The Cross Keys in County Durham

Booked a table for 2 at 1pm. Arrived on time and chose our meals which were served in about 10 minutes. The lunches were plentiful, well cooked and nicely presented. Staff were courteous and helpful.

Very nice food bit ov a wait but very helpful waitress and lovely atmosphere 👍

Been loads of times never had any issues good food good service good atmosphere great all round pud 5*+

First time here for midweek lunch. Warm very friendly, helpful, fab food, very fair price for top quality food, a good choice too. This is a proper pub!!!! You can tell it’s privately owned and long may it continue. We shall be back, asap. Thank you everyone.

Delicious food , amazing service , lovely ambience Our son who has Autism and Special needs was perfectly looked after and loved his visit . Food allergies were looked after too. We will be back

Fantastic proper cozy local pub. Food was awesome. Will definitely come again

Nice place,really nice beer garden , definitely recommend

Delicious food and a great choice. Dog friendly as well. We had haggis and black pudding and king prawn piri piri for starters, both were so tasty. For main we had baby squid and beef stroganoff. Would highly recommend all our choices.

Lovely inn. Good food and nice atmosphere. Sticky toffee pudding a bit disappointing but the home made pie delicious. Cheesecake was taken off menu!

Went here for Sunday dinner less than £20 for 2 course & was beautiful, defo be back

Our favourite local pub. The food is AMAZING and the vibe and interior is a cracking traditional county pub. Good parking and friendly staff. Steak pie is to die for and homemade chips are unreal.

Perfect country pub very welcoming 😄😄

Not sure what has changed but food was not the best

Fish and chips are gorgeous well recommended lovely people and great food

Great meal, large portions and very tasty. The black pudding was amazing, even better than the one we had at Tom Kerridges restaurant.

Food is always delicious would highly recommend this place and the Sunday Lunches you can’t fault

Lovely place but really disappointed with the Roast dinners we ordered, hardly any Veg, hard potatoes, mash wasn't mashed, carrot & Swede mash was watery & MUSHY PEAS? who puts mushy peas on a dinner, why not just Meat, Cauliflower, Broccoli & Carrotts with Roast potatoes, stuffing, Yorkshire pudding & gravy? Keep it simple & enjoyable

Great food and friendly helpful staff.

Sunday lunch food great. Comfortable surroundings, dog friendly Staff friendly and efficient. Highly recommended.

What a gem, staff are the absolute best and very welcoming, the menu is awesome and we all really enjoyed. We highly recommend and have already booked again for next week can’t wait to try another delicious meal

Fantastic evening for a special occasion. Highly recommended for the fabulous food and friendly staff

Great pub with a lovely feel to it. The reason for my 5 stars is we had a small issue with our order and it was handled really well. We have been back a few time since with no issues at all and we will be back many more times I'm sure. They also have a great little suntrap beer garden our the back.

Great food and service in a busy country pub.

Been coming to this pub for a year and have never had a bad meal. Always excellent menu choice it's hard to choose .. but everything fab

Brilliant atmosphere and food. Love this pub and in response to Eve_Aluator . I am one of those old codgers that you so disparagingly refer to. Shame you haven’t the guts to give your full name as I would like to discuss your views directly with you. This is a brilliant pub with a landlady who went above and beyond during covid to help the ‘smelly’ locals. I strongly suggest you don’t come back again!

We hadn't been here for years due to an unpleasant experience but were actually taken here by friends so had no choice. The menu is a bit overpriced and of very average quality. Our friends wanted to dine in the bar area. Big mistake, the wait for the food was incredibly long, 15 minutes before we were given menus even though we asked while ordering our first drinks. We waited 40 minutes for our starters and then another 30 minutes for main course. In this time, we had to endure people coming in the bar in their smelly work clothes and a group of old codgers in the corner slagging off what seemed like other locals and constantly moaning. Not a pleasant experience and partly our fault for eating in the bar, but no excuse on the time it took to take our order and serve the food. I had grilled tuna that was tiny, very over-cooked and still not sure where the Cajun spice was. Another disappointment was the £27 fillet steak that tasted of liver and the chicken burger that was hard and dry. As you must book, I'm surprised their excuse was staff shortages as they would know numbers of covers days in advance.

