Cross Keys Restaurant in County Durham

Arrived at about 12.55 seated and served and what was served was appalling , frozen roast potatoes , what seemed like frozen mashed potato , broccoli was soggy and no colour , watery gravy , only thing homemade was the Yorkshire pudding , pork was ok but hardly any flavour , husbands lamb was ok , offered no condiments, left majority and was out the door for 1.30 pm , never again , waiting staff left a lot to be desired !!!

We were there for 2 nights to celebrate my sister in laws birthday. From the moment we got there till the morning we left everything was 1st class. Brian, Gaynor and her team are amazing. They are very professional, efficient and friendly. The ambience was second to none. The food was out of this world. They have an amazing selection of beers wines and spirits at very reasonable prices. As well as the great party food we actually ate from the pubs menu and I can truly say that my food which was belly pork with apple mash is my new bench mark and I would thoroughly recommend The Cross Keys at eastgate.Thank you

Turned up at just after 15:00 on Saturday and asked for food. Was told the kitchen was closed until 17:00. The board outside written in chalk below opening hours said Saturday food served until 15:30 then starts again 17:00. I mentioned this to the lady and she repeated that the kitchen was closed. Whilst stood there 2 lovely fish and chip meals came past us. The reviews of good food here looked to be right but have no way of telling as we were refused food service. After a 2 1/2hr dog walk, we were looking forward to a lovely meal. Extremely disappointed. Had to drive home hungry.

Called up after reading reviews from a few local pubs then this one with fab reviews. Called and asked for a table ASAP. Luckily they could accommodate us. Friendly service, food was fab and prompt. Ladies toilets were very clean and free hygiene products which were a nice touch. Nice pub with lots of character from the pictures and local horse brasses. Fireplace was lovley and I'm sure it's amazing when it's lit. All in all great experience

Lovely spot. We always sit outside with the dog. Lovely toasties and chips. Good service. Definitely recommend.

Lovely local. Fish and chips perfect. Place was buzzing, full of locals and tourists too. Exceptionally friendly service. Highly recommended.

Cross Keys has been a stop-off on our last 2 Coast-to-Coast bike rides so we knew what to expect. It's a typical old-fashioned, country pub which just happens to be my favourite kind! As you'd expect, nothing much has changed since our last visit 4 years ago (and probably in the last hundred years!). We arrived after a good soaking and were somewhat relieved when we eventually made it after a very tough day in the saddle, desperately in need of a hot shower and a change in to some nice dry clothing, a nice pint (or 2) and some good, honest, hearty grub! The staff at the Cross Keys didn't disappoint, it was a set menu Sunday lunch, unfortunately our organiser didn't advise them that we had a "veggie" in our ranks so I was relieved when they managed to rustle up a couple of Quorn fillets (gutting for me as the "veggie" as the roast beef looked, I'm I'm told tasted amazing!). Portions were generous and they even brought out extra beef much to the delight of the carnivores among us. Veg was cooked well and the gravy was delicious (even the "veggie" gravy). Sweets were demolished with impressive speed and we were all left feeling completely stuffed but recharged. Good selection of beer, all was kept well as you'd expect. Rooms are cosy, clean and traditional with everything you need and nothing you don't. But it's the staff that make this place, so genuine, friendly and welcoming.

This a good place to eat and drink .The owner gaynor is very helpful and pleasant.We stopped there for a weekend for food and drinks.

A really nice traditional pub with open fires and welcoming staff. We enjoyed a tradional Sunday roast lunch but my wife would have had something different if it had been on offer. Their prices were a pleasant surprise by comparison with what we get charged at home.

We booked some time ago due to being recommended as a great family pub in the area while staying close by. We arrived on Sunday to a warm welcome but sadly wasn’t able to order from the kids menu! Apparently on a Sunday the kitchen do not turn on some equipment and as such can only give you a kids roast meal on a Sunday. Not really an issue apart from my 6 year old isn’t a roast dinner person yet! We know he is a bit of a fussy eater and as such checked when booking if the kids menu would be available which we saw on the website. Sadly this wasn’t the case even though they said kids meals would be when we booked. Maybe a miscommunication as there are kids roasts available but really this should be made more clear as we had to rush our family meal to get away to get him something to eat. All of us had roast dinners which the gravy and meat was great but served with 2 small roast potato’s and help yourself style veg served on cold white plates. We didn’t get a check back while eating or asked if we would like more drinks or desserts. Half the party ended up leaving before the plates where cleared due to no server coming to see how we where getting on. All in all close to being good but wouldn’t recommend for families as clearly not their priority.

