The Blue Bell Inn in County Durham

Terrible sunday lunch on Father’s Day,small amount of meat,vegetables,Yorkshire puddings and the gravy was like water.we were here before lockdown and had a fabulous Sunday lunch that’s why we returned.what a let down,staff advised us it was new owners.the best place in this area for Sunday lunch is the peacock by far....we will not recommend or return.

Used to frequent this pub in the sixties..always good...came back last November had a brilliant Sunday lunch....but today it was terrible..over priced..poor quality...not a patch on my regular pub...will not return.

Worst Sunday dinner i have ever had!!! Gravy like water ,one tiny slice of turkey, Yorkshire puddings flat as pancakes,no mashed potato and rock hard carrots. Apparently chef was informed but still charged full price. Wont be back!!

Visited for a Sunday dinner around about lunch time today. Me and my husband were sat by a lovely young lady, who looked after us from start to finish. After ordering two beef dinners, it was sharply delivered by a very polite young chef (a lovely gesture). The beef was very tender and the mash was proper homemade. I will definitely be booking again soon!

Myself and my family visited the bluebell today, kimberley assisted us to our table and took our orders,anything we needed she was more than happy to help. I had steak with all the trimmings, the chef and the staff catered to my gluten free needs, which was absolutely fantastic. Compliments to George the chef too for the chips that were absolutely delightful. My partner had the gammon steak with all the trimmings and said that he thoroughly enjoyed that also, and my 4 year daughter had the sausage mash and beans with a side of gravy which she enjoyed alot, we then had a dessert, which again my gluten free diet was taking into consideration, which I was very grateful for, we had a lovely time amazing food, and very friendly staff will definitely go back.

Tonight was our first meal out since the last lockdown was lifted. Although there was a limited menu, we thoroughly enjoyed our meal. Both George and Kim catered to our order. The food was delicious and filling.

The online photo must have been taken a long time ago. I have attached a current photo. It is grimy and my first two choice of drinks were unavailable.It only had 3 tables occupied and after waiting 50 minutes for just fish and chips we left. The kitchen staff were smoking non the rear steps in the car park! All I can recommend is that people eat elsewhere.

As a long time customer of the Blue Bell I booked a table for 2 for today. This was the worst meal we have ever had some items on the menu were unavailable so we reselected and after a wait of 1 hour what was served was totally unacceptable mashed potato was like cement and the gammon was dry and overcooked. Had we not had to pay when ordering we would have walked out, The serving staff were stressed and it was quite obvious the problem was the kitchen chef who could not cope. The restaurant should never have reopened as they were unprepared and by doing so thy have damaged their reputation.

This is by far the worst experience had in Covid for eating out. Waited over an hour and half food was over cooked, burnt and dried out. Staff did not acknowledge this until we spoke to them about it. Then they were very apologetic. Would not recommend.

30/10/20. Some things never change. Same excellent food and customer service! Our first time here with the new management and the food, welcome and customer service to a very high standard. Make sure you go before the next Lockdown

We have eaten here a few times recently with out 2 children, good variety of meals available, good home cooked pub food and nice friendly staff - all at reasonable prices !

First pub visit since us vulnerables were let off the leash. Experience was a little strange with all the necessary covid checks but everything went smoothly. We were served by a lovely young lady named Morgan who was very attentive and observed all the procedures. Our meals were up to the high standard that is the norm in the Bluebell and it won't be long before a re-visit is needed.

First impressions, gorgeous pub, service good, food very tasty, best of all dog friendly.Morgan & Shannon couldn't have been more attentive.A definite recommendation & future visits

Went there today for a carvery was absolutely rotten got a small amount of food not nice at all went be going back in a hurry terrible atmosphere think the staff were scared to socialize with the customers

Away for a few days, and someone mentioned about the place. We managed to get booked up. A lovely meal and a reasonable price. Well done to all the staff. Thank you.

