We spoke to Patricia Lopez, Business Development Manager at The Angel of Corbridge, about what makes the venue stand out, its recent renovations and some of Northumberland’s most beautiful sights.
Tell us a bit about the Angel of Corbridge?
The Angel is the oldest Coaching Inn in Corbridge, with accommodation consisting of ten unique bedrooms, as well as an apartment. Our rooms are all warm and comfortable, and include a full Northumbrian breakfast served with local black pudding. The main reason for visiting us is our food, which is hearty and homemade, always utilising local produce and suppliers. The bar is the heart of the Angel and it’s where our customers can enjoy plenty of local banter whilst choosing from our local ales, variety of gins or a wine from our carefully selected wine list.
What does it mean to the Angel to be shortlisted for awards such as the North East England Tourism Awards?
Being shortlisted for the North East England Tourism Awards in the Best Pub of the Year category represents a reward to all our efforts as a team. In the past year, we have gone through a major project, which allowed us to add 3 new rooms and expand and renovate our kitchen. The aim of this project was to improve our offer to customers, and to keep growing as a business. Being shortlisted for this award assures us that we are on the right track, and that is very gratifying.
What makes the Angel stand out from the crowd?
As already mentioned, we have recently renovated the pub, giving us a very modern kitchen with efficient and new cooking equipment, refrigeration and storage plus a healthier and temperature-controlled workplace. All of our food is homemade, from our bread up to our pastries and puddings. Extending the kitchen allows us to be more productive and to add more products into our food range.
We are also a dog-friendly pub and hotel, having two dining areas where dogs are allowed, as well as bedrooms. We also have our own car park and Fish & Chip Shop, Angelfish. The Angel is also known to be the oldest Coaching Inn within Corbridge, dating back to 1569. We have done extensive research with a local historian (and we keep doing it!), and we can tell you every owner, landlord, innkeeper and tenant from 1569 until today.
What is your favourite part of the North east and why?
The walk from Seahouses along the beach to Bamburgh is a favourite and always ends with a pork pie from the butchers in Bamburgh. The beach is so clean and beautiful and there is always a stunning view of the Farne Islands as you walk. When Bamburgh Castle appears magically as you near Bamburgh it makes you feel extremely privileged to live and work in the North East. The return walk can be quite a challenge, especially on a cold day so, perhaps a Whisky at the Ship Inn is deserved.
Are there are any hidden gems in the North East that you would encourage people to visit?
To us, it is the beauty, magnificence and detailed history of Hexham Abbey. It is quite breath-taking, particularly on your first visit, and exceeds all expectations. Visiting on a clear dark night, gives you another perspective of its beauty.