The Pickled Parson of Sedgefield in County Durham

My thoughts are haunted by this pint. Half pint? Unsure what to truly call it, but if I have to think of its existence every waking hour for the rest of this short, meaningless life so do you Google Review Viewers. So do you. I can't give it one star as the bartender was young and I can't be cruel to the next generation just yet.

We had another delicious Sunday lunch here today. The staff are always so friendly and wait upon you hand and foot. Highly recommend the cheesy cauliflower on the side. Thank you guys you never disappoint.

Nice place for a dog friendly pint

Lovely venue. Very clean. Friendly, professional service. Cool decor. Dog friendly too.

Spontaneous meal after hardwick walk Lovely atmosphere and food was fantastic Reasonably priced. Well presented and dog friendly Would highly recommend

Quick and easy check in, good food. This is a personal preference but the bed and pillows were a bit too soft

We stayed three nights, had two rooms. Rooms were adequate but with five hangers, no drawers or place to put your suitcase, we had most of our clothes in the suitcase on the floor. No shelves in the shower room, nowhere to put your toiletries other than again the floor, the basin was a cloakroom basin with no plug, shaving was done with running water, which was awkward and not eco-friendly. Would benefit from door hooks on the shower room door to hang towels, as the heated towel rail above the toilet was hard to reach and too small. We had a small frighten when the “room service” lady let herself in at 9.40am without knocking to a naked freshly showered young man! We were asked to pre-order our three breakfasts with the stance that it saves paper/less waste, which we did, but felt this was a little overly presumptuous. Our full English breakfasts were tasty, but due to the lack of choice (we had this for three mornings), it got boring and blah, definitely could do with having more choice like cereal, fruit or pastries. We visit Sedgefield regularly, unfortunately we will not be staying here again.

Stayed here as attended a wedding nearby. Check in was quite easy, we arrived early to collect room key. Had to preorder breakfast, which is ok with us but not for everyone. Upon coming back around 11pm, I wanted a shower. Water absolutely stone cold. Definitely not their fault but annoying. Same situation in the morning when we both wanted a shower. Freezing cold water. I accept it’s not the venues fault but upon informing the manager we received an apology saying they were aware of it, but that was it. The room price for a small double room was £110. You expect a warm shower for that price. We both felt a slight gesture of perhaps £10-20 should’ve been offered as we both had a long drive back without feeling refreshed. Slept well, bed comfy. Breakfast was good quality, enjoyed my cooked breakfast. Coffee was in the form of cafetière, which was nice enough but at this price point I’d expect a freshly made individual coffee each. Only saw one member of staff who was polite and friendly and happy to help where possible.

Very disappointed with our three-night stay, as we didn’t get much sleep as the bed was extremely small and the toilets in the bathrooms have very noisy macerators so we were woken every time someone in a nearby room flushed their toilet during the night. There was nowhere to store clothes - no wardrobe, cupboard or drawers, just a rack with five coat hangers. On arrival we were told breakfast was from 7-9am only and we had to select from a very limited menu by 6.30pm the night before and state the time we would sit down. When we went for a short walk round the village after breakfast on the first day we found on returning that the front door was locked as the pub doesn’t open until 11am. It’s a pub with rooms, not a hotel, so of course there are limitations, but these should all be clearly stated on the website or guests should be informed on booking. Can’t recommend this place at all.

Went to the bar!! It was very nice🥳

The food was delicious, I had pie of the day, steak and Guinness, my friend had the nut roast. Both agreed the food was really good quality and cooked well. The staff were so friendly and attentive throughout the evening, ensuring we had drinks and clearing away the food plates. Desert was Mavla, a South African pudding, which I’d describe as a lighter sticky toffee pudding, it was so tasty. I’ve never had a bad meal here. Would definitely recommend.

Loverly meals 😋 however small portions so quite pricey..loverly service and very clean

Lovely family meal. Service was slow but it came with a smile and apologies which makes all the difference

Sunday lunch was delicious, the food was nicely cooked with a good selection of vegetables. Very reasonably priced too. Staff were very friendly. Definitely recommend.

