The Huntsman in County Durham

Booked a table for 4 people. Arrived and found our reserved table. Sat down and waited for staff. Staff informed us that there was a problem with the chef and that there would be no food that night. When asked ‘why didn’t someone call and warn us’ just got a shrug of the shoulders. Don’t waste your time on this place, they clearly don’t care about their customers. Will never return and just keep the many good foodie places in the area. Shame on you management

Very disappointed. We were welcomed by a lovely lady who asked us to take a seat, as it was waiter service, we sat down and she said the menu is on the table and she said the menu isn't the normal menu l, they've made it smaller, however there was still enough choice of food available, she asked what drinks we wanted and both drinks were unavailable and so we opted for the drinks that were available. We then ordered food, I ordered chicken kiev parmo £12.95 and my husband ordered fish and chips £13.95, whist waiting for food the pub wasn't very warm infact it was warmer outside, the table was sticky not sure if it had been cleaned or sticky due the chemical used to wash the table? The food arrived about 15 mins after ordering and we were both shocked at the size of the portions! Only way to describe is they were child portions! At the cost they were charging we were shocked, the waitress came back to our table to ask if everything was ok? My reply was the portions are very small they look like a child's portion, she said ok I will tell my manager, then her very friendly welcomeing changed to a bad atmosphere! She then came over with a bowl of extra chips and with no apologies whatsoever she just placed them on the table! Now to the taste, the chicken was very tough and watery and tasteless and served with a blob of butter on top of the parmo, that just ruined it completely, this was never a chicken kiev parmo. My husband's fish was so small I asked if there was any fish at all? Meals were served on a blue plate which I hate my personal choice tho, food would of looked a lot better on a white plate! Finally we asked for the bill total £39.75! I paid by card and she walked away and I said I need my receipt please and she just tore the slip off and gave it to me, again no apologies. So to sum this up, we will never return to the Huntsman again

I got charged for a dark fruits and we Hever ordered it. We waited approx 45 mins for our food. The food was good and the portions were good but when you get hone to check your bill had a dark fruits on just be aware you might get charged for something you have not ordered

The pub was warm, the staff were friendly and the food was excellent. Best chips ever, the parmo was delicious and the chicken was perfectly cooked. Definitely a five from everyone at our table.

Seems like a lovely location with decent facilities and the food reviews initially attracted us. However let down by staff , served by a lad named Conner and he was rude and seemed to have little to no customer service experience. We also called up and told there was availability for food until at least 7 however were turned away beforehand, even more fustrating was that all tables were reserved yet there were 0 reserved signs available on the tables. Not impressed wont be returning, posted a review on facebook and owner made excuses relating to the fact they sometimes close the kitchen earlier, this was not stated on the phone. Why say you cater till 7 if you cant manage it? I must say that they do recieve good reviews however the consistency isn't there you will either have a great experience or a rubbish one like we did which ultimately ruined our night.

Had a Pork Sunday Lunch yesterday & it was absolutely beautiful. The tastiest Sunday Dinner in a long while. All cooked perfectly, tasty & hot!. Couldn't recommend it enough!

Food is alway banging here! Probably the best cauliflower cheese ive ever had...just saying!

Great food , great beer and lovely people that run the pub !! Recommend to anyone ! 10 out of 10

Always has good food and drink. Reliable and consistent. Owners really care about the customer and listen and share new ideas. Price is good. Can't fault. All home made and portion size is pretty good.

Had a meal with three friend as was recommended food was horrible we did complain but not even apology dreadful will nor be back beef sandwich under a sea of gravy friend had fish almost burnt swimming in grease

Went for Sunday lunch (chicken, beef or belly pork )while we were puppy sitting, food was delicious and even the puppy got a meat bowl and treats. Will definitely visit again.

