Valentine's Restaurant in County Durham

Visited for a family lunch in Barnard Castle. The décor was beautiful and the atmosphere was very homely and inviting with warm, dim lighting. The staff were approachable and friendly, and even the chef / owner was doing the rounds to make sure everyone was enjoying themselves! I ordered the Halloumi and mango burger and it was delicious and very generously portioned. My partner order the Sirloin steak, which he is very picky about, and it was cooked perfectly! The rustic home cooked chips were to die for. I felt terrible for the server in particular as a table near me were behaving horrendously! They claimed they didn't get what the ordered when we literally heard and saw that they did. The server remained friendly, professional and polite while they had to endure this disgusting behaviour. They should be ashamed of themselves!! In a nutshell, beautiful place, warm, friendly staff and the best food I've ever eaten at a restaurant! 100% recommend and will be returning.

After a lovely walk along the river with a friend we decided to see if a table was available at Valentines for lunch. I’d normally book this popular restaurant but took the chance that a table would become available. On entering the restaurant we could see that it was very full so waited till we could ask the front of house staff. A couple were paying their bill (they were part of a larger party) and berating the staff as they did. The tone used was intimidating and I immediately felt very sorry to the young person having to deal with the anger thrown their way. As an ex restaurant manager myself I listened with the intention of calling in the owners if the woman lost further control. The complaint wasn’t about the food, they’d enjoyed that. It seemed to be tied to a request shed made to the server that she felt was ignored. She was confrontational and described the service as shocking. The front of house staff was respectful, at all times, but you could see she was at a loss as to what to say. I had the feeling that she was expecting to put us off asking for a table. However, Valentines has been a place I’ve always enjoyed immensely, judging by the sea of local faces seated that day I’d say I’m not alone. When they left I wasn’t the only person to offer words of support to the front of house staff, they said they’d never been spoken to like that by a customer. A wonderful lunch followed when a table was found, well worth the small wait. We will return, we always do.

Had an absolute blast here, The food was spectacular and I will definitely come back for more. I had the 10oz sirloin with mushrooms and onion rings and asked for it medium-rare, Food arrived exactly as I asked and was cooked to perfection. Will definitely be back for my steak cravings in the future! there was a table near where we sat that said they did not get what they ordered but they clearly did! not sure what they were on! Staff were amazing and helpful, quick service and always attentive when I even looked like I wanted a bit of help.

Booked for six for show in area been here before so new it won’t disappoint. And also quick service and great food. Good portion sizes. Service from two girls was fast and friendly atmosphere was good due to busy restaurant.

A gem. This is a small restaurant with a warm welcome and well-prepared creative dishes. The atmosphere is intimate and the noise level quiet. It appears to cater for the local population well as many diners were known to staff, but as a couple passing through attending a gig in the town it was also a really friendly location. What set it apart for me was the care and attention to an unusual allergy issue. When phone booking an hour before opening and finding they were nearly full, I gave the option to the owner/chef to say they couldn’t cater for me, but he didn’t. He made me an alternative to a menu dish which was a great meal and allowed me to enjoy the eating experience. If you’re in Barnard Castle give it a try, but book earlier than I did!

Such a perfect experience. A lot of businesses could learn from these guys. Food lovely, staff attentive and friendly, plus there was an afternoon meal deal so even better. One of our party was Celiac Gluten Free, however this was not an issue and a lovely safe meal was provided. Looking forward to going back.

Amazing, staff were kind and helpful, with many choices on the menu I went for the 10oz steak that fully made my night. What an amazing space beautifully held together by fantastic food and considerate staff. 10/10 would eat here again

Absolutely amazing space with very helpful and kind staff, 10oz steak changed my worldview, 10/10 would go again.

The food here is so amazing. we had 6 different dishes all were amazing . Attention to customers was second to none . Staff are so polite and helpful. We will definitely be back thank you so much .

Super tasty home cooked food and very friendly owners/chef. I would definitely recommend you eat here, the portion sizes are just spot on too !

Beautiful lunch today Chicken parmo with pineapple 🍍 and bacon 🥓 was amazing!!! Fast and friendly service, staff were great , highly recommended 👌

Great food and service. Highly recommended. Chips to die for.

A very enjoyable and delicious meal for vegetarian and meat eaters. Plenty of vegan options too. A real gem of a place with friendly and thoughtful people.

