Cafe 1618 in County Durham

Super place to eat and enjoy good company. Eaten here many times with small or large groups of family and friends.

Stopped of on the motorbikes for a quick drink before heading home. The welcome was very friendly and we were greeted by the owners. The service was very quick and cheerful, we’d definitely stop there again.

We really enjoyed lunch here. The food was freshly cooked and tasty. As it was sunny we sat out at the front but there were loads of motor bikes so the air smelt of burning oil and it was noisy. Not the cafe’s fault, but a warning to others that sitting outside might not be as nice as you might think.

Stopped in after a busy weekend supervising Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. Absolutely brilliant food, a warm welcome, fast friendly service, and great music playing (I love a bit of Annie Lennox! Ha ha...) Highly recommend the steak and onion sandwich with the twice cooked chips! I enjoyed it so much I’m sat at the table writing this review before I leave!

After a wonderful day visiting High and Low Force with my Wife and my 9 and 6 year old boys, we had our day totally spoiled by the unnecessary behaviour of the owners of Cafe 1618. After parking up outside the shop we decided to look at the menu as this seemed the least busy place to eat in the village at the time. Unfortunately, my 6 year old did not want anything from the menu so we took him to the fish and chip shop for chicken nuggets and chips (poor parenting i know but he had fallen over and scraped his knee earlier so it was a bit of a treat). After picking up his meal we headed back to the cafe to sit outside, as we had our dog, and intended on ordering 3 adult meals for the rest of the family. As soon as we got to the table (not even sat down) a lady member of staff (later we learned the wife of the owner) stormed out and said that we could not sit there while we had food from the chip shop, I pointed out that this was only for our 6 year old and we intended to purchase the rest of our food with them. She then flew off the handle and said 'im just not having it' and 'im sick of this' and 'this happens all the time, needless to say she did not agree for us to stay and eat there and asked us to leave'. My wife pointed out she was being rude at to which she accused us (potential paying customers) as being rude for simply pointing out that we felt like this was unreasonable. The employee then stormed off back into the shop. By this time we were packing the Dog and kids back into the car when a highly aggressive and disgruntled male (i presume the owner as hes in a lot of the pictures on Tripadvisor) came flying out screaming we were the rude ones and that we had been totally unacceptable in our behaviour. In retrospect I dont understand why he came out other than to intimidate and be aggressive. This soon stopped when got up to myself and realised i was 6'3 and not the type of chap to approach in that manor. Lucky for him the old adage don't judge a book by its cover is true of he may have been assaulted had he done that with another less restrained. All in all we left feeling, disappointed, intimated, my kids hungry (one at least) but both upset. What I cant understand though is the business acumen. The chip shot got about £4 of business from me. Cafe 1618 missed out on what would easily have been £30-£40. Whats more baffling is i even pointed this out to the female employee by saying we were going to be paying customer yet she still threw us out. PLEASE PLEASE do not go near this place, especially if you have your children (reading the other TripAdvisor comments). The Husband and Wife duo here are simply hateful, bigots, who clearly dont understand business acumen or even the very basics of customer service. I saw it was for sale, I hope the next owners take this place on to a new level as the current bottom of the bucket is pretty grubby.

Amazing food, beautifully cooked. It's very unusual for me to leave an empty plate!! Even my very fussy son left satisfied

Our second visit, just a 45 minute motorbike ride from Stockton.The first visit was with two other gentlemen and we had assorted breakfasts mid morning which were fabulous ,the staff were friendly the place has a nice atmosphere.Today it was a light bite of cheese n onion toasties and a nice latte.Same again friendly staff lovely food my wife enjoyed the salad dressing apparently the chef's own creation.Next time we visit will be on an evening.We have a caravan so will stay at that fabulous caravan site at the other end of the village and walk to this place on the evening for a meal and a bottle of wine.many thanks

Stopped for a light bite as the chip shop was shut. Reasonable sandwiches and panninis; waitresses were helpful; café was rather dark but there is a small garden at the back as well as limited seating out front.

Stopped here for a bacon sandwich and a pint of IPA while walking the penning way. It was fantastic! Lovely seat in the sun outside the cafe, one of the very best bacon sandwiches I have ever had (with a really tasty salad), and best of all a really fantastic pint of real ale. Only problem was it was so good I had to have two. This is a great licensed cafe!!!

