Reviews in County Durham

my partner tried the peppered chicken and beef it was a supreme change from bog standard steak au poire the meats were tender and full of flavour i had the trio of lamb with a winter berry jus the lamb was just over medium but the chef assured me he would cook it to my requirements on my next visit.we had the hand crafted desserts i chose the mars pavlova its indescribable the best dessert i had in years a must try my partner had a mint choc torte she said it was truly irresistible thanx for a wonderful and reasonably priced meal

One of the best alternative styled restaurants in the North. Took the wife here for her birthday for a bit of Caribbean style cuisine - we were very impressed. The decor throughout is lovely, the waiting staff where very courteous and had plenty of knowledge of the menu and made some great recommendations. The food was outstanding. We have been back since and will definitely be back in the future. Well worth a visit if you're looking for a restaurant different to the usual local type.

Situated in the village of Norton, Cafe Lilli consistently provides a varied clientele with delicious food (from coffee and homemade cakes to refresh shoppers to a multi-course candlelit dinner celebration.) Ingredients are always of the finest and simply cooked with flair. When full, the restaurant hums with a happy buzz.... but you'll have to get there early, as they don't take bookings!

i went to the blue lagoon with my husband for a treat, when i walked in, i wanted to walk out straight away, it looked like a cafe, but a friendly man came straight away to seat us, so i thought i would give it the benifit of the doubt. I should of gone with my first instinct! the menu looks like it hasnt changed in 20 years, my husband had the blolognaise risoto, and i had prawn cocktail to start, the risoto looked like it had be defrosted in the microwave, was watery and bland, just slopped on a plate, the prawn cocktail was fair. we waited over half an hour for our main dish, which was roast of the day (beef) and a steak dinner, the roast was truly disgusting!, everything was frozen, yorkshires, frozen veg, frozen roast potatoes, and the mash tasted off!, i ate very little, and it was £9.50! my husbands steak was ok, although they mixed salad and frozen veg which he left. i could not reccommend it highly enough that you go somewhere else! there was also another couple sat by us that also left all of there dinner. I can safely say that all their regular customers are over 60 and have been going there for years and dont know any different! we eat at a lot of nice restaurants, and feel qualified to say that this is truly the worst meal i have ever had. So save your money or choose somewhere else. Unless your over 60 and you have lost your taste and sense of smell. Also a friend of mine said she goes there with her mother under protest and has tried most things on the menu, and non of it is nice.

A big lover of Indian food, it does not get much better than the Dilshad in Hartlepool, outstanding quality, quantity and cost. The atmosphere is perfect also, traditional Indian theme. The only thing I cant understand is that every time I go there doesn't seem to be many others???? Not sure why?? The toilets need renovating as they are "iffy", apart from that I'll go nowhere else!!

fantastic Italian restaurant with a great atmosphere and tasty food for everyones tastes.

Congratulations Helen and Wendy, finally got round to visiting you ,food fantastic the best spicy parmo ever !will certainly be back keep up the good work.Denice & Jeff

I was looking for a country pub to have a Sunday lunch in when stumbled upon this pup. The food was great and plentiful and the service and management excellent. I will definitely go there again 10/10

my partner and i travel around the north east trying to find a homely relaxed and an excellent food establishment. sadly we had not found a place where u cud find it all under one roof until now. we tried to book on the Friday evening for a table of two for the sat evening but we were told that they were fully booked and if a cancellation came we would be contacted. sat morning came around and we got a phone call to confirm our booking. i must say that our experience at the bridge inn from the minute we drove into the car park was WOW. the food was untrue, my wild salmon was amazing, the service so efficient and the establishment homely relaxed and tasteful. i would highly recommend this restaurant to any one who would like to try anything a bit different or just great food from around the world. just like to say thank you to all at the bridge inn for making our anniversary that we will remember. thank you James stein

Cannot recommend this pub enough. We had a meal there on Friday 5th Oct 2007 and it was divine. I had a ribeye steak that was cooked exactly as I asked, Sue enjoyed the Oven Baked Sea Bass. We weren't going to have a dessert, until the table next to ours received theirs. What a sight to feast your eyes on, we both ended up with Strawberry cheesecake that was presented and tasted as good as any top class restaurant I have ever been in. We then retired into the bar to listen to the FREE music (Van Williams). On leaving we noticed that there was a Steak Night on Wednesdays Evenings from 6pm. It stated that the Time You Arrive is the Price You Pay. So back we went on Wednesday, 6 on the dot. I must admit, I thought it would be a gimmick with either a catch or smaller steak. I ordered the Rib Eye again and Sue the Rump. It was just the same as on Friday and tasted excellent. Sue had nothing but compliments for her Rump Steak. Now for the real test, I asked for the bill and it duely arrived. A 14oz Rib Eye and a 12oz Rump all for the princely sum of £12. To say I was impressed is an understatement, someone delivering exactly what they advertise and a nice atmosphere as well. Go there and try it, I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

What a difference a year makes! Visited this establishment when it was Don Huans. Said I would not return but went with Ian & Libby last Friday,now must rate as one of the best restaurants in the North. Menu exciting and varied. Food excellent, freshly prepared. Wendy and Helen extremely attentive with a great sense of humour. Chilli Ice Cream, nice touch. Well worth the visit and we will be back

A very enjoyable environment that prides itself obviously on the quality of the food, it was really good, my partner had a very special dish of lemon sole, two very happy customers left the moorings and will be back very soon

My family and I have just spent three nights staying near Durham, on our second evening we found the Stonebridge Inn and had an extremely enjoyable meal there. In fact we enjoyed it so much we went back again the second night! All 6 of us were able to find dishes that appealed to our individual tastes and each meal was well cooked and presented. The staff were all pleasant and helpful. I just wish we lived nearer!

We have visited this restaurant quite a few times and have never been disappointed. The Golden Gate is now offering a four course meal for £7.95 on Thursday and Sundays which is amazing value. This Indian restaurant is probably one of the best in the area - well recommended. Wonderful staff.

We visited the Carvery about 3.30pm on Sunday 23 September - the roast beef was the best I have ever tasted. Very tender, juicy, plenty of it and at £5 - well recommended. The rest of the meal was very good too!

Absolutely Gorgeous! Have been there a few times and not got one complaint! Sam

I've eaten in the bistro on three or four occasions and each time the quality of the meals have been excellent and they have also been well presented. The bistro has a pleasant ambiance with a good choice of wines and beers, including two real ales. Well worth a visit in my opinion.

An absolute gem. Tucked away in a gorgeous village yet convenient for the A66 - a shining example of the very best historic inns yet up to the minute food, service and rooms. Local, seasonal and tasty. Can't get better than that really.