The food was excellent and good value .Comfortable table and nice ambiance . The choice was fine and we enjoyed the wine. As far as service it was a case of two waitresses .One very helpful and one going through the motions.During the meal I asked for two glasses of water and was told it’s over there. In a cafe fine but halfway through a meal two elderly people should not have to fetch it .I left a tip and I hope the right person received it .

excellent service,food, a must when visiting barnard

Visited here Saturday very busy place got seated beside back garden doors. Great staff very friendly, We all had different dishes from Belly pork , Steak Ale Pie, Lasagne,Mexican Parmo Hunters chicken. Fantastic portions sizes home made chips. Had Cherry Pancakes for dessert was amazing, definitely recommend this dessert. Very good atmosphere and clean and modern surroundings.

We tried this place last month and found it cosy and well set out - in that you felt able to find a table without sitting in other people’s laps. The food was reasonable then, so we returned. Unfortunately. My wife ordered the falafel and I had fish and chips. The batter was uninspiring but the fish was fresh. However my wife felt a crunch and removed what appeared to be a large hard pip or stone. This was pointed out, and taken to be inspected then returned to our table as an uncooked kidney bean and a short apology. The dentist said she was lucky not to have lost the crown. But some remedial work had to be done. Can’t say I will rush back.

Superb, as always. Great food, excellent service

Had a wonderful meal at Valentines - food excellent and staff wonderful - highly recommend

We celebrated our Anniversary at Valentines restaurant. The food was wonderful and genuinely could not ask for better staff, everyone went the extra mile- Top restaurant, can’t recommend high enough

OMG What a fabulous restaurant. we had the most amazing meal . The staff were amazing so friendly and helpful. We went there for our 23rd wedding anniversary last night . The atmosphere was so lovely and the chef even came out to greet us to ask was our meal ok . THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR MAKING OUR NIGHT SO SPECIAL .WE WILL BE BACK .xx

When booking try and make it clear, unless you want it, you do not want sat next to the door right at counter. The food and service are reasonably good. Not exceptional but good.

This visit was to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary and we couldn't have been more delighted. The food was to die for, probably the best we have ever had eating out. The meal was complimented by the service we received, quick and efficient. Mark the owner was most pleasant and helpful as was Chloe the waitress. A must visit for the anyone visiting Barnard Castle and surrounding area.

Amazing food and brilliant service

Didn’t love it, average food which didn’t feel worth it for the price. Decor was tired. Wine was nice though!

Staff were all friendly and helpful. Got the balance right for timings so we didn't feel rushed and also didn't have to wait ages for service either. Lots of inviting meals on the menu. Our starters and mains were very good, the dessert was a bit disappointing but not complaint worthy. I'd definitely go back to try some more of the inviting mains.

I rang and booked a table a couple of nights before and it was implied that they were busy and could fit me in at 7.15 not 7.30 as requested.. perfect I thought. 2 days later we arrived and were greeted by a pleasant chap and shown straight to the table . Only one other table occupied who soon left ! I had read reviews claiming there was a lovely wine list ! This was obviously a review written for a differed restaurant in York ! The wine list is small and disappointing. My friend is gluten free and there were only 3 things she could have the waiter was very defensive about this ... saying they were only a small restaurant! Water for the table please ? Help your self from a station in thr bar ! Tepid water , strange he couldn't serve us there was no one else in the restaurant 🤷‍♀️ We nearly left but felt uncomfortable so ordered ... that said the food was lovely. Salmon gougons were beautiful as was the garlic chicken. So overall food was very nice service and choice for people with dietary restrictions poor

Nice came for a meal after after a long day. Came with some close freinds before a night out great food. Amazingly cooked chicken tasty and fresh veg. Overall a great time.

My wife and I had lunch at this restaurant last week. The food was excellent and very reasonably priced. The service was attentive, friendly and polite. We have used this outlet previously and will do so again.

Friendly and efficient service, although never been to a restaurant where you collect your own water from a water station before. We went on a quiet Friday lunchtime. The stacked burger and chips were very good quality - the chips were well done and the tastiest I had ever had. We also tried a vegetarian filled tortilla which was delicious. I will be interested to return when it's busy to see how it compares.

We ate here for our 25th wedding anniversary and it was perfect. Starter, main and desert were all amazing. We chatted to the boss / cook about his food. He was happy to answer questions of his produce and was ultra friendly. One of the best restaurants we've ever been to.

