Fir Tree Country Hotel in County Durham

Exceptional food, at a good price and very good service. Will definitely be back with family and friends. Recommend the home made pies.

Where do I start ... the beef melted in my mouth & the turkey was succulent; as always there was a fantastic choice of veg, the roasties were more delicious than ever and the yorkshires cooked perfectly topped off with a tasty gravy & vinegar salad just like my mam used to make. Well organised and spotlessly clean. We've had dinner here a few times in the last few years, and it's been consistently good as well as great value for money.

We have stayed here several times and each time we have an amazing stay. The warm welcome and amazing team make this a wonderful place to relax. A brilliant range of drinks and a fantastic menu make it difficult to choose what to have. Food is freshly cooked and delicious, staff are lovely and attentive. Breakfast is second to none with the added bonus of being looked after by the amazing duo of Ali and Lisa.

It’s the third time we’ve booked into Fir Tree Hotel for a sleepover for New Year’s Eve! The staff are all genuine, friendly & helpful. Nothing is ever a problem for them. An excellent menu with great choice. The room was perfect. Spotless clean, comfy bed, great shower & fluffy towels. Tea, coffee facilities too. Breakfast was also excellent with plenty of choice & great service. We look forward to next time 😊

Although we know the owners personally we have not previously been for a meal, we finally managed to get there yesterday evening, and what an absolutely gem it is. We turned up without a booking, but the very friendly and helpful staff managed to squeeze us in for which we will be forever grateful. After grabbing drinks at the well appointed and spotless bar we were shown to our table, perusing the menu was a pleasant surprise to find that there was a really good choice that would suit any diner. The long haired Colonel went for potato skins and dip with side salad as a starter, my choice was the creamy garlic mushrooms with sour dough toast, both starters were excellent and enough of them. For a main course the Colonel went for the Chilli Con Carni, with nachos and 2 dips, I went for the steak pie with seasonal veg and mash (chips are also an option) We were totally amazed at the size of portions, and the Colonel loved her mains and can be very fussy with food, mine was fantastic with a good size pie full of chunks of proper steak veg was cooked perfectly and the pan made gravy that came in a separate jug was out of this world and to die for. As with the starters everything was piping hot. As I mentioned at the start of my review this place is an absolute gem, and will definitely be our go to place to eat out, all staff friendly and helpful, atmosphere wonderful, food a real pleasing experience at a very reasonable price, we eat out quite often and this knocks the usual pub chain restaurants into a cocked hat while maintaining a comparable cost. If you haven't been you really must try it. The one bad review I came across must have been posted by a competitor who's only recourse was to try to malign this wonderful restaurant.

We stayed here for 3 nights, visiting family and friends in the area. We used to live in Crook so we were very familiar with it. The room was clean and comfortable but we did have an issue. This was promptly resolved without issue, which is testament to the good customer service. The breakfast is exceptional and the lady managing the breakfast room is a gem. We ate dinner on one night and it was great. All the staff, bar one, were lovely.

The car park appeared to be full but cars were parking with two wheels on the pavement We parked on the pavement. We tried to get a booking around 12.30 but the restaurant was fully booked. We were offered a place around 2.45pm which we accepted. On arrival we were checked to see if we had made a booking then directed to a table near the bar. We ordered drinks and paid for full carveries. We were then directed to a large room where the carvery was attached and we were told to stand in front of the carvery. We had a long wait before the chef appeared at the carvery. It became apparent that visitors in the large room were vwaiting for the carvery to open. We were given a plate on which our choice of sliced meat was placed, There was no child/pensioners Sunday lunch. We then took samples from a wide choice of vegetables etc. Sliced salad in vingar was in a dish with a teaspoon on our table. The meal was first class

Absolutely lovely food, pleasant staff and a good choice on the menu. This is the second time we have visited and both times we couldn’t fault it. I can’t think of anything to improve on, the prices are reasonable too and the surroundings are nice. Definitely one to try.

