The Kirk Inn in County Durham

This place is like Faulty Towers run by Ken Dodd, inside the bar looks like they have been ransacked and probably hasn't been cleaned in a while, however Paul the landlord is completely bonkers and hilarious, if you love banter and are not offended easily then please visit, we spent hours here talking to Paul and some locals and laughed from the minute we got there until the minute we left, we will definitely be visiting again.

We walked into the Kirk Inn and were welcomed by Paul the landlord. If you’re looking for a friendly, welcoming, honest pub that makes you feel like you want to be there, then this is the place. Don’t expect bells and whistles, but play your part and engage. The result will be that you walk away and feel you have genuinely made a friend or two and will want to return. The weather turned while there and when we reluctantly left, Paul’s daughter, J, gave us a lift back to our campsite. I can honestly say that this place made me feel that I’m missing something from the places I usually go to, and if you’re in the area, go to the Kirk. This is the total opposite of what a chain pub has on offer. Try it, why not?

Absolutely great. This is a not to be missed pub. A proper public house totally unspoiled unlike so many other places. Colin the landlord is a fascinating character and very engaging. I wish there were more places like this.

Excellent pub for a drop in to drink real ale and have a snack or more. My wife and I would thoroughly choose to revisit next time we are in the area. Local bus from Barnard Castle on weekdays.

Over the years I have visited a few proper old school real ale pubs, The Kirk Inn is now top of the list, the pub is very original and quirky and the one cask ale that is available was excellent at a very competitive price. Paul The landlord and his two dogs were excellent company my wife and I had a great time sitting in front of the log burner enjoying a few beers and discussing and debating various topics ( especially classic cars ) If you are in the area pop in and give it a try. Next time I’m passing I’ll certainly pop in for a beer.

What ever you're doing. Getting married, having a baby, Bar mitzva etc. Cancel it and go and visit the kirk Inn. This is an absolute MUST. Read all the reviews and you'll get an idea. We've been to many of what we consider proper old school /last of a dying breed pubs. This is top tier. Paul the landlord is brilliant, beginning to end. Salt of the earth, full of banter. Great with my two kids. His two dogs are so so friendly and gentle. We had no cash and bless Paul he gave us his address and said just send it to me. There was one beer a bitter. A brilliant pint to boot! Left feeling like I want to bring all my friends and loved one's back to visit with us. A true wonder of the world.

Paul the landlord is a legend and the pints are fairly priced, what more can you ask for? Proper beer, good crack and nice dogs. If you don’t have a look in you’re missing out!

Visited by chance whilst house hunting. Publican Paul was welcoming, hospitable and engaging! If you want a polished, cloned pub, or a fancy corporate investment type pub, then don’t visit. If you need an honest welcome, direct conversation, and a place where grounded people go, and enjoy a pint, then no where better. Paul and his customers gave me good advice, many thanks!

I'm sure Paul won't mind my comment of the bar area is a bit chaotic, but this and Paul is what gives it its charm. The benches outside are a great addition. His dogs were really friendly and just wanted to fuss over you as did Paul. Really good fun, quirky pub to visit and despite the appearance of the bar he keeps a really good pint. Beer was spot on! We will pop back in when we are in the area again!

If you want go go somewhere unusual, welcoming and cheap!! This is the place. The landlord is lovely and eccentric. We all loved it!! What a laugh, will be going back.

WE have now been to the Kirk Inn on numerous occasions when we have visited Romaldkirk. The last time we were here in May the weather was fantastic and Paul had invested in new picnic tables outside where he was ever so busy which we were delighted to see. We have just returned for a few days and have called in each night for a few drinks. As usual Paul was his warm friendly welcoming self although he tells us the parish council are objecting to his outdoor benches - we hope that this does not mean they have to be removed as we will be back again in May. Shame on you parish council !!

We have visited this pub a couple of times during the Summer. The welcome we received from Paul the landlord was refreshingly genuine. The setting on the green is amazing. Excellent beer too! We will be back!

We visited the Kirk on a beautiful sunny day after going to Low Force & we were so thirsty. Got there & the landlord was very friendly & hospitable. A very quirky pub which I’d visited many years ago when in sixth form in Barnard Castle. Will definitely visit again as such a nice pub & very welcoming.

Extremely friendly pub, landlord Paul is a true character, don't come here if you haven't got a sense humour and you're're easily offended. Very competitive prices, not to be beaten. We loved it ! Alan Elaine Alison and Bryn

Lovely pub, great beer, brilliant landlord - just what we needed at the end of a long day exploring Baldersdale.

We popped in for a quick drink before dinner over the way at the other pub in the village. We’d have loved to have stayed longer and will do another time. The real ale was excellent and the welcome warm. We enjoyed sitting out on...

We’ve been visiting the Kirk on occasions for years on walks in Teesdale. It’s an honest, no frills, proper old pub that serves great beer. Paul, the landlord is always welcoming and really knows how to keep real ale. Today it was Mithril (from a...