Loved the traditional roast dinner but what impressed us the most was the vegan penang curry. Lovely to see a local pub cater for different requirements and do it well! The staff were attentive and friendly. Good value for money.

As a family, we popped into this local bar just down the road from where we were visiting, for a bite to eat. The staff were fantastic and very chatty to my overly chatty autistic son, where they showed interest in his topic of conversation and made him and us feel very welcome. The building it’s self was clean, and very welcoming from the outside all the way through the venue itself. Very inviting. The food was top notch, very filling, well presented and very good sized portions. Honestly probably one of the best village pubs I’ve been to for a long time that ticks all the boxes and makes me wish it was one of my own local bars back home. Will definitely visit again if we are in the area and would highly recommend it to anyone nearby or passing through.

If you are in Eastgate and have a chance at visiting this fantastic pub - do so. Good pub food done well.

Our favourite place! Beautiful outdoor area, perfect in summer. Gaynor is the best landlady ever, her and her husband are absolutely delightful and friendly. They have fabulous events on and are so child friendly it’s unbelievable. Wish this pub was in our village! Regardless, we visit 2/3 times a week and always leave feeling fab. The food is absolutely beautiful. Whoever cooks it needs a medal !! I am super picky but always leave here feeling completely full and satisfied. Haven’t actually got a bad word to say about it except please move up a village so we can come in daily 😂

My wife and I have enjoyed a real lovely evening meal in this pub. The food was really nice and portions are plenty. She had the fish and chips while I had the large Yorkshire pudding and sausages which was BIG! All the food was good quality and piping hot. The staff were very friendly and polite. I would recommend booking your table as they do get very busy.

We have been coming here for just 4 weeks having bought a caravan in the nearby town of Westgate. We can only attest to the Sunday lunches so far but over the past five weeks they have been amazing! Huge portions of lamb, beef, pork and chicken all served with the appropriate sauces as well as beautifully cooked vegetables including leeks and delicious cauliflower cheese. The Cross Keys is a good old fashioned pub, the staff are friendly, polite and very attentive to customers above and beyond what you find elsewhere. It has a dedicated restaurant which we have not dined in as we have dogs, and on a Sunday this dog friendly pub serves us meals from 2.30pm. Booking is advisable as it is extremely popular. They have a very fine selection of beers, lagers and cask ales. Our reason for writing this review is not only to recognise the great service that the Cross Keys delivers, but to clarify the facts of an incident that we witnessed today with two totally dreadful customers. Two women turned up after quarter to three having been booked for a table at two thirty. (Cross Keys serves Sunday lunch till 3 pm as advertised on their signs outside and their website). They had a small dog with them and explained that they had set off without the dogs leash and a member of their party would be late because of this. Staff were polite and reassured the couple telling them that this was not a problem and that they would put meals out and keep a meal warm for their late guest but that they could not wait for them to arrive to plate up the meal as it was approaching the end of their meal service. They then ordered two meals. There was then some dissatisfaction with the choice of drinks. They wanted Peroni. The bar staff politely explained that they did not have Peroni on stock but did have Moretti on draft this was refused. The couple then took their seats and, after some minutes called the server over to say they now wanted an extra beef dinner! The server returned and informed them that there was no more beef. They were offered pork or chicken as an alternative. This did not satisfy them and the chef attended giving the explanation that they had ordered two meals, that is what she had plated up but that, if they wanted another beef dinner she was happy to half the beef she had put on the plate onto another one as she had already put the last of the beef on the plate and this was a larger portion than usual (normal portions are huge). The chef even said she would not charge for the extra plate but did say that they were now being unreasonable when they refused all of her solutions by saying that they had booked months in advance and should somehow be given special treatment. Eventually they agreed that the beef should be shared over two plates. The chef went back into the kitchen and, having agreed a solution, the two customers then proceeded to call her attitude unprofessional, make personal insults about her to serving and bar staff as well as walking out only paying for their drinks. On the way out the younger of the two shouted at the top of her voice “I’m going to put a zero stars review of you’s on TripAdvisor!” This is one of the most disgraceful displays of behaviour l have ever witnessed. When the chef went out to ask them what had changed in the car park she was subjected to the most foul personal abuse. If you see a review about this incident please take this as a totally impartial witness statement of what occurred. The Cross Keys is a great pub/restaurant and it is a relief that people like these are not tolerated and barred.