As a gluten intolerant there is very little the chef will do even ringing to give notice. Told anything can be adapted but it was not the case.

Called in for Sunday lunch after having spent the morning walking at Hamsterley forest. A bright sunny day so the pub was busy, with lots sitting outside in the beer garden and tables out front of the pub. Plenty of people dining inside, service was good and drinks lovely and cold. We opted for one beef and one pork dinner, both of which were delicious ( the beef being well done on this occasion rather than rare ). Portion sizes were good but thought the dish on vegetables was small for two and could easily have been placed on the main plate, rather than us deciding who got the broccoli and who got the cauliflower. Should also say that the service was super fast, once order was placed it arrived within minutes. A nice experience.

Absolutely fabulous. We ate at The Cross Keys 4 times this week whilst on holiday in the area and each time the food and service was wonderful. We will definitely return next time we are anywhere near Hamsterley.

Amazing food, lovely atmosphere and attentive hosts!

Sunday lunch was great and plenty of it. Staff were lovely, polite and helpful.

Food was great, service good & we sat outside in the sun to enjoy

I used to live a few doors down; good menu, nice people, relaxed atmosphere.

I had Hawaiian Burger and hubby had seabass. Absolutely wonderful! Service was great and atmosphere was perfect!

Always a great place . Excellent service , food, and beer

Say no more absolutely delicious food dog freindly and make you feel welcome !

Friendly welcome from owners and locals. Busy pub which is larger than appears from the outside. Food was really tasty and good value. Very dog friendly and plenty of space around some of the tables to get them out of the way. We will definitely visit again

Great food friendly staff, went on a afternoon

The food was very enjoyable (despite my rare steak being a little over medium) Unfortunately, the landlady was at best "standoffish... bordering RUDE. The pub has a clear clique of locals who gather around the bar and get/expect preferential treatment. Delays in ordering, waiting for the bill and QUEUING to pay, meant an hour lunch took well over two hours. We had a well behaved three year old. I sensed despite the children's menu, that kids aren't welcome. Shame. I repeat, food was good 👍

Excellent food and helpful service. The food was cooked to order, so it was really freshly prepared . Whole group from v young ( 2yrs) to oldest with a dog were made to feel v welcome. Thanks to the staff.

We took a friend who was visiting here because it has a reputation for great food and good value for money. Unfortunately, our experience belies this reputation somewhat. Two of us had sausage and mash. The sausages were tiny little things and one of the oversized plates came out with a miserable-looking portion of mash: it was miserly. To their credit, the staff provided extra mash when we complained, but really, it shouldn't have come out of the kitchen like that (potatoes cost very little compared to the cost of the meal). I had the halloumi burger, with chips. Again, the chips came out in one of those ridiculous baskets (so they look more than they are). The burger had plenty of halloumi in it but that's about all that can be said of it. We might have been happy with the meal overall, if it had been reasonably priced. But, in our view, it was at least two pounds a head too much and the halloumi burger possibly more.

Called in with the dog after a snowy walk in the forest. Received a warm welcome, delicious cask ale and a great meal. What more can you want on after a chilly walk. Will definitely be coming back when we’re next in the area.

The most delightful country pub .and very accommodating at short notice .food not to everyone’s taste but that’s not to say it was bad .quite expensive for townies but in line with country prices

Our family had a local after funeral gathering with a buffet served by this warm and friendly pub's team. The array of dishes had everything to suit all, quality, second to none. Even coffee and tea laid on. Always a vegetarian in the midst was catered for. All left overs were placed in aluminium containers and suitably labelled for anyone to take home. All our family and friends who attended thank all staff whole heartedly.

Dog friendly massive tick , fantastic food served with a smile and at a good price, highly recommended from us.