Called in whilst visiting the area yesterday and thoroughly enjoy it. Owner and patrons very welcoming and will be calling again soon.

This is everything a pub should be, relaxed, good beer, cosy, not precious or too smart, in a lovely village green setting. And with a friendly funny landlord, Paul, who made us feel so welcome. As did his dogs who kept us busy throwing sticks...

If you're in the area don't miss this great social event. Paul your host is a treasure and his local cliets are great fun. An event not to be missed.

It's a marmite place. You love it or hate it. I loved it, wife and daughter not so sure. Very local, quirky but made to feel at home. Landlord very nice and chatty. Dog friendly. Beer good. Definitely call again. A proper pub

This is our second trip to the Kirk Inn and what brilliant times we had! The pub is so unique it has got to be on your to do list if you are in the area. Paul the landlord is as unique as his pub...

I can only post the text I sent to my sister: “I’ve just been in the weirdest pub ever. It was like going into Aunty Mary’s living room at its messiest. Landlord seemed to have been enjoying his own wares (lunchtime on a Monday.) No...

A great afternoon a great pub made superb by Paul the landlord. If your in the area its a definite must

This pub is like Faulty Towers run by Ken Dodd, inside looks like it has been ransacked and not been cleaned for a while, however Paul the landlord is amazing, if you like banter and are not easily offended then you will love it, we...

What a character Paul don't expect posh just a good odd pub .(especially Paul the landlord)😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

Stopped in the village on our way up to Newcastle. We spent a delightful couple of hours here,even the dogs were mega friendly! The landlord was very welcoming and had a good sense of humour and the customers in the pub who were watching the...

This is a lovely traditional pub with lots of character. The landlord was very friendly and the bitter was in superb condition. Good place to meet locals and people passing through the area. Lovely views of the pretty village from outside.

Glad to see that Paul is still at this wonderful pub the Kirk Inn. Got some lovely outdoor seating which was great for our sunny week in Romaldkirk. Paul also remains as friendly and entertaining as ever supplying us with excellent drinks. This pub takes...

Our first visit to the Kirk, but not the last!! Landlord Paul very welcoming, witty and friendly, sitting outside bantering with customers. Beer “Top Dog” was in excellent form, really a beer drinkers delight. Will definitely visit again next time we are at Doe Park...

Great beer, lovely and friendly landlord who made our stay very memorable. Would recommend if you are looking for a laid back, enjoyable evening.

This pub occupies a great location in Romaldkirk, just a shame it looks a bit rundown. To tempt more people through its doors it needs a major makeover both outside & inside.

I have given this 5* for pure quirkiness and eccentricity! The landlord most hospitable. Yes it was a bit messy inside and did look like they'd had a party the night before. Cobwebs evident by the windows by if they stay they can hang Christmas decorations from them. Good old fashioned North Yorkshire pub, just like the good old days. Yes the Astin Martin belongs to the landlord

Popped in to see if they were doing food. It looked like there had been a riot inside, what a tip.... and the smell of dogs was stifling. The landlord was very chatty and polite, but the look on my partners face said , don't even think we're eating here. Needless to say we left hungry..

Called in to get a coffee after a soaking on the walk from Barnard Castle. It took a while to work out just what we had walked into but soon Paul the owner had sorted us all mugs of coffee and he sat and chatted. The Kirk Inn is a trip back in time to when pubs were what they used to be. Thank you Paul for your kindness. We will definitely call in next time we are passing.

This place is one of the best pubs I have had the joy to visit in all my years. Full of character and friendly characters, the biggest of them being Paul the landlord. Nice that places like this still exist.

Having battled the storms for 3 miles with soggy dog, we arrived at this pub's neighbour, to an unwelcoming sign outside prohibiting wet dogs and muddy boots, deflated, wet and cold we turned on our heels to face the walk home, when one of our party spotted a pub sign attached to what looked like a well worn house, we tentatively approached to ask if it was open, only to be met with a seamingley grumpy man and his grumpy dog, desperate for warmth we stepped inside and experienced what will be one of our most entertaining and memorable pub visits. If you are easily offended and like squeaky clean do not visit this pub, if you enjoy banter, intelligent conversation and and a relaxed, informal, quirky atmosphere, this pub is for you. Paul pretends to be grumpy but he really is not. Thank goodness that we were not welcome at the pub opposite as our visit to the Kirk Inn will be an everlasting memory. Good beer too!

Stunning selection of drinks and food, interior design to die for and well attired formal staff; if you are looking for that then maybe The Kirk wouldn’t be your very first choice. However if you are happy to try something a bit different/ traditional then this is the place to visit.The drinks selection is not the biggest but it is good quality and very reasonably priced. The decor looks like it was done by Steptoe & Son while on acid and Paul the owner is a true character. He is what you may be like at work if you didn’t have to worry about you shareholders/ boss/ customers. We popped in for one drink and stayed for four. Paul entertained us, some other tourists and the locals whilst sharing his fish and chips and keeping his dogs entertained.The only downside was I didn’t get to use the sharp looking axe that was in the corner to chop more wood for the fire. We are heading back later today with the rest of our party so here’s hoping.