Excellent food lovely staff and lovely beer garden. Friendly staff real country feel in a beautiful location

What a surprise. A wonderful, traditional pub serving excellent food and drinks. A whole page dedicated to gluten free choices and another for vegetarian and vegan also lots of other choices. Reasonably priced and excellent, friendly staff. I would thoroughly recommend a visit we will...

Had a lovely meal here today, gaint yorkshire pud and sausages, my partner had the belly pork, would highly recommend, above avarage for pub food

Very friendly pub with a great menu to suit all tastes. Burgers were very tasty and more than we could eat. Lovely place , great service and very clean.

Four of us stayed here during our C2C cycle ride. The hosts Brian and Gaynor were welcoming from the start. The food was excellent and great value . There is also a good selection of wine, beers and spirits to choose from. The room was...

Been to the cross keys for the last 9 years twice a year and never been disappointed .Gaynor and Brian always look after us and the girls who serve the food are very friendly and good at there job .

i arrived on foot, and entered the rear yard. there was a person at a table having a drink. someone came out, an employee i guess, and told me to get off the property, as they were not open for another 10 minutes. Very unpleasant!...

On arrival we were greated by two young barmaids that were nice and helpful. The young lady who served us offered to set up a tab and i agreed since I was ordering food and thought it easier to settle up once we had eaten....

Live nearby and never been to the Crosskeys. Sunday evening spare of the moment meal out. Really friendly and managed to squeeze us in to a busy dining room. Absolutely fantastic homemade burger and chips with thick bacon and gorgeous homemade burger. Chips they clearly...

Rude and unfriendly barman. I asked for a table for three to done. His reply was we are fully booked, no empathy at all. We will never return

The Cross Keys is fast becoming our favourite place to eat in the Dale! We've enjoyed some great Saturday meals, but this week we decided to try the Fish Fryday special - fish and chips (with mushy/garden peas and tartare sauce) plus a drink at...

Never do this but got the wrong cross keys restaurant food was terrible packet mix sauce/gravy frozen spring roll packet starter, frozen butterfly chicken shaped into butterfly chicken wasn’t freshly done,gloopy packet sauce mix on my main .husband couldn’t eat his steak asked for medium...

We stumbled across this pub on a trip to Stanhope. They managed to fit us in last minute and we were grateful after a long drive with two hungry kids. The food was really good quality and there was a decent plate full. Both the...

Booked for a Sunday roast and had a walk down from rookhope. Lovely classic pub with a couple of local ales and friendly staff. The Sunday roast was more like a Sunday boil as I'm pretty sure that everything had been boiled from frozen... including...

Visited with my family on a Wednesday night. Couldn't fault it. Friendly , accommodating staff ,especially the young lady who was serving us . I opted for chicken curry with half/half and it was lovely . My wife went for the chicken burger and my daughter ordered the giant yourkshire (it is giant) filled to the brim with all the trimmings . She loved it although couldn't eat it all . In summary we would go back in a heartbeat and are already planning driving up for a Sundays lunch in the coming months .

I turned up at around 7.00pm hoping to experience the food on offer. The rather apparently busy barman asked if I had booked, I hadn’t. Which seemed a strange question when there were 3 tables in, and as I was standing beside the booking list,...

We attended last night for 1st time. There was a big crowd of. Us. We were put in separate tables but near so we could still chat. The food was excellent all the steaks cooked to exact requirement. The staff were friendly and all social...

Our second visit in a week- such a smashing place! Superb food with a wide choice to suit all ( gluten free & vegetarian included), beautifully cooked & well presented. Booking recommended if you want to eat in the comfy dining room but I believe you can eat in the large bar area too.Highly recommend a visit here....you'll definitely be impressed!!

Lovely pub with a great welcome friendly staff and really good atmosphere we were a group of four and ate their two evenings all meals arrived together hot and delicious.look forward to returning.

Dined inside for evening meal which was lovely, good portions and lots to choose from on menu. The owners were very friendly and made to feel welcome - plenty of drinks to choose from too, definitely recommend!