We visited as a family of 4 for an evening meal. The home cooked food was delicious and very generous portion size! Friendly and welcoming staff. Highly recommend

Great staff, service and very tasty food. Bar was buzzing but main restaurant was quiet, probably due to terrible weather. Lots to like. Will definitely come back in the summer.

Attended 60th Birthday celebrations 🍾 nice pub good to see it busy

Fabulous food and service. 10/10.

Great pub and great food... and not pricey. Warm and friendly with pleasant and efficient staff. I had two starters instead of a main course - crispy belly pork, and creamy garlic mushrooms delicious

The first time I had been there but very good, the 2 pints of Wainwright were very nice indeed. Just a really nice, relaxing, homely country pub. That makes their customers feel very welcome. A very enjoyable visit would very much like to return someday.

Food was lovely. Nice place to be .

Well worth a visit. A chef who takes great pride in his craft.

We stopped off here on Saturday with our Greyhound :) for some lunch. We ordered a steak pie and chips and a house burger with chips. Both meals were superb. £40 with a glass of wine and a pint of beer. Very dog friendly and service with a smile. If we're ever in the area again we will be definitely back! Thank you.

We called in on a Saturday afternoon with our Greyhound and ordered two meals with drinks. Steak pie and chips and a house burger with chips. Both meals were superb. All lovely homemade food. The food with a white wine and a pint of beer came to £40. The pub is dog friendly and the service was very warm and we felt welcome. We'd definitely make an effort to go back if ever in that neck of the woods.

Sunday dinner was nice enough but small veg portions recieved only 1 tiny carrot, spoon spread of turnip with a small roast potato

Always fantastic. Our Go-To place if it's a quick weekday treat or Sunday dinner. Food is brilliant and all staff are great

Staff are lovely, food superb. Welcoming atmosphere.

Booked a table for Sunday lunch and it was fab. Beef was melt in the mouth and everything on the plate was very tasty Pork was tasty nicely sliced and a very nice piece of crackling on the side Proper tasty Yorkshire pudding with a luxury gravy Good service and friendly atmosphere Good choice of options for Sunday lunch

Chose this pub as we were visiting the area and it was dog friendly. We were a party of 12 and all the food was excellent. Cod and chips highly recommended. Staff were polite and friendly. Would definitely visit again if in the area.

Just had the most wonderful lunch today at the cross keys. Service was welcoming and the food absolutely delicious. I can highly recommend a visit to this lovely village pub. You won't be disappointed.

Table for 6 in the main bar on a Friday night. Staff really friendly, food was great and atmosphere was lively but good. Parking round the back ideal. Will be going back. Dog friendly too.

Lovely food, friendly staff. Dog friendly. Good parking front & rear.

Beautiful country pub. I can only say this was an excellent find to celebrate our 45th wedding anniversary with our family and dog. Everyone had something different from the menu so we saw a full cross section. There were no complaints and and the plates were clean. A good sign all was well. The staff were polite and helpful, nothing was to much trouble. My only complaint is I wish it was nearer to where I live :) Thank you for a memorable meal.

Excellent service and food was amazing. Definitely come back again.

Really great food , service and staff very good 👍

Very welcoming and food first class

Selected as this is a dog friendly restaurant that also serves great food. Greeted by friendly staff who showed us an ideal table and quickly took our drinks order. We all, 4, chose different items from the main menu, whilst the dogs sat under the table, service was reasonably fast but some of the items had to be cooked to order so a delay is to be expected, there was no, fake, table check, is everything alright with your meal style, just left to enjoy a freshly cooked meal and a courteous check when clearing the table, far more genuine and not the corporate table check. Beer was good and we felt welcome.

Prawn salad sandwich, tuna salad sandwich were both really full and very fresh, scampi and chips were lovely with chunky chips, friendly staff and also dog friendly pub, cosy pub, great after a nice walk.

Great pub with excellent food, drinks and service. We ate in the restaurant part which is a really nice setting.

