Castle Eden Inn in County Durham - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

We went for a family meal on a Saturday, pulled pork sandwich was fatty and cold. Asked if I could ‘swap’ the fries for ‘skinny fries’ and was told that was fine - but wasn’t told they would charge me extra - so that wasn’t a ‘swap’ . Felt cheated, which is something you should never feel as a customer. My wife and daughter said their their fries tasted as if they were from the night before and had been re-fried. Burger was just ok, but Parmo had a fish taste to it as if it had been cooked in oil from fish and chips. Overall a pretty poor experience and won’t be returning.

Visisted for lunch with friends on Saturday lunchtime. The gentleman who served us was very friendly and service was good. The food however was varied. The fishcakes were enjoyed and the Caesar salad was fine too. The steak pie was dry and the pastry very overcooked or reheated and the gravy synthetic. The gentleman who served us asked if everyone was happy with the meal. I did say the pie was overcooked and he did offer me something else from the menu I declined. I have just read a previous review who also mentioned the pie - maybe listen to the reviews and a new recipe would be beneficial to a lovely pub. Would return but wouldn’t have my favourite go to pub meal of homemade pie and chips - would have to pick something different.

Table booked for 2pm pre order was given food came out at 3pm and was not all served at the same time disappointed

First visit here, very good menu, food good quality, great homemade chips. Reasonable prices and a play area for children. Would recommend

Great atmosphere. Good food and lovely new decor

Great food and drinks service with a smile definitely will be going back.

Nice location and pub, food looked great. My drinks were delayed as the barrel needed changing. I was told they would bring it over when sorted. Fifteen minutes later I went back as no drink had arrived. The person behind the bar had clearly completely forgot and then suddenly remembered and said oh this is paid for isn't it. No apology, I didn't expect table service but if it assists in giving room to sort an issue fine but follow through, I was quite happy to return a few minutes later to collect the drink.

had a terrible meal. the pie my husband had we think had been in a keep warm for hours . and we think that the vegetables where the same As ex landlords we are quite critical on pub food { which is what the castle eden is} the standard we were served was disgusting gravy out of a packet just add hot water the staff was unatentive they have made a good job with the decor such a pity the service and staff fall short

Popped in for a quick drink...they have Neck Oil but it was currently off.

Absolutely awful food. Didn't eat a thing off the plate. Do they even have a chef 🤔 My dog didn't even want it.

4 of us ate, 3 had Scampi and I had Caesar Salad which I normally love but very disappointed. Should have sent it back.... The Scampi went down well. The salad had the wrong type of lettuce, no parmesan shavings and very little caesar dressing. Also croutons should be fried, I had dried bread, tasteless. Also pepper and tomatoes should not be in a Caesar. 3 out of 10. The chicken, small amount, and bacon acceptable but not thrilling for £13.50.

Roast dinner was OK, nothing about it that will entice me back. Busy, so the service was slow and the server was more interested in chatting to friends and failing to provide the accompaniments requested. Much better food around and about.

Fantastic, they seated a group of 36 people for my partners birthday. The lady that was managing my booking made it really easy to organise and was very helpful. Everyone commented on how amazing the food was. The service was very quick for a big group and no one was waiting for food. Definitely recommend for large parties! Thank you again will be back soon ☺️

Fantastic, they seated a group of 36 people for my partners birthday. The lady that was managing my booking made it really easy to organise and was very helpful. Everyone commented on how amazing the food was. The service was very quick for a big group and no one was waiting for food. Definitely recommend for large parties! Thank you again will be back soon ☺️

Really nice looking pub with friendly and helpful staff and some very delicious food. The location is a bit out of the way so it's a short drive out (just off the A19) but worth it. Two good ales on and a great lunch menu. Check it out for a lunch break or a drive out.

Fillet steak was cooked well (rare) but the meat had no flavour. Rest of the plate was nice. Good service.

Loved this place, warm welcome, Waitress was very pleasant, food was good fish & chips and hunters chicken good portions, lovely pint of moretti , toilets were clean 👌 new owner since last time I was here food was still good, service was good

First visit today , food was lovely ,fast service lovely staff, will visit again , menu is varied with lots of delicious choices

Lovely fish and chips and enjoyable surroundings

Good food, good service, good staff, children welcome, very busy, parking

My wife and I went to this pub for a meal this week, and we thought it was ideal, as it was dog friendly. As we walked in, there were a few empty tables. As we sat down, a young lad who worked there stated that all of the tables in that area are reserved fit the quiz. Then, he just walked off without informing us that there was an alternative area we could go to. Needless to say, we just left. Very poor customer service. And a place we will never visit again.

