The Shepherd's Rest

We booked in a rush without reading previous reviews which we later regretted. Long weekend stay in this place could not end quickly enough for us. To say it was a disappointment would be a huge understatement. Unwelcoming. Unimpressive, dated, dingy decor. No free WIFI connection contrary to what was stated in notice on bedroom door and no telephone/number provided so that we could call anyone for help (we discovered this late evening after showering and changing so didn't want to go down to the bar in the pub to find help). Tiny bathroom stinking of mould. Could hardly open door and get in past the toilet. Shower tray had mildew and black spots all around the edge or it as as well as a broken shower handle. The fan extractor looked disgustingly full of dust. The bath mat was an old, frayed 'rag' which was too tiny to cover the floor beneath the leaking shower door. The floor wasn't even tiled or fitted with a decent vinyl. It looked and felt like old cardboard. Only one cheap toilet roll (half used) provided and no second one available (thank goodness it wasn't needed!). Water pump made loud noise whenever hot water was used. Thick layer of dust lay on top of the wall mounted TV and behind chest of drawers. Complimentary tea tray had an open bowl of sugar with a coffee stain in it from the previous guest with a handful of open tea bags instead of in sachets or a jar. The bed did not have a headboard so we had to rest against the wall to watch TV and the pillows were fairly flat having lost their shape so were unsupportive. No additional blanket provided for a cool night. The radiator hadn't been removed when the walls had been painted so layers of years old paint and wallpaper were peeling off behind it which I discovered after trying to catch a spider heading down there. Along the windowsill the paint had chipped off. Cups were not washed after our use (so we were expected to wash them in the undersized bathroom sink without the provision of washing up liquid or tea towel to dry them), the bin was not emptied, and as the towels did not dry overnight we were treated to reusing damp ones in the morning. Throughout the night, the Shepherds Inn sign outside the window squeaked constantly in the breeze which was like listening to fingernails being drawn down a blackboard. The only good things were the decent towels and a comfortable bed with clean bedding. Everything was done on the cheap. Generally, it was a miserable place to stay. The pub is in a nice, quiet location and with proper care and attention, it could be a lovely, welcoming place for visitors. However, the owner needs to invest in professional bathroom fitting, good quality decorating, and understand the expectations of guests for the money charged. All in all, we felt ripped off. The experience was unenjoyable and we were glad to leave.

Found this lovely pub purely by chance when driving by we saw the board advertising food. So pleased we pulled over and went in. All the staff were very friendly and the food was delicious. The bar was fairly busy so we chose to eat in the conservatory. Very nicely decorated and an interesting view onto the beer garden and adjacent campsite. We didn’t have to wait too long for our meals which when they arrived were piping hot and really tasty. We will definitely visit again next time we are in the area.

Ordered burger and chips should be easy enough. Chips were nice though not many of them, side of coleslaw was really unpleasant - burger bun was lovely but burger itself was undercooked, had to leave a portion on my plate. Don't think I'll return for food

Super dog friendly ! We had the trio of meats AMAZING, desserts were delicious too staff were absolutely lovely, a must for Sunday Lunch, will definitely be returning as value for money was fab too, added bonus a gorgeous roaring fire xx

Two of our party ordered chicken with mash and seasonal vegetables.... The chicken was dry, the mash was cold and the seasonal vegetables consisted of peas! For £14.95 one would expect the chef capable of producing a decent meal. Avoid here!

Cute little pub, amazing food and friendly staff. Very close to town centre

Lovely customer service, and an excellent stay, good location for a quick walk into Alnwick.

Very friendly helpful staff Excellent location

Everything was fine except breakfast wasn’t available. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay. It was quiet and peaceful