We stayed here for 2 nights as we had to attend a funeral. We stayed Thursday and Friday night. The drive up the road to the hotel is beautiful, scenic and tranquil and as we found the hotel so was its location. The restaurant and bar were bright and welcoming as were the staff that greeted us and served us for the next 2 days. We only ate one evening meal in the restaurant, the steak pie and chicken parmo but wow! They were amazing and deceptively large portions, we also had starters which were of a high standard. Breakfast both days was also good quality and plentiful, included in the room rate which made for exceptional value. The room was very clean and had everything we needed, we weren’t cold however it had a good radiator in the bathroom and the room itself and as much hot water as you needed. A small smart tv was in the room to watch so if you have Netflix, Prime etc you can watch on your accounts. This is definitely on our “stay again” list, thank you to the team for making our stay great.

Somebody recommended The Fir Tree Country Hotel to us and we're glad they did! We booked for Sunday lunch. I'm not a fan of carvery style dining (everyone touching the same serving spoons etc) but that's easy enough to get over once you taste the food. The meats were absolutely perfect. Literally so tender and tasty. A good choice of vegetables too. It was very stream-lined and the staff were professional. We will return. Oh! And the price is so reasonable! One thing that did shock us - there was a sign stating that they 'wasted' nearly 62kg worth of food because people over-pile their plates and return for more and then can't eat it! I hope there are some lucky pigs living close by. Lol.

Myself and 2 friends stayed overnight, we each had a room which were clean, well equipped with very comfy beds. We had our evening meal here too before going to Kynren. Food was well presented, plenty of choice, and good value for money service was good served by friendly staff. Breakfast really good choice of hot food, also a variety of cereals, yogurts and fruit bowl. Hot freshly brewed coffee or tea with a choice of cows milk or oat milk.

Visited here as a party of 6, (4 adults, 1 teen and a 2 year old). Food was perfectly cooked and tasted delicious. Hadnt been for a while and glad we chose to come again. Perviously been for Sunday carvery which was also very nice. Beautifully decorated inside, friendly staff and had baby change facilities which was great. Will definitely return

A lovely little hotel, off the beaten track but perfect for exploring the area. It seems to have about 12 motel style units. Not spacious but sufficient. The rooms are modern, clean and light and very well kitted out. A small but clean, modern, ensuite shower room with plenty of towels, soaps, etc. The room has tea and coffee ( and hot chocolate) making facilities and biscuits! I've found a hair dryer, a USB powered fan! A small fridge, a curved (!) Screen TV and a very comfy bed! The food offering so far has been superb. In the restaurant last night I had a rather nice starter of fried brie, a main of roast lamb ( lovely meat, really well cooked veg and all piping hot! ) and a very generous ginger sponge with custard to finish. A very enjoyable meal at a very sensible cost. This morning's included breakfast was equally good, a selection of juices, fruit, cereal etc and a good choice of cooked food. I had the full English and it was excellent! I'm loving this place so much I'm staying an extra night!

Popped in just passing and what a warm friendly welcome from staff, restaurant and bar tastefully decorated, we then booked in to come back next day for Sunday lunch. Food was great too, chef had good chat, place is immaculately clean couldn't fault it!!!. Would definitely recommend and revisite.

One of the very best dining spots in County Durham, serving wholesome, hearty food with flair. On this occasion my friend and I enjoyed the stir fries (chicken, and chicken & prawn). Full of fresh, crisp, juicy vegetables, with a tasty sauce, this was faultless. Dessert was similarly impressive. My Ginger Sponge pudding was sublime, and my friend's elegant meringue, cream and shortbread dessert was a real treat. Good quality coffee topped off a highly enjoyable lunch in pleasant surroundings. Highly recommended!

Never been before food was fab and the staff were excellent. I would recommend it I will definitely be back ;)

Five of us went for carvery on Easter Sunday. The food was beautiful, the staff were really friendly and all very reasonably priced (5meals & drinks was £75ish). We’ve never been before but will definitely be back.