Today we took advantage of the eat out scheme and what a brilliant place to try, and such a bargain. Staff were friendly and efficient and the food was served in good time, piping hot and definitely plentiful. We would highly recommend. Thank you 😊

First time we have been here and first time out for food since lockdown so we took advantage of the "eat out to help out" initiative and we will go back and happily pay full price. I had potato skins for starter there was more than enough with 2dips, hubby had the black pudding stack and said it was lovely, I had lamb shank for main it was delicious the meat fell off the bone and the gravy was to die for and the vegetables were spot on hubby had surf and turf and he asked for his steak to be cooked blue and it came out exactly like he wanted, so many times he's been dissapointed when the steak has arrived when we have eaten out before and no one has cooked it blue for him so he's a happy man tonight, I looked at the dessert menu but was so full of had to decline . The staff were very friendly and attentive the wait was just right between courses and everything felt very safe at these uncertain times. Thank you again we will Definately be back.

We eat here on a regular basis,first time we have eaten out since lockdown,so we were looking forward to our visitI was very disappointed my food was served lukewarm it was served on a cold plate so was really cold within minutes,was offered a fresh one but had already started eating,always praised Blue Bill for generous portion but not on this occasion didn’t enjoy it at all,so will not return

Would highly recommend a visitWe called in as we where in the area and I’m so glad we did. My husband chose the beer battered fish and chips, I chose the beef & onion sandwich. The chips where home made coleslaw was home made. Would definitely call in again if I’m ever in the area.Big shout out to Morgan who served us she was lovely very helpful with a nice warm welcoming smile.Prices where great for great quality food

Enjoyed our meals - we both had the Baron beef and the desserts were delicious. The staff are lovely.

I recently visited the Bluebell pub in Stanley with my family, to celebrate my mother’s birthday. Can I please congratulate the chefs, as the meals were gorgeous. We had steak pie, scampi and Thai chilli Chicken, all of which were to their usual high standard. The staff were also very polite and helpful. There was visible hand sanitisers at the entrance and our details were taken for track and trace purposes. We were escorted to our table too, which was spotless. I was certainly reassured that they are trying their best to keep their customers and staff safe. Well done. Will definitely be back soon.

We have visited this pub before and food is lovely but this week we booked a table for two, husband had steak pie and vegetables I had scampi and chips both were delicious but the lunch was spoilt by a family that did a walk in with a dog they were put on the next table to us the dog stunk. Staff brought the dog a bowl of water so I thought great they would put dog on floor but no it was on the back seat the smell of the dog made me leave my food. I love all animals as we have a large amount of dogs but I don’t think dogs should be allowed next to people eating food. I did tell the staff they apologised but that family could have been put on tables outside as it was a lovely day. What would have happened if someone sat on that seating had allergies to animals, the people put the dogs water dish on the table but when they left staff cleaned the table but chairs weren’t wiped were dog had been. Very disappointed this visit .

Visited this place on August 4th, so many items not available, 45 minutes before they took our order. Food delivered one item at a time, quality was reasonable. Each course was served one item at a time to the party ,meaning that by the time the last person got their food the first to be served had finished. Worst service ever. The manager running around like Manuel from faulty towers. This is a place to avoid, (no idea how it gets so many good reviews).

me and my partner came for the eat out to help out scheme and it was the first time we have been out for food since pubs have reopened! we were seated by the lovely Morgan who took my details for the track and trace, I enjoyed my mixed grill and my partner had the fish and chips wish he also enjoyed! we will be back soon to try the carvery!

THE BLUE BELL STANLEYWhen ringing to book at table mid afternoon yesterday and getting what they said was the last one I did think on the way there could it be to full and tables to close like in some pubs, I shouldn’t have worried, tables really well positioned, staff taking customers details, everything social distanced, The food was amazing,Steak was cooked to perfection, medium rareAsian sizzler gorgeous and steak again amazing, I pinched a taste of my daughterBaron of beef spot on, beef lovely and tenderKids burger and chips again spot on and a lot of itBig pat on the back to the Blue Bell and all the staff, all made us feel welcomeCan’t believe some reviews are saying this pub isn’t doing social distancing well

Amazing food and staff extremely accommodating towards my stepsons needs he chose the steak pie which was very tasty

We have been twice very recently and enjoyed the meals each time.Food is very very nice, well presented and great value.We went last night and I had Chicken, Bacon and Black Pudding Stack which i highly recommend. In reality we have now been quite a few times and have never been disappointed.

Every single meal was faultless, excellent quality, quantity and 1st class service. Staff were very accommodating and attentive. Chef even came out and spoke to us. Our go to family dining choice everytime.