Stopped in for a quick lunch and coffee before an afternoon walk in Teesdale. Chose a panini and latte, both came quickly and the side salad was excellent. I think the chips are freshly prepared. Have been several times for dinner, it would be nice if there were some more vegetarian options. The omelet is plenty filling though! Can sometimes park outside but there is plenty of free parking at the either and of the road in Middleton.

We stopped in for a quick lunch with our three kids (aged 5, 2 & 2). The food was nice enough with a simple kids' menu (ideal) but the atmosphere was not welcoming. There were two other customers in when we were there with friendly bikers and walkers occupying the outside tables. Per other posts I have just read, the lady serving was friendly however the man who glowered at us from the kitchen and then proceeded to bang our food on to the table was not pleasant. In fact he said nothing to us at all. He happily chatted with the other customers which simply added to the passive aggression that flowed so freely. I am not sure if it was simply that he's not a fan of kids or what but I would avoid this place unless your brood is the seen and not heard type. Overall a shame as the cafe and menu seem very nice.

We stopped for a coffee in the summer sun in the gorgeous village of Middleton in Teesdale. A good sign was a busy cafe. The service was polite, friendly and quick. Most impressed by the lady and gentleman owners. The coffee was precisely to our taste and our visit there was the perfect end to a perfect day out. If only we had not already eaten because the Sunday lunch looked divine. It's easy to find, parking not an issue and it's rated 5 of 5 by the inspection of local council so why not experience the atmosphere and fayre like we did? Don't delay.

In a town well supplied with cafes and tea rooms, this one stands out. An unusual blend of cafe, bar and local hangout, with modest prices and a great welcome vibe.

Stopped here in the way across to the Yorkshire Dales for lunch. We had toasties and coffees. Nice and friendly staff and a quaint little cafe with a log fire keeping us warm.

Such friendly staff cafe so cosy with real fire the food wonderful try the breakfast its smashing cooked to order

Great place with a very friendly welcome. Lovely food and always a good beer on tap. Well worth popping in.

We ate here 2 out of 3 evenings of our stay in Middleton. The owners are lovely, lovely people and couldn't do enough for us. The food was scrumptious and the portions huge. The whole eating experience was great with a cosy atmosphere from the open fire to the warmth of the staff and owners.

In Middleton your dining choices are essentially a couple of pubs or this place. One of us really enjoyed a plain ham sandwich on white bread, but the other wasn't so keen on the Stilton and broccoli soup. Friendly table service.

I visited this small cafe when in Middleton for the day with my young family. My 3 year old was tired and cranky so we called in for cake and coffee. The female we first dealt with was friendly but the male who took over was rude, unwelcoming and cold. When my daughter got upset, the music was turned up and as soon as we finished eating, our plates were cleared away in such a way that made us feel like that was our cue to leave. We will not return.

Visited as a young family, the female that served us seemed pleasant. However the older male never spoke a word to us, never greeted us, never spoke to my husband as he took payment from him or said goodbye as we left. He cleared our table and never spoke or smiled. Miserable is the only word that comes to mind! We had our two young children with us and he made us feel very unwelcome and it felt like he just wanted us to leave. The cake we had was dry and not worth the price we paid. The coffee was fine. It looked promising from outside but was tiny inside. I never used the toilets but my husband said it was just one toilet and that it was tiny and there were no baby changing facilities. Will not be returning.

Nice, quirky bar and restaurant. Only the bar was open when we arrived. Owner was very friendly and helpful. Good beer at good prices. Nice to sit out at the front enjoying the evening sun. Fellow walkers joined and found ita good stopping place too.

Dropped in by chance - we had been looking for somewhere to lunch for quite some time - and indulged in a very pleasant salad which was well priced. Struck as being a friendly place and made to feel welcome.

The Sunday dinner is hot, lots of gravy, fresh vegetables, crispy roast potatoes. and plenty on the warm plate. . Incredible value too. I've been several Sundays now and the standard is always the same. A real find. Highly recommended.

So i stepinside this briljant cafe, and they just knew who i was a Dutch guy walking the Pennine Way. This all from just 1 email 6 months before.It was a warm and welcome place and Jon and Bev are great hosts,Got myself a pint and some dinner. More then excellent i must say..And the plates are from old roofplates ( slate i guess ) Cool...

