Jolly Drovers in County Durham

On Saturday I was working- I’d travelled from St Helens, the food was amazing and all the Ladies were so welcoming and friendly, if I visited again I’d definitely be going back Thank You Ladies for allowing me to sit inside for 3hours you are all beautiful Sharon Riley xxx

Generous portions of really tasty food. Excellent value and service

Meatball parmo was delicious Dad had a carvey as always great food Friendly staff Quick service

Beautiful food, friendly and attentive staff, service was amazing nothing was any trouble

We visited for a family dinner. The food was better than our previous visit, but there’s still room for improvement.

Parmo chicken was stringy and soggy. mayo dip had skin on as if it had been standing all day Fish the batter was soggy chips awful and inedible. First and last time dining here

Good food low price. Carvery was lovely

Fab place food excellent service fab

Always a warm welcome, excellent service and fabulous food. Great value for money with very generous portions.

Food was amazing baron of beef was totally out of world chicken and black pudding fabulous chicken paramo great very filling chips fluffy inside crispy outside beautiful all veg fresh can't fault at all staff helpful and nothing to much trouble x looking forward to Sunday carvery x

Food was amazing, shame about the wait. I'd rang to book as we were a big group but despite our booking we had to wait over 20 mins to be seated. Service was ok but can't fault the food as it was great.

Never visited here before as I live in West Yorkshire but my family live in Durham Fabulous food Lovely staff which engaged with us a lot Large portions and beautiful carvery …one of the best Parmo’s I’ve had All in all a wonderful experience

Just had the most delicious meal here, and they had a gluten free menu and a dairy free menu, both were extensive. For the Carvery my Coeliac daughter was given information on which items were gluten free and given her own little gravy pots. 10 out of 10 for making her feel welcomed. Great to see knowledgeable staff!

We regularly eat here. I came with my mam today. It gets super busy on a Sunday lunchtime and we were (rather embarrassingly) first through the door today! We both had the carvery and it was fabulous as usual. Fresh, high quality and a huge selection. We were having a chat today and we both said that we’d never had a bad meal at the Jolly Drovers. However, a special mention also has to go to the team. You really feel like they want you to have the best experience. See you soon!

Very busy but service was spot on and the place was spotless. Would recommend to everyone tbh as its a lovely place

Back again at my favourite restaurant, and as always, it did not disappoint! Having already worked our way through the classics—fish and chips, pie and chips, and more—it was time to dive into the world of parmos. I opted for the Italian meatball parm, while my husband went for the spicy chicken parm. Both arrived with a fresh salad, creamy coleslaw, indulgent mayo, and—without exaggeration—the best chips on the planet. No other place even comes close! They’re golden, crispy perfection. Portions here are absolutely huge, so you’ll never leave hungry. The service? Second to none. I watched as a nearby table mentioned they weren’t keen on something, and the staff immediately reassured them it could be changed—nothing is ever too much trouble. What’s even more impressive is that whether the owners are present or not, the service remains impeccable. The staff are consistently warm, friendly, and attentive, which speaks volumes about their training. Even the new starters treat customers like regulars! In the end, the portions were so generous that even Les was defeated—a rare sight indeed! The Jolly Drovers continues to set the bar high for both quality and service.

It was a Sunday so very busy, I recommend booking. Food came out hot and plentiful. Starve yourself before you go! Menu offer suited all tastes.

Absolutely fantastic quick service by very friendly staff. Food was very good. Definitely call again.

Good food and service, also busy

Party of 6 and I have to say both service and food was 2nd to none. Delicious food and plentiful. Very friendly staff, couldn't do enough for us, well done 👏👏

First time here but recommended by family moving into the area, food amazing! Staff are friendly, my only niggle is constantly asking you if you want more drinks so felt very rushed, I know it's a business and it's lovely too see it busy, but give people time to relax.

First time here with my Dad. Great food and friendly staff.

Excellent service tonight. Didn't have a table booked but within a short amount of time, they had us seated. The meatball parmo and carvery were lovely tonight and couldn't fault it. And the new selection of deserts were fantastic.

Beautiful food and the staff and management are wonderful!

Food was very good, had the gammon that was on the specials menu, great price as well. Only problem was the peas, too soft, over cooked, bit mushy, not to my liking. Gave two stars, not because of the food, but for the car park being very dangerous, especially for the elderly.

Excellent food and service as normal. Really good prices.

It's a real shame we have enjoyed coming here for a good few years. However on our recent experience I will not be returning we had booked a table However the wait time was 30-40 mins after we had booked our table. It seems to be over booked.I would rather pay the extra to have a less rushed experience it doesn't help when you have children with autism in the group as well.

