The Aviator Bistro in County Durham

I went for breakfast with my two daughters today as a holiday treat. On arrival we were met with a rather surly welcome and we were shown to our seat. I noticed the bearded chef, who didn't have his beard covered and wondered if there would be any loose hairs in our food. I ordered a coffee which arrived spilled into my saucer and I had to get up and ask for milk, which was speedily slopped into a container that dripped milk as I returned it to my table. I ordered two breakfasts that were 'ok' but the outside of the sausage was burned to a crisp and the bacon had clearly been kept warm for a while and wasn't freshly cooked. The toast didn't have any butter, but the surly lady who served us soon literally dropped 4 pats of butter from a height onto our table!!! I'd say this visit was 'ok' but I certainly won't be hurrying back for a sour tasting, spilled coffee, surly service, drippy milk and butter pats thrown at us!

Went for lunch with family, food was amazing, reasonably priced, great service, and my airplane mad son got to wa5ch several planes take off and land. Great experience all round and will definitely return.

Terrible visit. I ordered the aviator breakfast, requested the eggs cooked hard, not done. When sent back they had been scrapped off the plate cooked and returned but were still not requested. The mushrooms were cold as too were the beans. My friend had eggs Benedict, her eggs were near raw and her bread was rock hard. We complain and a reduction in price was offered. On leaving and entering the car park which isn’t marked out well, I had to park near the toilets, an older male started having a go at me for what he felt was incorrect parking. He was very rude and this was an outright attack. Unfortunately he was told in no uncertain terms what he should do. I will never return to this over priced, under preforming restaurant where abuse appears to be acceptable.

Went after Sedgefield parkrun , all staff form arrival to departure where friendly, helpful and professional. All 5 of us had different meals and everybody loved their food. Price extremely reasonable . We were given the lunch menus to have a look at so we could see what else was offered . First time there- we'll definitely be back .

Don’t order Classic chicken burger, 2 small pieces of chicken, in a tiny bun with few frozen chips £11. Thought they’d brought me a child’s portion. Place is looking past its best, could do with an overhaul. Very tired looking & the floor in the conservatory is lifting everywhere. Much nicer places to eat & cheaper not too far away. It’s been a while since we were there, won’t be rushing back.

We have visited on several occasions, we live nearby. We have visited with family and friends and on occasion it has been ok. Unfortunately every time we have visited the lady whom I presume is the manager, looks like she just doesn’t want to be there. Always seems like they’re rushing you to finish your food. The food is average, the sausages in particular are way over cooked and some portions of food are cold. On our latest visit the food order of all three of us was wrong, some items missing and those we specifically asked to leave out were on the plate of our friend who has allergies. When food and drinks were brought to the table, it was just dumped anywhere on the table. Absolutely no customer service whatsoever. It’s such a shame as it could serve as such an asset to the beautiful area we live in.

I visited her for the first time before heading off for a flight from the airfield. Excellent service, brilliant food. The only thing that could make it better is a discount for based pilots 😂

I have been to fishburn airfield twice, and sadly this second time I was extremely dissatisfied with the service. I found the welcome I received from the manager utterly rude and unprofessional. The table staff came across friendly, but it was quite clear that our children weren’t wanted. I ordered eggs Benedict without the muffin and asked to swap it for mushrooms. When it arrived they missed off my bacon, they acknowledged their error but didn’t actually bring the missing food and still charged for it. My children sat eating toast and butter whilst enjoying watching the planes. Sadly I don’t feel I could return, as we were made to feel so unwelcome. I was advised my children couldn’t eat their own snacks, which was fine as I was purchasing them toast anyway. Perhaps if you don’t want this to be a child friendly cafe you should stipulate your select clientele. Well done to the table staff, but as for the front of house / manager. Perhaps you need to attend some additional training in relation to customer service.

I had the hot and cheesey burger. I have to say it was the best burger I have had in a long time. All 3 of us had burgers and thoroughly enjoyed them. Staff were very friendly and efficient. I definitely recommend a visit. I will definitely be back for another hot and cheesey.

Called for drinks only and what a very pleasant way to enjoy them. The views are amazing and the staff so friendly. Well recommended.

Bun for bacon and egg sandwich literally fell apart when touched- microwaved from frozen??? 1 piece of bacon and the egg yolk was hard. (About as hard faced as the server!) As said give this place a wide berth.