Excellent food and service. A couple of the best meals we've had this year. Staff are pleasant and helpful. Well done cross keys. We'll definitely be back.

Sadly we've had our last visit before lockdown. The specials board advertised game pie and it was lush. This pub has gone to the nth degree to ensure social distancing and sanitizing. It has a very safe and comfortable feel. The landlady and her staff are brilliant and very accommodating. Can't wait to visit again after this lockdown is over.

Well done to the landlady for asking people to wear a mask! I wish all business would do the same, we're all just trying to do our best at this difficult time.

We visited for a meal on Saturday evening. We phoned earlier in the day to book and ask if we could bring our dog. Was told if we sit in the bar area then dogs are allowed, which was fine by us. Shortly after booking we received a phone call to say we would be seated in the dining room so can’t bring the dog! Thought it a bit off but went ahead anyway and left the dog at home! Upon arrival we were shown to our table, through an empty bar. The dining room was lacking in any atmosphere and fairly quiet. Food order taken promptly and meal arrived in good time. Food was fairly average bar food and reasonably priced. Upon leaving we walked again through an empty bar so no idea why we were unable to sit there for the meal and bring the dog! As we left the pub the landlady spoke to my husband quite rudely about not wearing a face mask. He is exempt from wearing a mask and should not have to explain himself! We did not appreciate being spoken to in such a sarcastic manner after our custom. All in all an average meal tainted by the rude manner of the landlady.

I recently enjoyed lunch here with my old Vagabond Philosopher friend during our Eastgate day trip. My friend ordered craft beer, lager & cheese lasagne & I ordered lager, veg & crackling pork belly, mash & mixed veg & gravy. We found the atmosphere & seating equally comfortable, the staff very professional. We only waited for about 20 minutes before we were served with our generous meals all of which came to a combined perfectly reasonable price of about £25. On reflection we would definitely consider dining here again.

Lovely pub, staff and food. What more is there to say?! We tried the special burger and it was fantastic!

We had a beautiful home cooked extremely Covid safe long awaited dinner at Cross Keys last night, thanku to Gaynor and all the staff. Amazing food and great service! Wish we had come at the start of our holiday. Clean and safe procedures carried above and beyond to ensure our health and safety! Thank you once again! We will definitely be back xx

Had the belly pork special. Absolutely sensational. Apple mash, roasted carrots and port and black pudding gravy. Yum. Will definately have it again.

I was on the table next to the ‘therealstrider’ and their party and the way they behaved was nothing short of disgusting and embarrassing. You could tell all they where after was a free meal.The restaurant was near full and on numerous occasions the staff offered discount for your wait (in my eyes waiting just over an hour for a large table who ordered steaks, burgers and pies isn’t a crime as it was a Saturday night and the small kitchen they have has numerous tables to serve, not just yours and if you had any clue at how a kitchen ran then you would know they serve food that is fast when they can they don’t just stop all cooking because “you where served first” as you kept blabbering on about.After you turned down all form of apologies the owner came over to the table to sort matters out. You declined anything they offered to you and spoke to her like dog dirt. She even said she would sort you out for your troubles and you again declined rudely. This is when she said if your not happy then there is the door (what else can they do? You already made a staff member cry by this point). After all of that you still sat there and ate the food you claimed was ‘disgusting’.Absolutely pathetic and to then come on here and try to ruin someone’s reputation is even worse. The staff was excellent and the food was great too! We will definitely be returning and for anyone reading these reviews please discredit theirs as it’s completely incorrect and they where at fault. I wouldn’t of been as polite to their table and would of flung them out way before all of there rudeness commenced. Thanks very much!

We met up with my brothers for a rare evening together, as one brother lives over three hours away. We were made welcome from the outset, and despite forgetting to alert the staff we had a dog with us, they were able to adjust the table arrangements to accommodate us. We felt very safe - the tables were well spaced with anti-bac on hand, staff served drinks to the table and took our orders, and everything went smoothly. The food was delicious - burger, lamb shank, corned beef pie, gammon and fish and chips - we all had different dishes, and they all looked and tasted excellent. We really enjoyed our evening - we weren't at all rushed, we had desserts, and our young waitress was friendly and helpful.All in all, a great venue to meet up and we'll certainly be coming back.