Stopped for a snack and ended up having fish and chips from the specials. Lovely fresh meal really hit the mark and the service was as friendly and helpful add you could ever hope for. I'd thoroughly recommend this lovely little place.

Lovely. Friendly staff and owners always willing to help in anyway they can food always good and a nice menu to choose from

We fancied a run out for fish and chips plus a pot of tea, a excellent meal with a large pot of tea the owner was very niceAnd chatted to us

Lovely place exceptional good value and quality, what more could you ask.We arrived and the kitchen looked closed , asked about food and no problem.Great veg. Soup and a brilliant bacon sandwich.Great find well worth a visit

stopped here for a coffee as this looked lovely in the sun and near parking. Coffee rather disappointing and cakes not on offer???

Jo, Amira and I called into Café 1618 this morning for a snack lunch. Jo and I had Bacon and Brie Pennies and Amira had Tuna sandwich plus we had a bowl of homemade chips. Plus drinks. Bev was very helpful. The food was delicious and tasty. We will be going back. Great value for money

what a gem of a find in this area driving from Alston or Barnard castle middleton is the first real village you come to with a nice mixture of shops and tea rooms, having called at bowlees tea room in the past we had on our side salad a dressing that was to die for,we asked what it was but never bought any went back this year and informed us that cafe 1618 made it so we went for lunch which was outstanding well presented and we did not have to wait long either, I asked about the dressing and we bought some home as we have salad most nights in the summer and this dressing is a real pick me up going back tomorrow ordered 5 more bottles, if you want something that bit different if you are a salad lover ask for sweet mustard dressing and sweet balsamic syrup, all in all a great cafe.

Excellent as usual, a must place to visit when in the area. Great food and company. Best chicken bacon salad ever, nothing too much trouble. A real rural gem!

Charming little café in beautiful Teesdale village. Would recommend as a lunch stop-of for anyone on the way to or from High Force.

Tasty lunch at a reasonable price, nicely decorated place. Relaxed atmosphere. Cater well for babies as we took our 8 month old.

Great stop off point during or after a walk, with nice food and drinks.Helpful owners with good advice and suggestion for days out.

13 bikes out for a ride in the dales ,so on the way home we stopped at the 1618 for a well earned break . Coffee ,tea and assorted food all top notch, along with great service.It is not the biggest place in the world but no pressure to move (which makes a very pleasant change ) so top spot .

We have stopped here a few times after lovely walks out in the area and can not fault it!! Owners are really friendly and the food is fab!

Always finish up here for breakfast if in the area. Friendly atmosphere and excellent menu selection.

We tour round quite a bit of Europe dining here and there, so eat at various restaurants but then you come across a wonderful cafe/restaurant like this and you realise what proper home cooked food is and how good it is!!! Wow I have never had fish and chips as good as here in my life.!! Lovely friendly staff. Will definitely return, even if we have to travel out of our way!!

We stopped here for lunch on route from Corbridge to the Bowes Museum. It serves great properly cooked food, great atmosphere, and friendly staff. A great blackboard menu with several tasty sounding options. The pulled pork brioche was brilliant. Totally recommendable!!

Whether you want breakfast, lunch, dinner or even coffee and cake this is the place to go, the owners, Jon and Bev are very friendly and helpful the food is all cooked on the premises no microwave food the baking is also done on the premises. You will not be disappointed.

My husband and I had just completed a 6 mile walk and decided to go in here for a spot of lunch. Lovely food I had a panini my husband had a scone and flapjack to which all was lovely. We recommend.

Didn't expect much for a little cafe cum tourist information, at a waterfall, but wow, it was lush.Great, friendly staff, quick service, good veggie option and THE BEST PASTY I HAVE EVER TASTED. The 1618 Teesdale Lead Miners' Pasty is made of the shortest short crust pastry, has root veg at one end, mushy peas at the other, and lamb in the middle- served with delicious, dark, minted and cranberry gravy. JUST the thing after a 3 hour walk in the rain, and perfect with a pint of Black Sheep Ale.There's a veggie pasty too ( it was sold out).Perfect little place and worth every penny.

