National Pub & Bar Awards 2026

The Highlander Ponteland has been named as one of the best pubs in the UK. The family gastro pub became a Highly Commended venue at the 2026 National Pub & Bar Awards earlier this month.

This is a great achievement for the Northumberland pub which was bought by hospitality group Unveiled Venues in 2022. After an extensive and sympathetic renovation, the 18^th century coaching inn welcomed customers back through its doors in September 2023. The pub is located between Ponteland & Belsay and offers a relaxed dining experience. Serving flavoursome home cooked food in stylish, cosy surroundings. They have dedicated dog friendly areas, private dining spaces and an outdoor beer garden with car parking onsite.

The event is organised by leading on-trade magazine Pub & Bar. They award County and Regional Winners from across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, before announcing its overall National Pub & Bar of the Year. The Grand Final event was celebrated at the Big Penny Social in London on Wednesday 10 June, where some of the Highlander team were in attendance to celebrate with all of the finalists from across the UK.