The Chester Moor Inn in County Durham

This was a really nice place to pop in for lunch or tea, but unfortunately something has changed. They've obviously spent a lot of money on doing the old place up and to be honest it's very nice and they've done a really good job. Unfortunately that's it because we all found the food to be very mediocre and bland. Service was really slow and it was almost an hour before we received our food. I had a mixed grill (£20) which was so bland , there was just no taste whatsoever in fact the chicken, steak and gammon all tasted the same, just bland unseasoned meat. Son had sea bass (£18.25) and it was terrible, dry and bland again and to be honest it looked terrible to. Mrs had belly pork that was tough like rubber and my mam had steak pie with concrete pastry, she literally could not eat it and left it. We told them it was inedible but they weren't interested and said they would tell the chef. Reading through some of the reviews on here were not the first to have a concrete crust on the pie. This just tells me they don't seem to care as long as people keep eating there. This is the third time we've been disappointed here so we won't be returning. Maybe we're just unlucky but after talking to other people it seems we're not.

Excellent food and service, couldn't get much better. Well done !

Very nice food at a good price. No complaints. Would highly recommend.

Fantastic food, great service and a lovely atmosphere. Well priced for food.

First time here in a while The food was amazing, I'm vegan and the choice and quality of the food was great Will definitely be back again

We went for a family meal nice atmosphere staff good meal fantastic loads of choice good service would definitely re visit

Have visited on numerous occasions and have never been dissapointed, however on this occasion we were highly dissatisfied. Rang and pre booked a table for 6 and was advised we could only have a two hour slot which was absolutely fine. The lady checked to make sure we wouldnt have any dogs so i assumed we would be in the restaurant area. However when se arrived at the booked time we were told there was no rable in the restaurant and were sat on a high table in the dog area. The service was really poor and the food only adequate, vegetables were cold and raw and very small portions seemed to be regulars and customers in the restaurant were attended to first. We would certainly not recomend to others and will not visit again

I tried this pub on the recommendation of a friend as it was dog friendly. I’ve no doubt it is dog friendly. Though there’s an absence of water bowls. The car park isn’t designed for disabled people and I couldn’t find a disabled parking spot. I do have a blue badge. Need my door open fully to access and exit the car. So getting in and out was a bit painful. After that, approaching the bar, I ordered my drink and asked for the vegan menu. The barmaid had to ask another member of staff where the vegan menu was and was promptly told, “it’s on there“, the other staff member pointing to the menu. I read through the menu to find the option of a spicy bean burger. (It was all I could see at that time). When I ordered, I was asked where I was sitting, I had literally just walked into the bar. I was advised there was a spot in the far corner which would mean walking past numerous people with my dog. Instead, I suggested I sit in a chair close by which was being vacated by the people already there. The staff member acknowledged this, could see the table and the mess on it. Having seated myself, with my drink, eventually my food arrived. However, my table hadn’t been cleaned. There’s been plenty of time and was in direct sight of the staff. So my plate was placed among the empty plates already there with the empty glasses and various wrappers from sweets that the previous people had been eating. As stated I opted for the spicy bean burger. I often cook my own food and have a “in case of emergencies” supply a frozen food in my freezer. This burger was like what you would get from a superstore through the frozen department. It wasn’t freshly made. (£2:49 for four I think? Around 60p per burger). It was poorly heated and certainly wasn’t spicy. It was as bland and tasteless as my ex girlfriend. At £14:99 I’d expect something a little better and not frozen or heated in a microwave. The centre of the burger was mushy. I very nearly had a ‘Gordon Ramsey’ moment. I take my time eating, not excessively, just a normal pace. My table as I said hadn’t been cleaned, yet soon after I finished I was approached and asked if I wanted anything else. So my plate was taken away and the rest of the table left. I don’t finish my drink. I just left. If you’re vegetarian or vegan don’t bother. I could have called into a chippy and thrown a burger in the oven. It would have been better cooked. Staff might be over worked and underpaid? Certainly something up. I’ve been to happier funerals.