Wow ! This is a great place ! The waiting staff are knowledgeable friendly and very professional. The food was sublime. huge menu great choices lovely wine list The atmosphere was great We had drinks within 5 minutes of arrival which so many restaurants get wrong Love this place and will return next time we are in York

Valentines Night at Valentines with my wife.Greeted by warm friendly smiling staff,drinks order taken in good time and served in good time.Staff couldn't do enough for you.Starters ordered and wow so nice to see good sized portions and so tasty.Duck spring rolls,hoisin dressing and side salad in garnish.Popadom stuffed with chicken Tikka curry served with Mango Chutney,perfect starters.Onto the main course,Pineapple and bacon parmo,smothered in mozarella and cheddar cheese,bechamel sauce,homemade rustic chips,salad and coleslaw.This was one of the most delicious parmos I've ever had,cooked to perfection and highly reccommended,I was stuffed and I'm a big man. My wife had succulent sizzling hot cast iron 10oz prime sirloin steak on a platter with tomato,onion rings,mushrooms and homemade rustic chips.Also a side portion of sauce and a cone of onion rings as extras.Once again cooked to perfection and so delicious and filling,my wife had to leave the chips as she was stuffed also. After letting the mains settle,we both decided on sharing the most delicious sticky toffee pudding with custard,this was the icing on the cake to round off two very happy and full customers. Throughout the staff were so good,asking if everything was OK,seeing if we required anything else and all with a smile.Well done Valentines,great to have delicious fresh cooked food with good hearty portion sizes.Thankyou,Mark & Belinda

For our wedding anniversary we wanted a good dinner to finish the day, and we got it. Starter, dinner and dessert left us full and satisfied. The service is top notch for speed and friendliness. The food was so tasty we had to personally thank to the cook who we had a good chat with. 😃 Book ahead if you can because there are days where it will get full.

Absolutely fantastic place to eat. Great atmosphere food was fantastic and amazing portions the staff were so nice and helpful Keira was so lovely and was a delight to be served by thank you. Would highly recommend if your in the area to visit

Definitely recommend. Great food, quick service and a nice atmosphere

A friend advised me to go to Valentines. I'm glad they did. Great food and excellent service in relaxed surroundings. I will certainly be paying Valentines another visit. I unreservedly recommend it.

Best Restaurant in barnard castle , always look forward to eating here when we come down from Scotland, food is amazing and a wide variety for different meals to suit everyone’s need great vegan and vegetarian options. Staff are very helpful and friendly . And mark and Arther can’t do more for you . A treat for the eyes and food for the soul . We will see you again soon thank you

Lovely food in comfortable surroundings spotlessly clean with lovely happy staff. Good value for great size portions too. See you again. Thanks.

Busy restaurant, we ate there each evening during our stay in the town. No problem getting a table, though it's always best to book in advance. The menu was good, I can recommend the burgers which are so filling! Still managed a desert though 😉 The staff were attentive, and an issue when our order got mixed with that of another table was sorted without any fuss. We have used this place a number of times now, and we look forward to visiting again soon.

Booked a table for 2 . 7pm. Already busy. Service was excellent, 2 young waitresses were keen and professional. The food was served quickly and piping hot. They even added an extra belly pork because one was a little fatty. I had the prawn curry, very good. The food was tasty and far more than we could eat. We took a couple of puds home for later. I would highly recommend this place for eating and socialising.

went for lunch to try the festive offerings. and they did not disappoint. My husband had the bagette and I had the Turkey Bap with Xmas pud. Both provided good sized portions (as always ) , the turkey was beautiful and the chips tasty. The xmas pudding was delicious. need to return to try the festive parmo. Clean plates were order of the day !

Fabulous start to the Festive season - highly recommend the Christmas Parmo, it was amazing. Thank you Mark and Arthur, great food and service as always.

Fabulous food and service as always. Had the Christmas baguette a couple of weeks ago which was brilliant but the Christmas Parmo today was even more amazing!! Definitely recommend a visit!

Owner got annoyed at me for being stood outside

A great little restaurant which serves good home cooked food at reasonable prices. We went as a party of 8 and thoroughly enjoyed our evening. The staff are brilliant

Went for a meal on the weekend. The staff were so friendly and very efficient. Food was not worth the price. One meal was tasteless, the other one was ok. The interior was like a cafe style too not somewhere I would want to eat my tea.

