The Hope and Anchor, Alnmouth A Pint Of Ale Pub Review
The first pub of 2007, The Hope and Anchor was an excellent place for a couple of Black Sheep in the early hours of January 1.
After seeing in the new year at The Sun, we staggered across the road to another of Alnmouth’s excellent pubs, The Hope and Anchor. It was therefore to be the first pub of 2007!
The Hope and Anchor is a large room with one central counter. It’s quite open plan and light. There’s a nautical theme about the place, with bits and pieces dotted around here and there. The pub is also a hotel, so there’s a corner dedicated to tourist leaflets and the like.
The building looks really old and is similar to other Alnmouth buildings in that it is painted white. The Hope and Anchor’s website remarks that the building is reputed to be one of Alnmouth’s oldest, but it does not elaborate further. It is at the top of the main street of Alnmouth, just across from The Sun.
Given the late (or early) hour, the pub was not at its busiest but the staff were very friendly and chatty. We were made to feel welcome as we sipped the last pint of the night. There were a couple of really large dogs sharing the space with us as we tucked into our big packets of crisps. One local fella leant over and took a handful of crisps while his wife looked on apologetically. On his way out, he returned the handful as two further big packets - thank you! 
The Hope and Anchor was an excellent jovial end to a really good night out in this most beautiful of Northumberland villages. And an excellent way to start our 2007!
A comment by Milly Mossop
March 20th, 2007, 10.09pm
I’m a big fan of the Hope and Anchor, and also the Red Lion across the road and down a bit, both great coastal pubs with character and a warm welcome.
I’m also very relieved to find someone reviewing good pubs, a million thanks!
Have you been to the John Bull in nearby Alnwick yet? I think you’d like it.
Cheers!
Milly
A comment by Mike
March 21st, 2007, 6.02am
Thanks for the comments, Milly. No, we’ve not been to the John Bull, but will be visiting the area again in the Summer, so we’ll keep our eyes peeled.
A comment by Milly
March 21st, 2007, 1.52pm
You’ll find the John Bull on Howick St in Alnwick, which streetmap.co.uk will bring up.
It’s got a website as well - www.john-bull-inn.co.uk - although it’s not often updated (fair to say that Gus the landlord’s ale keeping skills are better than his IT skills!)
Also worth a visit in Alnwick is the Tanners Arms on Hotspur St, although I recently heard it’s just been put up for sale due to rent increases, which is a real shame, especially if the new owners don’t keep the excellent real ale festivals going.
A comment by Tony, Claire, 2 x dogs & new arrival Oliver
September 13th, 2007, 11.59am
We have been staying at the Hope & Anchor at least twice a year for the past 7 years. Very friendly, welcoming owners & staff. Excellent food. I wish it was my local pub, but then I would not be able to stay there, which would be a shame. Great location to explore the surrounding area.
Say hello to John, Barbara, & Sandra. See you soon
A comment by Maurizio
October 24th, 2007, 12.06am
To whomever it may concern,
my name is Maurizio, I used to own ” First Caffe’ Vesuvio” in Alnwick. Since I’ve been few times in your place and appreciated it, I am interested in renting your restaurant area to make it an Italian restaurant and pizzeria with genuine food and friendly atmosphere.
if you’re interested would you please be so kind as to reply on my email address?
Yours sincerely
Maurizio