Lovely ambience. Service was terrible. Waitress was unpleasant and rude. We were pressurised into ordering. Had pizzas to share and she left us without plates to eat off! Had to ask for plates. We felt rushed. Kept getting asked if we had finished with the glasses before we had. Never once asked if we would like another drink. Never asked if we were enjoying the food. Just really bad.

What a lovely place. Friends and I meet up once a month and like to try new places. What a gem, we will be back again. I intend to bring my grandson to see the small plaines take off and arrive, so novel. The food was very nice, lots of it. I would suggest having your food in the main cafe followed by a drink in the conservatory to experience the full affect. Shout out to the lovely staff. My friends were a little late (they missed the turning) and the person who served me checked on me whilst waiting. Very nice and considerate.

Awful! Not one member of staff here is friendly and approachable. The attitudes on them are disgusting. The service is abysmal. Waited 45 minutes for some toast, to have her drop it say “sh*t” and walk off.

Poor service rude waitress ordered drinks never came asked waitress she was rude said they coming never arrived didn't even bother ordering food. Won't be back

First and last visit here.!! We were seated and waited fifteen plus minutes for someone to take our order even though it wasn’t busy and lots of staff about. When the waitress came over I started to give our order but she said she was just taking drinks orders first, then I waited another fifteen minutes for one latte to arrive . I then eventually gave our food order. Approximately 45 minutes from entering to getting our bacon roll by which time my coffee was cold. The food was fine but the service was appalling, either get decent staff or change the system as I witnessed three tables get sick of waiting and all walked out.!! Won’t be returning.

Poor showing today, place wasn't busy, asked at counter if it was table or counter service was told it was table service. Waited 15 mins no one took our order so we left. Plenty staff milling around, one even had time to sit and chat with friends

I was really Looking forward to visiting here for food as had heard good things in the past. Arrived to be told that there were no tables available at all and too busy. I queried just for tea or coffee to have at an outside table. Again not an option. I could clearly see plenty outside tables available. So we watched the aircraft for a while in the car park without anything to eat or drink. And Upon leaving around an hour later, still noticed all picnic benches were empty and outside tables empty. There were also 4 empty tables in the conservatory. I have no idea why a business would turn away custom when there are multiple empty tables. I saw a couple of ladies walking away also and they had been told the same thing and they only wanted tea and cake to eat outside. I spoke to a friend who rang up to ask to book a table for that same afternoon who was told they were busy to book anything. She was surprised when I said I was there that day and there was plenty of tables. Extremely disappointing for our first visit. Spoilt a special trip out. It may be an idea to advise on their page to always book ahead of this is standard practice. Or maybe staff should be retrained in not turning people away.

Only went once. Staff were nice, but a late middle aged chap in the corner sitting with a younger couple clearly didn't like 'new people' and stared at me the entire time with a deeply disapproving look. Literally had his eyes locked on me every time I looked up. I have no idea why, but he spent the entire time doing it. Deliberately unpleasant. I should thank him, as I was looking for somewhere new to drop in with my 152 and he has saved me the landing fees. I certainly won't be back, which was no doubt his intention. He can keep it.

Great food, really good catering for allergies, brilliant staff. Excellent location on a sunny day to watch the small planes land and take off. Nice big conservatory to sit in.

Paid a visit yesterday morning. Lovely setting. Ordered the traditional breakfast. Took about 30 minutes to arrive. Not exactly busy at about 9:15 am on a Sunday. It looked delicious but alas, mine came luke warm. The bacon was stone cold, beans, hash brown, mushrooms,...

Called in for breakfast after hearing good things about it from friends. What a lovely hidden gem, food was delicious and very reasonable we will definitely be back

Friendly welcome, efficient service and a decent full English. From what we saw it is obviously very popular, reasonable prices.

First of all. Its a nice set up, food was served fairly quickly and was pretty tasty. But.. Most of the things only come with chips and coleslaw. I noticed another dish was served with peas so I asked to swap the coleslaw for peas......

We called in to have a drink and were told no dogs in the restaurant. Fair enough. I was told to wait outside with my dogs while she checked the conservatory area. I waited in the large porch area as it was quite windy &...

Over rated Food and expensive, Bog standard Pub Grub but at inflated prices to cater for a specific clientele Won’t be back.

Popped in for a quiet drink, and the owner was incredibly rude, dismissive and generally unpleasant. Would not recommend.