We went on a Friday evening on payday weekend, so it was pretty busy with people drinking watching the footy rather than having a sit down meal when we were at the establishment. The reason we went for the meal at The Huntsman is because we had seen videos on YouTube of the parmo meals and of the parmo challenge. Although we (4 people) all had ordered parmos, we were quite underwhelmed when we saw the portion sizes for the price of the FULL sized parmo. For as we had seen on a video not 3 months prior uploaded onto YouTube from a reputable source, the size of the chicken parmo itself looked quite smaller in person. Although the food was tasty it just wasn't up to the hype that we looked forward to. From personal experience I would just say it's a place that serves food in a drinking establishment rather than a pub for quality and experience with the food. Just wanted to add a side note since I am not able to reply to comments that me dad's parmo had been sliced on 1 side, showing us that the sizes are not what they were in recent past.

Absolutely fab food , kids played on outdoor play area even though is was cold , will definitely be back , thank you

Took my little one for Breakfast With Santa, it was amazing. The food was good produce and hot, drinks fab and staff a credit to The Huntsman. We will definitely return for a meal

Drove over two hours to try chicken parmo after seeing a food influencer on you tube when arrived was early tea time and was quiet plenty of parking welcoming host the food was good but slightly to much sauce and not enough melted cheese on my parmo but enjoyed what I had

Pretty outrageous to only give half price off a food challenge meal, when the usual consensus is free on completion. Stingy owners.

Fish and Chips peas cold chips luke warm fish brittle overcooked.Drinks expensive very poor won’t be going back

I had the fish and it was under cooked and batter still raw I approached a member of staff about the situation but they were not interested. Very disappointed will not return.

Food prices are very high for the quality of food. Bought smash burger but the burgers arnt smash burgers at all they’re clearly just a bought in frozen cheap patty. Almost all of the food was over fried, could taste how black the oil was in almost everything, how burnt most the food items were didn’t help. There is no level of service we were sat with no menus and no one ever returned. When I ordered drinks it took nearly 15 minutes for them to come, the staff were setting tables instead of getting our drinks however the tables they set never had anyone turn up the whole time we were there so seemed a silly priority. Socials media of this site and the food really seemed this a place to visit but I was extremely disappointed when I left.

We try to help local businesses out and I find myself only writing reviews that warrant it - good or bad. But unfortunately I feel it’s £25 in the bin for 2 Sunday dinner takeaways. Stone cold when we got home (3 mins away) the veg was uncooked. Portion sizes one to be desired. Beef over cooked stone cold and chewy, pork was okish. We were told to arrive at a certain time and then when arrived we were told to go wait in the car for 10 mins until it would be ready. Just pure car crash, I was gonna ring up and complain but I just thought what’s the point the customer is never right these days, we tried it and it was a fail, we certainly won’t be back for food or any takeaways any time soon and to be honest if I could give it a zero I would.

Friendly local pub feel with a great menu. We had two half parmos with chips. Plenty of tasty chips and a crate of condiments to choose from. Everything cooked to order so wait was about 25 mins but was told to expect this. Handmade pizza for the kids to shared which they loved. Will definitely be back to try more of the menu.

Had a little visit with my friend after seeing so many good reviews. Firstly had to try and find a menu to order food while the barmaid just stared. I was surprised to see the menu completely different to online menu to a much disappointing choice. Ordered 3 courses for £13. First course was bacon loaded fries so incredibly salty to which I noticed huge pieces of rock salt on them, with bacon and cheese why add more salt completely ruined it. Absolutely disgusting. Ordered Chinese chicken and rice. The portion was tiny I'm baffled how this can be classed as a main meal. Chicken was tiny with too much batter and no flavour served with a tablespoon of rice. I asked for no salad it came with salad. My friend found a blonde hair in her chinese chicken . I had treacle pudding was bland and tasteless. Waited 30 mins for food that was barely warm.My disabled friend went to the disabled toilet came out upset the toilet itself was filthy she also mentioned how high up the flush handle was and how are disabled people meant to reach it. The man who was behind the bar (he may be a manager) went to everyone else in the restaurant if the food was ok and just avoided us. To be honest this man was not welcoming and made me feel on edge instead of comfortable. I hope the restaurant use this as feedback and make improvements this restaurant has good potential.