Went for santa breakfast on the 22nd was excellent value, food was excellent, staff very friendly.

Had a table booked for 2:30, arrived at 2:20 to absolute chaos at the entrance. Stood in a queue that spanned from the entrance to the other side of the building to wait for our booking (some people had been waiting 45 minutes). Ended up cancelling our booking - a huge shame as this was meant to be our family Christmas Dinner. They have obviously taken too many bookings out of greed!

I'd give it zero if I could. Absolutely shocking and a disgrace!!! I booked the Jolly Drovers at the beginning of November for the Christmas fayre for 7 of us for today at 2.30. It was the only opportunity for me to have Christmas dinner as I'm working Christmas day and I wanted to meet up with our family and have a festive meal together. I rang up earlier to change the numbers to six, not once was it mentioned that we'd have a wait. We arrived at 2.15, the queue for tables was right to the back of the pub, my elderly mam who can hardly walk had to have a seat at the bar at the end of the queue. The whole thing was a complete shambles. We waited 15 minutes then my son in law went to find out what was going on. He discovered the people near the front of the queue had tables booked for 2 pm and they'd probably have to wait another hour. We had no chance, I wasn't prepared for us and my vulnerable mam to wait maybe 2 hours for a table that I'd booked for 2.30. I felt for the poor waitresses. It's completely spoiled our day. We won't be able to book anywhere else at short notice. Disgusted- we won't be back!!!

Brilliant array of vegetables on the carvery - trouble was they were so very hard, almost inedible.

Absolute shambles of service. Saturday the 21st of December, 6:30 booking. They have taken far too many bookings. Shameful cash grab. Standing crammed in the entrance. One of our party was overwhelmed and had to leave.

Very busy but expected on Saturday night in December. Large menu as well as carvery. Large portions, very reasonable price.

veg was not cooked enough asked for turkey and beef got only turkey didn't realise until half way through pushing rock hard veg to one side

Great food and friendly service

absolutely disgusting food was cold and everyone was complaining about the food

Been coming weekly for the last couple of months never had an issue with anything food always lovely staff very friendly nothing is to much trouble and it looks amazing with all the Christmas decorations up. Got the new Christmas menu this week 3 course I took my dessert home as was stuffed after my amazing carvery

At the Jolly Drovers, where the food’s a dream, The carvery’s beef was like a savory scream! Tender and juicy, I couldn’t believe, It outdid my expectations—wow, I was deceived! The coffee was perfect, bold with flair, And the café latte ice cream—well, I don’t share! A meal so good, it made my day, The Jolly Drovers is where I’ll stay!

The place has a great friendly atmosphere and the staff are really attentive and friendly and always on there feet the food is gorgeous hot tastey and you get a fair amount of it I would recommend it to anyone

Have not been the for a while ... chicken parmo was lovely

Fantastic food and lovely people

Freshest carvery I've had. First one I've really enjoyed. Went with clients from Age UK. Everyone was pleased.

Amazing carvery, would definitely recommend

Loved it. Warm and welcoming atmosphere. Lovely staff. Great food. Beautiful carvery. Reasonable prices. Plenty seating. Reasonable waiting times. Try it, you won't be disappointed.

I used to love this place, but it's gone right down hill over the past few years, the prices have gone up but the food quality has declined. Service is very hit & miss, sometimes they're attentive, sometimes you can't catch anyone's attention to get you another drink. The worst service we had was when it was pretty much empty, i think there was two other tables In, food was cold, no waitresses around. This place has seen iys day, won't be going back.

First time i was here today with my Mother-in-law and my 6month old puppy. We were placed on a table next to the entrance which had a hugh impact on my puppy, by people fussing over her. Apparently this was the only table available for us! Also I felt so claustrophobic, as there was numerous of people quiewing behind me, talking & coughing behind me for a table for quite a long time. I did not enjoy my meal at all. I will be lucky if I attend again!!!

Food and service was excellent. Will definitely be returning. 😋👌💛

My favourite place for Sunday dinner everything is just amazing, meat is very good quality. Good value for money too, also do normal menu on Sundays as well as carvery, definitely can not beat the carvery though!! Good range of drinks and dessert and cakes in the cake fridge... 100/10

Always a great Sunday lunch. Lovely staff too

Booked a table for a small birthday meal, 4 of us. Very good meal. Lots of choice, one person used rhe gluten free menu and commented about how good the options were. Would recommend a visit but you should book a table.