We had to wait for over an hour while people that came after got their food . I was told I'd ordered complicated meals so took longer.The meals was cold as if cooked in Antarctica. Then a little grumpy woman who was the owner came and actually tried take me on told me to leave if I didn't like it.Then she pointed at the door and told me to go through it. Slow claps, visit at your own risk.I hope they have a horrible year of business and shutdown soon.

We booked well in advance during eat out to help out as we were staying in the area and we are so glad we did, the phone didn't stop ringing for bookings whilst there and now we know why. Our family consists of 2 adults 1 five year old and a sproodle puppy. All of us made to feel very welcome by the staff. We had starters and mains, the portions are huge and taste unbelievable. Tables set out apart and staff taking the necessary precautions during this testing time, keep up the great work and we will see you again.

Snelle adequate bediening,prima stukje vlees, lekker eten na en lange dag fietsen. Goed getapt koud biertje (Foster's) erbij. Dan kan je avond niet meer stuk

We felt compelled to write a review for this pub following a great meal.All the food was hot, tasty, decent pub grub. We both had the lamb shank that fell off the bone.All the staff were lovely and we ended up chatting to one of the waitresses for quite a while, such was the friendly atmosphere (sorry we didn’t catch your name - but best of luck with the teaching assistance).Dog friendly and accommodated Covid restrictions incredibly well. Wouldn’t hesitate to come back. The couple from Leeds :)

Cracking meals real big portions too great selection of beers & Gins. Well done for Managing and reducing the risk of Covid 19 and ensuring that the well-being of your guests and employees is of paramount importance to you. Thank you!

Myself & my family all visit this pub on a regular basis, in my opinion it is the friendlies pub I know.The atmosphere,food and accommodation are great great.I think anyone looking at bad reviews should read between the lines!Thank goodness thomam1964 isn't going back. People that don't understand covid restrictions at the bar (hence table service only) or why you have to wait for fresh food to be prepared should stay at home.

I and my family were in the Cross Keys when Thomasm1964 and Cordella113 came in. He walked straight up to the bar and stood in the area clearly cordoned off in compliance with Covid-19 regulations. He appeared to thoroughly enjoy the free ale tasters he was offered. I was astonished and disgusted at his attitude throughout his visit. He and his wife complained throughout about "the countryside smell" and even shouted at the poor young waitress! That is not acceptable behaviour and I thought the bar owner did a sterling job by not turfing him out on his ear!The bar, the food, the staff and the hospitality were excellent for us. It is not easy for places to comply with the current restrictions and I think the Cross Keys are managing fantastically. They couldn't do enough for us. Some people are totally uncouth and incapable of accepting or displaying good manners. Don't believe a word Thomasm1964 or Cordella113 say. They are berks. Try it for yourself and #hint# try the cider punch. It is lush!

My partner and I make a conscious decision to support local businesses that have just re-opened after lock-down. We were in the same evening as thomasm1964. Did he not think that the county side has such rural smells like freshly mowed grass, cattle and sheep grazing, midges biting and the odd pig farm. It's what happens in the country rather than the stale smell of carbon monoxide, rotting rubbish and other toxic smells. Anyhow down to business. All pubs and restaurants including The Cross Keys are trying their hardest to trade whilst treading on eggshells and having to deal with rude and obnoxious and probably drunk people who think its OK to shout abuse at staff trying their hardest in such difficult circumstances. Yes we waited 45 odd minutes for our food and were happy to wait, fully understanding the difficulties the proprietors had with unknown supply and demand. When our food came out it was, as usual, excellent and offered good value for money. The only thing that spoilt it for us was a very rude and arrogant person who thinks about only himself by standing at the bar, clearly marked as off limits due to Covid 19 and shouting abuse at the staff . Yes we will be going back-again and again.

Visited this lovely country pub with my family, attentive staff covid guidelines in place, sanitising stations in several places. We all enjoyed our beautiful piping hot meal. Having salt in sachets and sauces didn't bother us as I understand cleaning measures are very time consuming. I was a customer at the time of the customer who complained to the barmaid and young waitress about their welcome and the stench of the country air what an absolute disgusting mouth he had. I felt very sorry for the staff that day. I will be returning and eating.