Booked a table nothing was mentioned about not doing parmos that day, drove 40 minutes then found out when we tried to order, left and went else where but would of been nice to be told before hand

Sunday 27th August, called for lunch for the first time at this pub. Booked under my mate Russell, 3 of us and the dog were seated in comfortable surroundings. The host was very convivial and charming. But best of all was our freshly cooked, home made beef, chicken and pork dinners. Perfectly cooked, and the gravy was to die for. It's was simply moreish. If no one was watching I'd have licked the plate clean. Call again, you bet. 5* Ken, Mark, Martin and Coco.

Didn't eat so cannot comment. Lovey friendly pub Well worth the visit

Popped in for some lunch and it had recently been taken over by new ownership. Friendly- Was greeted by a friendly bar manager who has great character. Was polite, greeted us by 'sir'. Was friendly all round. Served us very quickly. Drinks brought to our tables since it was quiet. Food- Ordered pizzas, burgers and child nuggets and chips (£1 for child and meal was huge) All homemade meals. Pizzas handmade dough. Tasted great although one pizza was slightly undercooked. Still dusty flour left underneath that didn't seem fully cooked but still ate it and tasted OK. Burgers were decent. All round happy. They do all the usual pub meals at great prices. 2 for £20 is a steal for 2x burger/parmos and 2x pints. Can't beat that! Inside/out- Very clean pub throughout. Well maintained. Garden area outside is huge. Gardener was there giving it a trim. You can tell a lot about a pub with its toilets...Spotless! Soap and toilet roll there. No damages throughout. Entertainment- pool table, sports TVs. Mini park outside for kids. All round, a great British sports pub serving great food. Suited for everyone. Yup. The best one of the lot. Cobblers=poor microwave food. Gretna=microwave food. Yup....Best of the lot!!

Way too loud. Couldn't talk to anyone. Beer garden was filthy.

We went for my daughter in-law birthday there was 12 off us thy ask us to preorder which we did we got there at 3 we sat and waited for food for nearly 2 hours food came and it was disgusting burt small plates so we all refuse food and left it would off been better if thy had phone us and cancelled as thy said thy were having trouble with chief s thy up set my daughter in-law on her birthday had to go home and order takeaway

We were going to take our bike club there not anymore they couldn't even be bothered to take photos to promote there pup we spend alot of money but won't given it to them faulty people

Was here other day Food was lovely didn't have to wait long friendly staff would go again

The staff were lovely but the quality of the food was terrible the pasta have terrible smell lovely people but the quality of food was vile

Food was horrible kids pasta smelt funny had sauce on a burger which was horrible spoilt the burger and the haddock didn't taste right

First visit. My daughter and I had the Parmo (small, which was huge) and the hubby had the brisket which he said was delicious. Food was hot and tasty, and real chips! . A lovely lunch out.

Great new look to this place and fabulous staff.good outdoor area and food is always great.definaitly recommended. Must add dog friendly on the left hand side of bar

Reserved table for 1.30 never got our dinner till 40 mins later

great food and top class beers lots of activities to suit everyone very good staff

Amazing place. Lovely atmosphere. Dogs very welcome. Food is AWESOME and reasonably priced. Bit out of the way for me to go regularly (I live in Sunderland) but the travel is worth it

Great Sunday dinner, very fast and friendly service

Well what can I say outstanding dinner.. enjoyed every bite while it lasted honestly would recommend 👌

Food lovely. Bit noisy but it was a Friday night. Looking forward to sitting I outside in the summer. ♥️

Went here for a meal with friends. Nice pint of Neck Oil. We ordered the haddock & chips with peas. It arrived well presented and looked the part. It tasted good too. Unfortunately thats where the good news ends. The fish was small and the batter was substantial, making it look a good size. It tasted nice but that batter was just hiding the truth. The chips were chunky and tasted good, but the portion was very small. I counted 14 chips in total. Portion of mushy peas was also small. All in all, tasted nice but I left feeling hungry. I would go there again for a drink, but not to eat.

Lovely pub just had a pint, if you want to take your dog its dog friendly as long as you sit in the bar area.

