The Avenue in County Durham - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

Didn't eat. Nice atmospheric pub with excellent and friendly service. Good outdoor seated areas and a good reputation for food.

We have just come back from a weekend break and stayed at the avenue, we received a very warm welcome from Clare, who made us feel right at ease, nothing was too much trouble. Our tea and coffee hadn’t been refilled and Clare refilled us up straight away no qualms what so ever even though it was evening . Clare really made our stay and we said we would come back due to the friendly staff Lisa was also very welcoming and they both made us feel at home, would definitely recommend but that is due to such lovely staff.

We stayed here for the 2nd time, our stay was very relaxing and we were really made to feel very home, Clare was very polite, friend really made us feel most welcomed, nothing wax to much trouble for her at all, she really made our stay and truly is an assert to the pub. Our. Offer had been refilled she immediately sorted this with an apology and made sure we were sorted immediately. The pub as a war welcoming atmosphere which carries forward to its staff. At breakfast Lisa was very friendly and polite . The ladies made our stay but Clare’s customer service and warm welcome really goes beyond. We will be back but because of Clare

This was our first visit of many during the week. Very friendly staff.

Great pub lovley staff, friendly atmosphere great drinks and food, large tv screens and beer garden and front garden with seating a jewel in Durhams crown.

We enjoyed our time at The Avenue , staff very helpful and pleasant, breakfast was great. Drinks good value. We would stay again.

1st time going tonight bit of a mixed review. We're a family of 4 (one of which likes everything plain) Daughter and hubby wanted pizza but there was none left. Managed to find something else. Our meals came and the one that was ment to be totally plain was covered in everything so had to send it back. Took about 15-20 mins for replacement so he was sat with no food while 3 of us had ours .. staff did apologise but it was just awkward for him) Eventually we all ate. Food was OK but not great. Very small portion size for the price. We not massive eaters but we had to get food on the way home. Staff up front were lovely and friendly, the drinks were fine but the food not enough

Popped in to The Avenue on the way back to Yorkshire from South Tyneside with my daughter as didn't fancy yet another McDonald's at the services. Nice food, lovely staff, lovely clean pub and definitely recommended!

Great friendly place to stop for a drink. Nice to sit on the benches outside the pub.

Loved it. Very quaint pub and very friendly staff. Room was clean and comfortable. I only had breakfast there which was delicious but the rest of the food smelt amazing.

Only stayed one night but had a lovely stay.

My family arranged a 60th birthday party at The Avenue. The staff were all really welcoming and helpful. Food was delicious and the singer added an extra special touch. I’d highly recommend this venue for any celebration events you have upcoming. 🥂 🍹🍻 🎶🎤💖⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Stayed on the Friday night first time we’ve been able to get a night away stayed in room 6 again as it’s our favourite room last few times we have stayed here Walked in and Claire behind the bar sorted us out from the minute we walked in till the minute we got back in the car she was an amazing host and made sure we had anything and everything we needed from a fan for the room to buckets of ice for our drinks She was even by herself in the morning as the bus the chef was on broke down and she made a spot on breakfast to send us on our way Can’t fault Claire or the room Will be back asap

Called here for a meal with my daughter after a full day at the Miners Gala. Food was excellent, good choice of drinks and the service was really good, attentive but not overly so. Prices extremely teasonable

Came in for quiz night, had a two course meal for 12.99 each, food well worth it, onion rings were the best I’ve had, desert was amazing, good choice of non alcoholic drinks, good atmosphere, staff helpful.

One of the best Sunday lunches (if not the best in County Durham). The service was brilliant too and very reasonably priced for such delicious food. The outside and inside areas are lovely. Claire was brilliant. We will definitely be back. I would highly recommend.

It took 45 minutes for the meals to arrive in a half empty restaurant. Meals arrived, beef was chewy, no stuffing with the chicken, mash potato cold. Waited 20 Minutes for dessert only to be told that One of them wasn’t available so had to wait another 5 minutes, after reminding the waitress again. Would not come back.

