Regenerative Tourism at The Boatside Inn

At The Boatside Inn, we believe tourism should leave Northumberland better than it was before. Since taking over the business in 2023, our ambition has been to create a destination that not only provides exceptional hospitality but also supports our local economy, community and environment.

Supporting Local Businesses

Wherever possible, we source products and services from local suppliers and tradespeople, helping to keep investment within Northumberland. From local food producers and butchers to maintenance contractors, laundry services and independent businesses, we actively choose local suppliers whenever quality and availability allow.

We also promote nearby attractions, walking routes, Hadrian’s Wall, local villages and independent businesses, encouraging guests to spend longer in the area and support the wider visitor economy rather than simply visiting us.

Creating Sustainable Employment

We employ a team of 15 local staff and are committed to creating a happy, supportive and inclusive workplace. We invest in training, food safety, customer service and career development, helping our team build long-term skills and confidence within the hospitality industry.

Reducing Food Waste

Our menus are designed around seasonal ingredients and daily specials to maximise the use of fresh produce and minimise waste. We continually review menus and portion sizes to reduce unnecessary food waste while maintaining excellent value and quality for guests.

Caring for the Environment

We continually look for opportunities to reduce our environmental impact through responsible purchasing, reducing waste, recycling where possible and improving operational efficiency.

Recent initiatives include:

• Reviewing suppliers to reduce unnecessary deliveries.
• Moving towards more durable, reusable products.
• Reducing food waste through better stock management.
• Improving energy efficiency through operational controls and investment in equipment.

Encouraging Sustainable Tourism

Situated close to Hadrian’s Wall, the Northumberland National Park and the Tyne Valley, we actively encourage guests to explore the area on foot or by bicycle. We provide local knowledge and recommendations to help visitors discover lesser-known walks, attractions and independent businesses, spreading the benefits of tourism throughout the local community.

Looking Ahead

Our long-term vision is to create one of Northumberland’s leading destination pubs while remaining rooted in our local community. Future plans include developing a sustainable, environmentally sensitive treehouse accommodation project that will work in harmony with the surrounding countryside, support local employment and attract additional visitors to the area without compromising its natural beauty.

We believe successful tourism should leave a lasting positive impact—for our guests, our team, our community and the environment.