Review of The Joiners Arms in Newton-by-the-Sea near Alnwick

Everything is ‘perfect’ at The Joiners Arms in Newton-by-the-Sea, including our choice of seat, our drinks, questions about the menu and our food orders.

This fashionable phrase is used liberally by our waitress, just as ‘don’t worry’, ‘awesome’ and now ‘too easy’ are used endlessly in Australian cafes.

It seems to be the way of things.

And while it may seem over the top or empty at times, here perhaps it has to do with the quality of visit the staff expects from you, because as far as I can tell, there’s never been a place that’s catered to our image-conscious, Instagram-worthy Culture is suitable then that’s it.

That’s not to say it’s superficial, although great care is taken in its presentation, there was also genuine warmth in the welcome we received after a stunning but refreshing dip in the salt water on a quiet Thursday lunchtime during the summer holidays.

Located ten minutes’ walk from the glorious beach of Low Newton in north Northumberland, The Joiners is growing in popularity with the V-Dub campervan scene and a growing throng of holidaymakers from across the country, who have read (quite rightly) rave reviews of travel in national newspapers.

This five star hotel is part of the Apartment Group, which also owns Whitworth Hall in Spennymoor, Lartington Hall and Runa Farm (formerly Jersey Farm) near Barnard Castle and Newton Hall in Alnwick. It offers luxurious rooms, top quality takeaway fish and chips and an impressive looking menu for guests.

The bar area at The Joiners’ Arms (Image: Northern Echo)

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As we walked in, we were immediately drawn to the quirky but elegant interior design, with the low-hanging kitschy lampshades on the wooden bar being a particular standout.

The dark wood panels give the impression of being on a ship, the walls are adorned with random objects such as old bottles, plants and books, as well as old-fashioned lamps and scales.

A long, comfortable bench extends to the side of the dining room and leather-covered, school-style seats complement the tables in the main hall, creating a comfortable, chic environment.

The dining room (Image: Northern Echo)

Joiners has a deliberately laid-back, almost surfer-friendly vibe, ‘Lads and Lasses’ signs direct you to your spot of choice, and dogs are expressly welcome, making it ideal for snacking on a stroll or swim along a long stretch of sandy beach might .

There’s even a special three-course menu for our four-legged friends, which includes rump steak for a whopping £12 and even more pocket ice cream with crushed dog biscuits for £2.

A Pupaccino is 75p and I was tempted to try the £4 Bottom Sniffer smirking dog beer myself, but opted for the £4.90 St Mary’s Blonde Star instead.

The full length dog menu (Image: Northern Echo)

This refreshing ale from Anarchy Brewery has flavors of lemon, grapefruit and passionfruit and proved to be an ideal thirst quencher.

Starters cost between £8.50 and £12 and include tempting dishes such as Scotch Egg with chorizo ​​and parmesan, caramelised onion and thyme sausage rolls and seared tiger prawns with tomato, garlic chilli and parsley.

My 12 year old daughter opted for the Crispy Thai Noodle Salad (£8.50) which consisted of Asian coleslaw, rice noodles, Chinese leaf, peanuts, sesame dressing with chili coriander and lime.

The crispy Thai noodle salad definitely has it all (Image: Northern Echo)

Colorful and eye-catching, full of texture and flavor, although it was probably a little too spicy for her palate.

The children’s menu offers a starter of garlic bread or soup and a main such as a burger, pasta, cod bites or chicken schnitzel for £8.95.

My 11-year-old son delighted in his crispy breaded chicken breast and French fries, munching happily while carefully hiding his fries from a slightly envious sister who regretted her healthier option.

Breaded chicken breast and fries for an 11 year old. Salad removed. Beige food just thanks. (Image: Northern Echo)

The fish and chips were well received (Image: Northern Echo)

The steaks and fries were great but left a lot to be desired (Image: Northern Echo)

My wife opted for small fish and chips (£12.95) and enjoyed delicious, fluffy, golden fat chips with a good portion of lightly beer battered cod with a large wedge of lemon for flavor.

I opted for the Steak Frites (£22.50) which come with a confit plum tomato and watercress salad and a peppercorn sauce. (£2.50)

Although I enjoyed it, I thought the steak was a little too thin and for the price a few extras like garlic mushrooms and a few breaded onion rings wouldn’t hurt.

Additionally, the sauce was runny and had no creaminess or real substance.

Mini Carpenters Hot Chocolate (Image: Northern Echo)

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To finish we tried some mini Joiners hot chocolates (£2.95), sumptuous ice cream with whipped cream and marshmallows with rich, warm chocolate sauce.

They were amazing.

Joiners is definitely a place I would return to and I would highly recommend it as a day trip destination on our beautiful coastline or for a short break in the area.

The Joiners Arms at High Newton-by-the-Sea (Image: Gavin Havery)

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Also of particular note is the service we received during our visit, not only from our wonderful waitress who really couldn’t do enough to help, but also from the other friendly staff who worked together as a team to ensure we were well looked after.

Without exaggeration, they were flawless.

They were, to put it bluntly, “perfect.”

REVIEWS

Food: 7/10

Service: 10/10

Environment: 9/10

Value: 7/10

The carpenters’ weapons

High Newton-by-the-Sea, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 3EA

01665 576239

joiners-arms.com

OPENING HOURS

Monday – Friday
12:00-8:30 p.m

Saturday
12-9 p.m

Sunday
12-4 p.m

5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m