The Bay Horse in County Durham

This lovely little hidden gem in the middle of a quaint village is the hive of community get together as selling gastro pub meals at affordable, competitive prices and variety of alcohol and soft drinks. They also have a carvery on a Wednesday and a light bite menu which is great for people who do not have as big an appetite. I have attended as a sole diner on a lunch or with friends or with my daughter. The light bite menu suits us and so can highly recommend the chicken fajita, corned beef pie, tuna melt is to die for, the flatbread of the day is also a sure winner as is the sausage and mash and mince and dumplings. They are perfectly cooked and well portioned sizes even for lunch. On an evening I have been with family and friends and for occasions and it is always a happy, buzzing, ambient atmosphere. The staff are so welcoming and though it is extremely busy, they are always friendly and cannot do enough to make your dining experience as wonderful as can be with meals served in a timely manner. Family favourites are definitely the sizzlers. Though the steaks sre cooked to perfection and speciality hamburgers are also sure fire winners too. For fish lovers, there is always plenty of choice, the salmon in specials was truly mouthwatering. Unfortunately I cannot comment about the puddings as I am always far too full to enjoy a desert but happily have a nice coffee which is served with a biscuit and a smile. Whilst drinks are generally paid for and you have to take to the table, the meals are table service. For those who are disabled and have mobility issues, the friendly accommodating staff will do their utmost to make things easier for you. Tables by the door, disabled toilet to be used with disabled key or one will be provided. Full table service for drinks including meals if disabled person is not easy to stand for so long. Nothing is ever a bother and the food is nothing less than hot when served and absolutely delicious!

Wow ! what an absolutely wonderful place The Bay Horse is we have been many times before and is it any wonder. We were there as a family to celebrate our Daughter's birthday. It was on a lunchtime 1.30pm which suited everybody. The meal was as always exceptional. Good sized portions ( without affecting the quality) served hot and above all fresh. The bar staff and waitresses were as always friendly chatty and nothing was too much trouble for them. What my wife and I particularly liked ( we being the first ones to arrive) was that one of the Chef's came over to greet us at our table and had quite a nice chat with us while we waited for the rest of our family to arrive which we thought was just a nice thing to do and it just set the scene for an absolutely brilliant afternoon and an equally brilliant meal. Just as a footnote I have to mention the extensive menu choice that they have there as well. Personally I would recommend their Mince and Dumpling with vegetables, first class (but that's just me). Our thanks to all the staff, Bar and kitchen for a memorable afternoon.

Sunday Lunch, 1.00pm not booked in, called in on spec, table found for 2 of us , taken to table and settled in, given menu. 25 minutes served piping hot beautiful food , sweet after with coffee.whole bill less than £41.00! Thank you Ian, Supervisor and Maureen, Receptionist for fitting us in, all the staff for being so welcoming. Table 22.

Called in at 16:45 for a quick bite to eat whilst child free for an hour or two. Whilst waiting to be served at the bar an old woman barked at us HAVE YOU BOOKED! No hello or can I help you just HAVE YOU BOOKED whilst scowling at us ! Looking round the pub there were approximately 4 tables seated and two gentlemen in front of us at the bar. I simply asked do you have a table for two??? Her reply, IF YOU HAVENT BOOKED WEVE GOT NOTHING UNTIL AFTER EIGHT! Simply turned and walked away. Heard others talk about the attitude of the old woman but never experienced it until tonight! The bar man even apologised as we were leaving saying that’s what she is like.

Third visit and again very impressed. There were 6 of us and we all really enjoyed it. Good quality food, lovely place and really nice staff. Can't wait to back.

Fantastic my only criticism would be too much food friendly and helpful service and a very comfortable atmosphere

As usual our meal was fantastic, over the past 20 years I have never had a bad meal. I had the fish special which was gorgeous. Halloumi starter. My other half had mushrooms to start then schezhuan chicken sizzler. Both meals were hot and delicious. Also a good portion size. Staff were helpful and pleasant.

Visited on a Saturday lunch time the food was delicious and the staff were really nice will definitely be going back

We arrived on a busy Saturday lunchtime, the staff were great and found us a table downstairs as my dad couldn't climb the stairs. We all had something different, halloumi flatbread, fajitas, cottage pie and ham egg and chips, all were from the light bite menu. All the food was excellent, and very filling, I don't think I could eat a full size meal! Excellent food, excellent service, we will return!