THis pub sits next to two massive solis which, as far as I can tell, process ammonia. The stench is appalling unless the wind is in the right direction.When my partner and I walked in, I approached the bar to find out what beers were offered. The manageress / landlady (who knows) preemptorily ordered me away from the bar. But for ther fact it was late and it is difficult to find eating places at present, I would have walked away there and then. Not every pub gets hysterical about the public approaching the bar (what the hell is the difference from the waitress approaching you, for God's sake?). However, if that is the pub's policy, there are ways of saying so nicely. Ordering and bossing people about seems to be the new British disease and this landlady is badly afflicted.We opted to sit in the garden (which is how we really, really know about the ammonia). We ordered our food. Half an hour later, the waitress came out to tell us that there was a 45 minute wait for new customers. We asked how long we would have to wait: about 15 minutes.Forty-five minutes later, two very uninspiring meals turned up. My partner had paid extra for some bread and butter. One slice of very dry, mass-produced bread turned up - at a cost of £1.20.Cutlery: fish and chips are always eaten with a fork and spoon - aren't they? And butter is always spread with one's finger - isn't it?Condiments consisted of: one sachet brown sauce; one sachet of vinegar. It took me back decades to a boarding house where I once stayed in Blackpool in the seventies. The meals were not expensive but they were not particularly cheap either. They could have afforded a couple more sachets and not come across as money-grubbing, profit-chasing skinflints.By this stage, we just wanted to eat to sate our hunger and get out of the place.It has been a long time since I was last in a pub which prides itself on bad service as this place does. I did complain - loudly - at the time to the manageress / landlady. she smirked throughout and claimed she had never had such feedback before.It seems that farmyard odours are not only produced from the two silos next door. If this woman has never had bad feedback before it is only because other people have hurried out and sworn never to darken her doors again.A horrible experience - and not one she can afford to keep giving when every pub in the country is fighting for its survival.Oh yes: we checked. At no time was the pub ever more than 60% full and, for most of the evning, it was substantially lower than that.A horrible experience which neither I nor my partner will ever repeat.

Spent a great night with my family in the Beer Garden ; great food ;great drinks and very friendly staff ; even gave us a lift home to nearby Weardale Lodges ; would definitely return and would recommend to anyone .

We went there after a lovely day out, which was a shame as it ruined the rest of the day. The staff were rude and ignored us for an hour then we had to wait for the food which arrived cold and unedible. The bad smells are NOT normal for the countryside (I live in the countryside so I know the difference) the smell is the stench of sewage and is revolting. I like to support local businesses but I will never set foot in the dreadful place again!

We were advised there would be a delay of about 40 minutes for food which wasn’t a problem. The food was good however as we sat outside we were eaten alive by midges. Once seated outside you aren’t allowed to change to an indoor table due to covid cleaning. Just be aware and sit inside straight away! A shame as it meant we are our good swiftly and didn’t linger for desert or further drinks.

Myself and my husband went for lunch yesterday having stayed in a nearby lodge. As soon as we entered the place the greeting couldn’t have been friendlier Which was a refreshing change to a lot of places we have been. We ordered out drinks and where told which table and where to go. The dining room was nice, the waitress was very attentive and took our order quickly, the food arrived a lot quicker than I expected and as I am a big meat lover it was lovely to see a really good size portion of beef on the plate. The veg was all separate which was nice for us to help ourselves, the food itself was really good but the gravy was exceptional, I love my lunch swimming in gravy and it was one of the best I’ve ever tasted. The dessert menu was good, chocolate pudding was lovely. Would absolutely visit again if we are ever in the area again.

My wife and her friends went for a meal on Monday night as an Xmas get together. Had a great night and lovely meal. Our friends kept ringing up after event to all say what a good night!

Lovely little pub just outside of Stanhope. Called in for lunch and decided to get starters and mains. Big mistake because the portions are huge but that’s certainly not something to complain about! Prawn cocktails were lovely, I had the special for my main which was a massive homemade Yorkshire with sausages mash and veg. I enjoyed it but the veg was slightly overdone and the mash a bit bland but again, plenty of it and the Yorkshire and gravy was lovely. The staff are very friendly and welcoming and I would definitely return

We booked a table in advance, and enjoyed a very good evening meal at this pleasant country pub. The menu is quite extensive, with a good choice of vegetarian fare as well as gluten free.The food was served promptly and with a smile, and we enjoyed our meals - the corned beef and potato pie was a real hit! A good place to eat along Weardale.