Staff are very friendly & the food was delicious and lovely big potions. Just a shame it was very cold in the pub we ended up sitting in our coats to eat our lunch.

Excellent food with presentation that matches high class restaurants and at affordable prices. Staff always friendly and accommodating.

Friendly Staff, nice clean pub with a pleasant atmosphere. Will definitely go back and will try the food next time.

Pop in for drinks with the wife the staff absolutely miserable never go again

Would even give it 1 star. Hardly nothing available on the menu had to choose a few times husband got the belly pork and I got the burger both horrible. £4.10 for a pint! Will not be back..

Nice place to have some top notch food and drink and they have acts in to entertain on some nights good time . Geoffrey Hynes

Enjoyed the Karaoke tonite , some really good singers !!

Food was great, good honest pub grub. My beef dip sandwich was excellent and the rest of the family enjoyed their meal too. Much improved decor and a more professional outfit running the place, nice to have the place open again.

Very nice staff and food, however they need to change the garlic sauce 😆 not upto their standard, kinda ruined the food. Otherwise, beautiful 👍👍👍

Food was so nice on Monday I got the Ciabatta and chicken sandwhich thing can’t remember what my mate got but all we know the blonde sort on the bar with the nose piercing can pull our pints at any time of the week, very friendly as was the other older lady but youngen was a beauty and pulls a good pint. We will be back for a Sunday dinner too!

Beef deep sarnies are lush, can’t go wrong, loads of tasty soft beef and the gravy is lush, best chips I’ve had in years would have paid for them on their own. £10.95 might seem a bit steep, but once you’ve ate it you will not regret it. Bonus the blonde barmaid there is the most most beautiful woman I’ve seen in Aycliffe. Defos worth a visit

The grand re opening and Cliffy has made the night !!!

We have been a few times but the latest menu is not cheap. I get it. Overheads have gone up; inflation, etc. I chose one of the less expensive options - a house curry. It seemed pretty basic and they did not have any mango chutney, which would have improved it. Having said that, the Huntsman does brilliant parmos and my partner enjoyed his, which was massive and had a generous covering of cheese. Look out for special offers on the blackboard. With hindsight, we should have gone for the parmo offer for both of us. We will go back but I will not be choosing the curry option again.

Great service. Hellish food. Pulp fiction hair.

Friendly staff make you feel welcome. Nice atmosphere. Very nice food well worth your money. 👍👍

Didn't try the Sunday dinner but it looked amazing!

Quite and cosy for a Saturday afternoon drink.

Beautiful food and excellent value for money.

Recently visited for a Sunday roast couldn't fault it will definitely be back

Orded a meal for Saturday for Sunday to take out as I was on night shift. My partner went to pick the meal up on the Sunday afternoon to be told we weren't booked and there was no food left .not happy first time and will be the last time I go there.the bayhorse at middridge came to our rescue

Lovely food and fabulous staff. 2 for 1 on main meals Mondays, amazing value for money.

Expensive, below average pint of Sharps Atlantic

Nice meal with family, good food great service & covid rules in place

Food was excellent and the entertainment spot on thank you to all the staff xx

Great service,nice friendly atmosphere.

Don't waste your money on the food, basically slop with no taste. Honestly had Tesco ready meals that taste better and are better value for money. Definitely would not recommend. Tesco finest £10 meal deal beats this by a long run and feeds 2 aswell

Garlic bread didn't come out till we had finished eating and lasgane was abit like slop

Was not happy food was dry staff (1 lady ) rude and uncaring won't be returning which is a shame

Lovely bar and food But not the cheapest by far

Pop in after visiting locomotion. Good quality pub grub and kids were kept entertained on the lil outdoor play area

Great pub with excellent food, friendly staff and a good choice of drinks, also has a large outdoor seating area with a kids play area

Great little pub, friendly efficient staff & great food, be warned portions are rather large so extremely good value for money

Food was fantastic quality. And will be visiting again soon.

Friendly good food and drink and a great family pub

Went there for a family meal and it was so so lovely!! Great food and great service, will be back!!!!

Service outside is terrible Waited several mins to order and drinks took another 10mins plus to come Do they want to make money??