After travelling I was really looking for a decent breakfast to start my day, I had read the menu the previous evening before heading to The Crown in Mickleton for a lovely meal and saw that the breakfasts here were "award wining" it did not say which award but it hooked me. I came back the next day and ordered the breakfast and a latte. Breakfast was of very basic quality and was nothing special and I mean the latte was so burned it was like drinking washing foam. The cost was nearly 13 quid and I would have been better off with a mcmuffin and mcdonalds coffee. I hate leaving bad reviews but this really was not up to standard at all. Plus the chef arrived for work as I had already sat down... and when I ordered the breakfast I heard him say "already" as if he was not ready to start. That said I was there bang on 10AM opening so I guess that's a silly point.

See review Foresters, we parked right outside Cafe 1618 and it was to busy for us to sit out side so we went to the Foresters down the road, big mistake. We came back here and got a lovely welcome and we found some seats and table outside, we were served by very friendly staff and had a most enjoyable light lunch and can safely say you won't get more friendly staff. I had a pork pie that was delicious with a fine Ale yum yum.

The best fried breakfast in Teesdale. A lovely, cosy little cafe, a real hub for locals, real fires in colder weather, and friendly, welcoming staff.

Visited here for the first time this weekend cannot wait to go back. The staff are great food and loving the real ales. Had steak and onion fabulous. Sunday lunch today great, meat cooked to perfection. The only thing I would add would be home made mint sauce. Hopefully see you soon

1st visit coincided with Carnival day and a mini beer festival, although 4 real ales was only just enough to warrant it being called a festival. The 1618 burger was great as all made from local produce, but on the pricey side. Basic outside courtyard used as a beer garden, again stretching a point.

We had Sunday lunch good simple homemade food. Was well priced and nice atmosphere. Will visit again in the near future.

The food was delicious and as I have a partner who is fussy they were very accomodating and made him what he wanted (plain and simple nought fussy). We arrived early for dinner and late for lunch so it was great to be served at such an odd hour - were on or way to our holiday cottage and couldn't be bothered with cooking once we got there so was nice to be able to eat at an odd hour. Had eaten several times in Middleton-in-Teesdale but never before at the 1618 as usually it is so busy as its very popular especially the outdoors seating area but we chose a quiet period and enjoyed the ambiance and a quiet chat with the owner/chef (cook is too prosaic a word for his culinary skills

Can definitely recommend the steak,cooked to perfection. Four of us all had steak and it was delicious.

My Grandaughter and i called in for a snack. All i can say is both Bev and John were great. We ordered tea,tuna sandwhichs and toasted Teacake. My grandaughter after eating half of the sandwhishes swapped fpr my toasted teacake. Both went down well. She had 3 or 4 cups of tea and i had to as for a top up of milk. This was no problem at all John and made both us laugh. It made for a total enjoyable visit. Great place and made very welcome Many Thanks

Lovely tasty paninis.....Brie and mushroom or Brie and bacon. Great homemade chips too. Relaxed atmosphere, fun decor. Teenage son loved the huge portion of flapjack!

I'm a regular visitor to Middleton as I have family in the village, but only recently went to 1618 for the first time. We will be back - friendly service, excellent simple food (delicious home made chips!) and a lovely atmosphere that balances restaurant and bar perfectly. Definitely worth checking out if you're in Teesdale.

Called in for a sandwich and got a meal. Our well filled sandwiches came with a large side salad and a good hand full of crisps,,,,excellent value for money . The bakewell tart was as good as any we have tasted. The staff were friendly and efficient.

Why outstanding.....? A group of us cyclist's drop in today, the service the crack the general experience was brilliant. My judgement is not a one off. We regularly visit so my opinion is not guaged from a one off visit. Your a little gem of teesdale...... (wolsy lads)

After a walk to ?High Force we stopped here for some food from the All day food menu at 3.10 but they had stopped serving. The waitress did recommend a place further on for us. Shame as it did look lovely and the cakes and food on offer were enticing.

Called at 2.45pm and Sunday lunch was still been served, lucky us!! This was one of the best roast dinners we had eaten, everything cooked to perfection. We choose to have both the meats, beef and pork, theses were quality cuts and generous portions. We will definitely return! Thank you!