Visited late afternoon. Got a warm welcome. Served really quickly with delicious Beef Stroganoff and they swapped chips with fresh vegetables. Friendly and efficient service and great value. Pleasant surroundings. Will visit again when we are in the area

Much improved customer service since what seems to be a change in front of house management and bar service. Prior to this dreadful man in bar who had two speeds which were slow and stop we waited 25 minutes for a drink which meant food came first. Thankfully now you go to bar and get your drink in a timely way.

This used to be my favourite eatery however it's gone downhill massively. I don't know if they have changed management or chefs but all our meals were poor. We won't be rushing back.

Never have I met such horrible staff. Food was overpriced. You are blatantly ignored Never going back.

Chips where outstanding staff very friendly and welcoming unfortunately we got a medium rare chicken burger with out having to ask for one

Five friends out for lunch, at our regular venue. One had a lovely vegetarian Lasagne, one Ham Egg & Chips, one Braised Beef in Stilton sauce, and two had from the specials list, Pork which both of them complained to staff about, as it was so tough to eat, they felt it had not been thoroughly cooked. Regrettably, these complaints were ignored by the staff, which was bad.

Got a mixed grill, everything was cooked to perfection and I only just managed to eat it all, loads of meat, braising stake was also ordered and they enjoyed that, never had a bad meal from this place, keep up the good work,

We live local and have been going here for years. This place has gone right down hill the food is ok but the staff are rude and very unprofessional. We went for food and was told we can have the table but we need to be out by an hours time, this was the owner who said this by the way. We were seated and told someone would come and take our order. 15 minutes later they came baring in mind we were told we only had an hour. Shocking customer service. Won't be rushing back!

The toilets are terrible in this pub,dryer has been broken for ever,the lock on the door was hanging off so was the toilet seat and no toilet paper,very disappointing

At 6:30 Pm this place was packed so glad we booked. Food on the table in just over 30mins from ordering and was piping hot! Good quality and tasty. Reasonable price. The kids meals were cheap yet good potion sizes. If I were being picky the only comment I would make is that the staff never checked to make sure our meals were ok or if we needed anything but they were very busy!! Absolutely we would return.

Haven’t been here fir sometime … How disappointing the lasagna was very bland with a synthetic cheese on top which I consider a choking hazard .. partners corned beef pie was all pastry and very average … my partners glass was also cracked … would we visit again … no ….. poor food poor value for money 😱😥

Absolutely Awful !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Food was awful, staff were not brilliant, too crowded tables. Not a very pleasant evening. I won't be going again.

Lovely foor just small portions, friendly Male waiter, femle one wasnt as friendly. Quite pricey , lovely chips

From the second we walked through the door, the service was incredible! The staff were amazing with my 2 year old daughter! She absolutely loved it! The food was top quality too, they even took the care to make sure that the little ones wasn’t too hot when it arrived, which is going above and beyond. The place was really busy! But the standards never dropped once, every member of staff was excellent, would highly recommend this place to anyone.

It’s been a long time since we’ve been here. We used to go quite regular however we heard some bad reviews of the place so we stayed away for a while. It’s clear the place has new owners. Not sure what happened to the previous owner but the food was always amazing. Tonight the food was tasty and staff were friendly. With the previous management you had to order food and drinks at the bar, now orders are taken at the table. My only complaint would be the staff need to be a little more attentive. No one asked how our meals were or if we required anymore drinks. We will be back again.

Went for tea on Wednesday 22nd Feb very busy we should have really booked but the managed to fit us in. We had various meals from light bites to full mixed grill and all had a pudding all food was hot and very tasty. Service...

My friend and I had Sunday lunch, I had pork and my friend turkey, the mashed potato tasted like soap, the veg had no taste at all, the pork was ok, but was spoiled by the greasy gravy, the yorkshire pudding looked like it had...

Went here for a family meal (there were 11 of us). We ordered drinks and they came promptly. There is a good range of food on the menu - something for everybody. I ordered the garlic mushroom parmo. There was quite a wait for food...

Always come here to eat when heading north. Portion size is great and always friendly welcome from staff

Food always fresh and absolutely beautiful the service is brilliant wouldn’t go anywhere else cater for everyone

...the answer is, when it's a restaurant, and that's what the Bay Horse is. For me, a pub is predominantly a place for drinking, obviously it might serve food, but drinking should be its main purpose. It should have a bar area where patrons can...

Haven’t visited here since before covid, however we booked for a family birthday meal. 5 adults, 2 children and a baby. Food was very tasty, we had halloumi fries and potato skins for starters and the mains we chose consisted of halloumi chicken burgers, mince...