Great food here for lunch, lots to choose from. Excellent, we will be back

Nice food me and partner enjoyed and left nothing 😌

Nice pub. Good food. And nice and efficient staff.

Fantastic to get out....... Food fabulous. Thank-you xx

Food is spot on, excellent value for money and they allways have deals on the Facebook site

i simply went there for some pub grub. and was met with hostility by the owner. she threatened to break my face if i didn't shut the kids up. there was one staff member working and when i asked for a veggie burger she burst into laughter and called me a homosexual. this will not be the last you year of me!

The food was lovely and the staff were friendly. The only thing that was not good the fact that me and my household had to sit away from my sister and her fiance but there was people not from the same household on the same table which is against the law !

Popped in here after doing nothing but working in my own pub since lockdown lifted and was very pleased. Food was good and hearty and the portions were more then fair. But the best thing of the night was definitely the staff. Very kind and friendly, exactly what we need during these unpleasant times. Thanks for looking after us.

Lovely meal with my wife, probably the best Parmo I've had, great staff and very polite. Excellent COVID measures in place which we're explained when we entered just a shame some people still ignored the requirements of face masks on entering. We will be back, thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon even at these difficult times and thanks for your efforts to meet COVID safety requirements.

Excellent food and drink. Very polite staff

The food was beautiful and very quick service. Staff were brilliant and we would certainly go again

Great food at an amazing price. Absolutely faultless

Great, 2 adults ate 17th September they are offering 20% off all food in September. Chicken Parmisan and Lasange both were absolutely delicious 😋 we both commented on the quality of the food and service. We are visiting the area. But if we have time we'd come back.

Seated outside. Sporadic service. Food ok. Greasy in parts No shade at tables on hot day.. Waitress smashed crockery then spent 10 mins cleaning with piece of paper. Children around.

Cosy and good GRUB at a reasonable price

Good food and great staff, managing as best they can under circumstances.

Used eat out to help out. The tables were not 1m apart and I felt uncomfortable. When we got up to leave we were so near people We came for the parmos. I have a fussy eater and there was nothing simple like beef burger and chips. So he got pulled pork burger that he didn’t like The Parmo’s were okThe Diet Coke was flat and no Fanta just diluted orange and lemonadeReasonably priced mealsGood service

God quality home cooking. Big portions. Friendly staff. Doing well during Covid keeping us as safe as they can. Recommended. Not big standard pub food. Some tasty new variations to try. Deep fried black pudding with peppercorn sauce, carbonara with cider sauce etc

Good distancing,good food,great staff.

Visited this establishment as a first outing since lockdown and was unsure what to expect. Was greeted at the door by a most pleasant man who took us to our booked table and waited on us all evening. Everything was done to provide the best for the circumstances at the time. Ordered drinks and food which arrived promptly and my meal was in particular , first class. Al staff were attentive and very polite with nothing being a problem for them. I will return here without a doubt, for a meal or just drinks.

Not really sure how to write this one, ordered a take away, was going to be 20 mins so called in for a drink, adhered to blackboard instructions & entered the pub to be told to wait outside & someone would come to me, no problem, she did, gave the order & went to our outside table, in the meantime another couple came in waited a while at a table then went inside without being stopped???? they returned a few minutes later with drinks but we didn’t have ours Then a group of 3 lads turned up & did the same, not local to this pub but I was somewhat confused as the rules weren’t being implemented consistently! There was a lot of cigarette ends & 5 empty packets next to us so the smokers had been busy & those revellers that remained were incredibly boisterous in the garden area furthest from the car park, pleased we just stayed for the one as it looked like it was going to kick off as one of the staff was shouting through the window that they’d not be getting any more drinks. Fail to understand why people can’t control their behaviour & language especially next to a playground that 2 young girls were using or place litter in a bin?Wasn’t a great first impression but we didn’t pick the best of days to visit either.

During these unusual circumstances the Sunday lunch takeaway was very nice. Well organized ordering, collection and packaging. Beef, Pork dinners very tasty and nicely cooked.