beautiful setting with fantastic views down the valley. Service was quick, enough time in between courses. We sat in the conservatory area, which was cosy. Delicious food, and a menu that changes as you order haha. I couldn't decide whether to have a starter and a main, or a main and a dessert, so asked for dessert menu first 😁. Too full for a pudding this time, but hope to be back again sometime. Highly recommended 👌

Darren

8 months ago

I heard good things about The Rat Inn and it certainly didn't disappoint. We were seared in the conservatory and it was lovely. Nice views down the valley. We had a starter and and main each. The food was lovely and the service was great. Wouldn't hesitate to call back again. Thank you

Matt Thompson

9 months ago

Beautiful garden overlooking the valley, it’s a real sun trap! Unfortunately the table we were seated at had an unalterable parasol. The staff however were less then friendly and the food menu was also very small but boosted by an excellent sticky toffee to finish. Pleasant traditional pub with exceptional views but ultimately I think somewhere better for a drink than food

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Orchard Pig 0623
Orchard Pig 0623
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Opening Times

Mon12:00 – 15:00 18:00 – 23:00
Tue12:00 – 15:00 18:00 – 23:00
Wed12:00 – 15:00 18:00 – 23:00
Thur12:00 – 15:00 18:00 – 23:00
Fri12:00 – 15:00 18:00 – 23:00
Sat11:00 – 23:00
Sun11:00 – 23:00
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Orchard Pig 0623
Orchard Pig 0623