8 of us visited for Sunday lunch today.... service was great, staff very friendly and the Sunday lunches were 10/10. Have visited previously and love the home cooked food, curry, corned beef pie etc

Came up to the area to celebrate my partners 40th. Visited the bay horse and the food was amazing. Sadly our taxi let us down and we were late, however the staff were amazing and still accommodated us been late. We finished our food and...

Would highly recommend. Good size helpings everything nice and hot. Great choice and delicious. I had the garlic mushroom parmo!

I am vegetarian and in this heat didn't want the curry they offered. Something light was needed. I asked for the halloumi flat bread. No halloumi so the waitress suggested a cheese sandwich and this is what I got. No side salad. Won't be going...

16 of us gathered for tea on 23/6/22. Each person choose something different. Await for our meals but busy pub & we were party of 16. These meals are freshly cooked, fresh ingredients. Every meal came together piping hot, nicely presented. Good value for money....

We did not pre book, but the lady was lovely and sorted us a table, the meals was spot on and sizzerling, we felt very welcome and staff was helpful and friendly, we would recommend everyone to go for a meal there.

Booked as a family for a Birthday meal, arrived 6.30. Ordered at 6.40, food arrived 7.50, complimentary drink offered, food was good until dessert arrived, where a hair was found in the icecream, says a bit about hygiene or lack of it, won't be back

Beautiful Food Excellent Service Real Chips I had Fajita Chicken & it was delicious Disabled Access & Disabled Toilet

Food was nice, kids portions too small for older children. Staff not overly welcoming. Asked for some cutlery and it never arrived. Very pricey for what you get.

It was my little girls 10th Birthday. I called them up and explained this and asked if there was anything they could do to make it a little bit special. The manager advised rudely he'd look in the back for some candles and she could...

Went here for a birthday meal with my husband. Arrived and was shown to table. I had not even took my jacket off or sat down and we were being asked what we wanted to drink. Told them to come back in 10 minutes. Came...

Food was atrocious arrived at 6:15 for a table booked for 6:30 food ordered at 6:40 then waited 50 minutes for food and when my food came it was burnt ..... yes burnt order hunters chicken parmo paid 9.95 for a parmo and a handful...

Had a lovely meal, nothing negative at all, nice atmosphere, very friendly servers, would definitely recommend.

Just had a meal at bay horse been several times before and always good ,but today was excellent.Both our meals nicely presented and very tasty .Nice ambience,friendly staff , reasonable prices, quick service . What’s not to like .

We have visited the Bay Horse for many years (celebrating many occasions) and have always received amazing service with superb food but tonight we were extremely disappointed. Very rude lady behind the bar - Service appalling! The quality of the food was way below average....

We visited on a Saturday lunchtime, fair enough the restaurant was very busy , our order was taken quickly and drinks arrived promptly, the food was a different story, we waited around 40mins just for a main meal , our food did arrive eventually but...

It’d had been many years since I last visited The Bay Horse so was looking forward to going beck to see how it had changed. The restaurant is nicely set out, bright & spotlessly clean. So far so good. The downside was in 2 areas....

Excellent quality food, large portions served by very pleasant, attentive staff and very reasonable prices!

we went for a meal very small a young lad come with food the chips. one of the chip fell on the table. he chuck it in bowl where my chips where he said dont worry my hands clean and walk away. i chuck it...

We went as 2 ladies for a girly catch-up. We’d booked our table, which is recommended as its always busy. The service is great, with really friendly staff. We ordered fajitas, which were nice but only came with garlic Mayo, salsa and cheese so no...

Used to be good been today all family members unhappy, food very dissaponting. Won't be visiting again

Very disappointed, ordered off the main menu portion sizes small..braised steak and chicken and bacon melt dry and tasteless left the food . Younger waiting staff very good, but very abrupt older staff..also unaware but added tax to the end of the bill ,without any...

Very nice food at reasonable prices. Note the restaurant is busy Every night which is a good sign, it’s best to book especially at the weekend.

Have enjoyed great meals and excellent service here so returned with family for a birthday meal. Whats happened? Nothing wrong with our food, perfectly edible- perfectly ordinary. Service could have been better and I thought my scampi was a childs meal. Over priced for mediocre...

Been here a few times now and never disappoints absolutely beautiful food and great service every time

Always eat here as it’s very clean and tel all my family and friends to eat here the food is always fresh and plenty on your plate absolutely beautiful food 10/10 every time 👌🏽

Came here today and was disgusted by the attitude of the owner. Waited ages to be seen for drinks then was put in a dusty corner and forgotten about. 50 minutes later the food finally came out when we expressed our concerns we were met...