After doing a walk in bitterly cold weather we came across this place. The open fire was a welcoming sight. It was nice and friendly. Despite the cold I elected for a real ale in front of the fire. In a group of six we decided to get a bite to eat. I was very surprised with the food. It was crisp, fresh and very tasty. I'd describe it as high end cafe food. Definitely worth a re visit when we are back in the area.

Friendly, warm and great food - what more do you want?Found this lovely little place when looking for an antiques shop, shop was closed cafe wasn't :-)I ordered a bacon sandwich and my husband ordered sausage and bacon sandwich. I NEVER a order bacon sandwiches anywhere and only eat them at home but I just had a good feeling. I wasn't disappointed. No fat on the bacon, bread was lightly toasted, proper butter and full of bacon, tick, tick, tick! Staff were extremely friendly and helpful.Decor is great, they are currently undergoing refurbishment an dare doing it around the cafe, didn't spoil it for me at all, just added to the character of the place.Oh and what a shame that antiques shop was closed we will have to go back!!!

Called in after a long walk for a spot of late lunch. Very nice toasted sandwiches and coffee.It's always warm and cosy is Cafe 1618. I visit it often. Especially this time of year with coal stove pumping the heat out. It's not a posh place but good food served in a nice welcoming environment. The owners are really friendly.If Roast Pork is on offer you MUST try it - the best pork cranking ever!!!!!Well worth a visit when in Teesdale. They also run the cafe at Bowlees Visitor Centre up the dale - also excellent.We'll be back - no question.

Amazing food!! Bacon sarnies 10/10 and Lead Miners Pasties...out of this world! It was the taisty toasted bacon sarnie that wet my appite and, after chatting to the lady owner who advised her husband was holding a stall at the Christmas Fair located at the local Auction Mart selling Lead Miners pasties...I couldn't resist the temptation of a pastie for lunch. I purchased two (just in case they were a bit of ok) and oh my! They were more thanOk alright! I had one cold for my lunch and so the next day I heated one up for tea and made some minted gravy it was five star! absolutly scrumptious!!

Found this little place after an over night stay in the area. The food was great as was the service and a great atmosphere! Well deserving of a visit if in the area.

I've been coming here with family some some years now. During the daytime it's great for a sandwich, lunch or even just a cuppa (and a fruit scone of course). I read a review saying the service was slow, this is the countryside not Mc D's and have never had a problem with the family run service. On an evening this place really ups the anti and serves fantastic evening meals. The scallops are to die for and are always cooked perfectly. So whether your a walker looking to recharge, a biker seeking refreshment or anyone looking for great food in a beautiful village, I wholeheartedly recommend the 1618.

We visited Middleton recently late one afternoon, gasping for a cup of tea and ready for something to eat. When we arrived, the cafe looked promising, a quirky name and outdoor seating. It was a warm day so we decided to sit outside, the inside seemed dark and empty. After waiting a while, we went inside to order. The food didn't take our fancy so we just ordered a pot of tea for two. It was expensive, but we were ready for a good sit down and a cuppa. The tea arrived after a considerable wait, and it was watery and unsatisfying. It was also boiling hot so it took ages to drink. Wish we'd gone home to put the kettle on. The value for money and service is lacking at the cafe, maybe it would be better earlier in the day, but I wouldn't bank on it!

Visit with family (including two small children)- average toasties and children's fish fingers.My bacon sandwich was very poor - 1 and a half rashers for just short of 5 pounds. Typical of a business maximising profits at expense of day visitors. Will not return.

Having ordered my food by a not very friendly staff we waited a short while and it arrived well chucked at us.the tea was shocking the word dishwater came to mind we asked for more tea bags and at 5 pound a pot youd expect a nice cupfood came and again 5 pound for a bacon sandwich you expect something good especially in a small nothing flash cafe the words all fur coat and no knickers came to mind.The bacon sandwich was the worst ever grisly cold and sparce so I sent it back to then be abused by the owner and told me and bullied me that they is nothing wrong with the sandwich and I dont know what im talking about in front of his customers very unpleasant man.my wifes sandwich had a fly in it as the cafe is covered in them and cutlery dirty but I darent complain about that as I think he may have lost it so we paid on doing so I got abused again by the owner for complaining. Take my advise there's plenty more nicer places in the town avoid at all costs

Called in for a late lunch - it was half day closing in Middleton so most places were shut. The welcome was warm and they allowed us to bring our dogs in but the food and the service were a little amateurish not as up together as it should be in a small café....and they ran out of sausages for their "award winning" all day breakfast!