Great food & great staff. You won't be disappointed. We'll definitely be back soon.

Booked Sunday Lunch for the two of us on 28th April. First time that we have both been since the change of ownership. It was an amazing experience, we both had the roast beef and it was superb. The atmosphere is lovely and service very good. Highlights - beautifully cooked beef, great Yorkshires and a cube of stuffing which was lovely. Both had pudding, Eton Mess was lovely and sticky toffee pudding amazing. We will definitely be booking again soon.

Excellent meal. We'll presented tasty food and friendly staff. Great atmosphere in the restaurant

Just popped in for lunch on the way home, glad we did, great food

The food was really good, the staff were very helpful and considerate. Lovely atmosphere.

Very busy but didn't delay food, great atmosphere. Food was excellent, proper chips. Staff very nice both in restaurant and the bar. A great pub all round and would go again 👍

Upon visiting the pub, my 6 year old nephew and I headed to the outdoor play area. We spotted traffic cones, but assumed they were for the grass. The cones were randomly placed and you could see patches had been re seeded. Turns out the play area had only just been concreted in. We found this out by a very rude employee, manager I believe, running out shouting at us. I understand it needed to set, but my gosh, you don't speak to kids that way. It was your own fault. I told the man that we weren't psychic and they should put up signs. He ignored me, didn't respond and 30 mins later I could see signs up. I really won't be going back. Not kid friendly! Play area or no play area. EDIT: Thank you for your response. I stand by review, so please feel free to post the CCTV.

Had the prawn n chicken thai curry it was really nice was plenty of it, and also pulled pork ciabata with chips,will definetely be back

It would have been great if I didn't have 3 massive pieces of gristle in my steak pie.. it was made worse by no table check from staff.. it was tasty but never again for the steak pie

Lovely Sunday lunch, great service from friendly staff. I would highly recommend this venue. 👌

We decided it was finally time to stop and see the inside of the place. The service was excellent. The food delicious. We ate from the small plate menu and we're very pleasantly surprised as it was as big as any meal you would want. Desserts were also delicious. We'll definitely eat there again!

The portions were so huge, most people seemed to leave some, I would have loved a dessert but couldnt justify one after leaving some of my mains. Smaller portions please so I can have a pudding with a clear conscience.

Lovely meal served by pleasant staff

Great food, decent prices, pub wasn't overly busy and it was good to sit outside facing the sun, we walked up with our dog along the old railway line, there is a car park if your driving and dogs are allowed inside. Very nice spot

Had a lovely meal with 6 friends recently the service was very good lovely pleasant people serving and very attentive. Food was delicious and prices are reasonable too we will definitely be back

This was our first time visiting after it being taken over. The food was excellent and value for money … but be advised the portions are quite large! Staff are very friendly, it has a cosy atmosphere and we will definitely be back with the family. Thank you to all your staff x

Just been again today thankfully it's back to it's best. Had the roast of the day and it was excellent.

Absolutely beautiful food always, inexpensive and lovely service from lovely staff members. Always a lovely atmosphere and always take our children.

Terrible a few weeks ago we had the worst meal we’ve ever had. Gammon was days old Yorkshire pudding had been reheated therefore inedible. The steak pie had been reheated until it was black around the edges the pastry was disgusting. Never to return such a shame as a lovely pub but no one in. Just wanted to add that we did complain on the night we were told the information would be passed on no apology was given!

New owners have pulled out all the stops here. The food is fantastic and good prices. Have been 3 times now since reopened and a different meal every time and absolutely beautiful cooking and presentation. Totally recommended.

Just had a drink and some crisps and nuts but liked the feel of the pub.

Not to busy for a Saturday, excellent service, great table, food was good.

Called in for lunch first time since present owners took over in October. Both of us opted for Steak and mushroom pie. Must confess it was the best steak pie I have ever had. Brilliant. My compliments to the chef.