4of us went for lunch today. We couldn't fault it, we all had different meals and all loved them. Massive portions. Nice friendly staff, so helpful. Plenty distance between tables and hand sanitizer round the place. Must admit for my first meal out since lockdown I was pleasantly surprised at how organised they were. It was a bonus when we got 25% discount and will be even better next week when there's 50% off. Without the discount, I would still recommend the bluebell and we'll definitely be back.

I visited today with some family, 2 adults 1 baby. Staff were good, could of maybe been more attentive but with thw current circumstances it was completely understandableFood is good value for money, big portions and absolutely yummy. Although the chef seems a bit militant but the experience was lovely and i will be back.

Came for a carvery today and was appalled by what I seen. Only some staff in PPE, told they were too busy to take track and trace details although the restaurant was half empty, managers shouting across the restaurant at each other, dogs barking constantly in the bar and to finish it off told it was okay to go the opposite way on the one way system because “ nobody is looking” . Such a shame as I have always liked this place and came often. Unfortunately I won’t be returning for the foreseeable. So unprofessional.

We had a family get together at the Blue Bell, following our mother's funeral, and we can't thank Ashley, Liam and the brilliant team enough. The service and the food were fantastic and faultless. All 22 meals arrived together, and we all praised how everything was hot and delicious.Everyone felt totally safe (one way in one way out, hand sanitiser readily available etc) and well looked after.Thank you all so much at the Blue Bell, you did us and our mam proud x

Visited today for carvery lunch. We were seated promptly by the lovely Morgan. She made a fuss of our year old daughter while taking our drinks/food order. Food was lovely . First visit for food out and we felt very comfortable. Thank you to the staff at the Blue Bell. We will be back.xxx

Absolutely over the moon that this local has reopened after lockdown! Wonderful friendly staff, great service and amazing food especially the fish and chips a not to be missed!!!! Social distancing we’ll observed and respected. Well done The Bluebell!

This was our first visit to a restaurant due to covid restrictions and it could not have been better distancing in place,friendly staff and superb food. Have booked to go back next week

Recommended by our granddaughter so thought we've give the pub a try for food as I've been in previously for drinks only . we weren't disappointed strange times going out but made much easier by friendly management and staff once seated ordering very easy when the starters came they well presented and not only looked but tasted delicious the main courses arrived when requested size aplenty and very well presented food was both hot and tasty also excellent quality also worth noting fantastic gin menu prices were also reasonable would definitely recommend this pub with great staff and very dog proud 10 of 10 and we will be back .

First meal out since lock down and I have to say it was well worth the wait. Delicious food, portion sizes were amazing. And on a Monday and Tuesday from 12-9 there is a 25 percent discount off your food bill. Very friendly and helpful staff. Everything was spaced out and arrows on floor for social distancing hand sanitizer the lot well done to the Bluebell Stanley we will definitely be returning

Had a lovely all round experience to celebrate my parents 56th wedding anniversary. Food excellent with a great menu choice, friendly accommodating staff and great service.Lovely atmosphere and relaxing surroundings. Well worth a visit.

Nephew and l had fish,chips and mushy peas.Absolutely delicious but unfortunately the helpings were so generous that we couldn't finish it all!Excellent overall experience.

Absolutely beautiful food. A bit long to wait for service on a Sunday, but expected when busy. We did get a free ice cream as an apology too. Much prefer this place to other local restaurants.

Can't recommend enough. Food was fantastic, portions were big, the decor was proper country pub and the staff were lovely.Will definitely have a return visit.

We came to Durham to visit Beamish museum for my daughters 13th birthday, we decided on a revisit to the Blue bell. Once again the food was amazing, as are the staff. A big thank you to Kim, Moigan and Liam

Found on trip adviser without any expectations. Amazing food, lovely home made pies with real pastry, great chunky chips and veg. Staff were very friendly and attentive. They brought water for the dog without being asked. We will be going back on our next visit to Beamish

We only wanted a light meal so i ordered prawn cocktail and chips. The prawn cocktail was lovely, good quality prawns in a lovely rose marie sauce, gorgeous, chips were lovely. We had wine and gin and tonic, reasonable prices. The staff here are all lovely and go out of ttheir way to help. its a shame the manageress beth is going back to kings head lanchester, never mind. We really like the bluebell, but every time we go on a saturday lunch time it never seems very busy, in fact, we passed a couple of days ago and it looked closed.