Sat outside and had a nice cool beer

I took my family for lunch on Monday 27 th 2024. It was a terrible lunch for us all. No fishfingers which were on the menu.I had egg chips and asked for bread and butter. The chips were frozen chips not fresh the egg was over cooked and I was given a brioche bun with no butter as they said they had no bread. My husband had the steak and mushroom sandwich which was as dry as a bone and just as hard and again frozen chips. The steak my grandson had was over cooked again with frozen chips.the last meal was lasagne also with over cooked chips .this was with only soft drinks.for this we were charged £73 pounds. I have eaten around locally a few times in the last few weeks but I have never had anything so horrible. Support the local pub for a drink but not for food.Sorry.

Stayed here as visiting friends in area. Fabulously friendly, helpful staff. Room was clean and comfortable, breakfast delicious. Great value for money. Thank you 🙏

Wonderful, attentive and friendly staff. Beautiful outdoor seating area where we were served our delicious food. Well cooked, presented well and all freshly prepared. Dog friendly so water bowls available. Very reasonably priced so overall our visit could not have been improved on and will be returning soon, as well as recommending to all friends and visitors.

Absolutely amazing little pub, loved it.

Stayed here for a night away and they were very friendly and welcoming. We will definitely stay here again ☺️

First day of new menu. Had the mushroom and tarragon pudding. It wasn't very warm, couldn't really taste the mushrooms for the overwhelming taste of tarragon and the pudding was more pastry like and pretty hard to cut. It was accompanied by peas which were the only vegetable offered and they were from a freezer bag. Also on the plate were roast potatoes, also from a freezer bag, both potatoes and peas were also only luke warm. Husband had sausage and mash with an Aunt Bessie's Yorkshire pud. Desserts were much better. The serving staff were lovely and friendly. When I asked if there was any other veg than peas the waitress concurred with me when I was surprised. She said the decisions were made high above their heads. Shame really as the Avenue food used to be lovely. Now I wouldn't bother!

Quick trip to Durham . Left car and jumped on £2 bus into city . Lovely hosts and staff, if up this way again would certainly come back . Nice atmosphere in bar. Bedroom clean tidy and comfortable .

Chips, onion rings - double fried. Bar was good but ate on two nights. Bangers and mash not fresh and, as stated above, all fries were over-fried

We booked for a party of 6 today for Sunday lunch. The atmosphere was really nice and warm, service efficient and friendly and the food was very tasty. Highlights of everyone’s meals were the chicken, Yorkshire puddings and sausages. The portions were good size and we were all full! Desserts also lovely particularly apple & raspberry crumble and brownie fudge cake. We will definitely be going again. Highly recommended. Thank you for a fab lunch. Well done

What a warm welcome I had at The Avenue Inn. The staff are very friendly and helpful (Thanks Claire). I stopped here overnight for work and thoroughly enjoyed the food( spot on breakfast!!!). Monday night was quiz night with prize money,if you were good!! and not to serious. Rooms very clean with a good tea/coffee section and biscuits. Great value for money and would definitely stay here again.

Lovely night with live music and nice wine 🍷

Sunday lunch was delicious, the place has come on a long way in the last few weeks. Kids portions were just right. Comfy, cosy and warm welcome. We will be returning!

Very welcoming stop whilst travelling up the A1(M). Very tasty Sunday lunch, would definitely recommend the two minute detour.

Had a great weekend here, made to feel really welcomed, lovely clean rooms with a lush soft bed, and a good cooked breakfast, so thank you to Claire and her staff who made our stay a joy,

First time calling into the Avenue and it was a great choice. The bar is really welcoming with friendly staff and a really pleasant atmosphere. We had the set menu special offer (2 courses for £11.95) and the food was excellent. This is a great local pub and restaurant and we’ll definitely be back.

Apparently known for its food but the kitchen was closed when we arrived. A new manager had just taken over and told us that they were still recruiting for a chef. Beer was OK but atmosphere was dead at lunchtime midweek.

