Smokehouse Railway Street in County Durham

This place hits all the boxes !

Brisket was dry this was the real let down, pulled chicken ok nothing to shout about didn't think much of the beans either.. i Remember going years ago was definitely better then.

Exceptional food, been traveling round Britain for work for ever and this is the best restaurant / takeout I’ve eaten in at this price. You won’t find a better chip in Britain

Only gave it one star because google maps says it is open on a Saturday at 5pm but we got there and it was closed. Shame, it looks good.

Go and put this food in your face you won't be disappointed.

Unbelievable food, absolutely off the chain. Chips were unbelievably good, like holy shit. I'd prefer a load more Coleslaw like, don't be stingy with that. I mean I'm eating pretty much 90% meat, try and help me with my 5 a day.

It's been "very lovely" every time we've eaten here. Everything we order goes well with each other element/ sauce into one giant taste explosion.. 💥 Occasional feelings of guilt for all the dead animals and that (🐖🐔🐮) but it's worth it anyway because it's so damn good 👍

Food is amazing!! Just feel slightly too expensive, service a little slow

Had a 4 meat platter between 2, while the kids had burgers or loaded fries - one of them was made bespoke off-menu to appease an indecisive 9yo! Food was very tasty, and had enough to bring two portions of lunch home for the next day

Excellent service, great food and good vibe, will definitely be returning!

Disappointing. Tried everything and found everything bone dry. Burnt ends - dry. Chicken - very small pieces and dry. Brisket an unpleasant grey colour, very thin slices and yes, dry. Wings so overcooked they felt hard, and dry. Barely any smoke flavour present. Did enjoy the flavour of the chips. Not sure if the kitchen was having a bad day; tried enough of the menu to say it's unlikely I would go back and certainly can't recommend. Such a shame as had high hopes.

Got a platter to share and the meat was cooked perfectly. So full of flavour and a great hidden gem!

Fancied BBQ food during nice weather, but couldn't be bothered to buy everything for it so went here - first time. Food ready on time, slight issue with what was in the box however rectified straight away with apologies and some more. Stunning food and gravy. Couldn't fault.

Wish we had a place like this in Darlington. Tasty food good size portions and a fair price. Even the beer was good. If your in the area your missing out if you not dined here yet. Eat in or takeaway. Recommend the pulled pork with the beans and chips.

Shared a platter of 6 meats with chips and some gravy and sides. One of the nicest meals I've ever had meat is so tasty and the gravy is delicious. I could eat this everyday. Dream food.

What a great place, food fantastic, excellent service, we had some gluten free and dairy free requirements, wasn't a problem for the knowledgeable staff members, I would highly recommend.

Fab food and portions, will def be back!

Food was unbelievably good. The sticky pork belly and pit beans are the best - in my opinion! Lovely staff, great atmosphere. Will be going back 100%

Went here on Saturday night for food and it was lovely. The food is nice and very good value for money.

Highly recommend. Ate here yesterday and the food was delicious and service great. I’m from the US and a regular smoker of meats. I can vouch for the authenticity. Also, and a very welcome surprise, they roast their own coffee. Made for an amazing espresso that helped me out of the food coma I put myself in. I haven’t found better BBQ in the North East. Well done to you all!

Fantastic dinner here, beautiful meats, tasty chips, lovely beer, great service and atmosphere. Thanks 👍

Been here a few times now and I've loved Everytime, including tonight, however, there were a few things that just weren't how they normally are but A LOT that was the usual delicious meaty goodness. The ribs were unreal, the burnt ends, belly pork bites and pulled pork were delicious but the brisket seemed dry? like it had been warmed on a grill/hot plate? It normally has a lovely red smoke ring too which was missing tonight, maybe it was just our portion? I'm not sure but like I say it isn't normally like this so could have just been a one off? The taco special was very nice too and although I don't like beef dripping chips my partner said they were delicious.(I ordered onion rings for this reason but please that isn't a negative, I just don't like dripping but my partner said they were the usual lovely crispy chips)The onion rings were amazing as normal but my biggest downfall was the pit beans. They're normally a lovely BBQ meaty feast but tonight they were different and tasted a lot like mustard? Great if you love mustard I guess but I could have cried into mine haha. I was devastated hahaha (I love those beans). The staff are amazing and it's such a lovely chill atmosphere. We will defo be back and I'm hoping the beans are back to their original BBQ meaty goodness.