A two night stay while in the area for work and wasn’t disappointed. On arrival the greeting was warm and friendly and I was shown to my room which I thought was a nice touch. The room was very nice with some really nice touches like the old fashioned style phone. While the bathroom was quite small but had a nice spacious shower. As advertised the restaurant was closed on the Tuesday but there are multiple alternatives within a very short walk. Eating bar the following evening was a very pleasant experience. The service was great with all of the staff equally friendly and helpful. A great menu and Greek lamb with salad was fresh and well cooked. If I had to be critical there was a bit of plaster missing from the wall in my room and the toilet was a bit noisy when flushed but by no means took anything away from my stay, I’ll definitely stay again when I’m the area.

Called in for a drink after a walk from Bishop Middleham to Sedgefield. Staff were friendly and we received a prompt service. One downside was plastic glasses as we wanted to sit outside in the sunshine.

called in for a meal as my better half's birthday. Was recommended by someone going past as we looked at the menu outside. We have eaten there previously but as a previous business. Staff friendly and attentive, Will go back for sure & would happily recommend.

Loved our doggy friendly lunch today. Great pub, amazing staff & delicious pork baguette. Best chips ever! Will definitely be back soon - my little pup was welcomed & enjoyed her complimentary dog biscuits…. Thank you 🙏🏻

Didn't stay, but car park is hard to traverse

The food was excellent as was the service.

Stayed last night room was not worth the money had a few issues, room was very small, WiFi was hit and miss, room was really hot even after heating turned off so had window open all night, have to order breakfast as soon as you get there, no continental bits offered in the morning, plaster falling from wall, hallway outside rooms very dark and needs updating.

All staff serving food so about 5 mins to get served at bar without a queue. Lovely pint and very pleasant staff once they had time.

Recently stayed here for 4 nights (Mon to Fri) with my parents. We all really enjoyed our stay and can't wait to come back again. The bar and restaurant have a lovely ambiance, fast service all Staff are delightful, all smiling and Friendly. Nothing was to much trouble for them. Both rooms were immaculate, very comfortable and clean. Showers are nice and hot with good pressure. 1 slight niggle there are no draws in the rooms to put your clothes. There is a small hanging space but not anough if staying more than a couple of nights. House keeping team were great kept the rooms clean, topped up and made sure we had everything we needed. If you want a clean comfortable place to stay and the best food and service I highly recommend the pickled Parson. Massive Thank you to all the staff. I genuinely can't reccomend this place anough. This will now be our base when visiting family 😊.

Sunday lunch here was lovely. Beautifully cooked, good service , nice atmosphere and dog friendly. Staff were very welcoming and found us a nice seating area.

Superb little bar and food is great

Stayed here in business at recommendation of local, so glad we did. Room was really nice, plenty of room & lots of nice touches everywhere (I really appreciate the caramel bar of chocolate when returning to room after evening out)! Bathroom whilst small was very modern but due to low lighting I did find it difficult to see when shaving but was a minor inconvenience, not a problem ! Had a beer in the pub also which seemed really nice, the evening food looked good too but didn’t try as was going out to meet people. Upon arrival you are asked to complete a questionnaire for breakfast which allows you to pre choose exactly what you want & on arrival every thing came freshly cooked & very tasty including juices & fresh ground coffee - best breakfast I’ve had in a hotel for many years ( & I travel often). Service from Jake was excellent too. If visiting area I definable recommend staying here.

Popped in for a few drinks while visiting family in the area. Really good selection of local beers and really friendly staff. Highly recommend giving it a try.

It had been a cold day up at the racecourse and we needed somewhere warm and welcoming. This place fitted the Bill perfectly and we had a wonderful time there. It was so good in fact that we had a couple of drinks in there rather than visit any other pubs as it had everything we needed. Excellent service, great drinks and a lovely atmosphere to name but a few. It is well located in the centre of town with lots of free parking and I think they have outside seating in the summer. They also have luxury rooms for rent so we will look at those next time we are in town. Highly recommended.