Superb pub grub at a great price. Great service. The chips are really good too. Definitely recommend this place. Lovely

Our first time in this area and fell on this gem, food outstanding quality and clearly no portion control, staff obsoletely fantastic good sense of humour from all, even those that didn't get to bed until 03.00. We don't get this type of thing down...

Been coming here infrequently over last 15 years and have never had a bad meal here yet. Used to live 2 miles away but now travel 30+ miles and the food on our visit was brilliant. Hubby had the braised steak which he said melted...

Second chance I’ve gave them and now that’s it, visited last week and the portion sizes tiny this was the chicken and black pudding stack yep STACK only thing missing was the chips which came a few minutes later, unsure what’s happened lately or they...

Just visited the bay horse middrige was absolutely disgusting fair to say I will not be back I believe that there may be new owners

Now having had the restrictions come down and being able to go out to pubs and being in the area we thought the only place to go for a Sunday lunch and like usual The Bay Horse did not fail in our expectations. One of...

Went for family meal very covid safe staff busy but friendly Susan was amazing. Ordered five different meals all came out hot

Our party of 8 was seated quickly upon arrival but after a 20 minute wait had to look for someone to take the drinks order, then had to flag someone down to take the food order. It was Sunday lunch so there was a traditional...

I booked a table for two at the bay horse and the food has always been good except on this occasion. I ordered Wensleydale chicken which I always order from here. When the food arrived I cut into the chicken to find that it was...

Dropped in on off chance for a meal, friendly greeting, prompt service and with a smile, great food too, will be back for family meal

Had a really enjoyable evening at the Bay Horse. Service first rate. Food very good and reasonably priced. Would have liked a wider range of vegetarian options but definitely be back. 😁😁

Just had a really nice family meal here at the bay horse food was outstanding as always no complaints whatsoever highly recommend

1st time back since covid food service still as good as ever and value for money will be returning very soon thanks

Just gotta say it was average the chicken parmo was very very thin and and the. Opened beef didn’t have much corned beef in. Chips nice

Had another wonderful meal at the bay horse. Flat bread chicken and tzatziki with salad & chips.. gorgeous as always

Booked and arrived on time, at least half an hour before asked for drinks or given menu. Food mediocre not the usual good standard.

Went last night. It was really busy , luckily we had booked in advance. Service was very slow but granted it was busy. The food when it arrived was hot, plentiful and really nice. Removed a star for lack of Covid prevention measures.. Paper menus...

When I rang to book a table I received very rude service over the phone. We enjoyed a lovely meal seated upstairs, and when we asked for the bill we were asked to go downstairs to pay which we did. Upon reaching the bar a...

We visited here on a Monday as part of the ‘Eat out, help out’ scheme. The food was delicious! The one way system they have in place is very easy to follow and the staff were happy to help if there was any issues. It...

I have attended twice recently and both times I could not fault the service, food and price. I would highly recommend the parmo, you definitely don't leave hungery.

Was out visiting the area and made a booking because having previously visited i thought i would stop and have and have a bite to eat and a drink with family. Great to see place still as good as my last visit and food great....

Had a lovely meal here tonight & the staff are amazing, Keeping diners safe, doing great table service so well done everyone.

They do have a one way route , sanitiser and a contact list, but that was where it ends. Shown to table by probably manageress with no face covering. menus tatty photocopies that must have been used 20 times and clearly could not be sanatised....

We havent been for a while due to being closed with recent pandemic in U.K we booked really late as it was only for 2 people they managed to fit us in as we just wanted tea. Was packed when we got there but service...

Booked a table for 12.00, when we arrived they couldnt find our booking but got us a table sorted which was great. Then it took ages to order our drinks, other customers who had arrived after us got served before us. Finally ordered our meals...

Visited with friends for an evening meal. Lasagne, Teriyaki, Beef bourginon and peppered beef, all excellent. Good service and drinks. Organised really well for social distancing.

Food is always good here however the poor service always spoils the experience. Visited several times with both colleagues and family and every time there's comments made around the table about service. They seem put out been asked for drinks or extras, no please or thank you, it's seems to rub off on the whole service team. Other people have said the same, I praise the chef as its him/her that's keeping people coming back....

