The Star Inn, a village pub in Harbottle within Northumberland National Park, has been put up for sale as owner Karen Wilkinson prepares for retirement. The property, which includes a restaurant, village shop, and bed and breakfast accommodation, is listed with a guide price of £850,000 through Christie & Co.
Award-Winning Community Hub
Karen Wilkinson took over the Star Inn in 2019 and transformed it into a vital community asset. Just last week, the pub was named Pub of the Year for the North East at the My Local Awards 2026, with judges describing it as “far more than a place to eat and drink” and praising its “real heart, character and community spirit.” During the coronavirus pandemic, Wilkinson repurposed the pub as a shop and takeaway to serve the village. In 2022, the Courtyard Barn was refurbished into a restaurant offering wood-fired pizzas and Mediterranean dishes.
Owner Reflects on Journey
Wilkinson said, “I have taken it as far as I personally can, my skills are taking something from nothing and building them. It's my home as well so it's quite an emotional day. I've put my whole life in over the last seven years, I love it here.” She described the journey as “amazing” and thanked staff and customers for their support, noting that the pub might have been lost without investment. “The Star Inn will always be a very special place to me, helped enormously by the fabulous community we have here,” she added.
Business as Usual Until Sale
Wilkinson emphasized that she will continue to run the pub at full capacity until a sale is completed. “Whether the pub sells quickly or slowly, I’ll be here, giving it 100% until the end of my tenure. Until then, it's business as usual. See you soon!” The Star Inn is being marketed by Christie & Co, and further details are available on Rightmove.
