The Lion & Lamb at Horsley, Northumberland

Jan 27 2008 by Eddy Eats, Sunday Sun

MORE often than not, taking the Eatsmobile out for a run in the country is all part of the scranning experience for the missus and me . . .

Especially if our destination is likely to take us through some of the region’s picturesque villages and rolling hills.

But I have to confess the foul weather of late has taken the fun out of the driving part. So rather than set off on a speculative trip in the hope of stumbling across somewhere that looked interesting, Mrs E and I decided to opt for a safe bet for our most recent outing and made a beeline for an old favourite.

We visited The Lion and Lamb in the plain but pleasant Northumberland village of Horsley in March 2006 and were extremely impressed.

Back then the pub had recently scooped Best Gastro Pub of the Year in the regional awards and it certainly lived up to its billing. But almost two years on, we wondered whether the very high standards it set itself had been maintained.

Did the Lion and Lamb still have something to roar about . . . or had it become rather meek?

We immediately found that the atmosphere and homely feel of the hostelry hadn’t changed one bit.

Indeed, when the wind is blowing and the rain is lashing down, it’s the sort of place that makes you feel wonderfully snug.

I could have sat all day by the window looking out on the grey day with my tummy full of food and a flavoursome pint of Big Lamp Bitter in front of me.

From the moment you set foot in the pub you get a sense of its history . . . and there’s little doubt that it’s the hub of village life.

The pub was originally a farmhouse built in 1718 using some of the stones from nearby Hadrian’s Wall, and was converted into a coaching inn in 1744.

You may have to mind your head as you negotiate your way between rooms, but the low-beamed ceilings only add to the charm, as do the rustic, natural stone floors.

The landlord seems to make a point of chatting to everyone who comes through the door too, so you don’t have to be a regular here to feel welcome.

As well as a varied menu, there’s always a few specials to choose from and as we were famished, we both opted for starters.

I chose the Ardennes pate — £4.50 — which was served with warm toast, homemade chutney and seasonal dressed leaves. It was extremely rich and there was plenty of it . . . indeed, it was almost a meal in itself.

She-Who-Must-Be-Fed opted for the somewhat less filling tomato and basil soup — £3.50 — which was rich and creamy.

I have to confess I was much too stuffed to make the most of my excellent main course, a mouth-watering offering from the specials board of homemade venison casserole with puff pastry costing £8.95.

The meat was deliciously lean and tender and was perfectly complemented by the rich gravy.

Mrs Eats enjoyed her selection too, a succulent plate of roast pork with all the trimmings at £7.95. And we shared a separate plate of vegetables and roast and boiled potatoes.

The desserts looked very appetising . . . but I’m afraid the huge main courses had left us both incapable of eating more.

•  Travelling west out of Newcastle on the A69, take the turn-off signposted for Heddon on the Wall. Go through Heddon and you will arrive at Horsley. The pub is on your left.