Sunday lunch Turned up no reservation Was quite busy with families Various Sunday lunch choices available including vegetarian The food was nice but the veg especially the carrots were barely cooked which is my pet peeve but I appreciate others like them like that I thought one roast potato was a bit stingy Pudding was lovely and surprisingly large Parking is available but as busy limited spaces Service was quite slow but it was busy Cutlery and plenty of napkins on the table Table service Toilets clean and pleasant Prices reasonable Kids menu available

Took the family for celebration meal on a Friday evening. We all had 3 courses and we were all more than happy with everything we had. The service was spot on and the ambience was such that we had a great evening. Would certainly return if the occasion arose.

Great venue food piping hot desserts bir pricey but had great first visit will be back staff friendly good service and quite busy very varied menu M

Love the pub quiz on a Wednesday night. New menu looks good. Would like more real ale options.

The staff were absolutely lovely, super friendly and attentive. Only thing that makes a three star is the food.. it was hot and fresh but just lacking something… perhaps I ordered the wrong thing? Will return again.

Great place for food. It has an extensive menu and the portions are generous. Service timely and very good. Nice relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Will definitely dine here again.

Great food, beautifully cooked at a good price BUT we were there Thursday 13/2 for 2.5hrs and only able to get our initial, and then one further round of drinks with a three course meal for a table of six. We had to ask twice for the second round to be brought. Even my mum, who drinks like a mosquito, was left with an empty wine glass for an age. The rest of us were dessicated! For our main course, we had to get our own cutlery from a neighbouring table, and then we had to go walkabout to ask someone for a dessert menu. The food was served by one poor (overworked) fella working on his own and 3 other staff pretty much standing at the bar chatting. On a quiet night like this, I would have expected a little bit more attention. It was pretty cold inside too, several of our table had to eat with their outdoor coats on. Posting, because, with a little attentiveness, it could so easily have been MUCH better and I'd really like this local pub to do well!

I deliver to this pub and it's always busy so we decided to call in for some lunch today. Lovely pub with little cubby holes to sit in, in the bar area with very comfortable seating. Friendly staff and service was great. Proper home cooked food with very generous portions. The steak and ale pie was delicous, full up with huge chunks of steak and the gravy was devine. All round the food was perfect. Thank you

Haven’t been to the Chester moor pub in years so we visited tonight as had heard great things. Food was beautiful, fab friendly service! We will definitely be back! 10/10! Thank you :)

Our first time at the Chester Moor and we would definitely go back.friendly staff,beautiful meals that are reasonably priced also week day specials.lovely atmosphere also.

Beautiful food and great service at a good price

Quiet chilled atmosphere quickly seated and drinks served quickly good selection of genuine pub food, the food was cooked as asked perfectly and big servings, we will be back

Best meal I've had for quite a while - cooked with skill and intelligence. I had liver and bacon with mixed veg, friend tuna salad. Comfortable seating, efficient friendly service. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend.

Usually food is okay here, not exceptional but okay. However two of us ordered steak pie on a recent visit. The pastry was rock hard and meat inedible . It was so tough we couldn't even cut through it. We were given an apology when we gave some feedback to back to waiter but not offered any discount or alternative food Wont be back until it improves

The Venue This pub/restaurant is just off the A167 and not far from the A1 for anyone travelling. It’s very well done out inside with a more theme but keeping local roots at the focus of the decor The food The starter I choose Doreen’s Black Pudding, it was absolutely delicious, the leek and smoked bacon sauce works really well with the poached egg 8/10 The main I went for the double one burger. The burger was spot on. Meat cheese and bacon is simple but this is done so well. I really enjoyed my main The staff This was the only let down to the meal, our order wasn’t taken for atleast 35 minutes of being in the venue (which wasn’t too busy). The drink I ordered had to be chased at the bar even though my server and 2 other staff were having a break by the till. I have been to this pub before and had outstanding service so I am hoping this is an isolated incident. Recommendation I would and do go back most weeks as this is a local and have recommended to family and friends

Fantastic pub with great food and staff. John and the team do a great job making sure everyone is well looked after. Thank you

Had Sunday lunch, food was excellent, staff are friendly and welcoming. A friendly young man took our order ( kieron I think his name was) catering for our every need and our order arrived quickly. The Chester Moor is a beautiful venue and would highly recommend 😋😋😋😋😋

Really good atmosphere, clean and attentive staff. Food was good, being veggie they have a separate vegan menu which has huge choice options.