I visited here with my cycling group. We wanting to have a simple coffee and cake outside on their picnic tables, in view of our bikes. On previous visits this had never been an issue. Today we were told we could only have takeaway drinks...

I can’t fault the service, staff or food. It was really busy and I thought, “here we go it’s going to be average at best”. It was very good. I had the hotshot parmo - good effort. The staff were rushed off their feet but...

After 4 visits I have to make the same comment as I have made in previous reviews. The Aviator is a good place to visit, the food served up is of good quality albeit from a limited menu. That said the recurring theme from my...

This is the second time I’ve been and most definitely won’t be back the staff talking to you with attitude first time I went the woman wouldn’t stop swearing and I had my toddler with me because the card machine wouldn’t work. But today I...

We went to the cafe as a family, me, my husband and my 8 month old. We ordered some drinks, which arrived and were nice (no complaints at all). We ordered two eggs Benedict and some toast for my baby. One eggs Benedict and some...

The setting is great, particularly when the weather's good and people are flying, and the food itself is good. The issue is the time it takes. I've been twice in the past month and on both occasions the wait for food was in excess of...

Food was lovely, busy little spot. However staff are just trying their best & the manager seems to terrorise them all shift! Ruined our meal to hear her constantly bossing them around and being downright rude. Manners cost nothing :)

Bistro open until 6pm not 8pm and kitchen closes at 4.30pm. did not order drinks and cakes available

Back at the Aviator for the first time in over a year. Once more the setting is fantastic and the food once you get it is first class albeit from a somewhat limited menu. Have to say though that this time around the place was...

Attended a celebration of my nephews wedding. Located in the countryside with small planes to view. Intimate space with a well stocked bar and good service. Enjoyed a hog roast meal. The weather was beautiful so allowed guests to mix outside as well as in...

I called in about 1130am. The indoor space had 4 or 5 empty tables. The conservatory was full and I was the only person sitting outside, so, all in all, about half full. After almost 20 minutes someone came and took my order- an Americano....

We had brunch here today, the location is quite unique and pleasant on a sunny day, we had a wander around some old jet planes after our food which was interesting and good for my son who got to sit in the cockpit of the...

We’ve been visiting the Aviator for a while now and the food is always 10 out of 10. It is rare to visit a place and experience such a consistent experience. I would always recommend you book as it gets very busy at times. Breakfast...

We were so looking forward to lunch at the Aviator as we had been recommended by a friend. We arrived and were shown to our table. We ordered drinks and when we were asked for our food order and after two of our group asked...

We ordered cheese beef burger and the special lamb tacos. Food was delicious and plentiful, well served and hot. Servers were friendly and food arrived timely. Small criticism- we ordered cola without ice and lemon, they were served with ice, and secondly it was rather...

Some of the worst customer service I have experienced. Quite an educational experience should you wish to see sales prevention at its finest.

Fantastic food and friendly service as always. Menu has a lot of variety and everything we’ve tried tastes great. Sat in the conservatory for the first time today - lovely spot to watch the planes whilst protected from the elements.

Greeted by seemingly inexperienced member of staff lacking in confidence, said he would bring a menu when he had time. He took a drinks order for two but only one drink was brought to the table, had to ask for a second one which was...

Its different as its on an active airfield but there are perhaps better places nearby in Sedgefield. We wanted to eat outside as we had the dog with us but were told that the gates were locked and the only access was through the eating...

We arrived on Sunday afternoon, four adults and small child. Our second visit as we wanted to show the unusual location to our son and daughter-in-law. As soon as we walked in we were met with the “manageress” informing us that the kitchen was closed....

4 of us arrived had not booked on 3/10/21. Greeted by a member of staff after a short checking diary shown to a table. Breakfast menu on table. Choose our drinks which where brought promptly, order taken for breakfast. Short wait but busy & everything...

Absolutely lovely meal and drinks in a unique setting. Great service that we will come back for. The menu is comprehensive and includes plenty of vegetarian options and the bar stocks a good range of alcoholic and soft drinks with a coffee machine also.

Called for our first visit for coffees, cake and ice cream on a quiet mid- week afternoon. Service was prompt, staff were courteous, we had no issues with service in contrast with some of the negative reviews I read here. Maybe staffing (and training) has...

Had s family birthday celebration and we all thoroughly enjoyed our meal. Unique location and therefore ambiance. I had the Kiev Parmo which was a delicious take on the Teesside speciality. The rest of the family had mainly burgers. We were all took full to...