Had a great weekend at The Avenue. Now under new management. Live music on Saturday was excellent. Very friendly staff and welcoming feel. Room was very comfortable. Good breakfast. Sunday lunch was good value. Will definitely be back.

Unfortunately it’s gone down hill but hopefully with a few changes it will be great again Visited on 27/11/23 upon arrival lady working the bar was chatting to someone at end of bar having waited 5/10 minutes approached to ask if the kitchen was open, she stated no in a sharp tone and rolled eyes An explication on when it may reopen or modified tone would have gone a long way. We were visiting with family from out of the area and they commented how rude and cold service was.

3 night stay at the avenue. Very friendly team. We were well looked after. Local kindly booked us a taxi with friendly taxi driver. Sadly no food in evenings but city centre not far away.

Karen was an.excellent host going the mile to make us food when we arrived. Lovely friendly pub, comfortable bed and hot shower. Excellent breakfast. Highly recommended. Would stay again.

Many thanks to Karen and Co. Excellent service. She went out her way to make our stay that much more comfortable. Highly recommended. Would stay again..

I was staying here on business and all the staff and landlady were fantastic and friendly. Great breakfast and a lovely comfortable room. All very reasonably priced.

Lovely place and friendly atmosphere,

This is a cracking bar for afternoon drinks in the sun. Nice outdoor area would definitely recommend reasonably price.

We walked to this village pub and decided to have food. The drinks were a fair price, and there appeared a decent menu. We had some chicken fillets to start, which were okay. However, the mains are very dreadful. The chips on both meals looked as though they had been fried ten times, simply burnt as was the fish which was simply inedible. The excuse for mushy peas was dry and bland. The gammon was overcooked, and both meals were saturated with salt - but no condiments on the outside table. The lady serving was pleasant enough, and we gave feedback. She advised the locals don't go anymore - I won't be going back either. Part of the excuse was that they didn't decide the food - Punch Taverns agreed on the menu - that was irrelevant as no matter how good the food was it was massively overcooked and laced with salt.

Good food, good service and friendly staff ⁹

Where do I start ! The Avenue is wonderful!! Cosy atmosphere in a lovely village setting. Karen and Peter could not do enough for us and made our stay very special. The food is scrumptious pub grub. Would recommend the apple and raspberry crumble. If you are looking for a weekend away in Durham this is a great base with handy local transport links. 5 star stay !!

What has happened to this place? Once a thriving heart of the community now a home to vulgar loud mouthed scroats who have somehow been allowed to make this their hangout.

Lovely pub. Lovely staff. Lovely room. Pity about the tea. Yorkshire tea would be an improvement

We went here because it was recommended to us. Food and service were excellent. We will visit here again soon.

This is my local pub but embarrassingly , until tonight , I hadn't been there for about 40 years. The fact that I only consume soft drinks because of having been on long - term medication for 35 of those years may well have something to do with it ! Enough of me !! ... I find the price of sift drinks alarming these days but tonight at £2.70 for a pint of coke , this was very competitive compared with up to £3.40 elsewhere in the North East Region. It was an informative flier by relatively new owners of the Avenue that enticed me tonight's Monday night quiz. Enjoyed the experience as much as a single person can up against regular , pretty cliquey groups of quizzers ( No criticism .. I used to be exactly the same backnin the day when taking part in quizzes on a regular basis ) I was particularly well received by a young , female barperson who was most polite and friendly whilst pouring my drink. As previously mentioned my reviews centre on personnel.rather than products or fayre so I try to engage in a little conversation with staff without hampering service efficiency ! In a brief exchange I discovered this girl was going to sit her A level exam in Law this May but wanted also to gain some monetary independence for herself by putting in as many hours behind the bar as possible. She said she was confident she had struck the right work / study balance and I was impressed at her having such an old head on young shoulders so speak. In addition to this she served me complimentary pizza and garlic bread as a reward for coughing up the £2 quiz entry fee. Lastly I'm a great fan of quizzes but notoriously hopeless with music questions. Again this proved to be my downfall tonight ( Aye the music questions were ROCK HARD ..sorry about that one ! ) When the results were declared , the pleasant female host spared my blushes when only broadcasting the top 3 teams. A bit unfair I thought... as a single home owner I don't have many kitchen utensils ...... Where's my WOODEN SPOON ?! Joking aside this establishment is well worth a visit and I'll probably be more accepted socially next time if I choose a different night to attend than quiz night ! With thanks ELLIS COXON.

