A reasonable argument that this is one of the most famous pubs in Northumberland, and it is the only one to be thatched for hundreds of miles – The Black Bull at Etal.

Now I try to hold back a bit from internet folklore, especially when some websites state the pub acted as a holding cell for castle prisoners who were awaiting execution. To be honest I don’t even think this building is as old as expected, maybe late 18th century at the earliest. Though I could be well off, with some sources stating it dates back almost 700 years. The lack of listing suggests otherwise, though I'd argue it still warrants it given its status as the only thatched pub in the North East. It was also part of a larger thatched terrace, but the dwellings on its eastern side were demolished well before the village hall was erected.

Our first footprint is in the 1830s newspapers. The first proper reference is in January 1836, when Frederick FitzClarence held a large rabbit-coursing event with greyhounds. There were 100 gentlemen on horseback and at least 500 pedestrians observing the entertainment. Mrs McLeod, our first known publican, provided the spread at Etal Hall. Public dinners were regularly held thereafter, including for the annual “Etal Tillside Gymnastic Games”. Quoits, running, wrestling, archery, hammer throwing, and shooting all took place in the village, with a public dinner held here in the evening.

While operations continued through the second half of the 19th century, it was well used as a site for death inquests in the local area. Many deaths requiring intervention from the county coroner took place here in its “long room”.

The inn went on to become a fully licensed hotel in the early 20th century, and at some stage came to be owned by Berwick Breweries. After a turbulent period over the past decade, it’s been renovated as a modern but fitting asset to the village.