Our Top Tables in County Durham
Pizzerias, proper pubs and fine-dining gems - County Durham has it all
Lumley Castle Hotel
Ropery Lane, Chester-le-Street DH3 4NX
lumleycastle.com
A place where fascinating history meets contemporary luxury, Lumley Castle is a must-visit in the North East. There’s a range of spaces to choose from here. Enjoy a refreshing drink in the cosy Library Bar & Lounge, a traditionally-styled space which is dog friendly and perfect for pre-dinner drinks or after-dinner coffee. The award-winning Knights Restaurant has an excellent menu of modern British cuisine – think potted crab with lemon butter, roast duck breast with sweet potato, and classic sticky toffee pudding to finish.
Stable Hearth
33–35 Duke Street, DarlingtonDL3 7RX
stablehearth.com
Serving mouth-watering pizza in the heart of Darlington, Stable Hearth has been a favourite among locals for years. A previous winner of Best Pizzeria in the UK at the Italian Awards, as well as serving authentic Neapolitan pizza (no deep pan or thin and crispy pizzas here) they also have a selection of antipasti dishes including arancini, calamari and parmigiana on the menu.
Babul’s
2 Skinnergate, Darlington DL3 7NB
9 Market Place, Barnard Castle DL12 8NF
babuls.co.uk
Experience the flavours of South Asia in the heart of Darlington and Barnard Castle at Babul’s. Serving delicious traditional curries, street food and sides as well as an impressive array of cocktails, this multi-award winning restaurant pays homage to vibrant flavours from across India. Chic, welcoming and thoroughly Instagrammable, this is not one to miss.
Knead a Slice
29 Fore Bondgate, Bishop Auckland DL14 7PE
kneadaslice.co.uk
An independent, family-run pizzeria, the team at Knead a Slice are passionate about their dough, and their recipe takes a minimum of two days to produce. Our favourite is the spicy pizza, made with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, n’duja, tenderstem broccoli, pecorino, chillies, and chilli honey. It’s an informal and cosy place to grab a bite, and although the pizzas are the star of the show, their breakfasts are undeniably great too.
The Fox Hole Pub and Kitchen
Piercebridge, Darlington DL2 3SJ
the-foxhole.co.uk
A pleasant blend of contemporary and traditional, this restaurant is in the picturesque village of Piercebridge. Diners can expect great food and locally-sourced craft ales, best enjoyed in one of the many cosy corners in the restaurant.
The Glass House at Wynyard Hall
Wynyard, Stockton, Billingham TS22 5NF
wynyardhall.co.uk
A pretty spot nestled within Wynyard Hall’s kitchen gardens, The Glass House serves seasonal dishes which blend the culinary heritage of the region with contemporary trends and techniques. Guests can enjoy an ever-changing set menu sourced from their Edible Garden and The Glass House is the perfect setting for elegant lunches, dinners and (of course) a delicious Sunday lunch.
El Castillo Tapas
Market Place, Bishop Auckland DL14 7JF
aucklandproject.org/restaurant/el-castillo
Tucked beneath the amazing Spanish Gallery, this award-winning restaurant brings the authentic flavours of Spain to the heart of Bishop Auckland. Much of the produce used here comes from the 17th-century Walled Garden at Auckland Palace and the menu is packed full of delicious, fuss-free small plates which are constantly changing to reflect the seasons, all accompanied by a great drinks menu.
The Bay Horse
45 The Green, Hurworth DL2 2AA
thebayhorsehurworth.com
Retaining plenty of historical charm, this cosy 15th century coaching inn has received numerous accolades for its offering. The Bay Horse melds traditional charm and modern interiors across two separate dining areas. Serving beautiful food by chef-patron Marcus Bennett, expect expertly-crafted dishes made with seasonal, local produce, mean that it’s no surprise that The Bay Horse holds a place in the Michelin Guide.
The Rose & Crown
Romaldkirk, Barnard Castle DL12 9EB
rose-and-crown.co.uk
A seamless blend of country charm and contemporary updates, this cosy village inn emphasises local produce and seasonality on its menu. The kitchen team create dishes which tread the line between pub classics and fine dining (think charred smoked salmon, duck parfait and homemade steak and venison pie). Choose a table in the candlelit restaurant or head to the bar where you can sample local real ales, gins and wines from around the world with your four-legged friend at your feet.
High Force Hotel
Alston Road, Forest-in-Teesdale, County Durham DL12 0XH
raby.co.uk
At High Force Hotel contemporary comfort mixes with country charm. With a cosy bar and wood-panelled dining room there’s plenty of space to relax and it’s dog friendly too. Their fabulous Sunday lunch is the stuff of legend and the perfect post-walk treat. Offering an exciting mix of traditional British classics and international favourites, High Force Hotel shows off the best of Upper Teesdale producers.
Soami’s Trio by Parvin Kumar
Newmarket Street, Consett, County Durham DH8 5LQ
soamistrio.co.uk
Offering three world cuisines under one roof, this restaurant has earned countless accolades since it opened three years ago and continues to go from strength to strength. Run by a husband and wife team, the food here is delicious. Blending the flavours of India, Mexico and Thailand seamlessly, for a true gourmet experience tuck into their tasting menu – nine exquisite and authentic dishes which bring together the best of everything they have to offer.
The Owl & Otter
Mountsett, Burnopfield NE16 6BA
theowlandotter.co.uk
A real hidden gem, this dining space blends rustic touches with eccentric adornments. The menu is just as eclectic, offering everything from harissa beef skewers and crab tostadas to pizzas and British classics.