Our food was delicious. Freshly cooked and steaming hot. Proper chips, not frozen. Everyone’s meal was the same price. Very friendly, helpful staff. Would definitely go back.

Carvery simply can't fault value for money and loads of choice food through the week good sometimes chips are can be a little bit brown but staff always friendly

We visited Beamish for the day from Sheffield. The staff were very welcoming and friendly and the food was wonderful. A really enjoyable experience - glad we stumbled across this pub!

We booked online for the Sunday carvery, we were seated immediately at a very comfortable table by the hostess and were were offered drinks. We went to the buffet and received generous helpings of meat and delicious veggies. All in all, highly recommended at this warm local pub. Well worth a drive ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My partner and I ate here with our baby and toddler. The food was lovely & the staff were really friendly & helpful. The pub itself is warm & cosy & we will defo be back!! X

We had our annual Christmas lunch a few days ago. The food was excellent as always. Staff who were really busy were most attentive and helpful. We all enjoyed our meal and would like to thank all the staff for making this a great day.

Went for lunch on husbands 60th birthday, he could have gone anywhere any price but he picked the blue bell inn because it allows dogs and the food is always spot on. We had a lovely lunch and the dogs enjoyed their sausages. This pub is definitely a firm favourite.

We were visiting Beamish as a family and wanted somewhere to eat afterwards. My daughter-in-law did some research and found this. She did a sterling job, the pub, atmosphere and food especially were excellent and the food was very reasonably priced. We did not know the area at all so were very happy to find such a lovely place to eat. Would highly recommend.

Booked to celebrate my 20th birthday, spoke to the very kind and friendly manager (Beth) discussed which time would be best and was informed there could be a wait as there was 2 more large parties booked for that night also. Very friendly young man named Liam was able to give me a range of menus to share out with my family for our pre order. On the night of the celebration I was greeted by Beth and Liam where they were happy to help with anything I needed (putting banners up and setting the table) once done we waited for our family to arrive. WE HAD A FANTASTIC NIGHT! Food was delicious, loved the Christmas music that was on (it wasnt too loud or too quiet.) Didnt have to wait too long for our food baring in mind there was other parties and walk ins. Each of us had starters and mains and couldn't fault anything just the portions were huge and were stuffed after half the main course. Beth and other members of staff came and checked on our food and checked to see if we wanted anymore drinks. Was shocked by Beth and a waitress who brought me a slice of cake with some candles in and sang happy birthday! All the staff were very friendly and i will be returning as soon as i can. Thank you Beth and all your staff for such a lovely and eventful night.

It is a while since I reviewed this lovely place so I give my review of todays visit!

The staff here are just so friendly and the food is great and good value for money. Well worth a visit.

We love the bluebell, but not today, hubby wanted mince and dumpling, but its changed now beef stew, hubby said beef was chewy not as nice as the mince , chips vegetables lovely, we did inform Liam, offered a sweet , but we declined, will be back please put mince back on thank you

Dropped in on the off chance for a spot of lunch. Although not perfect I would come back to try other things on the menu.

Called in with my wife and mother in law for a bite to eat about 3wks ago. Meal was fabulous meat was cooked just as I had asked for med/rare. My mother in law had fish and chips, fish covered the whole of the plate (which was lovely, but couldn't eat it all too much). My wife had thai curry. Which she enjoyed. Both me and my wife had a desert she had jam sponge and custard, I had the cheese cake with cream. Which I particularly enjoyed. The staff were very good asking us if we had enjoyed our meal and did we want anymore drinks. The meal and service was well priced as well. (Pleasantly surprised at the final bill).

Visited yesterday after seeing where my granddaughter was living in Durham as a new student. Decided we would like a country pub for lunch and somehow the Blue Bell was chosen. After a drive which wasn't totally in the countryside, we found the pub and the four of us settled down for a super lunch charmingly served and made even more memorable by all the lights failing! Problem soon solved and huge portions of food arrived. I had the Chicken and Ham pie served with chunky chips and vegetables. Everyone else went for the Beef Stew and the four of us were all delighted with our choices. Massive desserts followed with coffees and drinks coming to a total of £68. Superb value for a meal to remember.