A family visit, an excellent place and the planes are a bonus that the kids will love looking around- mine did. Great menu and quality and the location is great on a airfield.

We went on a recommendation but were unsure what to expect because of some recent poor reviews on here. We visited today 18/8/21 with our dog. He was welcome to sit outside with us. He’s only young and we’ve not eaten out with him before...

After hearing some good things about this place me and my 6 month pregnant girlfriend decided to ring and book for breakfast. We arrived to some lovely scenery and headed inside. After being stared at and ignored by a number of staff a lady came...

I have been here a few times of late and as soon as I went in the “ boss “ said coffee and cake. Yes please. After a bit of deliberation as to where I could sit I was seated outside. My coffee was delivered...

Visited today with my son. Very friendly staff , beautiful meal. Great aspects, clean. Most enjoyable experience. I also visited last week with my brother and a friend same treatment then. Thankyou.

Staff attitude and level of basic education needed toward people with a hidden disability exempt from wearing a mask. When advised I couldn't wear one I was told I had to sit outside if I wanted to be a customer. So I agreed, despite my...

Had the aviator breakfast food was piping hot poached eggs were beautifully cooked. Staff very polite and friendly. Your best booking as it can sometimes get very busy and there can be a wait on food but please be patient as the chef only has...

After a weeks holiday nearby we had planned to have our farewell breakfast here before going our seperate ways home. On approaching the door, I was 'greeted' by a member of staff who very aggressively told me I had to wear a mask to enter...

Food was good as always but the waiting staff and manager needs some hospitality training, slow and uncoordinated. Finished our meal and was immediately asked by the waitress if we wanted the bill - good job we didn’t want deserts. Funny enough we then had...

We have always enjoyed the Aviator so were looking forward to visiting again after lockdown . Unfortunately we had to wait nearly an hour for our meal as did the other 4 tables in the restaurant.I was told it was being cooked but when it...

Discriminated against!! Avoid if you are medically exempt from wearing a face mask... we rang ahead to book a table for myself, 2 young children (age 3 and 1) and my 70 year old disabled mother, arrived on time to an empty car park and...

Had table booked for 1.00pm, still waiting at 1.35 for order to be taken. Our first visit to Aviator, all I can say is first impressions are so important. A fabulous location right now as I still wait for my meal at 1.45pm is about...

Ordered takeaway tonight 2 burgers chips onion rings 2 cans of pop £20 amazing food very tasty good value would highly recommend

Had takeaway halloumi burger, fries and slaw. Burger was one of the nicest I’ve eaten, loads of halloumi in there, and slaw was creamy and delicious. Can’t fault anything, will definitely be back.

Nice new cafe / bistro on the fish burn airfield. An unusual setting which would be really nice in the summer, watching the small aircraft take off and land, we attended late October when it was cold and wet outside. There is an outdoor seating...

We often visit The Aviator for lunch. Very tasty indeed, lovely staff, service good. Can’t wait to go again

Great place to visit. Lovely setting with great food (especially the burgers) and great service. Highly recommended.

What a lovely place! Visited here after a few recommendations and was not disappointed. It’s great to eat delicious fresh cooked food whilst watching small planes and helicopters take off and land. The bistro is surrounded with beautiful views which make the visit extra special

Excellent lunch today for my daughter and I . Staff friendly and good service. Food was lovely and well presented. Coffee made just the way I like it too! Well recommended and we will be back soon as so much choice on the menu.

No action in the air but for chocs away we had halloumi burger and chicken parmo , both lovely with nice chips and salad / slaw .For the final approach we had X2 very decent cakes fresh and sumptuous. On landing we had good coffees...

I have been looking to try lunch here for a while,due to the help out eat out I thought I would give it a go. Very clean and safe environment, hand gel to use on way in, full table service. We had home made burger...

Heard about the aviator cafe from a friend having driven past it many times. Won’t be driving past it again, will call in every time. Food, drinks and service were all spot on. Very nice area on flat land with views all round of this...

Been here a few times now and every time had a great welcome and good food friendly atmosphere can be very busy weekends but the food is well worth waiting for

I must have passed this thousands of times . took my father out as. He is in a wheelchair. Good access ,and service. Very interesting next to a grass runway,with single seaters taking off. Will return ..a little gem.

