I visited for afternoon tea. I live about five miles away and had never heard of Walwick Hall, so was intrigued when a friend recommended it. The tea was good with outstanding pastry in particular, but the sweet treats were also exceptional. I was disappointed that the "stotties" in the Northumbrian afternoon tea were no such thing. They were barm cakes, not my favourite bread. Stotties, proper stotties, are. So that was disappointing. What left me cold, however, was the room we were in. I'm sure it's lovely in winter, but in the height of summer it felt clammy, muggy and pretty much devoid of personality. It put me in mind of a very well to do residential home. What else? Staff very friendly and helpful, no concerns expressed by them even though my companion was over half an hour late for our allotted slot. It's just that room...I hasten to add it was immaculate, beautifully decorated...just not to my taste. Not to have a rating between average and very good is unfortunate. This isn't average; but very good would be going too far. Good and a half, perhaps?!