We visited the Blue Bell to meet up with a friend when we were visiting the area. We had been looking for a dog friendly pub and this fitted the bill, our dog was provided with his own water bowl when we sat down. The pub was quiet for a mid week lunch and looked a little old fashioned. As far as the food was concerned, the warm sandwiches were huge and really tasty but my husband’s stroganoff was a little watery. I’d return if I were in the area again looking for a dog friendly pub.

A very pleasant atmosphere and good food this was recommended by a friend on Facebook and I was not disappointed

This was my first visit to this pub/ restaurant, as it was Friday we ordered the traditional fish and chips from the menu this was the smaller dish (£8.95) which I'm pleased I ordered as it was very filling, so I'm not sure I could have managed the bigger version! the staff were very friendly also delivering the drinks and food directly to the table the food arrived promptly and was piping hot and very delicious looking forward to testing the other menus out at a later date. (query) I saw this on Facebook and it said there was a free ice cream dessert given to pensioners? this was not mentioned to us, but I might have read the post wrong).

Visited this pub while staying in the area. Received a warm friendly welcome and given a choice of where to sit. Service and friendliness was excellent. For starter I had the black pudding to which my only complaint was the large size of the portion. (lol, I guess you don't have to eat it all). We choose the deal of 2 steaks and a bottle of wine for £30 and was not disappointed for the price paid, The wine was very acceptable. We were asked our opinion on its quality as it was newish to the pub. My only gripe is that I like a hot plate to keep the food hot. These were warm. Overall a good choice for a meal.

When writing my first review what better pub to start with other than the Blue Bell. I've been here on two occasions and none of which I have been disappointed. Food is amazing and great value for money. On Tuesday evening both me and partner were greeted by a pleasant young lady called Chloe I believe. She made our experience exceptional she was very friendly and always happy to help. Not to forget to mention her assistant Manger Liam who was also just as great. We will be soon to revisit wth our friendly little pooch, as the pub is also dog friendly. Total bonus. Well done Blue Bell.

We both enjoyed our meals they were very nice. The service was great. The staff were very friendly. It is a lovely pub.

Friends took us to The Blue Bell Inn for lunch while we were visiting from New Zealand. Liam was excellent with us and looked after us very well. The food was delicious and we hope to return again one day when we next visit England.

This is my local and I come on a regular basis but gunna have to stop coming on a Sunday due to the heat and humidity inside. The carvery is giving off heat, the place is full, no air con and never a window open to circulate the air, no ceiling fans nothing. You walk in and your hit with what feels like a sauna, extremely hot and humid with no air. It’s uncomfortable and that’s before you’ve even eaten a hot meal. They need to sort this out!!

Was rushed out of the pub before 10:00pm. Thought last orders where half ten. Then waiting for lift in door was asked to move out side so they could lock up. Will not be going there again as felt as if we were not wanted

Called into this pub for tea after a visit to Beamish. We chose it because it was dog friendly as our furry friend is part of our family and comes everywhere with us.

I just had a glass of wine which I’d say was very expensive at £6 Odd

Very friendly and helpful Special thanks to Liam who served us and thanks to all the lovely staff The food was absolutely amazing thank you for the visit

Lovely place, food was amazing as was the service,

Four of us went here on a Wednesday night. Lovely pub tucked away in Stanley. Food and Service were exceptionally good. All full and more than happy with what we ordered. Great value. No room for puds no matter how tempting they looked. Would definately go again.

Our first visit for over ten years but not our last. The food we had was superb.

Just love this pub so friendly and dog friendly. So every time we go to beamish museum this is my lunch stop. This time we had the New York beef sandwich and it was lovely to filling and tasty. Staff were pleasant and courteous. Can’t wait till next visit

Lovely food. Went on a Sunday with a rotten hangover so piled my plate stupidly high and didn’t even get halfway through. Staff were great and brought me a takeaway container so I didn’t have to waste it! Service was quick and the gravy was particularly amazing. Definitely recommend

We were looking for somewhere to eat in Stanley and found this on TripAdvisor.

Called for lunch, had my usual cod and chips which were excellent.