Great service, reasonable price, fab covered outside eating area, lovely decor inside,will call again

Went for lunch over wkend, food was clearly a reheat. Dry, tough steak pie, every mouthful a chewing ordeal, even the pastry was tough as old boots, some of it impossible to cut. Gravy was like water, slightly green water. Chips were passable Also wasn't...

Absolutely stunning food. Service is top notch as always. The staff couldn’t do enough and where so accommodating with our little boy. The food is real homely cooked grub that is to die for with nice big portions.

A lovely 2 nights in a bungalow, all on one level, perfect for limited mobility. Hood varied menu and fabulous Sunday carvery

Amazing food and service. The menu is unbelievable with the variety and all freshly cooked and served by friendly staff

Early evening arrival at the Fir Trees for a meal The front of house was Karen, she was absolutely brilliant so friendly and engaging in conversation, also the other staff a lady who’s name we didn’t get and Ollie were so welcoming The food was...

Our group of four have been to this restaurant twice in the past four days. On our first visit we were probably not the easiest group to deal with, as our food tastes were very varied. However the waiting staff were very patient with us,...

Sunday lunch is excellent, best to book, arrive early to pay, then you get shown to your table. Beef pork turkey lamb gammon, plus the usual trimmings and tons of veg only £9.95. It's my new place for sunday lunch. Going next week to try...

Visited several times to eat as we live locally. Gorgeous food as always, didn’t disappoint. My hubby had the steak pie & I had the gammon. Very generous portions. Would definitely recommend

Great hotel family run service good food delicious rooms clean and comfy if you are anywhere near a must. We had a 2 night stay and would return.

Stayed for three nights and tried the new menu, not disappointed at all King prawns , Guinness rarebit, new improved steak pie and then to finish the Panna Cotta which was amazing. If you want to guarantee a brilliant night's sleep with high end cuisine...

We are So Spoilt in Weardale for Quality, Fine Food. A Chef's Job in those Hot Kitchens ; on Balance, is Extremely Good. To see Business's Like 'The Fir Tree Inn', Flourish after Covid-19. Is an Accolade to Perseverance, Determination and Staff who are Keen....

We stayed for five nights for bed and breakfast and dined there on three evenings. The rooms were immaculate, the staff efficient and friendly and the food was fine. A minor point is that the title “Country House Hotel” is a bit misleading. It isn’t...

Our friends found the Fir Tree Country Hotel, and what a gem. As soon as you walk in you feel welcome. The staff are polite and nothing seemed too much bother, which I have to say made a lovely change . The rooms a very...

This place is unbelievable, the rooms are spotless, the food divine and the service by all the team brilliant. You arrive and are made to feel welcome straight away, nothing is too much trouble, even the dog gets 5star service from her own personal chef...

Didn’t use the hotel facilities, but used the restaurant ones. Must say the food was excellent. We had three courses and each course was different and appetising. The serving staff were polite and accommodating to any request you had with your food. Well worth a...

Mid afternoon visit with my mum and was delighted with the their steak pie, which as promised in the menu was truly ‘packed full’. The beef filling was tremendous. Service was good and will be adding this establishment to my list of go-to places when...

We were welcomed at the door and shown our table, after purchasing carvery vouchers and drinks at the bar. The carver was really friendly, and the portions of meat were generous. There were, I think, 5 roasts to choose from (pork, turkey, gammon, beef and...

Bad experience - i don’t usullt write review. stayed there for work/assessment centre for the next day. So was already stressed. Arrived and my room hit tap sink was not working. Was moved to another bigger room which was nice but same problem happened! Also...

7 of us went for a meal Saturday afternoon. Like the place and decor, staff very friendly. The down side was the meal or rather the service. The orders for our meals were all given together however the meals came out one by one very...

We went for a birthday meal. The food was very good. But asked for coffee at the end, we were told the machine is broken for 2 weeks. Two weeks?! No alternatives were offered and while still sitting and chatting our table was completely cleared....