Staying at a local caravan park, my husband and I decided to go to the Cross Keys for Sunday lunch. The food was good and plentiful (4 different veg!), however there was only a choice of beef or pork by the time we arrived (after 2pm) but I understand it had been a busy lunchtime. There was plenty of meat and everything was piping hot, with lots of lovely gravy. Incredible value for money - we had two meals, two alcoholic drinks and two pots of coffee and had change from £30 (even after leaving a 12% tip!)We will certainly be returning again during our break in Weardale.

As our B & B was out in the country we tried here as it was recommended by friends who come regularly.Bar was quite busy and on asking about food shown to an empty dining room (filled up afterwards)Menu was quite reasonable and we chose the corned beef pie and the mince pie.Reasonable portions with lots of potatoes and veg. Corned beef pie was a bit stodgy and had a lot of potato in it, pastry was tough as it had been microwaved. Mince pie was better but similar problem with the pastry.Desserts were quite nice and drinks were reasonably priced.

Eat here twice while staying locally. Food was fab, ales tasty, staff very obliging and locals enjoyed a bit of banter. If you are in the area definitely worth calling in.

My wife and I went here for Sunday Lunch last week and it was excellent . We had a dog so had to sit in the bar area which was really good and started at 1415 hrs. To be honest I would go for the later sitting and defo book as it’s very busy. The lunch was brilliant and the staff very friendly. Would highly recommend the Cross Keys.

The Cross Keys is a very friendly and welcoming pub. The Sunday lunch is nice and traditional, the sticky toffee pudding amazing. There are vegetarian options as well as gluten free desserts.

We were a group of 15, pre booked and pre ordered, with two gluten free diners, who had a separate menu with an excellent choice on all courses. Service was friendly and efficient. Food was generous, hot and tasty and very good value. Would go again without hesitation.

Cheap and plentiful food. KInd and helpful staff. This is not posh nosh but was tasty and satisfying. Opens for food at 5pm which was a bonus. Beer in excellent condition.

We booked for Sunday lunch, there was no record of it when we got there, Luckily there was a table available. The food was freshly prepared, there was quorn and vegetarian gravy for me, the waitress was apologetic that I could not have the roast potatoes because they had been cooked in beef fat, (I thought that it was really good of her to let me know) but there was a really good selection of vegetables, all hot and fresh, and loads of mashed potatoes. The waitresses were really helpful and made it seem that nothing was a problem for them.

If you book a room here make sure you dont mind staying up until 1am as most of the rooms are above the bar which has last orders at half past midnight. On the second night I stayed they had a karaoke evening which finished at 12.30 and then roudy drinkers for the next hour. I made the mistake of asking them when it would all be quite as I could do with getting some sleep which was received with a torrent of abuse by the landlady saying if I didnt like it I should #### off. Charming.

Nice pub with really good value and quality pub food. We were both impressed with our meals. Staff were pleasant and could not do enough to serve us well.

2couples,we booked beforehand,and were seated on time.we picked 3 different meat dishes,and. All agreed it was a lovely meal,and really good value.we have returned since for a mid week meal,same value and good service.

We Eat & Drink here quite often when staying with friends at a nearby Caravan Site. The place is a wonderfully charming place to be with a real homely feel. Definitely an integral part of the local community for sure. Menu has a great selection of very locally sourced food which is very reasonably priced. It is on the Coast 2 Coast route too and is a popular stop off for those that partake as they have rooms available. Perfect place for a summers evening drink with friends or family, and also in winter with the roaring fire. Idyllic.

Very welcoming food and bar were great, rooms very clean, bright and comfortable Breakfast was great & staff very helpful , short but great stay

Stayed here lots of times for consecutive nights or on this occasion one night, as always a warm welcome from Gaynor and her team, nice, clean, comfortable rooms, scrumptious home made food and great beer. Always enjoy my stays here, and will hopefully have many more.

We stayed here on our 2nd night while doing the C2C. Had a lovely warm welcome from the staff. Our room was great and the Sunday dinner served on the evening was exactly what we needed after a long day cycling. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone wanting to stay in the Stanhope area.

Welcoming pub, lovely food, clean and well appointed rooms at a great price. The staff are very friendly, there is a good range of menu options and it tastes good. Sunday roasts are recommended.