Really busy, but squeezed us us. Very Christmassy atmosphere. Food delicious, staff very pleasant, and courteous. Thanks

Delicious home-cooked food, of good quality. The staff were exceptionally friendly and attentive. Plenty of gluten free options to choose from. The portion sizes were very generous. Slightly expensive, but they do a weeknight deal that is reasonably priced. Would recommend trying - it has really improved since I was last here (years ago).

Just called in the Chester Moor as the Sticky Wicket was closed today, driving past we noticed they were “dog friendly” so we doubled back and called in, so pleased we did. There was 3 of us and a dog, what an absolutely fantastic meal we had, the quality of the food was amazing, we had 3 mains, 3 Deserts and two rounds of drinks it came to £68, I asked the girl if I could check the receipt as I thought they had missed something off!!! She said the deserts were only £2 each on a Tuesday when you had a main meal, honestly they were beautiful, well presented and lush…we will definitely be back, another fantastic dog friendly pub

Lovely food and service tonight at The Chester Moor. Three of us catch up half a dozen times a year, lovely choice for our Xmas meal! Xx

Belta I had the steak n ale pie 🥧 home cooked beautiful, wife had the Featherblade of beef 10/10, defo coming back food is beautiful

Arrived and requested a table for 2 which wasn't a problem as they weren't busy at all. Ordered drinks and waited and waited and waited for over 25 mins. We never got our drinks and werent asked us what food we wanted. We won't return!

Great pub and absolutely lovely food .Will return.

Great food Fabulous portion sizes Lots of choice Value for money Friendly staff Definitely go back and take family Warm atmosphere

Quite dark inside , took a while for drinks ,menu pretty plain and overpriced , food was nice but I found a large bone in my fish which put me off

Excellent Sunday lunch. Friendly polite and efficient staff. Will definitely book on another occasion.

I visited your establishment earlier today with my wife and 8 year old son. We arrived at 4.45pm looking forward to grabbing a quick bite to eat to end what had been a lovely family day. We sat down at a table which seemed to be available , to be then told that it was reserved from 5.30pm onwards , to which we said , we were only wanting to order main courses so we would be mostly likely finished before 5.30pm , or alternatively , we would be happy to sit elsewhere. The member of staff who spoke to us said that there was no availability for 3 people unless we were prepared to wait approx 30 minutes , however there were various other tables in the bar and front part of the restaurant area unoccupied, however, no alternative was offered. We visited only last week , and had a lovely meal and enjoyed the experience and although we no longer live local after moving away from Chester le street circa 6 years ago , we thought we would make the journey to call again, however todays experience was extremely disappointing as we were made to feel not welcome, with no effort to offer an alternative to accommodate us. To say that we were disappointed , doesn’t even come close, especially as we we so pleased with our visit the week prior. If there’s any advice I can give , it would be to ensure your staff are more attentive and show a little more interest in trying to accommodate your customers.

Atmosphere of the place is standard, nice pub feeling, dog friendly. Food is overpriced for the quality, standard mediocre pub food. Staff are nice, friendly etc but the food? Give that a miss

Called in on spec and luckily got a table. Staff very helpful. My wife and I both had mince and leek dumpling and everything about ot was superb. Now looking at booking for next month, really looking forward to going back.

Really bad experience with the manager there, terrible attitude. Won't be coming back because of him. One other member of staff was bad as well. Food was good but let down by people on power trips

Got fish and chips , left it as the batter wasn't cooked properly, paid 4.75 for half of carling! Ridiculous price! There are dogs everywhere, not what you want when going out for a meal in a restaurant, won't be back!