Lovely pub well decorated had Sunday lunch veg side of lunch faultless excellent selection of vegetables both roasted and boiled on the negative side meat was poor finely sliced and small portions no crackling offered with pork. One sliced portion per guest will not revisit...

My wife and I have just had a perfect night away in The Fir Tree country hotel, everything was perfect from quick and easy check in, then shown to our room. This is where the quality starts, fantastic comfortable bed with high end quality bedding,...

Absolutely fantastic food and service. Chef very friendly and portions were huge. Would say its the best Sunday lunch I've ever had will be back!!

The festive spirit at this hotel would take a lot of beating, they have put their heart and soul into making everyone's Christmas special. From the moment you arrive the lights are twinkling and a roaring log fire greets you, alongside the warm welcome from...

I booked Sunday lunch for a family of 4, we arrived in good time & ordered drinks at the bar. We were shown to the table & then abruptly told you have 1 hour at the table. This immediately had a negative effect on the...

10/10 absolutely amazing country style restaurant /pub, made welcome straight away and the meal/s were AMAZING and fantastic value. Beautiful clean restaurant with other inside & outside facilities. I'll be back soon. 🍴👏👏👏

We arrived on spec one lunchtime recently, and were welcomed by Diane who looked after us admirably throughout our time here. The surroundings were very tasteful and comfortable, and our food - tuna baked potato and home-made burger - was delicious and well-priced. Thank you...

Absolutely loved this place, I checked in before the missus arrived and was welcomed by a crackling log burner and friendly staff. The rooms were great,warm and cozy. The night time meals were very tasty and the breakfast was delicious and felt like local produce....

This is the second time we have been back and we have to say even better! The rooms are immaculate, with having a dog you sometimes get given the worst room in the hotel but not here. It is spotlessly clean and all the extras...

We were a table of six with a dog and we all loved our meals- the food was great. The staff could not have been more friendly and welcoming. Would absolutely recommend!

This is our first time visiting and the Sunday lunch was really tasty. Highly recommend. Very clean and tidy, helpful staff and very courteous.

After visiting Wallington Hall was driving back to our Air BnB and this looked like a great place to stop and eat. Plenty of parking, greeted warmly and shown to an available table. The menu had plenty of choice for all three courses and children looked well catered for. We chose fish chips peas and tartar sauce whilst my companion had short crust pastry steak pie gravy veg and mash. It came after a short break and was HUGE! These were not meals for the feint hearted and whats more they were perfect (except for tasteless gravy). We did them justice although could not finish them and neither of us are easily over-faced but these defeated us. The food was great quality, tasty, hot and fresh. We wanted a pudding but just could not face one .......or fit one in!The staff were obliging and friendly and the place spotless. Would love to visit again but its too far from home! We lived it.

Had 4 lovely meals today- 2 great chicken parmos and a lovely chicken wrap with sweet potato fries but a slightly disappointing ploughman’s- no cheese??

We broke down near the Fir Tree County Hotel, Co Durham. We called in, and the staff, and particularly Karen,went above and beyond. We will certainly be returning.

My hubby booked our stay by accident but so very glad he did, this hotel is everything you want to find when choosing a place to stay. It consists of chalet type rooms spotless clean and so very cosy and totally private. The staff were amazing ,food was to die for portions unbelievable huge the cod almighty summed it up perfectly. All in all the whole experience was a delight and one we fully intend to repeat in the very near future. Thank you 11 out of 10 to the Fir Tree Country Hotel.

The rooms are set out in a line behind the pub / restaurant. They were mostly just big enough to say they weren’t too small and made good use of the space for a comfortable bed, room for hanging a few clothes and a sideboard with chair. A kettle with tea / coffee is provided. The bathroom was ok with a good shower. Cleanliness was overall good. 2 minor points: the outside bottom of the shower tray next to toilet was dirty and the extractor fan in bathroom was very dirty. Looks like these may be missed off the cleaning schedule.The pub and restaurant are nice and they served good quality food.Overall I would say this is good value for money.