Great good well worth the money

The meal choice is good wholesome food. My choice was the steak pie and real enjoyable meal. No room for a pudding.

Food was lovely. Piping hot and so reasonably priced. Definitely worth a visit.

Vile! Everything is processed, nothing fresh at all. The food was cold when they asked if the food was ok I said no and it fell on deaf ears apparently. This is after I had to send food back as it came wrong in the first place. I hope the owner/manager sees this as they should be embarrassed serving such a disgusting plate of luke warm processed crap. Not to mention the collection of dirty glasses stacked at the end of the bar just sitting for guests to observe whilst not enjoying their meals. Just scruffy in my opinion. I'll not be back and I'll be warning others off too!

Went today for lunch, staff were lovely, helpful and friendly, constantly observing customers but not hassling all the time. Food was beautiful... Good size portions and great for the price. Waiting staff constantly on the go, either serving food and drinks, cleaning tables or keeping ontop of housekeeping in general. Lovely atmosphere, light music in background but not too much. Overall, it was brilliant!!

A really lovely meal tonight. It was very busy but we were quickly found a table and the service was excellent, all the staff are lovely. Our meal was piping hot and very tasty. We particularly liked that our dishes were served with nicely cooked vegetables. We ordered Belly Pork and Salmon

Beautiful food but could of had pork meat on yorkshire passing huge cauliflower cheese to die for

Bar itself was messy and covered in old drink. Food was okay, but bar had a weird smell.

I've been here a couple of times now when visiting up North and I can't fault it! Welcoming, helpful and friendly staff every time. Will definitely be visiting again.

Go regularly with family great food, service and atmosphere. Book in advance as always busy.

Sunday roast delicious as usual

Thanks to wiss and all the staff you go above and beyond to make my day can't thank you enough meal and service top class pleased to be one of your locals and appreciate all you do for us

Met up with mates here for a lunchtime catch up and was met by a waitress apologising for the wait but she said it's Pensioner Bingo on a Wednesday. She even invited us to join in! The place was packed out with pensioners, all waiting for a game of Housie. In spite of all that, the service was excellent, the food very nice and the staff were lovely. We didn't stick around for the bingo. There was a queue of ladies with their dabbers waiting for our seats but this is a valued community event which draws in people to enjoy an afternoon out, so well done to the managers for organising it.

Very nice place and a good menu and atmosphere good outside area Carvery was really nice 👌

Great food nice seating area outside seemed popular and friendly

Carvery is lovely plenty of choice fresh vegetables. Selection of meats. Normal menu plenty of choice

£18 for sirloin steak it was disgusting

Read the reviews and they weren’t wrong. Best meal I’ve had in a long time. Good atmosphere friendly efficient staff and outstanding value The carvery was to die for. Even at my age I’ve never had a carvery What a place to start it’ll take some beating I’m sure Top marks to all Just mind the step into the gents. Nearly broke my ankle ! could blame old age. Only saw the sign on my way out lol 😜

Lovely hot food from the carvery

If I could leave a zero star I would, Little woman with grey hair and glasses who served was nothing but rude snapped at us stating that carvery was off…fair enough. I ordered orange juice which came warm as if it had been out of the fridge for ages, when I asked for a fresh one it was the same. Food was cold after waiting 1.5hours. Not worth going.

Went for the takeout Sunday lunch was absolutely delicious the meat was melt in your mouth everything was top notch

Superb sunday carvery @ a fantastic price. Would recommend booking a table as it was absolutely ram packed

Always a good place to stop for a mid bike ride meal and drink, nice outside seating area and friendly helpful staff. Highly recommend the chicken and potato skins !

Very busy for a Wednesday which is good food good and service fantastic been here a few times never disappointed on a evening or lunch xxx

637129 Lovely food as always, excellent service Our Sunday carvery’s had great choice of meat and veg very fresh High chair available and clean Will definitely go back again

Brilliant pub and very attentive staff, over hearing them taking care of the older generation making sure they can manage the steps and there roast dinners, great Job!! I had beef parmo and my cousin had fajitas and both thoroughly enjoyed it ,serve time was quick to! Will defo be back ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Went up on an extremely busy night. Staff worked hard , food didn't take too long and was piping hot. Baron of beef and the spicy chicken parmo we had. Very nice and very tasty. Well worth a visit. Very reasonable prices.

Fantastic selection of food and children menu friendly helpful staff and competitive prices. Outside seating area Dogs allowed. Definitely will be back.