Went for Sunday lunch which was excellent. The only thing that put us off was the fact that dogs were allowed in the dinning area where we were sat. A lady ordered the dog a sausage and was blowing on it to cool it down and dog was barking. Not what you want while trying to enjoy lunch.

Great service, lovely Sunday lunch, went later in the day so very relaxed atmosphere.

Called In today for a meal with my family, it was my husbands birthday and we thought why not go out, well we won't be back in a hurry. Ordered the chicken curry it was like eating powder so I asked if I could change what I ordered , paying the bill and they charged us for both meals even though the first one was vile. Not a single person Appologised they just seemed annoyed at me, no one smiled either other than the lady who brought my daughter her food but once I complained she proceeded to avoid our table and gave us the cold shoulder. I don't like to make complaints however the curry was literally inedible. Making someone pay for your mistake twice is disgusting. Won't be back.

I had hald of the food missing from my plate, I ordered corned beef pie with mash and veg but all I got was pie and veg, plus the pie was very very lumpy. My husband ordered hunters chicken and the chicken was a think slice or processed chicken, around a 1/2 cm thick. This used to be a great place to go for a meal but now I can't help but recommend it for the service as that couldn't be faulted, but the food.....

Great service and great food. Just what we were after! It was a wet and windy night and the Moor was welcoming and cosy. We happened to pass and very glad we stopped in for the evening. Highly recommend

Nice and cozy, not loud, small menus to choose from.

The staff are so nice and accommodating.food lovely and value for money.

Good food, very friendly and attentive staff

The food was cooked well, the staff were faultless. Good atmosphere.

4 lovely meals. 2x sea bass and 2x chicken paramo from the 2 for £20 lunchtime special menu. Great service, great food and great value. Smashing pub

Just been to the pub for food with my family from away. We walked and sat down and waited to be served however a older lady server came over and said your lucky you'll be served after i asked if we needed to book in a rude manner then once her friends arrived for the table next to us then i seen her customer service face which was nice to see after my encounter. Disappointed when she then came back to set our cutlery down and give us all stern face and looks . the food served was lovely however and my father was impressed by the price .

We were a prty of 5 and called in for lunch today. We all had a different meal. We could not fault the meals were excellent Staff very friendly and polite. Will definitely call for lunch again

Lovely meals served by friendly efficient staff would highly reccomend

Lovely pub, nice surroundings. Staff were very friendly and food was delicious. Very relaxed atmosphere. Also dog friendly

Regular visitor and good is always outstanding and staff are always lovely can't do enough for you would always recommend this restaurant

The best meal I have had in a long time so fresh and tasty. Staff very polite and helpful. A lovely experience all round would highly recommend a visit . I will definitely be going back very soon.

sitting in the Sun outside was the only positive about today's lunch. Fishfinger sandwich was four pieces of almost solid batter with almost no fish inside. This together with a prawn sandwich and one draft Coke cost £20! There were plenty of staff around but they didn't seem particularly happy in their Work even though the Sun was shining and it was a beautiful day. Definitely won't be Repeating The experience!

Called in and was full always a good sign, it cleared whilst we were there, we got seated checked the menu plenty to choose from, we ordered and the meal was excellent and could not fault, plentiful portion and served hot. However the staff seemed to take a very casual attitude to the service, the started and main meal was served ok., but we asked for desert menu, told no ginger pud, cheesecake was rocky road, then left came back eventually with menu but never returned to take order so we got up and left, the restaurant was clear by this time so no reason for delay will we be back ??????

This pub has been updated to a good standard and offers a selection of real ales as well as the usual lagers. The food is ok for the price although my burger was on the small size and, for an extra £1.47, came with undercooked, mostly fatty bacon and a thin slice of cheese. Could really do with table service rather than having to order everything at the bar....particularly for those eating outside. UPDATE. Sadly the service has remained slow and poor with the outside seating area really in need of some TLC. Didn't stop for anything to eat due to this.