Great location in a beautiful small town. Good selection of craft beers, nice menu...staff always welcoming. A must visit.

We've eaten here many times midweek. Decided to try the Sunday lunches. Absolutely delicious. All of the staff are so friendly, helpful and welcoming.

We booked here for an early evening meal, Saturday evening. Were quickly served drinks and did not have to wait very long for food, which was nicely presented, hot and tasty. Friendly staff and decent quality food. Thank you.

Give this a miss if you want a decent pint. Generally terrible. Management attitude leads the way. Selling clearly undrinkable beer last week.

Bit disappointing. Had to knock to get in even though it was 12.15. Ordered a bacon brie sandwich with fries from the lunch menu, came in standard supermarket white slice. Brie soaked through the bread. Was a bit unpleasant. Salad dressing was nice. Colleague got the beef sandwich and she asked for gravy which they did for her which was nice. Was very empty. Have been at other times when busier and food was better so maybe just a bad day/time to go!

had a table booked for 6.30pm eventually got food served at 8pm then the wrong food was served and no starter served, food missing, got the bill no apology nothing so asked what they would do for the bad service, got 10% off food bill, sorry but that doesn’t cut it for me so won’t be back!

We stumbled across this lovely pub on our way back to Manchester after a trip to watch the women’s FA cup match. It was perfect in every way -lovely high quality but friendly environment, welcoming staff and fantastic food. There were even 2 options for the veggie roast dinner which is a first.

Think twice for Christmas! My family of 10 had Christmas Dinner and we are not satisfied with the meal or the service. Firstly we had to prompt staff to bring over the bubbly as we were sat for approx 30mins without a drink (we had also placed an order of drinks with staff) Secondly the camembert and brie starter was disappointing, the brie was lovely but the camembret was empty, no cheese inside. We also had to wait and hour between starter and main course. The main course was very disappointing, it was a Sunday dinner, the only thing Christmas about it was the 1 pig in blanket. There were no condiments on the table and we were not offered any. We asked for more gravy, thinking a couple of jugs would be placed on the table but was told by a member of staff that there wasn't enough gravy, so he would have to pour it on our plates, which I think for £90 a head is disgusting. We had to chase the second order of drinks as again were waiting for over half an hour. The cheesecake wasn't set and was more like a mousse, a few of us left this. Service from staff was poor, I can't recall a single member of staff smiling or just a mear hello. The staff had faces on them, like they didn't want to be there. The atmosphere was not very welcoming and it did not feel festive. We spent over £1000 as a family and were really looking forward to the meal and feel very disappointed and let down.

Came here with my dad for some scran and a drink, good atmosphere and selection of drinks on draught and cocktails, food is very good

FOOD VERY GOOD AS WAS THE SERVICE BUT WAS SPOILT BY THE FACT THAT NO HEATING WAS ON IT WAS NOT ONLY ME AS EVERYONE ELSE LEFT THEIR COATS ON

Xmas lunch was expensive and not worth the money . Service was terrible with staff confused re orders . My starter was terrible but others enjoyed don’t go for the prawns . Biggest complaint was the service with up to one hour between courses . As a family we spend over £600 so I would say think again before booking Xmas meal here next year .

Having already had a delicious Christmas dinner with friends earlier in December, my partner and I got a take away Sunday dinner today . The meal was plentiful, value for money and absolutely divine. Helpful staff too. Thank you and best wishes

Haven’t been for a while but wasn’t disappointed Lovely Sunday lunch with family and dog Food great especially the cauliflower cheese Service good all washed down with a cold lager

We were in room 1 and it was spacious, elegant, modern and superbly fitted with extras. We came following a storm and there was an issue with the television (it wasn’t working) I spoke to a manager/owner and was treated with the upmost respect and offered solutions - something that I don’t see nowadays. Cannot fault the establishment - amazing breakfast, cannot wait to return.

dog-friendly restaurant, decent food

Very pleasant evening with friends. Food was good and well priced. Worth a visit.

