The Church Mouse in County Durham

Having been here many times before for food, drinks and overnight stay at the adjoining Travel Lodge, and always having had a good experience, our experience this weekend has left us very disappointed to the point we will probably never go again! We went to celebrate my brother’s 50th birthday and returned well before closing only to be rudely told the bar called last orders 15 minutes before, which would have been about 10.15; 45 minutes before official closing time. We wanted a last night cap and were refused. We were even refused entry via their establishment to the adjoining rooms where we were staying. Both my parents are disabled and the girl concerned expected them to walk all the way around to the main entrance. She eventually thought better of it and allowed us through. We even asked if we could take a drink to our room and have it added to our bill and were refused. There was no reason for this attitude. We were neither drunk or disorderly. Extremely disappointed!

Visiting family, had a great experience yesterday, the service in particular was exceptional by Rory and Rob, what an asset to the business. It was busy and the 2 of them petty much run everything seamlessly. Nothing was too much trouble, they also accommodated our 2 well behaved dogs. Having been in the trade ourselves for 40 plus years recognised there professionalism. Will certainly be back when next visiting again.

Our visit was for Sunday lunch as a family of 7 and overall we enjoyed the food. The choice was good although we had noticed the prices had gone up but initially we were impressed, the girl serving us was helpful and courteous and It wasn't until we started ordering pudding and coffees that the service was appalling. A different waitress brought the coffee but was so rude when we were asking for milk, sprinkles for the cappuccino, she very nearly chucked that all over the table. This is the reason we have scored 3 stars and the fact that we left no tip.

Beware the service charge which is disgraceful especially as the service was not good. Amost £20 added and for what ? With prices alreadty very inflated for what you get. There was an extremely long wait for food. We had only ordered main courses but still waited almost an hour with no apology or explanation. (the people on the next table had arrived much later but were served at the same time ) The childrens' meals should have included a free drink but it was never mentioned and drinks were ordered and charged to the bill. The " dry' " burger of one of the children s meal was actually black. One bite and it was left uneaten. Some of our group would have liked a pudding but staff never returned to ask. We did not raise this issue as by this point we just wanted to leave. 6 adults and 3 children to celebrate a a birthday and it an expensive disappointment. Perhaps large groups are not really wanted.!

Environment nice but way overheated after few hours with fires blazing. Zero value in scallops dish. £2 supplement and only a tiny piece of fish hiding among the mash n cheese sauce. It's very poor value on the 25 quid for two courses menu... don't do it. There were small 4 prawns though. Seabass decent and sauce tasty. Again very small portions to accompany . Three halved boiled pots (chalotte salad potatoes) and one piece of baby stem broccoli. Peas yes but its a hearty pub not fine dining. Service good however. BUT Beware . Don't go in hungry. .

WENT FOR XMAS DINNER AND TO START I WISH TO SAY THE FOOD FOR XMAS LUNCH WAS WONDERFUL BUT WE HAD NO DRINK ON ARRIVAL AND AFTER HALF AN HOUR WE HAD TO ASK FOR A DRINK THE STARTER AND THE MAIN ARRIVED OK BUT OUR PUDDING WE WERE STILL WAITING AFTER 35 MINS AND WHEN I ASKED ABOUT IT WAS TOLD VERY RUDELY WE ARE VERY BUSY SO THE TIP I HAD READY WAS NOT GIVEN THE XMAS LUNCH WAS NOT CHEAP SO WILL BE GOING ELSWHERE NEXT YEAR

Disappointing. We’ve been here a few times. Always had good quality food at a reasonable price. This time there was a lunchtime special menu, 2 courses for £16.95. Starters were tasty and as we would expect. My friend’s main was avocado salad which was fresh, tasty and loads of it. My macaroni cheese was tiny. It was very tasty but only an inch of cheese pasta at the bottom of the dish. I asked the server if there had been a mistake and maybe I’d been given a side dish instead of a macaroni main but he confirmed it was a normal portion for lunchtime. I appreciate lunch portions can be smaller but my friend was still eating 10 minutes after I’d finished my pasta. One dish was very much smaller than the other. The manager reduced the bill because I wasn’t happy which was the right thing to do. All in all we were disappointed and what was supposed to be a happy and enjoyable meal was marred by skimpy portions.

Went for Sunday lunch today and although my wife meal ( lamb rump was good) I had the two of meat of which all meats were dry and the roast potatoes were actually roasted and slightly crunchy in the middle so had to leave them. The child options to change extra for desserts is abit much these days. If charging 20 pounds a Sunday lunch you need to ensure all elements are actually cooked and not serving fake yorkshire puddings!

We had a very enjoyable meal. The food was tasty and reasonably priced and there were good choices for vegetarians. Staff were very friendly and helpful. However, the really outstanding thing about our visit was the awareness of food allergies and concern to ensure an enjoyable and safe visit for the nut allergy sufferer in our family. Not only was there a full list of ingredients and allergens for all dishes, they even provided specially washed cutlery, and each dish came with a green flag to indicate that it was safe. This is far and away the best experience we've ever had regarding allergies - if only all restaurants were as aware, and concerned that all their guests' needs were provided for. Thank you and well done!

A Fabulous meal as 2 couples dinner together. Lasagne wss tasty, hot and great portion size. Ciabatta and salad was delicious with the dressing. Gammon, egg and chips were spot on. Highly recommended.

I cannot fault the service at all. The head waiter or restaurant manager, was bang on. It was a good job that he was well versed in customer service, because if it had been a clueless teen or someone with a chipped shoulder attitude, then I'd have probably have lost the plot ! He was professional, maintained eye contact and knew his job, precisely. Yes ! I did have a problem, a heat problem. My chicken pie had been nuked ! It came to me at (I'm guessing), 180c. It took a lot of stiring and steam extraction for 6-7 minutes, before I could reintroduce it to my already 3rd degree burns pallet. The only other negative ingredient worth highlighting, was the universally hated 1980's 'puff pastry'. For heavens sake, get rid of it. The positives for me, were the customer service, cleanliness and front of house staff. Marked down to 3/5 for the above mentioned reasons.

Absolutely thrilled to find this lovely pub/restaurant again after visiting it in 2021. Thankyou to Jake Adam’s and staff for a wonderful Sunday roast dinner. Very professional service, lovely food in great surroundings. To add to this there was a singer performing lots of songs we knew. A great place to go…. We’ll be back Many thanks Viv and Craig

Always lovely food and nice staff who manage to exhibit just the right amount of attentiveness for your needs. Abby who served us this evening was great. Cosy atmosphere.

Lunch today with friends. Poor experience, very poor service, surly staff…. Our mistake in that we thought we had ordered the 2 course for £14.95 deal…. Even asked for clarification but when bill came only then told it’s not for Fridays! We could have been told this when we asked before ordering surely? Very average food… and the hot drink with mini pudding was the smallest portion we had ever seen. We won’t return