Took a plane down from Perth to try out the cafe and oh my, beyond amazed. The food is quite cheap and the quality is beyond words. The place is really clean, it’s got a nice cosy feel inside and staff are super friendly. We...

Called in for lunch at the Aviator and the food was great and staff very welcoming will definitely be going back the bistro is spotless and the view is great well done you guys

Amazing food and friendly staff, definitely recommend! Friendly for children as well with many options for picky eaters.

Go here quite often but today was 1st time for breakfast and it was absolutely amazing couldn’t fault it one bit. Coffees are lovely and love the little patterns on top. Staff are all so friendly and helpful and very polite. Don’t be put off...

I can only ever speak as I find so here it comes.Three of us popped out to check out this place and boy what a place ,its only 20 miles from my home but none of us had heard about this little gem . A...

Plenty of interest in this small popular cafe at an often busy little grass strip airfield. Everything is fresh , well kept and a great place for a coffee or a spot of lunch .

Never new this place existed, a friend suggested we went for lunch and my it was delicious, a very open layout, lovely views, great service, very friendly waitress, a very varid menu, choices to suit everyone, I chose a burger great presentation, best chips ever...

Me and my teenage children walked in, 3 staff behind counter straight ahead, not one of them raised their heads to acknowledge that we had entered, how rude. I approached counter, unhooked menu and chose table and sat down, still no acknowledgement. Just got comfy...

I visited with my wife and 2 kids. It was a sunny day so we sat outside. I had the lemon chicken flatbread with chips and coleslaw (£7.00) and a coffee (£2.50). The flatbread was very tasty and well proportioned, I thoroughly enjoyed it. While...

We arrived around 10.30 today for breakfast....there were 5 of us which wasn't a problem.....although it did get busier after we arrived. We were greeted politelty and once we'd decided on our breakfasts we were served quite quickly. We opted for full english, breakfast sandwich...

I really enjoyed my visit here - the venue looks lovely, the menu does a good mix, the food I had was lovely and at a ok price. No complaints from me. I do think the venue needs to improve its experience a little -...

This is an unusual bistro a couple of miles from Sedgefield at fishburn airfield. We really like it and have been on many occasions. It’s perfect if you want something lighter than a pub lunch in a light airy environment. The staff are very nice...

Have been a few occasions, it is nice to watch the air craft. Food is lovely. The only negative is the long wait for food.

We visited during the wings and wheels event and called there for breakfast on the way out for the day. They basically forgot about us. After a long wait and watching all the other customers that were served after us receive their food. We went...

Who would have thought that Fishburn had an airfield and a cafe attached! We called into the cafe for the first time last week and were pleasantly surprised with both the service and the quality of food on offer. there is a good selection for...

After visiting previously my friend and I decided to go for lunch. Some nice sounding specials were on the board. We quickly decided what we wanted and ordered. Drinks didn't take any, the food did seem to take quite a bit longer than previous visits...

It was very busy when we called however the weather was good and we sat outside. Burger was average, chips were good and the atmosphere and weather made up for burger

Having previously visited the Aviator Bistro for food & beverages on several occasions & having enjoyed each visit, I am saddened to give this review. Today we visited mid morning for the Wings n Wheels event. Lovely weather, plenty for children to to do but...

This cracking, quirky little bistro must have been flying under my radar. Having driven past several times I thought I'd check it out and was delighted with what I found. We had a hearty breakfast with orange juice and a pot of tea. The bistro...

Fishburn airport is on 177 mid way between Sedgefield and Coxhoe. in the middle of open fields this relatively new bistro offers a good selection of quality food at a good price. There are not many places you can have a nice coffee and sandwich...

Very bad manners and service from the new manager resulting in requesting a refund and walking out after claiming they cater for allergies / diet requirements

Visited with our 2 young children. Kids meals were lovely and enjoyed. We both had vegan and vegi options and they were absolutely delicious and imaginative. Really lovely to go somewhere and have nice vegi food rather than it being an after though. The cakes...

Had a very pleasant lunch at the aviator bistro. As vegetarians, we were fully catered for including the daughter who is vegan. Meals appear to be reasonably priced but are a bargain for the quality that was presented. 30 minute wait as food is freshly...

My wife and I stopped by The Aviator with friends as we had been told of how amazing it is. We were pleasantly surprised that we have lived near this airfield, and of course the bistro, for so long without realising. The location is great....

Excellent quality and service, great little restaurant for lunch. Great view of the area from the restaurant.