Our first visit and we were impressed. Starters of chicken Caesar salad and bruschetta were delicious and just the right amount. Mains of turkey and beef were perfect with Yorkshire pudding and tasty veg. We finished with indulgent cheesecake and chocolate orange sponge and coffee. Service was polite and efficient. We thoroughly enjoyed our first visit and will be returning soon.

Staff were friendly, helpful and receptive. Food was quite good, value for money is there too. Settings nice with music playing quietly in the background. Definitely will be coming back. (Sunday roast)

Great bar good Beer with a good selection of spirits

Lots of character, excellent food, warm welcome.

Sunday lunch very average. Service wasn’t great… different menu from what was listed online. Drinks took ages to arrive. They forgot cauliflower cheese therefore meal was almost finished by the time it arrived. Can’t say we’ll be back anytime soon.

Always a pleasant visit with excellent and friendly service.

We popped in for lunch with our dog. The staff were amazing, really friendly and helpful, nothing was too much trouble. Food was really nice and we will be back next time we are in Sedgefield.

Out party of four ordered their mains (no starters) at 7.20pm. An HOUR later the waitress came to the table with apologies from the chef and the offer of free drinks as he was jUST about to start cooking our order. Couples around us, who came in after us, had been served. The waitress explained they were having a busy night but sorry, if they couldn’t cope, they shouldn’t have taken bookings. We declined the drinks (two drivers in our midst) and food finally arrived at 8.40.pm . Totally unacceptable. One of our party is diabetic but he had thankfully sipped an orange juice. In fairness, the food was good but the enjoyment spoiled by the fact we’d arrived hungry and it had been served way too late. They took the price of the bottle of wine off the bill and apologised but it didn’t compensate for such a dire, frustrating experience.

We have stayed here a few times and we love it. Great little hotel. Great staff, rooms and food.

I stayed here for one night to attend an event locally. It's a lovely pub and the rooms are very well appointed and comfortable. My room was the 'cosy' option and it certainly was small, but had everything I needed for a stay in which I wasn't going to be in the room for very long. Everything was excellent quality - linen, coffee machine, toiletries - and thoughtfully there was even a packet of earplugs provided. Check-in was efficient and a pre-order taken for breakfast. This meant that breakfast the following morning went very smoothly. The food itself was all perfectly cooked and beautifully presented. Service at breakfast was friendly and helpful. Overall it was a very good value stay and I would definitely visit again. Five stars to the PP!

Food and service were really good. Rooms also nice.

We stayed in the hotel overnight so enjoyed dinner in the restaurant and breakfast. Both gorgeous. Well presented and tasty. Good quality ingredients. Clean restaurant and polite staff. Two new starters were being trained and we felt they were friendly and attentive. The lady who checked us in Jen, was polite and helpful. We had the greek lamb which had lovely crispy skin and the sirloin steak which was nicely salted. Lovely starter of salmon fishcakes and I had the pulled pork and mushroom. Drinks were nice too. Would recommend and return.

Lovely well appointed rooms. Comfortable beds & nice linen. Nice bathroom (small but very nice). Good facilities. Friendly & very efficient staff. Nice pub (great choice on draft) and breakfast is lovely. Good views of the church. This is our 5th stay and we have not been disappointed. Will definitely again.

I called in for a light bite to eat and ordered the Caesar salad with a side of chips. I really couldn’t fault the chips, spot on. The salad however, not sure where to start! What appears to be finely shredded iceberg lettuce, anchovies around the outside surrounding and almost outnumbering the lettuce. Not even some Parmesan. All pulled together with some big chunks of red onion. Chicken was ok. I Ate it apart from the huge quantity of anchovies as it was that small. Staff said they would tell the chef, paid the bill in full, no apology for the quality of it. Wish i had remembered to take a photo to send to Gordon Ramsey to review.