Had a great meal here. A couple of us had the carvery which they really enjoyed, (no parsnips which one of our party loves) everything else was lovely. The rest of us had pizzas which were very nice but we could only eat half, so took rest home for brekkie! Great service here too😊 Well worth a visit.

Love this place! Just a random find when looking for a place to eat while on holiday. The service was great, the food was delicious (can highly recommend the chicken parmo) and generous portions too, you definitely get your moneys worth. There was also plenty to chose from on the menu. We would definitely go back if we are in the area.

I visit here on a regular basis the food is always very good. Tried the new pizza menu and was not disappointed 10 out of 10. Always made to feel welcome by the friendly staff

Right here goes Jolly Drovers Booked the jolly Drovers for my sons 18th birthday 4months table was for 16 adults & 2 children,pre-ordered food in advance so it would be easier(So i thought ):boy was i wrong ....,when we got there we were put on 2 separate tables which had my back up immediately as you all know me and Billy are divorced and it looked like Billy's family on 1 table and us on another which I absolutely hated, then my granddaughter who is 13 couldn't get up the steps as she's in a wheelchair chair which I told them when i booked 🤬so she crawled up the steps which made all her dignity go out the window as the place was packed in fact too packed & she had to be carried back down the steps , we waited over an hour for pre-ordered food my granddaughters and friends food didn't come out till we were nearly all finished ours 🤬 then to top it off my Niece pre-ordered tofo fajitas which came out as a bowl of stir fried vegetables and had no tofo on it at all ...when she questioned this they said they had ran out of tofo ...but didn't think to tell her just served a dish of veg 🤬 not sure how you can run out of something that was pre-ordered like but to serve a dish of stir fry without saying anything to her left me speechless....The so called CHEF 👨‍🍳 must have been pissed or on something that night...the whole lot was an absolute disgrace from start to finish.....my sons 18th special birthday meal was absolutely ruined & will never ever be back 🤬🤬🤬

Portion sizes are massive I made the mistake of getting a starter and couldn't finish my main so had to box it up to take away food was great and the prices are not expensive at all

Wonderful menu, excellent food at affordable prices. Totally recommend

Food was great, piping hot, & a good selection on the Sunday Carvery. Pork & beef was excellent. It was a busy time of the day so noise levels were high which is to be expected: I prefer a quieter atmosphere.

Beautiful fresh food served daily. Good menu selection and great service.

Great food, service and atmosphere. Very impressive 👏

Wiz the “manager” is a bully, he is aggressive towards young girls who work there being intimidating, abusive and rude. I approached him (recorded the full conversation) he laughed in my face and became very aggressive and cocky thinking it was funny to cancel a shift 15 minutes before the shift started, despite it take 45 minutes on public transport to get to their. He found this hilarious, his manner is disgusting and I feel this needs to be addressed immediately.

Been quite a few times. Always excellent food, friendly staff. Would recommend

Absolutely fantastic food and really friendly staff

The meal was disgusting it was cold ,this was a birthday treat for my husbands birthday will not be going back ina hurry

Friendly staff, Efficient service and lovely Carvery. Good selection of vegetables. Yorkshire puddings were great and meat was perfectly cooked with beautiful gravy.

Food was lovely as always and the staff are friendly and helpful

The best Carvery I've ever had, staff lovely and wasn't too busy when we were there. Dog friendly too.

Honestly the jollies have gone down hill over the last couple of years. The food was just okay.... The veg was hard and way under cooked the beef was the only good thing on the plate. The service was terrible we had to physically ask someone to take even our drinks order after they'd sat another table down and took their order first who came in after us then just went to walk straight past. It's not somewhere I'd recommend anymore.

Had steak pie and wash and my dad had the steak, food was 10/10 unbelievable! Highly recommend!

Car parking is abysmal with one entry and silly people blocking the entrance ... wont be back and seen about 10 cars do the same and drive off. Shocking parking options with dumb customers parking and blocking entrance lol

I had the Asian salmon with noodles and vegetables. Will be back.

You can book or walk in. Small car park. Toilets clean. The service is quick. Dinner was nice, but vegetables were a bit hard. The drink ordered was wrong and asked for NO ice cubes every time they still put them in. Plus, staff came to the table about 7 times and asked if we needed anything. Then, while eating, staff started to move about 5 or 6 tables and chairs for a booking coming in. People standing over us. Very uncomfortable and stressed. We were a head and bottom on seats count. Put more notices up, please, about children running around someone is going to get hurt.

The food, service and atmosphere is excellent. Food is always cooked to perfection and doesn't take forever to come out. Food and drinks are a little more expensive than other places, but you pay for what you get.