Been a few times over the last couple of weeks. Food has been delicious, drinks have been lovely and the staff/service had been outstanding. Would definitely recommend and will be back again soon

What a hidden gem this place is! Has a lovely warm, country pub atmosphere. Fantastic menu selection and the food certainly didn’t disappoint. We were a group of four and we all thoroughly enjoyed our meals. The staff were lovely. The lady who looked after us in the restaurant (sorry didn’t catch your name) was exceptional. Without a doubt one of the best places we have been for a long time. Our new favourite place and we’ll definitely be back…soon!

Did not get a copy of the bill.......

Back to it's best, lovely atmosphere and great decor.

My wife, me ,my sister and brother in law went today for lunch. The meals were excellent, large portions of very nice food. The staff were friendly and welcoming. Gave us plenty of time to choose our meals. It is the first time we have been for a couple of years but will happily go back again. Thank you

Had a delicious meal this evening , starters and main course Service was very good , pleasant and efficient staff We will be back

Lovely place to visit, would recommend to all! The only downfall is the lite bite fish and chips, if you're hungry go for the full portion as this will not fill you. Lovely but more of a child size fish. The other lite bite portions are more than enough and worth every penny👌🏼

Didn't have food. But brilliant pub

Fabulous food and staff will be back time and time again been today wonderful real ales just been back again for Sunday lunch staff fabulous very attentive food delicious only moved here 2 weeks ago this now our local highly recommended just reopened new owners have booked for Xmas lunch will post as soon as we have been back been again tonight for tea was full we had not booked owner explained lots of big parties in took our table number not a long wait for our order to be taken very professional food again fabulous best food in this area

First visit here celebrating a birthday, place is lovely and warm, staff very helpful and accommodating.

Lovely pub resturant beautifully decorated.Food excellent. Steak pie and fish @ chips first class. We will be backExc

We originally set out to go to another pub for a Sunday lunch but decided whilst driving that we would try this place as we only live down the road and knew it had been refurbished. I am so pleased we did the pub is very cozy and friendly. But for the main event the food. We ordered the food with no hassle. The food came on a large plate full of roasties, meat with stuffing mash, and roasted parsnips, it all looked freshly made and tasty, then the carrots and broccoli came in another side dish. By itself came a small dish of cauliflower cheese. I must say the first mouthful was so nice and the Pork just seemed to melt in the mouth. Everything on the plates was so tasty and Moorish, but after we had finished eating the meal we were both very full. This is now going to be our local pub, especially for the food.

Great food and service the only issue we had was our table was located inbetween 2 rooms and with loads of people constantly hitting into my chair or me, it was very annoying when your trying to eat your food.

Maybe it's the January Blues ... But staff this evening were not pleasant at all . Ordered hot shot parmo .. Terrible. No flavour and not spicy at all . There were 2 Jalapenos on top of melted cheese and this was their version of a hot shot parmo. My partner ordered the fish and chips from main menu the fish was so small and certainly not worth the money we paid . I wanted to send both meals back but my partner doesn't like to make a fuss so left out of pocket and dissatisfied. Thumbs 👎 down . Much improvement needed

First time back in since new owners, back to being a top eating place, the lite bite fish and chips was spot on. Need to try a Sunday roast next.

Came here today with family and to say I was disappointed with the food and service is an understatement. Chips were from yesterday, old and rubbery, veg was old and warmed up, service was extremely slow and poor. No coffee available, 31 minutes for a drink …. Just really poor. Definitely won’t be going back and it’s an absolute shame and the place itself looks stunning

Just been for Christmas lunch absolutely fantastic food was outstanding so much.staff were brilliant ambience was great can't wait to get booked up for 2024

We had a table booked for Sunday lunch and had my mam in a wheelchair. There was no wheelchair access inside the pub or outside. We were seated at the back of the pub and had no access to get passed all the other tables. We were informed we had to go back outside and enter by the fire doors which feels very discriminating against wheelchair users. I admit I did not mention wheelchair at the time of the booking but I did go to the bar and ask for future the arrangements for wheelchair. And the arrangements are still the same . Call them when you arrive and someone will open the fire doors . I am totally shocked by this . My elderly mam felt so embarrassed I am disgusted by this . Who would want to be let in the pub by the fire doors because you are in a wheelchair?

Christmas fayre Sunday lunch was delicious, great service from friendly staff. One slight criticism is that the meal came swimming in gravy rather than a boat on the table to pour your own.

Well worth a visit and doggy friendly, highly recommend

Had a lovely meal definitely recomend the Parmo hot and spicy and fish and chips was very nice will definitely be back x

Really great food, wide variety of choices on the menu. Very cosy atmosphere and reasonable prices. One of the best fish and chips I’ve had in a long time! Can’t wait to go back.