Finally got to try this place after a bit of confusion regarding the opening times.. Food was excellent; highlights include the frickles, onion rings, wings, pork belly, corn, slaw, ribs and burnt ends. The lass serving is was lovely. One of the best BBQ joints in the UK of the several I have visited (see my other reviews). Will return soon.

A quick visit on the way to the Caps Off beer festival today. Awesome loaded fries with some great craft cask. Nice chilled atmosphere with friendly staff. Looking forward to another visit soon. 5 Stars.

Excellent food and really nice vibe. The platters are amazing and a good selection of drinks as well.

What's the point in advertising your opening times on Google and outside of the door when you aren't open on time. That's the second time I've been down now! Called up later on to check if it was open. Lady said yes, but they were full and didn't do takeout. Typical! I was really looking forward to coming here before I go back to Australia. Very disappointing.

Travelled 40 minutes to try this place. Arrived at 1pm on Saturday but it was closed (Google says it opens at 1) the opening times outside on the chalk board say it opens a 12. Checked their website and it says it opens at 2! Waited till 2pm (no problem, I've heard it is worth the wait) but it still does not open. Nothing in their website or in the opening times board outside to say why. It might have closed down, if not they need to sort their opening times and communication out. Wasted 3 hours of my day and was so looking forward to it.

A little gem of a place. Food is delicious, very friendly and great atmosphere.

Really enjoyed the food. We had a platter to share. Pulled pork was tasty, as was the brisket. Burnt ends slightly tougher than expected and not so crispy. Everything was tasty though and cannot wait to go back.

Absolutely beautiful. The burgers were flame grilled to perfection and the fries were to die for. I love it here . It was so nice to see every table had people on and there were also take away orders coming through so we are not the only ones.

Really tasty take out. All the meats were nice lean tender cuts. Only problem is choosing what to have as it's all good! 👍👍👍

A must for anyone in the area to try. Wish they opened more and had more availability on items. That's all what I'm left hungry for

This smokehouse is a true hidden gem. Within its quirky exterior which I loved, is a warm welcome, warm atmosphere and delicious food, served with personal attention to our comfort and enjoyment of our meal. The railroad theme with a British twist added to the wonderful atmosphere. My colleagues and I enjoyed our meal immensely and took with us what we couldn't finish in take away boxes. Next time I'm in the area I intend to be back. Highly recommended.

Such a fantastic place! Staff is wonderful and food super delicious!!! Definitely recommend!

Visited the Smokehouse and the service was impeccable. Very accommodating with my food intolerance which I would have given 5 stars for alone. Food was just as good and did not dissapoint. Shame I do not live closer or I would be a regular!

Wow! Because of the reviews we had pretty high hopes, not always a great thing to have... but everything was perfect! From the quirky decor, tables and serving 'pans', right down to the lovely food. Slightly disappointing the ribs had sold out, but they properly smoke everything before hand of course so can only be first coe first served. One of the best smoke/BBQ places I've eaten in, this side of the Atlantic! :-)

Always good food and friendly service, is a cosy venu and dog friendly

We visited this smokehouse due to the reviews whilst in the area on holiday, and were not disappointed! There are only 4 tables, so we booked via their Facebook page, and the staff were very friendly and welcoming. We had the biggest platter on the menu so we could sample as much as possible, and everything was absolutely gorgeous. We felt it was excellent value for money and really good quality. The platter was huge so we couldn’t finish it all, but they gave us boxes to bring the rest home and it’s all finished now. Special little family run place that is definitely worth a visit. It’s quirky, different, independent and fantastic quality. We managed to park right outside too.

Excellent value tasty food... friendly staff and pleasant surroundings. Will defo return.

Very very tasty selection of cooked meat ... scrummy selection of lots of different delicious smoked pork, beef and spicey ribs... served with chips and onion rings but the side dish choice was quite extensive.. cant wait to try try the burgers and loaded fries... cant wait to return. Nice surroundings lovely friendly staff, decent beer. Excellent value for money.