We stayed at the B&B and had a meal in the pub. I went up to the bar with the menu and as I ordered I pointed at each item as I ordered them. I ordered a caesar salad SIDE salad and pointed at it too. I was asked if I wanted chicken and declined as I am veggie. What came was a plate of lettuce, a few croutons and one boiled egg. OK as a side salad - just. When the bill came we had been charged for a MAIN dish caesar salad. To be honest I hadn't even spotted that there was that option on the menu. When I queried it the lady with the red hair just shrugged and said that was what I had been served and had eaten. NO WAY was that worth £10. No way did it resemble a main dish. I felt totally ripped off and was so shocked I paid - also bearing in mind we were staying that night. Coupled with the shocking room we were allocated we will never be darkening the doors of The Avenue again - shame as our last experience was OK and we'll be up and down to Durham a lot over the next 3 years with our son at uni there.

Saw the reviews thought "it's only lunch, it can't be that bad" wrong, barely a handful of chips, measley chicken in the wrap. I won't go back

Another pub from my past! Probably forty years since I last visited. Nicely renovated, good range of beers, obviously popular with locals. Good service, nice smile. Outside tables.

Absolutely disgusting meal for 7 of us. Everyone was disappointed gray fish, anaemic chips, cremated lasagne and the worst garlic bread ever. Wish I’d read the reviews first will never go again.

Seven of my friends and I booked a 7pm lunch. A young lady took order for drinks and dlivered them. One member went to the bar as we had waited for a long time to place meal orders. Main meal orders were taken by another lady but it took more than 1 hour before we were served. A few members ordered curries but they appeared to be on a plate sized piece of naan bread which spoilt the flavour. The gammon was dry as the small amount of fat had been removed before cooking. The table was cleared by the second lady. She realised the party had been badly treated and offered free coffee. The venue had been recently taken over by a new owner. The owner needs to greatly improve the service.

The host was lovely, so attentive and kind. The rooms were clean, well stocked and in a beautiful area just outside durham.

Emailed the hotel a few days before we arrived. Asking how far they were from the Riverside cricket ground, as we were going to a concert there. Was told it was 15 minutes away and the bus stopped directly outside the hotel. I was not told that the bus only ran once an hour and to get to the Riverside it would take a change of bus in Durham. This would take around 2 hours, not 15 minutes.l we got a taxi there, that the hotel did phone and was told if we needed any help returning, just to phone. We did this as we were stranded after coming out the Riverside. No buses and all taxis were pre booked. The hotel told us they could do nothing. Eventually after a long walk we found a pub were a member of staff called us a taxi. When we arrived at the hotel I asked what time the bar closed. I was told 22.45 and I asked was it open later to residents with no answer. After I complained by email about the service. I was told the bar had been kept open incase we wanted a night cap. The room was small. The bed like a brick. Breakfast was poor quality sausage and bacon. Coffee was tasteless. The hotel was not cheap £130 a night. In the middle of nowhere. Costing us £60 in taxis. I would not recommend this hotel and the staff need some basic trAinin6 on customer service.

Have been a regular here for years! Service was absolutely terrible, staff calling customers who were sitting outside the bar to one of their parents sat at the end of the bar. No manors what do ever. Waiting staff also opening calling colleagues “the chef hasn’t got a clue what day of the week it is” Rude is an understatement. Rolling of eyes and down right blunt. When the food did eventually arrive it was average at best. Staff would rather stand and chat/call other customers than collect glasses and cutlery or be hospitable! Massively down hill. Won’t be back! Such a shame to see such a great pub go so far downhill.