The meal was supposed to be steak and ale pie.The contents were a plate of extra well done chips and a small shop bought pie also well done the of which was burnt hard however the egg cup full of mushy peas survived the cremation. This meal was utter rubbish.

We booked a table for five, excellent food and service, well recommended.

Extensive list of food to choose from, good quality, enjoyed everything we had.

My absolute favourite place to go for food! Since new owners took over, it's back on point! Food is amazing, staff are fabulous, friendly and attentive. Food is top quality and very fairly priced. If you haven't been in the last few months then you're seriously missing out on a good thing. So happy that mine and my best friends top pick is back in the game.

One of my favourite places to go for food 🙂 cosy atmosphere, lovely and attentive staff, fairly priced and extra delicious food. Oh and most importantly PROPER CHIPS 😍

Went here tonight with family for £25.50 per head xmas 3 course meal starters were average, main turkey xmas dinners were definitely below average. Turkey was dry and tough, stuffing was very bland, sprouts over cooked and yorkshire pudding cold in the middle the best part about the meal was the desert which none of us could fault. We were all at the Farmers Arms last week (£10 per head and it was FAR BETTER TASTING AND VALUE) would not return to Castle eden inn in a hurry.

Went for lunch very disappointed portion small and pork tough and crackling undercooked😔

Hard to put into words just how bad this meal was. The food was barely warm. The Yorkshire pudding was like leather. The four randomly placed Brussels sprouts were soggy and the Turkey was dry to the point of almost being inedible. In short, the worst meal I’ve ever had in a restaurant. And it was grossly overpriced. The management of this place should be ashamed of themselves and I find it hard to believe this place gets any good reviews. A friend of mine went here a day before we did and his experience was the same as mine. Avoid at all costs.

Went to the inn for a family Christmas meal with 2 of us who have coeliac disease. Was pleasantly surprised at the gluten free options on the menu and throughly enjoyed the meal we had. The only constructive criticism would be not to salt chips on meals that are for kids. 2 of mine didn’t eat them all as they were too salty and if something isn’t gluten free (in this case the onion rings) when they are advertised as being such make sure the menu reflects that. Other than those minor points I’d highly recommend going especially if you have coeliac disease.

We have just enjoyed an early Christmas family meal at the Castle Eden Inn in Castle Eden. The party was thirty four in number and we all felt that it was an excellent meal. From management through serving staff to the forgotten people who slave over the hot stove, they made this a special event. Food was served promptly. It was well presented and tasted even better. Usually at large family gatherings someone has an issue with the food but not on this occasion and that can only be down to the quality of service. Would highly recommend a visit.

I went with my friend for the festive menu seeing as she is going away for Christmas and so this was the only time we could meet for a festive meal I thought the food was nothing flash tbh - I had pate served with ‘toasted ciabatta’ which was served cold. My festive main course of roast beef was accompanied by red cabbage mixed with garden peas and 3 Brussels sprouts - which was not at all festive in my opinion? My pavlova was disappointing I.e. what appeared to be a meringue nest which had barely any fruit in. Unfortunately I had been put off my main course by an inedible object being on my plate , so I swapped my main course for Belly pork which was ‘ish’ but I’ve had tons better, crackling was not crackly and the meat was a bit chewy (and again served with mixed red cabbage and garden peas, although no sprouts this time) The young girls waitressing were lovely but the Landlord wasn’t particularly pleasant or understanding, never once apologising; and ultimately that’s where the service is driven from. The atmosphere wasn’t festive at all, there wasn’t even a cracker or Christmas hat, which again was very disappointing. The bill was another thing altogether, but we won’t go in to that! Needless to say I was so very disappointed, and after looking forward soooo much to a lovely festive night went home deflated and sad