A true carnivores delight.! Everything on the menu is very well cooked and seasoned. Loaded cheese n bacon fries go down well with Brisket burnt ends, pulled pork or burger! My son had chicken wings and compared them with the best he'd had. Service can be a little slow at times due to popular takeaways, and surroundings may not suit all, we think it lends to the overall look of the place, but no matter, just wait and you will be rewarded! The IPA is an excellent libation too. Are the burgers as good as Caps off.......?.... You decide..... You will not be dissappointed. 👍 All meats are locally sourced too. 👍👍

Excellent burgers, chips and smoked meat.

Had the take away many times but it's just not the same as eating in fresh off the trays it just doesn't travel well it gets amalgamated and soft by the time your home but it still tastes fab just looks flat Presentation is far better and you are able to see what your eating Meat is cooked slow and dining in service is slow but worth the wait It's a busy place Once it's gone it's sold out

Only 4 tables so booking recommended. Located off Newgate St down an industrial road, opposite the Hippodrome Bingo. Don't be put off by the location or the "shack"-like building - it's full of historical memorabilia from Shildon Shop & is very clean inside. Came here for an early dinner before going to the Kynren, & would visit again. 4.5 stars, only drops a half for price, but everywhere's expensive these days. Give it a try!

Words can't explain how good this place is

The food was really tasty - we had a sharing platter, which offered a range of choices. The belly pork pieces were divine. The smoked sausage was tasty (shame you only get one!). There were sides too, so the whole thing was a really good meal. And you get a takeaway box if you want any leftovers later on! The service was excellent - the lady (owner I think) was really pleasant and helpful. The restaurant is a relaxed environment, pretty small with bench seating, and has lots of quirky steam railway memorabilia around the walls. Overall a fun place to eat - especially for meat-lovers!

What's not to like? Friendly, helpful staff, great food, lovely cider - good to have a choice, same goes for beers. Give it a go - it's not a posh place if that's what you're looking for but it's cosy and tasteful.

We went with our kids (7 and 9). It is small but quirky inside. Loved that it was laid back. No kids menu but sharing platter was even better as it made them try so much they haven't before!!!! My girls walked out now loving chicken wings, burnt ends, real onion rings and frickles. All the food was hot, delicious and sticky. Couldnt pick a favourite out of brisket, belly or burnt ends. Can't wait to come back to try others on menu. Lady serving was also very helpful and friendly to us first timers here. Would highly recommend and will definitely come again next time we are in the area.

Delicious true BBQ - a rarity and worth traveling for! Found this quirky, local gem while visiting the area. Warm welcome, well-considered menu and tasty offerings. So good to see the next generation of the family in the kitchen - and when they served, they did so with grace. Shame we don't have something like this near to where we live!

Absolutely love it here. Fantastic food and very helpful and friendly staff.

Chicken wings were drastically overcooked and dried out, onion rings were 99% batter and very greasy. Loaded fries were nice though

We have just moved to bishop auckland from Oxford and my gosh did we get a 10 out of 10 experience, the service was second to none, the food and the plates were huge, well worth every penny, definitely a best pick for a first night out in Bishop Auckland We absolutely loved that how family run it is, and that the owners son ran that kitchen and were still doing collage and uni, and the owners work there business around there children's education, shows a lot about a business and family, Again great food, beautiful little quirky restaurant and not massive so not loads of noice of hearing peoples voices (maybe just ours because we are loud lol)

We live in Bishop Auckland and didn’t realise this place existed. A small quirky place to eat but very friendly, very nice and different. A lovely local business with good food. Would highly recommend.

What a discovery !! Great atmosphere and fab food .A great family ran eating house I can highly recommend to food lovers meat and veggie options. We will return.

What a amazing secret spot. Warm welcome. An exceptional selection of low slow smoked meats and the sides were amazing. They have local craft beers and a great selection of gins. Blown away... Great work guys.

