Dipton Mill (Dipton Mill Road, Hexham, Northumberland - S of Hexham off B6306 towards Blanchland and Hexham racecourse) (01434) 606577. This is a brilliant pub. Dipton Mill is in a delightful country setting with good walking opportunities. Hadrian's Wall runs near the town, Chesters Roman Fort and Housesteads Roman Fort are well worth a visit, and Hexham's ancient abbey contains a Roman tombstone. The stream running beside the pub confirms that this was once a mill; inside, the panelled bar with its open fires has a friendly atmosphere - no music. The bar is snug but never seems to be 'heaving'. The red chairs/benches add to the cosy nature. Food is served evening and lunch-time and everything is cooked on the premises. You can expect ploughman's with a variety of cheeses, chicken breast in sherry sauce, steak and kidney pie, lamb steak, and cheese and broccoli flan, followed by chocolate cake, or pavlova roulade (there are choices for the vegetarian). Food is served 12-2.30, 6.30 (7.15 Sun)-8.30. The local Hexhamshire Brewery (2 miles down the road) and supplies Dipton Mill with well-kept Shire Bitter, Devil's Water and Whapweasel Bitter - there is also Theakston Best, and a broad choice of malt whiskies. Children welcome in games room. Wheelchair access is possible and there is a disabled WC. Outside there are pleasant gardens and patio for the summer. Opening hours are: 12-2.30, 6-11, Sun 12-4.30, 7-10.30. No accommodation here but try: Barrasford Arms Hotel, Barrasford, Hexham, Northumberland, NE48 4AA, (01434) 681237. Prices: single from: £22, double from: £32 per room per night. Rye Hill Farm, Slaley, Hexham, Northumberland, NE47 0AH, (01434) 673259. Prices: single from: £25, double from: £40 per room per night. Dene House, Juniper, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 1SJ, (01434) 673413. Single from: £18, double from: £36 per room per night.