Etal
Northumberland
TD12 4TL
01890 820200
The Black Bull in Etal is the only thatched pub in Northumberland, and probably in the whole north-east of England (photo 1). The pub and village are part of the Ford & Etal Estate, owned by the Joicey family since 1908. The estate has preserved the village and the neighbouring village of Ford, and much of it has remained unchanged for the last century.
The pub is now managed by the Cheviot Brewery who are also based on the estate. Three of their beers are sold, including a bitter specially brewed for the pub. The pub is open all day and food is served lunchtimes and evenings. The pub had been closed for some time until the brewery took it on in 2018 and refurbished it.
Etal Castle at the end of the village was built in the 14th century as a defence against Scottish raiders (photo 2). The Scots victory at the Battle of Flodden Field in 1513, less than three miles away, led to the village being part of Scotland for a while.