I approached the bar and was going to ask for a menu when the waitress said where are you sitting? And I said outside I was told abruptly you have to pay now if you're sitting outside and so I paid and then I was giving a knife and fork wrapped in napkin so I took it and walked outside and noticed there was no welcoming to the tables. There were no condiments it looked like a garden that was a bit absconded not at all welcoming for guests and so I waited for the meal which arrived no offer of any condiments so I asked for salt and pepper and I got it , Food consisted of stewed beef which was very dry and hard And lacked the beef flavour I didn't say anything. I doubt whether anyone cares whether I enjoyed my meal or not because I will work out the same way as I walked in and I am a regular at this restaurant. I was disappointed today.

A beautiful pub serving some very nice food,sadly lacking a little bit of atmosphere for me,maybe mid afternoon is not it's best time. An evening with the nice fireside chairs maybe a different matter. Still nice though.

We were a large family group all of the meals were excellent as was the service and the staff No long wait time will definately go back very impressed

Lovely atmosphere, very friendly staff. We had the chicken parmo for the first time, and it was delicious. Served with real chips, salad and creamy slaw. Thoroughly enjoyed our meal and experience.

Was not happy with one of the meals burned and could not cut the meet had to sent it back other family members had finished there meals and I haven’t started my, I had to send a pint of John smiths back as it add orange in it not happy at all no discount for all this

Lovely liver and onions. It was quite dull and they found us a table with a high chair.

Although local first time we have visited since alterations etc .Of the four of us 3 meals were excellent off the "special " part of the menu. Traditional meals are at special price 2 for £20 during the week ,as only one meal was from this section they obviously presume that 2 would be ordered and cut back on quantity to reflect the price a very small piece of fish for full price of £14.95 Staff member was very friendly The final disappointment was to find out we had been charged £11 each for two large glasses of wine!!!! which we felt was extremely greedy for what is basically a local pub

Lovely food and very friendly staff, we will definitely be back

Not been here for many, many years. Probably over a decade. Had a few recommending Sunday Lunch here to me, recently, so we booked and called in for one today. Excellent! I had the beef. Delicious. I'm really fussy about meat and any fat, gristle or rubbery texture instantly puts me off and means I won't eat the rest, but I devoured my 2 thick slices. Husband had the meat medley. Came with tasty and substantial selection of side vegeatbles, large yorkshire, as well as mash, a roastie, a parsnip, pig in blanket and stuffing ball and gravy plus extra gravy. Fair prices and looking at the menu there was a good section of other dishes too. Would loved to have tried dessert but was absolutely stuffed, following the Sunday roast. Service was good. Prompt and polite, as well as checking in that everything was OK. Definitely would recommend.

Extortionate prices for a beer. Close to £7 for a pint of Camden. A pub in Chester Le Street should not be charging more than places in central London.

Very good. Called in on a midweek afternoon. Had three meals, ( Cajun / bacon and cheese got sandwiches, with salad and chips....great chips!!), had four beers and a soft drink between us. All very good value. Very pleasant inside, airy and a nice outdoor area. I'll be back!

Good points.. food is amazing, chicken tikka salad was huge with lots of chicken, ginger pudding and custard was delicious. Like coming to this pub it beautiful inside, always busy, food is excellent and the male staff are always happy and polite. Bad points.. miserable waitress, no acknowledgement at bar just a sullen stare, asked for a pint of blackcurrant and soda got a half and told They don't do pints. Was charged £2.20 for a half. Soda is often free. Throughout my visit I never saw her smile or have any rapport with customer

Food was really nice!!! I had Subday Roast with Belly pork.. gorgeous 😍 😍 was a busy time to go so took around 30mins ... but was stuffed Highly recommend 👌 👍

It's always a pleasure to visit the Chester Moor. Quite simply, it provides everything you want for a very pleasant evening, hence the ratings I've given. Thanks to all the staff for your efforts. They are very much appreciated.

Wonderful food, delicious flavour and good portions. Staff were friendly and even brought water over for our dog. Great vegetarian and vegan options too. Can't wait to return.