Booked for Christmas Fayre with my bestie. Starters were fine, main! Both ordered beef, seasonal veg consisted of garden peas, red cabbage and sprouts all mixed together! No pigs in blanket either! My friend was served a cinnamon stick on her plate which at first thought it was burnt parsnip! This totally put her off her food and left it. Manager came and removed the almost full plate of food. He returned and asked if she would like to order something else? She said that she would as she starving! Only being Turkey crown on festive menu as another choice of meat, she ordered belly pork from the other menu. So far, so good you might think?! Had our desert from the Christmas Fayre menu then asked for the bill. Wait for it........... He charged me £25.50 whish was correct Her share came as £21.50 as he said that was the two couses and added the full price of the belly pork from pub menu! Surely 2 courses is a starter and a main or a main and a dessert! The waitress said that she was charged for her 2nd main as she'd eaten most of the 1st one, it was barely touched! The manager wasn't having any of that so then charged her for every individual course! He was obnoxious and arrogant! I had paid £20 deposit, but that wasn't taken from the bill, I was told to take my receipt to the till and it would be deducted. I wasn't told to keep receipt and I watched barmaid write it in her diary and put a highlighter through the " Deposit PAID" at the time. Luckily I found it! What if I didn't have it?! Also the advertised a Golden Ticket to all diners in December, we weren't given any envelope?!

Very good quiet place for food and drinks. Food is very nice and it has a really good atmosphere

Lovely atmosphere, staff very friendly , good service, food was delicious , highly recommend, we will be back 😀

Really nice food and very friendly atmosphere 5 star from me

Couldn't wait for this to open and really wanted it to be good but very average. Ordered a caeser salad and croutons soggy and little dressing, thought maybe bad choice so tried again this week, belly pork was full of bone and Gristle, soggy and...

Really enjoyed my meal and the prices weren't too bad I recommend giving it a try

Party of eight went for a Birthday treat, 4 had the same meal but all were different portion size and were luke warm, I had Bolognese which had no taste other than mince and we all had negative comments to make to the management which...

Having driven up from Milton Keynes for a family reunion, I was concerned that such a new venture could disappoint. How wrong was I to worry. The food was superb with a varied menu, well cooked and presented at a price even Scrooge would find...

Such a shame. We used to eat here regularly. We had lunch on sunday last week and it was distinctly less than average. My husband paid £3.50 additional for a trio of meat and yet he got less meat than a member of our party...

Well this is the third visit in 20 months, slightly better than the first two which were absolutely appalling so much so that we said we wouldn't return, used to be a favourite of ours, but we gave it another go for lunch today and...

The refurbishment is really good. The place feels welcoming again. Service was polite and very efficient! Food was good, we only tried the light bites menu, which was hot and tasty. Will come back for an evening meal with friends.

Newly opened under a change of ownership and what a difference. The meal was outstanding, really tasty, with a great choice of wines. Will certainly be calling in again.

Very disappointed in the hospitality. Called with a group of walkers 34 in all. We asked if we could sit outside to have our pack lunch on the benches and would have drinks. We said we would be returning once our walk was finished to...

Met friends for lunch . The food was absolutely lovely. Went for lunch menu. 2 had fish and chips (home cooked chips) 2 had parmos (gorgeous). Followed by rhubarb crumble for 2; and cheesecake for one. Will definitely go again.

Turned up and was told needed to book they however did fit us in. So glad as the food was fantastic. Big plates, back to home made chips and as ever great service.

Sad to find that this place is being taken ove by new management. The staff were, as normal, very friendly and helpful. They showed the positivity that I remembered many years ago. 10 yrs ago, this was a thriving restaurant & pub, a meeting place, both for families, professional people, etc. I hope the new management can bring this establishment back to what it was.

Great food, staff were brilliant.. very friendly and professional. Big servings, well prepared and presented. Everything was spotless.

First time I’ve been for food In a long time and it will be the last! Ltd menu we were told?? Cheesy garlic bread was bits of Bread with cheese on and garlic!!!! Lasagne was nothing more than cheese on cheese with no real filling. How this place has fallen by the wayside! Won’t be back on a hurry.

We visited on Saturday 5th August around 4:30 for early tea. Whilst a more limited menu than on the website (due to staff shortage) there was still plenty of choice. We both had fish & chips which were excellent & generous portions. Dog friendly too...

Just had drinks, lovely atmosphere and staff very friendly and pleasant

Visited castle Eden on 3rd august 2023 for my brothers birthday 🥳 40th meal surprise. On arrival the girls working there were so helpfull and accommodating with all the surprise decorations and cake. They went above and beyond with there caring and efficient service 😇...

Great Sunday lunch 3 meats a star craft beers a must staff and service fantastic very attentive recommended

We went in and I asked the barmaid if can take dogs in the lounge she said no.only in the bar.but the locals were taking their dogs in the lounge. One for one.and one for others. Er er.