The best restaurants in County Durham North East

I treated my friend for her birthday to tea here. Absolutely amazing, delicious home made cakes, scones and sandwiches. The atmosphere is really warm and welcoming and well worth a return visit.

Returned to this village pub restaurant to sample their menu after a change of chef. No longer an Italian restaurant though they still offer good pizzas and some pasta dishes prepared by their Italian sous chef. The new chef has extended the menu to include more bistro type dishes. The belly pork and beef cheeks were delicious. Service and atmosphere continue to be exemplary. Lovely to sit in their curtained gazebos or pergolas on a sunny Summer evening.

Wow, wow, wow. This was a very wonderful surprise to dine here. We were expecting average/ good pub food and we got restaurant standard wonderful food. The cod fish dish was exceptionally good, and the chocolate expresso ice cream pudding was divine. What a fabulous place…. and just wish we lived locally. The very delightful waitress made our visit even more lovely. This was the best meal we have had in the Durham area.

Following our mid-afternoon arrival and check-in at Durham’s Hotel Indigo, my wife and I had some time to kill before our room was ready so, feeling peckish, we decided to take advantage of what was on offer in the conveniently located Neighbourhood Coffee House and we were not disappointed. Notwithstanding the delicious and satisfying homemade pie of the day and excellent coffee on offer, the service we received from Harper, the young employee on counter duty at the time, was exemplary in every respect. Her welcoming manner and friendly efficiency put our three day break on the best of footings and she deserves every plaudit that doubtless comes her way.

Popped in with friends just for a cupper on a quiet Monday afternoon and ended up having food and a mocktail. Really friendly staff and lovely food. Will definitely be returning as the cocktails looked great, and the menu looked like there was a lot more to tempt me.

Have been back here now a couple of times recently. Being honest Indian was not usually our first choice for a meal out but this place has converted us. We were there last night. I had Lamb Kundan Kaliyan and my husband had Lamb Byriani and both were absolutely delicious. It was one of the best plates of food I have had. The service is second to none. Would recommend.

Excellent! I had a lovely time at the establishment. The staff were really warm and friendly. Definitely visiting here again.

Highly recommend this place. The food was absolutely delicious! Great atmosphere. The staff are great. We were served by after by Haley. She was amazing . The Bottomless brunch there is the best I’ve been to. Great value! You will not be disappointed.

Amazing! First off, the staff are so friendly. They never hesitate to answer any questions and make you feel so welcome, no matter the day/time. The decor and the atmosphere are great. I keep finding new details to admire. Love the surprise in the ladies’ loo as well! 🤫✨ The new menu is to die for! Gorgeous. I hate to admit I’ve had two burgers in the space of a week but can’t resist. This isn’t bog standard stuff - this is a menu that’s been properly thought through and they’ve thought outside the box! Unique things I haven’t seen before - super tasty. Try it all. The cocktail menu is equally fab - loads of choice and beautifully presented.

The cheese is delicious and so are the pickles. I have eaten here twice. Each time, there was nowhere near enough bread - one and a half slices per person, and tiny cheese biscuits for a generous supply of cheese. This place is not cheap and I would rather have more bread and larger biscuits to go with the cheese. Each person is given only one knife, when several would be better, when moving from a blue cheese to a white cheese, for example. There was not enough butter for the table and a tiny little piece of fruitcake, although it tasted good. The new system of hosting groups only after shutting the cafe is fine, but I did not want to hear a long story about the business history when there was an agenda for the event on the day and an opportunity for group members to socialise.

Went for Sunday lunch , celebrating a birthday there was 7 of us , it was warm and friendly , service was excellent, food was superb, not one complaint from any of us , can’t wait to go back, other guests said evening meals were just as good ,

Had the most amazing festive afternoon tea here with friends. Everything was delicious & a party member with coeliac disease was well looked after. Nothing was too much trouble. I believe that everything was made with love....sign of the best establishmets.

Probably one of the best meals I’ve had in the last 10 years. Chris is an incredible chef and his staff mirror his standards. Can’t recommend enough… make the most of this place while it’s still there. Cant see this setup staying where it is, they are top top quality!!

A really lovely little restaurant. Serves very nice home made food. Staff are fab and the food is so tasty. It's always busy and just such a lovely friendly traditional place. Mine and my best friends favourite spot for lunch

Great restaurant. The best I’ve ever been with my family. Great food and great service. The fillet was amazing and the wine was real Italian wine.