Great food and relaxed atmosphere.

Food very expensive probably not be going back

Called here on the way home from Newcastle on a Saturday afternoon, staff were very friendly and brought our drinks outside promptly. Didn't wait long for food and it was very tasteful. Definitely going back and a place to recommend.

Really good service, the food was excellent and it was an enjoyable experience

Food was delicious and the pub was nice inside, great service. Do wish they offered cocktails but that's just a personal preference! Overall hugely recommend

Popped in for a quick lunch. Food was good, the interior is very pleasant - but the best thing is the service. The lady and gentlemen behind the bar served the entire bar / restaurant, we’re friendly, prompt, polite - prompting me to leave a review. Highly recommended

Absolutely amazing. Staff are lovely, always friendly, and the chef's food is so good with a honest price tag that well needless to say puts Gordon Ramsey to shame. If someone can cook food this good that look amazingly presented and it be less than 20 quid then shame on you Gordon lol. But yes go here if you can as you will never be disappointed. Thank you for your efforts they are well deserved and much appreciated. If the chef needs a raise give him it lol

We go for early bird menue. 2 meals for £19.95. Good food, well presented and good value.

Fantastic food is really good service with a warm welcome. Very relaxed atmosphere with emphasis being on enjoyment.

Came here on the Sunday of the bank holiday weekend for a meal with the children and the dog. Very nice pub with very accomodating staff. Food was lovely and great value. I would definitely recommend.

Here with old work colleagues for the 2nd of my 'big' birthday celebrations. We all just had mains as there was a birthday cake to be shared at the end. I chose the lamb's liver with veg and mash which was good but very filling- just as well I didn't have a starter. They let us have an extra table for pressies and produced lighter and huge knife for cake! Nice staff, outside beer garden and good sized car park.

Amazing food with big portions!

Brilliant service, food was amazing.

Gorgeous! Food wine staff were all just beautiful. Can't fault it. Will be back

The interior was lovely & clean & the staff were friendly. The menu was very restrictive for anyone looking for a gluten free option. I managed to choose a Sunday roast, however there was very little on the plate when it arrived in comparison to my friend’s roast. I was charged the same price for have the portion. I may return for a drink at some point but definitely not for food. It’s not value for money if you have dietary restrictions.

We had a brilliant night celebrating a birthday great food brilliant service definitely recommend it I'll be definitely going again fantastic!!

Great food, good atmosphere, good meeting point.

Food was lovely and decent portions, service was great. Lovely quite night out. Well worth a visit.

Fab food and service. There was 6 of us for my daughter's birthday we all enjoyed the food not one complaint. Have to say my steak was delicious seasoned and cooked to perfection (medium). I do like to try different places around where I live and this one is now up there with the best I have eaten at.

Amazing food. Just wish they still served local ales.

Asked for a table for 1 for sunday dinner, "we dont have a table for 1" Traveled from chester-le-street on mobility scooter. Not be back here again. Terrible

Came here after a visit the week before when I noticed the food being served. Straight away I knew what I wanted. The mix grill.... So mix grill, liver bacon and mash for the missus, a berry crumble ,a white wine and a pint 50 quid. Unreal. A collosal amount of meat. Rump, gammon, pork chop, sausage (4), chicken, egg, onions, mushrooms and a tomato. Or and a bowl of chips. I couldn't finish and neither could the wife with hers. Could have been 5 stars but I think we made the mistake of going in last orders around 8 o'clock so chips were overdone. Other than that spot on.

The food is fabulous and very good portion sizes, would highly recommend the mixed grill or the ribeye steak and they have a great vegetarian selection too, staff are great and manager only to happy to help anyway he can john g

Great food. They have a lunchtime special, you can get 2 meals for £19.99. Hubby had fish, chips and mushy peas. I had chicken parmo, chips and salad. Great meals. Don't know how they do the chips but they were the best we have had for a long time.

Lovely little place with a good drinks selection and good food. The menu is surprisingly varied and the service superb. Plenty of parking directly outside. Place is clean and comfortable.