We visited with friends never been before. We were welcomed by staff and locals alike. I think a charity night was in progress, after an excellent meal we joined the festivities, absolutely brilliant night. We will be back. Hosts were brilliant xx.

Photo hopefully tells a story to be fair to them they said there was only a small portion of chicken left but they didn’t mention the roast potatoes given the lack of chicken I reckon an extra potatoes may have been helpful but I got about 1/4 of a small potatoe. Veg was okay but very overdone mash decent . Yorkshire was very dry had been over cooked to death. I’ve seen the excellent reviews for here really baffled must have been an off day maybe the chef was off but I won’t be coming back. Service pretty poor 2 massive tables both offered desert before us even when we were finished before.

Stayed here for a night during a coast to coast bike ride. Rooms were clean and very nice. Excellent hospitality during our stay. We ate in the evening which was very enjoyable and the breakfast in the morning was fantastic. I wouldn't hesitate staying in this B and B again.

My wife and I have stayed here a few times and never been disappointed.

The Sunday lunch we had at the Cross Keys at Eastgate, which is the next village to Stanhope in Weardale was the best we have had of all the pubs we have been to in the area. The bar staff and the girls waiting on the tables were excellent. The food was first class and we will definitely be a regular in the future. Thanks again for an excellent lunch.

Fantastic welcome by staff. Freshly cooked food to order. Burger cooked as to I prefer well done. Amomw amount of chips cakes with order. Fabulous. Hubby had the steak.Thoroughly enjoyed. Again ample of of food.

Really enjoyed our first visit to Cross Keys - excellent Butterfly Chicken breast with peppercorn sauce and vegetables/Giant Yorkshire Pudding rammed with 5 sausages, mash, carrots broccoli cauliflower and gravy - absolutely no room whatsoever for starrters or sweets although the choice was very good including sharing platters - all wahed down with an excellent pint of Pennine Pride and a cola - all for less than £23, good food, great value and friendly staff - what more could you ask??

Just popped in after work on the off chance and we are so pleased we did we ordered three 12oz steak and a gammon and wow everything was cooked prefect the staff where very friendly and where very accommodating with our orders with us wanting them cooked all differently ......the home cooked chips are to die for we will be definitely be going back high five to the staff and chef

Very nice hotel on the C2C route and great secure storage for bikes. Breakfast was great, also provides evening meals but we didn’t eat there so couldn’t comment.

There are holiday caravan parks nearby where this pub is within easy reach. It is not one of these new type pubs all plastic and false fittings. It is a traditional old fashioned pub with a warm welcome and good filling food. A big car park to the rear l

Great home cooked food after a hard days cycling. Beef dinner with yorkshire pud and veg followed by a good dessert, and a "couple" of beers.

Pleasant spot for a beer in upper Weardale. Not dined here yet but hope to in the near future. Great surrounding countryside.

We brought friends for a lovely meal here - the spinach and mushroom lasagne was excellent, the others enjoyed gammon and the Yorkshire pud with sausages. Good portions, well presented and nicely cooked.

Tried to book a room here through their website. You can't book from their website but can provisionally reserve a room which needs confirmation. Tried twice but didn't receive any reply.

Called in on our way back to our holiday accommodation & ordered a meal. Both of us were very impressed with the excellent quality - everything on the menu was good, wholesome pub food & when our dishes were delivered they certainly didn't disappoint. It was perhaps fortunate that we ate so well before setting off as we had to abandon our car up on the road & trudge for 3/4 mile in a howling blizzard to get to our accommodation!

We had a table for eight in the dining room. Pub was very busy. Food was good. As a vegetarian I had quorn 'chicken' fillets.and vegetarian gravy. I wish all pubs and restaurants would offer this or nut roast so that vegetarians can also have a traditional Sunday lunch rather than be offered a risotto or pasta.

Had dinner with friends at this lovely friendly pub.The food was excellent, well presented and freshly cooked.I had a steak which was so generous I couldn't eat it all. The staff were exceptional and couldn't do enough for you. We were booked in to the...

After trying another 8 pubs in the different villages we finally found Cross Keys to be open and also serving...

I visited with my family last week and really enjoyed the straightforward tasty food with great quantities of veg which...

Staff and other customers friendly, very generous portions and very tasty. Good service and would recommend.

First time here after going to another local pub for Sunday lunch. There was plenty of parking when we arrived...