Booked a meal for early evening due to having a toddler in our group. On arrival we were greeted by friendly staff who took us straight to our table. The Inn had a relaxing atmosphere and the food was excellent. Staff were so lovely and engaged with our toddler too.

Stayed with family and friends (plus dogs). All food was amazing. Corned beef pie is the best ! Loved the breakfasts. The dog friendly rooms were so clean and comfortable. Staff were all extremely friendly (breakfast service was brilliant- thank you to the ladies for this). Perhaps reserving some car park spaces for resident guests would be an idea but it would never stop me from going back to stay. Looking forward to returning soon (for the eggs benedict). Well done to all the staff.

Stayed here with my wife Christine and westie Ozzy for 2 nights and not one complaint. On arrival the room was spotlessly clean and was cleaned on our 2nd day aswell. Breakfast both mornings was one of the best we,ve had at any hotel. Rachel and the manageress are a major asset to the place who couldn,t do enough for everybody who came through the door. Drinks were reasonably priced and so was the food. Atmosphere, food , cleanliness and staff were impeccable. Highly reccommend.

We booked from a hotel site for three nights. We arrived and were warmly greeted, checked in and escorted to our room. The rooms are in a purpose built motel structure behind the restaurant. Very clean and comfortable supplied with everything needed for a stay. We then ventured to the restaurant and were again greeted very warmly, shown to a table and drinks were served while we looked through the menu. There is a wide choice of food. My husband had the steak pie which ,he says, is one of the best he’s eaten. Packed with beef with a delicious gravy. I am on a restricted diet so sampled a few different starters. All were well presented and delicious. After the first meal we booked to stay an extra night and enjoyed all our time at the Fir Tree. It is also ideally placed to explore the sights locally.

We had a meal with the family, choosing this place as it was nearby. It turned out to be a great choice as we had an amazing meal which we all enjoyed. The service was very attentive and when chatting to one of the ladies after our meal about how shoddy our caravan was, she showed us the rooms on site. Wow, wish we had stayed there instead!

This was our first visit to the Firtree after a number of recommendations from friends. Upon arrival I started to have doubts, our table was not ready and we were advised of a 15 minute delay. We were shown to a waiting bar area and we ordered a bottle of wine, which came with the most awful glasses that looked like they were a pack of 10 from Poundland. When my wife asked the abrupt barman if she could change them she was told they were in the wash and was offered half pint glasses.!!! No attempt was made to clean any for us or bring us them when they were. The staff are also working from a small desk at the entrance so you can hear everything that is going on, so if people are complaining or there is an issue you hear it all which is so unprofessional. The barman was also constantly complaining at the staff, one got told off for putting too many drinks through at once. We were shown to our table and with the 15 min delay I was expecting the restaurant area to be busy which it was only 2/3rds full. There was a gentleman with his children had been waiting over half an hour for a table and yet there was tables available it felt like they were not managing them very well. So after a bad start things got much better, the member of staff who served us was very polite, friendly and attentive, she changed our glasses for us and ensured we were looked after. The food was amazing!! Mixed grill and surf and turf with sauces, were succulent, fulfilling and cooked perfectly. We could not manage desert although looking at others they looked devine.. so I have based my score mostly on the food and waitress service. Firtree please review your workstation location and bar mans customer service skills as it is giving customers a bad impression.

Ate here 2 nights on the run when staying in holiday let in the village, excellent food massive portions and very friendly and helpful staff

Evening meal had surf and turf fiancé had steak pie absolutely outstanding food and service highly recommend

Can't recommend this place enough. From the moment of arrival to the moment of leaving the service was fantastic. Thankyou to Karen and Sammie for making us so welcome , not forgetting our Gorgeous Food. Felt very safe and will be visiting again in the near future.