We went here for my friend's birthday. Our meals were lovely service was spot on friendly waitress and reasonably priced for freshly cooked food not 100% sold on the chips/wedges but on the whole a great meal have already recommended to friends

Absolutely fantastic from the moment we entered until the moment we left. Mark is an amazing chef and host. Will definitely be back again, soon.

We visited Valentines as a party of 4. What an absolute delight! We love Valentines, the food is always top notch and the service is impeccable. We all decided to have starters, which is always a dilemma as the portion sizes are generous! The starters were all amazing, as well as the mains!! I’ve attached some pics! We had a lovely time, Mark and Arthur and their lovely staff always welcome us with open arms! We then waddled home happy!

We had our private Wedding Party on 28th Oct at Valentines. Had an absolutely fabulous night thanks to Mark, Arthur, Lucy and Ryan. Fabulous hosts, fabulous food, fabulous company and rather a lot of alcohol, great recipe for a fantastic night. Thank you so much, can’t wait for anniversary party ! X

Absolute gem of a place. Everything from cleanliness, atmosphere, service and of course quality of food is nothing short of excellent! Great menu, home cooked dishes and a good veggie menu. Looking forward to our next visit.

Stunning food, service and atmosphere

My wife and I visited this restaurant on the 7th of October and was not disappointed. The food was absolutely delicious and freshly prepared and plentiful and the staff were brilliant. An absolute gem of a place that is very reasonably priced and a must to visit if your visiting the area.

Found this place via Trip Advisor and it didn’t disappoint. Had the salmon fillet and the Brie and bacon burger - both were delicious. Service friendly and efficient. Restaurant really well set out - felt like we had our own little private section. Would totally...

Only just Found this Place and visited twice in a week. The food is amazing especially the pork with proper crackling and the salmon bites were to die for. The staff are fantastic and they can't do enough for you even when they are busy. Lovely hosts as well who like to come and have a chat. Will see you soon. Jue and Andy from The G L.

A pleasant experience from the phone call to book right through to paying the bill. Staff all lovely and attentive but not in your face all the time. The food was amazing as was the general atmosphere in the building. A credit to Barnard Castle.

Amazing food, great portion sizes. Would definitely recommend the fish and chips they are lovely

Yet again another great night we visit here often as it's the best place in town to eat Staff are so lovely never to busy to have a chat and make you feel welcome. The food as always was just beautiful my hubsters belly pork...

amazing fish and chips!! some of the best we've had in years. brilliant service and a lovely atmosphere, definetly reccomend

Very disappointed with the food. Probably the most greasiest fish and chips I have eaten which is down to what it is cooked in. Staff pleasant and helpful though which is one of the few redeeming factors. Would not eat there again.

After my brothers reviews on this place ive been wanting to try it and it didnt dissapoint!! The best meal I've eaten in a restaurant since covid! Proper home cooked food not your premade frozen rubbish. The Garlic chicken was beautiful melt in the mouth!...

Went to this lovely place. Fabulous atmosphere great food and lovely staff. What more could we have asked for. Oh and very good price. No wonder they are always fully booked. If you want a nice night book it and enjoy. Thanks Valentines team.

Yet again another fabulous visit to Valentines. Lovely staff and food. Can highly recommend the Parmo and the BBQ Pulled Pork Burger. It also has a good Vegan selection of dishes. Looking forward to our next visit.

Popped in on the hubby’s lunch break, we ordered the fish & chips and the Brie and bacon baguette with chips. Really impressed by the quality of the fish, homemade chips, lovely peas and tartar sauce. It was actually the best fish and chips I’ve...

We went as a 4 for my dads 70th and it didn’t disappoint. We had the king prawn penang, pork belly, chicken parm and scampi, all was lovely and the staff were very nice. Only thing we would change is the chips but everything else...

Amazing experience.lovely staff and the food was delicious.definitely would recommend to friends and family

Excellent food, excellent service, good value prices.

Called in on the off chance with my better half for a meal, greater by lovely friendly staff who seated us without any hassle. Great menu with lots of choice and a specials board with a variety of choices. We both had a chicken dish...

Another absolutely deeeelisshhhh meal at Valentines! The food and service is impeccable. We always love going to Valentines when we are in Barney.