Amazing food no doubt about that however visited on a Saturday night (eat in and the only couple in) and had to wait just over an hour for food. Staff did apologise and said unexpectedly had large orders coming in via the phone for pick up and gave us a few chicken wings after 45 minutes however they were very dry and couldn’t eat them. Young lady who took order was on training , she did very well however might be worth familiarising herself with the alcoholic drinks available as was told no disarrano available however was clearly visible on shelf. It was frustrating to see the young men who were cooking on their phones constantly in full view of where we was sitting. Seats could do with some extra padding as they were very uncomfortable. I’d definitely eat here again but it seems takeaway orders are prioritised over eat ins. Food is incredible and priced competitively.

As you can see the chicken was not cooked pink as you can see in photo And was recommended by them to order this and was full of grease As you can see I didn’t eat any of it Also the rib of racks I’ve tasted better at Aldi If your going to sell food do the job right or quit The burger was the worst I’ve ever tasted better of going mc Donald if you coming here And the chips awful All you see in the pics went in the bin

Hidden gem fab food good service

Food brilliant 👏5Star will done Smokehouse we will be returning

Delicious food and atmosphere. Never fails to impress

This is our first time in the smokehouse, why oh why have we not visited sooner? My good lady had the pulled pork and I had the brisket fantastically seasoned superb thank you for a delicious meal just the ticket after a long day at work 🤓👍

Very welcoming, food was exceptional, I'm definitely going back.

WOW, we have been looking forward to trying the smokehouse for quite some time, today we ordered the 5 meat 3 side platter for collection, the staff were very friendly and the order was ready for collection on time. unfortunately when we got home we realised that a rack of ribs was missing, we contacted the smokehouse and they promptly came and delivered them to us.. you can't ask for better than that!! The food was all amazing...pulled pork, brisket, belly pork, brisket ends and ribs were succulent, tasty and good size portions, the chips and onions rings were fabulous and OMG the brownies and blondies are out of this world. can't wait to order again, thank you Smokehouse.

Top notch scran. Sound staff and service. Brilliant prices and great size portions. Would definitely recommend to anyone.

Brilliant as always. £5 lunch special is excellent value and still really good portion size.

Wow, fab food, fab friendly service. Great decor, all I can say people you gotta eat here. we will definitely return.Thankyou for a great experience.

The food is soooo good. Makes you eat more than is comfortable because its tasty even though you can take left overs home! The lady serving us was lovely and friendly too. Highly recommended a visit or take away!

It starts with smell WOW It’s a hidden gem in the middle of an industrial area it’s small but packs a punch The food tasted as it smelt amazing Highly recommend but book if you want to sit in

Absolutley gorgeous food. Would highly reccommend staff were amazing too what a great little place . We loved it and those chips and food just perfect

Fabulous food, service and atmosphere. We can't wait to go back.

Great food, friendly service, highly recommend

Delicious! We will definitely be ordering again.

Such a great place to visit for meat lovers! We shared a platter and the smoked meats were exceptional! Tried all the sauces too which go great with everything. Only a few tables inside so make sure you book but it adds to the friendly atmosphere!

Easy to order and collect, friendly staff and amazing food.

Spot on. Burger was particularly special.

Very tasty burgers, amazing chips.

Great place to eat if you love your meats. Our go to for great quality takeaway can't wait till we can eat in again.

We had the Chicken BLT and the Americano beef burger with a side of onion rings & coleslaw. All the food was delicious with the home made coleslaw my partners favourite 😋 I've visited 3 times now over the last couple of years and every time say to myself we need to come more often. 100 % top quality food and service so highly recommended 👌

Staff were great, especially Luke, charming young fellow with the biceps to hold a thousand plates

Unique food served up by a local family business, really enjoyed my Turkey lunch today, the roasted sprouts, buffalo cauliflower & the house mate pigs in blankets, Yes!! That handmade gravy was divine, thanks guys

Writing this as I’ve just finished eating it was that good...Came for a BBQ Version of a Sunday lunch. Amazing lamb, in a huge Yorkshire pudding wrap with awesome sides, great crackling...A complete surprise hideaway place that’s quirky, super friendly lads serving.A shame we live so far away as I’d have been back on a “normal” day for the rest of the menu.Cheers lads.