We stayed for one night in the smallest double at The Pickled Parsons. The service and the pub itself are 5 stars. The breakfast was really lovely. The room was the perfect base for us, it was very clean and comfortable. Everything we needed was included and it was not noisy. My only negative point would be that the room could do with a little touch up in terms of paint and filling in some holes where the old bathroom lock used to be. I would highly recommend a stay!

Gezellig hotel vriendelijke mensen

Staff very rude apart from the girl who checked us in hard working couple who payed 100 pound for the tiny little room with no view to get accused off smoking illegal substances when me and my partner don’t smoke it’s not one a joke got woken up three time twice by a phone early morning and then by someone walking in the room didn’t even nock just let them selves in it’s a good job we had clothes on won’t be coming back again for what you pay you don’t even get enough towels for the both off you so people if you want to pay £100 pound to stay somewere we’re the staffs rude and you get accused off taking drugs stay away !!!!!!!!!!!!

The Sunday lunch at the Pickled Parson is one of the best in the Teesside. We were given a generous portion of tender beef, and because we like our gravy they happily brought us a large jug which was full of flavour. The vegetable selection was good and all cooked just right. Having eaten Sunday Lunch 3 times here recently we know it's consistently good. The hospitality shown by Matt and Sam is also excellent.

Beautiful food and excellent staff

Disappointed with Sunday lunch. Meat was tough and stringy, eventually found 3 small roast potatoes hidden under the meat tasted ok but not worth the effort or the price. It's a shame because lunch during the week is nice.

Sunday lunch was absolutely beautiful as normal! Even my 7th old son demolishes his full plate!!! We come here at least 3-6 times a year and it is always the most amazing lunch! Fabulous atmosphere, brilliant staff… but the food never disappoints!!! We will be back!

Right in the centre, great service, food and drinks.

Both the food and bar offer was brilliant. We also stayed. The room wax lovely and breakfast next morning was excellent. Wouk’s definitely recommend.

Amazing establishment with a great atmosphere. The food is first class and the friendly staff are a huge plus point. Definitely will be returning

I've eaten here a couple times now, just never reviewed. This time I went for the breakfast with one of my girlie's, and boy they did not disappoint! 😋 I absolutely loved, I asked for the eggs benedict, the eggs were perfectly yoke! 🥰 service was quick, staff were friendly - previously we came for Sunday lunch, the yorkies are incredible! Presentation was lovely and the meal was perfect. The chef at the parson is 10/10 every meal is always to a great standard. Staff are always friendly and accommodating, always a lovely visit to the Parson.

My partner and I ventured out on this sunny evening. We weren’t very hungry but hungry enough to sample the menu . Also My partner is type 1 diabetic so keeps his meals small for a reason . The lovely waitress took our order - a ceaser salad starter and the mushroom starter .. we were told we couldn’t just order a starter we had to order a side dish ??! So reluctantly I order a side of fries.. 3 mins later the waitress came back and said we had to order 2 sides if “just” ordering starters.. I simply Can’t get my head around this other than the manager has a huge chip on his shoulder .. not good at all

A business that puts profit before customers Is never a good thing. Was a loyal customer will now be enjoying one of the other fine establishments of Sedgefield.

Staff very friendly, service excellent. Menu choice superb and everything delicious

After being recommended by our daughter and being dog friendly, we went for an evening meal. The welcome we received from the staff was lovely and friendly. The food was excellent, quality ingredients, good portions and and expertly cooked. We were so impressed, we booked...

Went there with the offspring. Staff weren't too welcoming to the kids being kids.

Was a drop in surprise but what a lovely BIG gem of a place. Lovely top class food. All 9 of us enjoyed and great service support

Lovely location and friendly staff however the prawn marie rose sandwich was really disappointing didn't think you could get this classic wrong but you can! bread was decent!