I pretty regularly pop up to the Cross Keys for lunch when I am working from home, or for a treat when I am on my own. I always choose the fish and chips partly because I am a creature of habit but also because it is considetently excellent - I have not had better. It’s a lovely friendly put with a nice atmosphere and I recommend it to anyone passing through.

Beautiful food in a lovely pub with excellent service. Only lost a star as the ladies toilets were tired and need of updating. Will definitely return

I've visited this pub on many occasions and it has a very comfortable welcoming atmosphere. Today I decided to try the takeaway Sunday Lunch, it was extremely tasty and the portion was very large. It was served really quickly and in a foil container to keep it hot and fresh. I would have no hesitation in recommending this redtaurant/pub.

Don't like the way they allow dogs to be stood around while people are eating otherwise perfect

We were staying in Hamsterley overnight so booked the Cross Keys for dinner. Friendly staff, good food and a nice atmosphere. My scampi and chips was piping hot, good portions and tasty. My wife had the halloumi burger and she was happy with that too. Good choices for vegan, vegetarian and meat/fish eaters. We were too full for pudding.

A very good meal very nice pub very friendly staff good car park big enough for motor home and a number of other cars the food was lovely good service

Very helpful staff as my wife need gluten free, The food was very good ,lovely, clean pub, dog friendly, we WILL be visiting again in the near future

Lovely friendly pub, staff were welcoming and friendly. Food was beautiful, I'd recommend the steak pie. Well worth a visit.

Cracking Sunday lunch. Friendly pub. Good value.

Shared a lunchtime meal with friends and it was just perfect, we all agreed that the food is the tastiest I’ve had in a very long time.

We had a lovely lunch here, nice food, reasonably priced, good service and friendly staff... nothing not to like.

Excellent menu choices, beautifully presented, cooked to perfection. Service friendly and efficient.

This is a lovely, friendly pub serving delicious food. We visited twice to eat during our stay in Hamsterly. We ate in the restaurant and also in the pub. The service was exceptional and the food was great. Relaxed atmosphere. Would highly recommend.

Called in for Sunday lunch after a nice afternoon walk around Hamsterley Forest. Great service by staff and the food was excellent. Would definitely recommend if you're in the area, even welcomed our dog.

Went for Sunday lunch, amazing food and the staff were helpful and friendly.

Just returned from having Sunday lunch. All I can say is that it was delicious and reasonable price .would definitely recommend!

Be sure to book to guarantee a table . Service is very good , we were given a table in the restaurant area first time as we hadn't booked . Food is delicious, excellent portion size , beer is well kept and ale on tap . We went three times during our recent holiday in the area .

The staff were very friendly the food was great especially the Italian parmo

Great village pub in a great quintessential village pub

What a place, needs moving to south Yorks, lol

Absolutely lovely, food great, service, really friendly staff.

A traditional style pub serving good food with an interesting menu. Prices are very fair and there's a good selection of drinks to go with the food.

Great service, great food and really helpful friendly staff. This was a great place for a catch up with friends. The veggie options especially halloumi chips were really really yummy!

Came with my grandmother. Food was great, service was great, lovely gastropub. Dog friendly as well

Fantastic food and service. Highly recommended, definitely 5*

The best Sunday lunch I've ever had....

Nice menu, good mixture of dishes. 👍

What a fantastic dinner we had here , service was great ! Food was absolutely delicious. Up there with the best dinners I've ever had . The kitchen team are worth their weight in gold pushing out food like this . Battered black pudding and tomato chutney was next level for flavours. Wow ! A must try 5*

It is Several years since we visited this Sole 'Public House', in Hamsterley. Many Changes have taken place to extend the Facility. On this Occasion I was playing Drums for a Birthday of Our Lead Singer. We were Comfortably Housed in a Dining Area ; cleared especially for the Party Atmosphere. A Sunny Day allowed the Throng to Spread out to the Patio. If Your Out 'n About in the Wear Valley Area : This IS A Place to Go.

Lovely meal in a welcoming country pub. Well recommended.