After reading the reviews my husband and I had to find this hidden gem and give it a try. We were not disappointed Ruth and the lads serve amazing food we loved the rustic decor and serving style. We can’t wait to go back Thank you for a fantastic night

Gorgeous food, super friendly staff and a great atmosphere. Went here having seen other reviews and we were not disappointed, Definitely lived up to previous reviews. Had a platter to share and my daughter had a burger. All delicious flavours. We are 6 hours from home so won’t be regulars but if we lived locally we would definitely be back here very soon!

Been a number of times. The tender meat can’t be beaten. Great chips and even the extras are amazing. The smoked garlic mayo is a garlic fans dream, even things like the Parmesan green beans stand out. Its a quirky setting, in a backstreet, with old railway carriage seats but its their style and it works

Excellent food - burgers are immense Lovely smoked meats - big portions and lovely sides - nacho cheese was fab If you live near Bishop you need to eat here !!!!! Proper American BBQ

We went in for the third time yesterday and took advantage of the eat out scheme and got a fantastic 3 course meal and soft drink (you can buy alcohol) for £10. All of the food was delicious and the service was second to none. The restaurant has a lovely relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The brownies that we took home to eat as we were so full from the first 2 courses were the best we have ever eaten. This is a must eat out place in Bishop Auckland. We will definitely be returning soon.

We've order a few times for take out and tonight was the first time sitting in and as always the food was outstanding and fantastic service. Can't fault them at all would highly recommend.

A very quirky little place. Very attentive staff (many of them surprisingly young - well done lads!) and excellent rustic food! Delicious! The railway carriage theme was excellent.

This place is the best food I've eaten in a long time, it's so good!!!! Definitly the best smoked BBQ style food I've ever had. I took advantage of the deal with the gov scheme so I got all this for £10... Starter, main, 2 sides, dessert and soft drink! I had the burnt ends as a starter and boy where they good. Massive portion too. My partner has the belly pork which was also cooked to perfection. For main I had ribs which were very tasty with twice cooked chips (amazing again, proper good chips) and tasty corn on the cob. Mmm. I was so greedy I got a dessert too which was a blondie with ice cream! All the food was delicious and I couldn't fault it. The service was fantastic and they have a very friendly team. I can highly recommend this place and will definitely be making return visits. Seriously go get some food!

Food has always been amazing and staff is super friendly! Love the quirky little place; only wish I lived a tad closer. I’m sure It would be something I’d have daily if only delivery was available haha 10/10 - always

First time at this place last night and all I can say is wow. The food was amazing. I ain’t a big meat eater but I tucked into everything. The gin was good too. Great decor and friendly staff, thanks for a great meal.

Great menu. Fantastic range of beautifully smoked meats. My new favourite place!

Perfect food and perfect service 5 stars

Popped in while shopping down Bishop Auckland. Had a chicken burger which was absolutely fantastic. This place serves alcohol too so had a beer moretti which was great to wash the food down with. Good selection of smoked meats and plenty of different drinks choices. Relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff. Would recommend if you fancy a sit down lunch.

I've walked past this many times, always wanting to try it and other day, I actually did. It seems to be first come, first serve so if you've come at the end of the day, you might not get what you originally wanted (but they do give you a good alternative!).I had a chicken burger wrapped in bacon with cheese in a burger bun and chips with potato salad. It was amazing and for the long wait, they even offered us drinks on the house. Excellent staff and food, the only criticism would be the price (there was a burger for £15 and I'm not quite sure it was worth that much!).Regardless, it should be given a try at least once.

Had a great meal here, staff lovely and friendly.

It was really cold inside needed a coat on wish I had took mine the meal was nice would not go back but would think about a take away

Called in both the Art Bunker and Smokehouse over food festival weekend, great pint of Bombardier hand pull and those wood fired pizzas are well tasty, got to try the Buffalo Cauliflower as well which is a complete twist on normal offerings in Bishop, well done guys we will be back

I'd been recommended this eatery and definitely wasn't disappointed when I finally got to try it. The meat here is perhaps the best I've ever had and it beggars belief how they manage to make the chips so delightful. The staff are extremely courteous and helpful. All this along with very reasonable prices make this spot an absolute must. Can't wait to return.

Food was stunning well cooked and the staff was amazing too so kind will be going again x