Five for a Meal for our Birthdays, four of which had past;Out together for a Laugh and a Joke, our Celebration at last.One cannot Fault the Cleanliness and Extra Preparation;We thought best to call ahead and make A Reservation!The food for ALL was Perfect, Our Compliments to Catering Staff;As Customers left, the Furniture was Cleaned Scrupulously, not by Half!There is no doubt the Trade is curtailed by Covid, whilst Costs increased;So our Grateful Thanks to All involved, for providing a Veritable Feast!!

I have eaten here often since its re open. It has never failed to be excellent. It always serves piping hot fresh food in impressive portion sizes. I've eaten steak in numerous restaurants including some very top end and this compares I like mine rare and always perfect. Lovely pint too. Well done keep it going

The food was excellent staff we're really helpful and friendly will be returning and will recommend it too all my friends

We called in here on.our way past for dinner the food was amazing the portions were very big you won’t go hungry the staff were very polite and couldn’t do enough to help you

Stumbled upon here whilst staying at a cottage with family, the food was amazing especially the lamb rump. Huge potions so make sure your hungry. Only one down side was they had music playing throughout the bar/Resturant which was back ground music, but the music coming from the kitchen ( which was different music) was over bearing, so we had 2 types of music on at the same time. Still would return though.

Spotlessly clean, excellent food, well presented, staff polite and very efficient. The cleanest toilets in a public place I have ever seen.

Lovely food, friendly helpful staff and dog friendly.The staff couldn’t do enough to help and make our visit enjoyable. Even our dog was made to feel welcome. The food is beautiful, I got a Yorkshire pudding wrap, the beef was tender and was there enough to take home for a snack later. We look forward to visiting again. Thank you!

Like some other reviews I can only comment on the total lack of people/service skills which in our experience were non-existent. We booked a table for our daughter in law's birthday, for four adults, a five year old and a two year old. we were told they opened at noon and only opened up a few minutes before.On arrival at noon we were not greeted in any way but told a man at a stand we were booked for noon.His response was "go get your carvery tickets at the bar and your drinks then come back. we said we didn't want the carvery as they advertise a full menu on a sunday. He abruptly handed us one menu to share and walked off. We then had to go to the bar and ask for a children's menu. We got the impression we weren't really welcome as we didn't want the carvery. We chose meals and drinks and went to the bar and gave and paid for our order. When we asked for a high chair we were told they were all taken (no more than ten minutes after opening and they were allocated on a first come basis) but we could have some cushions for the two year old to sit on. Hardly satisfactory or safe.they said we should have booked a high chair when we booked the table. My wife says I did they say I didn't but it should be obvious to anyone that a two year old needs a high chair and how could I have booked one if they are handed on a first come first served basis. Also if they ran out of high chairs in ten minutes how many do they have? They then suggested that by the time our food was ready a chair might become available they had only been open for ten minutes so not likely anyone would finish in the next ten minutes and then no guarantee of a high chair. They made every possible excuse to get us to stay but having already spoilt my daughter in law's birthday staying would only have made it worse. Their only saving grace was that they didn't argue much about giving us a full refund including the drinks which were still on the bar untouched. I would have given them no stars if that was an option on your site. We went at very short notice to another establishment s few miles further up the A68 which couldn't have further removed from our experience at fir tree being warm welcoming and making us feel at home.

I’ve visited here twice once for Christmas breakfast with Santa and for lunch both time I found the staff helpful and the food delicious. I took the children to see Santa here my eldest 12 is in a wheelchair and the were really helpful making sure we had a suitable table they and made us feel very relaxed

Arrived as a large group and had not booked so we all appreciated it may not be possible to seat us all for food. We was met by a very unfriendly man who made us feel most unwelcome. People in our group was left standing whilst there were only 4 other people on the resteraunt. But was told they would have to wait to order food. The food was ok. But waited a while and some of the order was incorrect. The sauce for the steak never arrived until we asked twice. I would not recommend. Not sure if it was a waiter barman or owner. But you really need to be a little more friendly to the people paying your wages. Myself and 12 friends/family will not be returning .

the place was very busy and the staff were flat out but that didnt stop them being friendly and helpful when we just called in. The food was lovely and the beer was 1st class.