Standard Sunday lunch. A choice of vegetables would be an improvement. Yorkshire pudding dry and overcooked Beef tender and enjoyable. Quiet for a Sunday, staff appeared overly intrusive with their regularly check-ins.

A great pub, great people, dog welcome..

Great spot to go, booked a large table, food was ace and service was good, only pain being on a long table for family gathering, but night, food and drinks were spot on ! Highly recommended.

Great Sunday lunch, easy to park and the staff were friendly, thanks 🙏

Clean and friendly with good pub food

We booked dinner last night for fifteen of us to celebrate recently getting engaged. Paid a deposit with it being such a big group of us which was deducted from the final bill. We also pre ordered food including desserts or they can be ordered...

Poor polices, poorly explained. Legally 16 & 17 year-olds can drink alcohol with a meal when accompanied by a parent or adult in a restaurant. Fact. If an establishment chooses to not serve patrons contrary to this law, then that is their prerogative, but only...

We had a lovely evening. The food was great and Jen the manager along with the other staff looked after us really well even though the pub was really busy. We will definitely be back!

The Pickled Parson has serious management problems and I suggest customers give it a wide berth as there are plenty of other great pubs in Sedgefield that appreciate your custom. I’ll explain why I say this - as a group of 30+ people we recently...

We stayed two nights at this amazing place the rooms are spacious and comfortable. The staff are amazingly friendly and helpful Sam the waitress is a wonderful ambassador for the pub. Matt the manager is accommodating for Sedgefield Parkrunners the location is perfect place to...

Good food at reasonable prices, but pub is difficult for wheelchairs (steep steps). Can be a lot of dogs in bar area. OK I guess if you love dogs.

Great selection of real ales & Gins, lovely inside & benches outside for finer weather (dog friendly too)

If we could give 10 stars across the board we would! We've never been to Sedgefield before! But we will defiantly will be back! The owners of the Pickled Parson, your team are a credit to your establishment, from the ladies who clean the rooms(impeccable and comfortable) to Chef making the most delicious breakfast, the waiting on staff, bar staff and most of all Jen & Lorraine for going above and beyond making us feel at home, always happy to help. See you again Pickled Parson!! Michelle & Ray Fox

We were in the area and we’re walking to the Co op nearby to grab a quick bite to eat, but while walking past we thought the building looks nice and they look like they do food, so why not pop in for a quick...

Just completely disorganised used to be a decent pub but no management of the place The staff seem to make it up as they go along

Small comfy bar and changing real ales.

We look forward to meeting every 2 months as a group of 8 & decided to try a Sunday lunch here this time.. Firstly the staff were lovely throughout our stay.. We ordered the Lunch 12.45 & it arrived just over an hour later... it...

Great pub with really friendly staff. Very dog friendly too.

1st time visit for a spot of lunch before heading to Hardwick Hall. Pub is situated in a lovely village setting, staff were polite and friendly and the service was rapid. Great food, very reasonably priced would definitely recommend

Friends booked a table for the 4 of us for 1pm. We were the only people in the restaurant yet the service was so slow that by 2.10 pm we had eaten our starters but our mains hadn't arrived and we had only parked for...

Visited here for Sunday lunch. Food was excellent as always. As was the service. This place never lets me down, the management area excellent and run such a great establishment. If your looking for somewhere that’s more than just a pub then get your self...

Having being a long standing repeat customer of this pub for the last 25 years I am very disappointed to write this review. I visited the pub tonight with friends and family for a few new years drinks. One of our party was refused to...

Walked in greeted, told we would need to wait as busy and short staffed. Fair enough but what we received was first class dining the food was worth the wait. Drinks served and maintained through out our visit. Well done it was worth the wait...

Xmas catchup with friends Lovely Sunday diner Starters great but the main course was amazing Freshly cooked food huge Yorkshire puddings ! We went with a 6 year old and a small dog and 5 adults service was the best Everyone catered for I would...