11 of us popped in Sunday afternoon after a most disappointing visit to the Rose and Crown opposite to be greeted by the most eccentric affable landlord ever in the most bewildering public houses i have ever entered with so much character. It really was like something out of the League Of Gentlemen...not only for locals though. This is a pub where everybody would get the warmest of welcomes I imagine.

In this day & age there are fewer and fewer pubs with any real character. The Kirk Inn has lots of it! Landlord Paul made us very welcome when we stayed in the village. After visiting The Rose & Crown on our first evening and feeling as though it was not good value for money, we tried The Kirk the next day. That became our local for the week. If you’re expecting or looking for generic beer; decor and overwhelming blandness, The Kirk is not for you. Paul is a splendid chap and is a great conversationalist. His two dogs are adorable - you can spend a good hour or two... or three playing throw the beer mat whilst also fussing over a stunning black Labrador. Drinks are reasonably priced and taste as they should. Don’t turn up in dinner jackets; ball gown or carrying a man bag. If you’re looking for good beer; great conversation and a friendly welcome... visit The Kirk. No food available but the salted peanuts are really good!

We popped in here as we were literally meters away stopping in the Rose and Crown. First impressions, ok, so not the tidiest and cleanest of places, but, the landlord was so welcoming you started to forgive the surroundings. The prices were very cheap ( large wine and pint of ale £6). The room itself feels like it once used to be a living room converted into a pub. Its small and quirky and yes it is cluttered with all sorts, but we really enjoyed our visit. The owner's dogs were really friendly, one in particular was a little star playing catch with the beer mats (Maisie i think). We wouldn't hesitate popping back if in the area.

Look we were forced to go here because of awful service from The Rose and Crown, and yes The Kirk inn is old and dusty and smokey. But we got served, had a drink (outside) and had a good laugh! The Bar man was super friendly and i’d prefer to endure The Kirk Inn than The Rose and Crown

The Kirk in is located across the street from the St Ronald church. Beer prices were very reasonable. Especially if on a budget. The service was excellent.

Stopped here for a beer. Free house meant that there was a range of real ales. Landlord is somewhat eccentric, but engaging. Bar was lined up with locals at 6, but completely empty at 9 on a Saturday night.

Had a lovely pub visit to this popular inn had a lovely pint of real ale and there was a great atmosphere. A lovely and welcoming bar...

Brilliant friendly pub within a few visits new all their was to know.Good ale dog friendly if only more pubs where like this .Be calling back in September.

When we last came in October the pub was not open when we called but undeterred on our return we called in and were greeted by Paul. This is not your typical pub in today's world but what a really interesting and friendly person Paul is. We really enjoyed spending two evenings in the Kirk Inn and will be in again in May/ June next year. No food but beer was excellent and my wife enjoyed her Strongbow cider. Good luck to Paul with his pub - pay him a visit and enjoy.

A warm welcome, friendly landlord and a great atmosphere. Lovely beer and perfect location. Not to be missed !

If you enjoy a good pint , a friendly reception , and interesting conversation , this is the place . The total opposite of The Rose and Crown across the road , (ie no food ) , but worth a visit .

Having been told to avoid the Kirk Inn, which to me means I have to go there, I couldn’t keep away. I went there every evening of my stay to enjoy a thoroughly engaging drink and chat with owner Paul. It’s not for everyone but it is an experience I wouldn’t have missed for the world. I feel like a made a real friend in Paul. Cheers.

This is how pubs used to be. We were staying at the Rose and Crown over the road - popped in here for one and stayed for ages.

We chose this pub over the obviously upmarket alternative as it is the pub by the church, a good old English tradition. Paul 'welcomed' us in a little off-hand manner as I asked if he was open, having walked in to an empty dark and unlit room with a bar, tables and chairs in no particular order and a bag of leeks on the chair behind the bar.

Landlord needs serious people interaction training speaks to you like your a piece of muck . Will not be returning

The kirk inn is one of the last vestiges of the true English village pub. It has not been 'gastrated' like too many others. A roaring fire and sleepy dogs as well as the 'organic fly trap'(spider web) in the ladies' toilet all add to the authenticity of the experience but the icing on the cake is the landlord, Paul, a true English country gent and eccentric whose tales of his life intrigue the weary traveller. This is an experience not to be missed also excellent quality wines at very reasonable prices.

Super place to stop and have a drink. Have not come across a place like this for very many years. Well worth a visit.

Traveling in the area and found this place, its like a blast from the past. Good old laid back pub with an off the beat landlord and his lovely partner Julie.

An unplanned stop for beer resulted into one of those memorable lunch times that are all too infrequent. The owner, Paul, interrupted his decorating duties upstairs to serve our beers and then engage with us for an hour and a half during which we covered all manner of topical, political, educational and historical subjects. Though the surroundings might appear a little down at heel I'm sure Paul will knock the Kirk into shape in due course and the ambience offers a unique pub experience even now