Popped in for lunch during the week, we had a very warm welcome from Bev the owner.We each ordered a "1618 Burger", which is a locally sourced burger, with bacon & melted Stilton cheese, gorgeous homemade chips & salad!We thoroughly enjoyed our meal!Bev is so friendly & makes you feel at home.Would definately recommend.

We had a lovely mealThe food was delicious excellent quality& wonderful service.A nice way yo spend a beautiful summers evening.

Jon & Bev, who own Cafe 1618, always have a warm and friendly welcome for visitors and locals alike. The food is good and there is usually a good selection of beers, wine and spirits. There is nothing better than sitting outside on a warm summer evening enjoying the hospitality and the crack!Middleton is a lovely village and the surrounding countryside is spectacular - the best in the country.

Stopped for a drink and lunch. my wife had the crab salad which she really enjoyed whist I enjoyed a pint of real ale. Whist quite small the cafe turns itself into a bistro during the evening

My wife and I called into the cafe for our Sunday lunch.The pork loin was good and the veg were fine, but I can honestly say it was like a child's portion and therefore, in my opinion, poor value for money

In an old chapel with good space. They have good coffee and the chocolate and pear torte tasted delicious although I would have preferred to pay a bit less. A nice, friendly place nonetheless.

Whilst staying in Middleton for a few days we popped into cafe 1618 for a quick cup of coffee and a scone.The scones were fine but my cappuccino was a bit on the weak side,even though I'd asked for an extra shot, and my wife thought that her latte was a bit "watery".

We were in Teesdale for three nights. Popped into Cafe 1618 for a glass of wine an met Bev. Made us feel so welcome. Thought the food menu looked very nice, so we went for dinner on our third night in the village. When we arrived, there were some locals there. They made us very welcome. The propietors, Jon and Bev were also there. I can only say that they made us feel so welcome, and when the food we ordered arrived, it was fantastic. It definately was one of the best meals we have had. if you are in Teesdale or the surrounding area, you must visit Cafe 1618.Will definately go back when we are next in this specracular area.

Nice place to visit but the food is overpriced for what it is. Just stick to coffee and you will be fine.

We visited Cafe 1618 for Sunday lunch with some good friends of ours that were visiting from the US.We received a very warm welcome from Jon & Bev, had a fabulous 3 course meal, one of the best ever!Beautiful garlic mushrooms, beef & yorky puds with lots of veg & a beautiful pud.The food was reasonably priced, so were the drinks.Our friends enjoyed it as they have been before over the past few years & state that they feel at home in Cafe 1618.

It was a damp Friday afternoon and Rumours, which we'd spotted on Tripadvisor, was closed (which we though strange) but went round the corner and were delighted to find this place - a warm fire, cosy chairs and they let the pup in too. It was really only tea and cake time, but they kindly went off menu and heated some soup for us. Their sister cafe at Bowlees visitor centre is also really worth a visit, though there can be a bit of a queue.

My wife and I came in here at lunchtime for a coffee. The capuccino was pretty good for a general cafe and the cafe was comfortable but we had to wait perhaps 20 minutes for the coffee as the cafe was fairly busy but only one person taking orders, serving and making coffee.Also a large coffee (and it was very large) was quite expensive at £2.95.We have had food here in the past but not today though others were eating and the food did look very good.

We had lunch in the Middleton branch of Cafe 1618, food was OK, but the staff could really do with some customer service training. We were ignored when we entered, even though there was a member of the staff at the counter, we chose a table and were given menus, no word of welcome, no friendly smile. I can't remember what my husband had to eat, my son and I had bacon paninis, which were very nice, they came with a lovely side salad but unfortunately it was drenched in salad dressing, I don't mind salad dressing but my son doesn't like it so he didn't eat the salad. It would have been nice to have been asked if we wanted dressing on the salad but that would have involved communication, which as I said was distinctly lacking. Unsurprisingly, no-one asked if we'd enjoyed our lunch. While we were eating our lunch, a young couple came in with a child in a buggy. They too were ignored. They stood for a while trying to decide where to sit, eventually the girl at the counter asked if they were OK and they said they were just wondering where would be the best place for the buggy. No advice was offered - I would have turned round and left at that point! They chose a table near the door, then had to ask for a highchair for the baby as none was forthcoming.I felt very uncomfortable in there, I don't think I've ever come across such indifferent and unfriendly staff, it was a very strange atmosphere. Certainly wouldn't return next time we visit the area, there are lots of much nicer places to eat where the staff actually seem to appreciate the custom!