Went for tea with the wife. Went to the bar and was shown to our seat. Went back and ordered food. So far so good. While waiting for food I went back to the bar for another drink. By this time there was at least 10 people waiting to be served and one person behind the bar and she was also on the phone taking bookings while trying to serve. Whilst waiting for a drink my food arrived, after waiting at least five minutes to be served I thought if I waited to be served my food would be cold and returned to eat it without a drink. Had the lasagne which I’ve had in the past however this was very dry and was bland. My wife asked for sauces which didn’t come and had to leave her meal and find a waitress to ask for some. A waitress later approached and asked how the food was. I explained it was very dry and she apologised. Need more staff especially behind the bar and on this occasion the food was disappointing. I won’t be going back

We went here about 2 pm on a Wednesday to have lunch with friends who are emigrating. My friend ordered Lasagna and chips with salad , her husband had pie and chips , my husband decided on a burger , hadn’t had one in a long time . It said burger topped with bacon and cheese . Came on a wooden board with 2 very skinny onion rings and chips . Firstly my friends Lasagna was practically sauce free , very dry and as she said unappetising. Our burgers were as dry as sticks , bun was cold as was the bacon and the cheese was set solid .Never again . Think the menu is far too big and things must be microwaved to within an inch of its life . We told the waitress who said I will tell the chef . She need not of bothered. All we got was a “sorry” and that was it . The rest of the staff were ok but not particularly friendly . The time we went was about 2 and by 2-30 there was only 1 other couple in the pub so it wasn’t as if they were busy . My friends were really disappointed but as they are emigrating they go back but neither would we at all .Would not recommend at all .

We came here for a small family celebration, just 4 of us. We were seated in an annexe and just as our food arrived, so did a separate party of about 30 people over two tables. No offence to them intended, but it would have been quieter on the hard shoulder of a motorway in rush hour. Awful. We couldn't even have a conversation. When our plates were cleared the waitress immediately realised what the problem was. The staff were apologetic but it should be obvious to a well established restaurant that this is not acceptable. There were other tables free in the main restaurant so it wasn't as if they had to squeeze us in. We won't be back.

Our walking group from nearby Shildon have visited The Bay Horse for the last four years and did so again on Monday 16th December. As before, we were treated well, given a large table in the upstairs area and given time to peruse the Light Bite menu. Service was excellent and the order was taken carefully and accurately. The venue was extremely busy for a Monday lunchtime but the food arrived within 25 minutes which left plenty of time for people to chat. When the food came, it arrived in the order in which it had been ordered so nobody could get mixed up. As in the past, the food was exactly what we expected from the menu - light, inexpensive and well prepared. All members of the group went home happy and are looking forward to returning in the future. Excellent service on a very busy day.

most people who have eaten here in the past always rave about how delicious the home made chips are.... as we were here for our Christmas night out I had to go traditional with the Christmas Fayre menu. Started with the Pigs in Blankets which were perfect. Next up was the Turkey, Yorkshire Pudding and all the trimmings... beautiful! Then I had just enough room for desert which had to be the Sticky Toffee Pudding! Amazing!!!

We had a fabulous lunch at the bay horse, the service was first class considering how busy they were and nothing as far too much for the staff, Many congratulations to Mandy and all the staff on job well done

As always the meals were very nice couldn’t fault any of them and we that is the 10 of us all had a different meal the staff were friendly and helpful and very polite pease if your out and about call in I’m sure you will be greeted with a lovely friendly service

Rude staff having conversation with others when ordering. Baby bowl had rotting carrots and mash had yellow hard skin like it had been under a heat lamp for a long time. It has been a long time since my last visit, Usually a really good meal but today was terrible, not sure if they have a different chef but won’t be visiting again.

A group of 9 of us met for a family meal. The staff were lovely and very efficient and the choice of meals was great. Everyone of us enjoyed our meal and the portions were very generous at a fair price. We’ll definitely be back next time we visit Aycliffe.

very pleasant... a bit noisy however that just shows its a busy place. clean, polite staff clean toilets

Our sixth visit in the last 18 months and once again I have to say everything was spot on, excellent food and service ,great value for money and will definitely be back again soon

Lovely pub just a shame I ordered the beef baguette from the lite bite lunch menu for around £7.00, not worth the money with just a white bun three pieces of pre heated beef and some chips won't be ordering that again!!

My wife and I travelled down here from Washington for a family get together which my brother arranged, and he'd reserved a table for 10. Even though it was a Wednesday night, the place was busy - a good sign - with the rear car park full, so we had to park over the road.

We visited this pub for the first time in a few years and wasn’t disappointed.

I ordered drinks and meals for our party of four and asked to keep the bill open for additional drinks and deserts. I had expected to open a tab with my card details but I was informed that they could not do this. I was told that they would keep my card and return it to me at the end of the meal. I was not prepared to do this.