Fantastisk godt sted. Venligt personale. Skøn morgenmad og aftensmad. Gode senge.

Very very disappointed as the food used to be good however the Sunday lunch was miserable! Roast beef was tough and vegetables were frozen with tiny portions of everything! We won’t be back!!!

Stayed here for the Pink concert at Sunderland. Easy to find and a great place to stay. Friendly and welcoming owners. Great spacious room, lovely little touches with decent tea and coffee tray, big fluffy towels, toiletries etc. And the beds, wow, like sleeping on a fluffy cloud.. So so comfortable - I slept like a log. The only reason I got out of bed was because of the option of eggs benedict for breakfast! Highly recommend this place.

Amazing place food amazing staff amazing eds really comfy

Recently visited here with friend's the rooms are lovely with nice comfy beds , breakfast was very nice , all of the staff made us feel very welcome we will certainly return .

Three night stay, warm friendly greeting from staff on arrival and throughout our stay. Thanks Amy for the Vodka sling 😉 Lovely clean, spacious room and very comfortable bed. We had room 6 which has low beams not a problem for me, the other half however is 6ft he used his common sense and ducked! We were offered another room but declined as it was such a lovely room. Tea/coffee facilities with extras. Large bathroom with Bath and overhead shower, Delicious breakfasts and really lovely hosts thankyou, nothing to much trouble. Our family of 8 ate in the pub good choice on menu and very nice food. Good location for Durham, keep up the excellent work and will definitely stay here again.

Nice pint, nice burger, nice chips, nice staff. Yep, this place screams nice.

Lovely meal Called in for the 1st time in months Karan was very friendly and welcoming we decided to have a meal and what a great choice that was food was excellent and a great offer of a drink for £1 each which made it even better they really want to make a go of the place and I wish them all the best we will be back

Great place - comfortable rooms, lovely food served by friendly staff who go out of their way to make you welcome. Dog friendly too. Would highly recommend.

Warm and friendly welcome. We were attending a nearby festival and stopped two nights. Really nice place, the food is really nice but it was the warm welcome on arriving that really was the icing on the cake. Even if you are only dining I would listen to Karen's recommendations, she was spot on.

Lovely pub with friendly staff. Had a portion of Dirty Fries which were tasty. OK drinks selection (I am quite fussy about drinks) but my husband enjoyed a couple of pints of Neck Oil which he said is one of the 'in' brands now. Would go back again

Really nice food. Friendly staff. Nice chicken strips and hallomi sticks. Good portions of all food. Excellent chef and staff. Nothing is an issue for any of the staff. Good affordable prices would recommend the Avenue pub Inn Shincliffe to all as a good experience for food drink and nights out.

Quite disappointed. We’ve been here several times in the last few months but tonight was disappointing. The pie was hard as if it had been reheated, and my daughters dirty fries was a heart attack waiting to happen, cheese cheese cheese. Couldn’t see anything but cheese, no spring onions and for £6.50 what a waste of money as she left them. Also the bar maid was not interested and quite rude. We had to ask for menus as she was too busy talking to her friend who was sat at the bar. She wasn’t friendly or welcoming which we’ve always had previously. Not sure if we will return !!!

Lovely place but the food is absolutely shocking. Always wanted to try the place as it’s set in a lovely village and always lit up nice so decided to give it a try. Staff are friendly and welcoming but the food was so poor. What...

Nice pub. But terrible food. My friend and I went mid week ordered scampi and chips and a steak ale pie. Took over 50mins to come to the table. The scampi was dry and very over cooked and the chips were lukewarm peas were frozen and under cooked. Very disappointing. 😊

First time in this pub. Very nice evening all round. Friendly staff, great food and a great ambiance. The steak and ale pie and the apple crumble were super tasty

The food was absolutely terrible, It’s been taking over it use to be beautiful couldn’t fault them, we drove 25min to get there and was so disappointed we left after our starters. Would definitely never return again. My partner is stuck on the toilet

We arrived after having booked online and were sat promptly. Drinks came and we ordered for the kids. Children's Mac and cheese was the only good meal of the lot. My husband ordered the ribs and wings. What was served could only be described as...