This is a review for the cafe 1618 @ the Bowlees visitor centre. The english breakfast isn't cheap at £7.95 but is well worth it in my opinion. Also they do a twist on a ploughman's which is worth a go. Staff in the visitor centre itself are very helpful & you can find loads of info on the local area including an interactive touch screen display outside. Dogs are welcome & its only a 5 minute walk to Gibsons cave & waterfall. Plenty of parking nearby.

We rented a cottage in Mddleton in Teesdale for a month in November 2012 to visit friends. We fell in love with the 1618 and The proprietors Bev and John. We travel world wide most of the year, and this became a favorite! Great scones! Impossibly fabulous lemon cheesecake. Lead Miners Pasty is a must!

A place where the locals eat and drink, and therefore if you wish to dine here on a Saturday night it is best to book early as it fills up after 1930. There is a good range on the menu to suit most tastes, and the food is well presented and cooked well. Portion sizes are very good, although I could only manage two courses and had to pass on the sweet.

The staff were very welcoming and they has several real ales on tap as the Middleton festival had just ended. The food though, was uninspired and overpriced . £12.75 for poached haddock and mashed potato might have been justified if it had any seasoning at all, it didn't . £11.25 for a dish of pasta with tomato sauce, the same.

This little gem is located on the main road in Middleton-in-Teesdale which makes it so east to find. I've visited for a simple coffee and a bite to eat for lunch and for evening meals. The simple coffee shop atmosphere during the day transforms in the evening to an intimate restaurant, perfect for couples and families alike. The evening menu has you wanting to try more than you comfortably eat but I can recommend the scallops! I'm very picky on how my scallops are cooked and can vouch that the chef has got this down to a fine art...perfectly soft! My wife has had other meat based meals and those were cooked to her liking too. On the whole its a great place to stop off when passing for a quick break and for a more relaxing meal in the evening. The owners and staff are always pleasant and will always remember and welcome you back when you re-visit.

A lovely change from pub grub, this cafe offers home made soups, sandwiches, desserts, as well as a varied dinner menu. We stopped for lunch, a smoked salmon sandwich and soup of the day, coffee and a glass of wine. All very fresh and appetizing.This cafe also serves an array of brew beers as well as wine etc.Middleton is a lovely village en route to High Force, and hiking country.

well got there after having to turn back on Easter Monday due to snow. great welcome from John, Bev and Audrey H. service and food were excellent and there is always a good atmosphere in the place. be back soon

My wife and I had a drive out in early April to Middleton in Teesdale with the idea of having tea for two and a light snack meal in a cafe. We found the Cafe 1618 and went inside as quite chilly outside on the available tables.Whilst our order was taken fairly quickly, we waited a good 40 minutes for a simple sandwich each and tea for two. When it did come, the qaulity of the toasted sandwich I had was very poor, but my wife quite enjoyed hers.The cafe was pretty quiet with very few people in. It seemed slightly chaotic with one very pleasant young girl trying to be a one-man-band.The natural fire was hardly alight, and it was pretty chilly inside.Summary,...very poor quality and value. On paying, I was handed my change with not a word or glance of thanks for the business.I would avoid this place unless you want to be ripped off. I cannot imagine at night how they could manage to serve proper meals by candlelight, as they appear to do. My complaint; chilly inside, you will wait forever to be served, and when it comes,...you will be disapointed by the quality and the price you paid

While on a short break at Middleton in teesdale we called in for a bit of late lunch. I asked for a meal from the children's menu as I can only eat small portions and whilst the waitress took the initial order I was then approached by another staff member to say there must have been a mistake, as I clearly was not a child. Eventually I was served the meal i ordered, though I was made to feel rather embarrassed by the whole affair. We were then pretty much ignored while we ate and we're all but dismissed when it came to paying. A shame as the rest of the stay in Middleton has been thoroughly enjoyable.