Absolutely amazing food. incredibly polite staff with impeccable serving times and great hospitality

Since moving here we have been several times. The food here is really nice. The creamy garlic chicken is so tasty and the jam roly poly is to die for. Ibhave had the meals the last twice we have visited. The Prawn curry is also...

A fantastic find. We had struggled to find anywhere with more than one vegan option and here there were several and all sounded delicious. I had the Mediterranean vegetable tart and my husband had a beetroot and squash Wellington. Both dishes were excellent. A lot...

Excellent friendly service. We were a party of six and every meal was delicious! My husband who needed gluten free had a good choice too. Portion sizes were very generous. We were made very welcome.

Myself and my wife went for an evening meal, I had steak medium rare with all the trimmings, my wife had scampi and chips, the whole meal was brilliant ( so tasty), the staff were very nice and friendly and even the chef came to...

Food here is amazing and the staff are super friendly and helpful! They serve great portion sizes and the food quality is superb, 100% recommend!

Food v. poor quality and overpriced for what you got. Staff were rude and unfriendly, and the whole place felt dirty. Save your money and go elsewhere.

Nice place , limited vegan and vegetarian options but hot and nice, fair prices

Booked here great reception from staff , Nice and bright colours had screens still up so felt booth’s style. Great portions and specials Menu. Belly Pork best we’ve had steak pie lots of filling and big portions my son had Salsa parmo and Nanna had...

One of our favourite places to eat. Always a pleasure, from the friendly welcome and fantastic service to the exceptional food. Great prices and a lovely ambiance. Highly recommended!!

Lovely restaurant, lovely food and very kind staff. Well worth a visit.

The food here is tasty - the fish and chips in particular. If you are in a group of adults I would definitely recommend coming here. However, if you have young children I would probably avoid. We came with our two young children and from...

Lovely food, lovely staff and a wide selection of vegan and vegetarian food. Most definitely worth a visit.

Super visit to see Mark& Arthur again 🙏 Food superb as always ( Belly Pork 😋😋) great Atmosphere , very pleasant young Staff Members 🙏👍 catch up again in November , Highly Recommended 🙏👍❤️

Wonderful food - great variety, quick service, friendly staff

Such lovely people. Squeezed us in but you'd never have known it. No rush, great service. I'll go back as often as I can.

Really loved this place; food was excellent, portion sizes good and service was first class. The menu is fairly varied and even the lite bites looked like good sized meals.

Valentines,is a lovely bistro, relaxing atmosphere, excellent service. Meals presented very well Valentines use locally sourced produce,which enhanced the flavor of my chosen meal. Look forward to my next visit.

Disappointed...we had booked a table for 7.30pm on a Saturday night..unaware that they closed at 9.30pm. We felt our meal was rushed as the staff obviously wanted us to leave promptly...and kept reminding us so....

Food was excellent big portions Service was excellent also would definitely recommend a visit to this restaurant.

Lovely staff food selection is very good and excellent value and friendly atmosphere..we go there regularly 😁

Once again a delicious meal (vegan spicy burger - and I'm not vegan or even vegetarian just fancied something different). Great surroundings and as always fantastic service from friendly staff. Will be back again soon. If you're in the area give it a try

Another wonderful lunch visit to Valentine's today, can only give excellent feedback for Mark, Arthur and Anna. Always made to feel welcome, have a thoroughly enjoyable experience and leave full to the brim. Quality and presentation of the food is second to none and the...

Another beautiful meal at Valentines tonight. They have never failed to disappoint. This is a very firm favourite restaurant of ours. Food is always beautifully prepared, portions are plentiful, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. As a local I feel so happy that we...

Went here for a special occasion Staff were lovely Food was quickly served and piping hot.Portions very generous so wouldn't opt for a starter if we returned again. Overall it was pleasant but would not return

Amazing food as always, sat outside which is a beautiful setting in the sunshine. Staff are friendly, polite and very cheerful. This place is great value for money and the best home cooked food I would recommend to anyone visiting Barnard castle.

I came here with my family for my birthday and it was great, I really enjoyed the food and the staff was nice. I totally recommend.

Me and my son went for Lunch this afternoon and were greeted by one of the girls straight away and Mark himself! Seated immediately ordered our drinks and food which was all done with a smile by the waitress. We’ve eaten here many times as...

Fantastic customer service and amazing food.great seating. Would highly recommend. Definitely would come again

Had an excellent time and the food was delicious,the staff were very nice and polite.would definitely come again