Went for lunch and wow! Great portions and we ordered off the set lunchtime menu and like most places because of the set menue expected a smaller portion size, the set menu for the particularday we visited also had an option to buy a drink...

Stayed at the Avenue in February for my wife's birthday. Great location for Durham City centre. Just 10 mins on the bus. Staff were very friendly and helpful 🙂

Very nice room. Very nice bar staff. Very good entertainment. Very good beer.

Great Sunday lunch well worth a visit

Went on a recommendation for Sunday lunch. The service was prompt if abrupt. The food was ok but the promised crackling with the belly pork did not materialise. It’s a nice cosy pub but we will not be going back.

Weekend away in the area. Great place to stay with a friendly Landlord and helpful, polite Staff. The Pub was spotlessly clean and well presented. Food was excellent with a good breakfast in the morning. Reasonably priced. Well worth a visit.

Great pub. Room was lovely, bed ridiculously comfy, breakfast was lovely. Peaceful location and sold my favourite Inchs cider

We stayed here for three nights in room 1. The room was comfortable and quiet as we had requested and the breakfast was also very good. The hosts made us feel very welcome. We didn’t eat here in the evening but we heard others comment...

Great little hotel with good links to Durham city centre. The bar does a great selection of food and drinks. The bed was comfortable and the room was very nice and clean. Breakfast was great with lots of options. Great for the price highly recommended would definitely recommend thanks for a pleasant night

Oh boy. Booked table for 7pm, arrived at 6.50, server said that we were probably booked in restaurant, not a good start. Were sat at table and drinks order taken within 10 min. Server came for orders, we ordered 3 bar snacks instead of starters...

Fab wee place to stay. Welcoming staff, lovely room, fantastic food and drinks, all at a very reasonable price. Not suitable for anyone with mobility issues due to steep stairs.

Great local pub with excellent Sunday lunches.

Lovely place to stay. Friendly staff with a welcome smile. Rooms are clean and tidy.Breakfast is what you expect in a good traditional English breakfast. Will be staying again. Our 4th visit.

Out for a drive last Saturday with family , we called in just for 1 drink lovely place , very friendly and quirky little rooms would definitely recommend it family and friends

Food is Disgusting... Garlic Ciabatta "dough" was an Overcooked, hard, Cruncy - "Iceland" Cheesy Garlic pizza.... My Petite Poi's were like melted rubber bulkets... The Chips were "Potatoe Wedges"... The Pepper Sauce was a very thick. Congealed gelatine.... The "Medium" Steak - has recommended on the menu was - In My opinion 'was : A Frozen Steak which was "OK" to look at and Well seasoned on the outside, Very tough on the inside and "Completely Burned" on the Under-side 😤😤😤...

Nice and clean, good atmosphere, dog friendly, never had food but will try eventually

First time here, what a lovely local pub. Staff very friendly, excellent food. We will definitely return

Great food, excellent value, friendly staff. Couldn't fault it.

We went for just one night but wish it was longer. Everything was just perfect !! We won't be staying anywhere else in Durham but here. Highly recommend.

Great accommodation, great owners , great staff and a fabulous atmosphere.

Good food nice service lovely pub very welcome as u walk in

Food was bland, no seasoning at all. Staff were pleasant but the quality and the price didn’t marry. Won’t be going back… it was like being transported back to eating school dinners. I could say a great deal more but because our server was so...

Wonderful sausage and mash followed by delicious biscoff cheesecake. The restaurant was quiet before we arrived! Lovely to sit at a round table, it makes group conversation so much easier . Very helpful and pleasant staff. Good service.

Save your money!!!! Chewy Steak,, cold dry oven chips... waited well over an hour.. Go to McDonald's

Avoid the Avenue in High Shincliffe completely gone down hill after changing hands, terrible service and terrible food! We left very disappointed and still hungry!