Fantastic food excellent service. Second visit this week as we are holidaying close by. Didnt think first visit could be beaten but it surpasses it. Well done to staff friendly and welcoming. Dog made welcome too. Bowl of water supplied without asking. Thank you.

Returned for a second time this week. A great first meal even better second time. Very resonable price. Great service lovely atmosphere. Our dog loved it with the water bowl and treats. Shame we our only here on holiday otherwise it would become our local.

After visiting Beamish Museum, we went for an afternoon meal to The Blue Bell Inn, we were greeted by a friendly member of staff, who took us to a table straight away and immediately took our drink order. When she arrived back a couple of minutes later she brought us menus and told us of the specials they had to offer. I chose a slow cooked lamb shank, which literally fell off the bone and was utterly delicious. My husband chose the steak pie, which he said was the best he has had. The pastry was lovely and light and it was completely full of steak from the bottom to the top. I would have loved to have had a dessert but we were completely full.

My husband and I visited for a meal recently with our little dog. There were lots of items on the menu that sounded delicious so it was actually difficult to choose! I had a very generous portion of mince and dumplings that were so tasty and my husband had the slow cooked beef which he said was great. Service was spot on...friendly and attentive but also relaxed. Highly recommend a visit and would definitely return.

What a little hidden gem this is, good table service helpful and friendly staff. Good choice of menu and what great sized portions, even had a goodie bag to takeaway as too much to eat. Definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a good and wholesome meal.

This is one of my regular meal venues. Staff always friendly and helpful with the food excellent quality. Warning very large portions

We were actually heading to another pub and drove past here so thought we'd give it a go. Glad we did - despite what other pubs say this is genuine home cooked feel good food. Where else can you get mince with a dumpling the size of your face! Staff very friendly and attentive without being obtrusive. Didn't see much evidence of local ales on offer but perhaps I should have been wearing my glasses?

Have been here twice now. Sunday lunch and an early bird. Really good both times. Dog s welcome in bar area. Clean with good staff

Had fish and chips here and were fab. Proper pub grub with loads of choice. Amazing chips. Friendly helpful staff, we will def visit again.

2nd time here in three weeks with our New Zealand family, brilliant food as always, one has steak pie he said best pie ever, we had chicken with mushrooms and garlic sauce fabulous, staff so friendly and helpful telling family about the different dishes thank you, even allowed to park moterhome over night in car park , once again brilliant and thanks ,

Just had a fantastic lunch at The Blue Bell Inn. Very friendly staff in a lovely setting. Food was excellent, and the portions were very filling.

Fantastic from start to finish excellent service exceptional food,it made our anniversary so much more special thank you

4 of us had a really good meal here.

Needed somewhere for tea on the way back to Cumbria after visiting ikea. What a find, great service and food. We had a 6 month old with us and they were great with him too. It was Monday night so 2 MAINS ARE 13.50, I had liver with mash and veg and my wife had curry with rice and chips. They were both fantastic I would happily paid 13.50 each. We will be bank thank you.

Popped in after family day out at Beamish Museum. Great meal had by all. Friendly hopeful staff. Even got some recommendations for other places to visit. Would happily return

We have visited this pub before and food is usually lovely but this visit the food wasn’t as nice not cooked as it usually the scampi wasn’t crispy so I left most of it and the chips were soggy, I hope it was a one off as we enjoy going here

My husband an I have dined here often and the food is always top quality well presented and the staff are very pleasant and helpful . Lady week we had a family meal there 7 adults and 4 children . Everyone was delighted with their choice from the extensive menu. The children had good quality meals too not the typical “ children’s menu” rubbish .

we were recommended this place so decided to give it ago today and we wernt disappointed food was very nice and staff were nice and pleasant

Put simply, the Sunday carvery is without doubt the best I have ever had anywhere. Meat cooked to perfection, everything piping hot and plentiful q. In addition a full menu is also available should you for some reason not wish to enjoy this example of top quality food.

We are frequent customers to the bluebell all the staff are welcoming Liam Beth Kim x all the other staff. Food is soooooo gd. Best carvery by far, lots of choice, food always hot and appetising

Just love this place the food is always fantastic and the staff are so friendly and can't do enough for you. We will be back very soon

Two of us enjoyed an excellent meal, one carvery and one fish and chips. The fish was huge and both meals cooked to perfection