County Durham pub ranked among world's best restaurants on Tripadvisor

The Black Horse, in Ingleton, between Barnard Castle and Darlington, has won a Travellers' Choice Award on the review website after customers rated it five out of five for food, service and value.

The honour sees it named among the top ten per cent of restaurants in the world and alongside Michelin-star eateries and famous venues.

• Pub near Darlington rated one of world's best on TripAdvisor

The Black Horse in Ingleton has been awarded a Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Award pictured owner Anth Tillbrook Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

Landlord Anthony Tillbrook, who has run the pub for about five years, previously with a business partner, said: “We are over the moon to receive the Travellers Choice for the second year running.

“It’s been hard work by all the team to continue to offer the best in authentic Italian cuisine in a clean, comfortable environment during a challenging year.”

Earlier this year, the pub created covered outdoor dining areas so it could open in line with the easing of previous coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

The beer garden revamp did take longer than planned when the equipment was delayed due the container ship being stranded in the Suez Canal in March.

• The County Durham pub that had beer garden equipment delayed on the Suez Canal

The Black Horse in Ingleton has been awarded a Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Award pictured owner Anth Tillbrook Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

Anth Tillbrook at The Black Horse, Ingleton, following last year's Tripadvisor honour

Mr Tillbrook added: “Covid has obviously been a big game changer and we had to adapt quickly.

“The alfresco dining/drinking area has been a great success for customers who still feel unsure of entertaining indoors whilst also providing an excellent areas for when we get some good weather!”

Out of 160 reviews left on the site, 140 gave it the top rating of “excellent”.

Great outdoor dining

We went to the Black Horse Ingleton and were delighted with our meals. As it was such a warm night we dined in one of the gazebos . The food was excellent ample portions and all very well cooked. Two of us had fish dishes which were superb and so were the chicken and steak choices.The staff were very friendly and could not be faulted at all. What was even nicer was the fact they haven’t hiked up the prices like so many have. Living only 5 minutes drive away we will soon be returning.

Simply the best after you've tried the rest

My experience is you should try everywhere else in the surrounding area first as once you've eaten at Black Horse you'll not eat anywhere else. Food is superb, pizzas are the best I've had. Generally 3 real ales on and super pleasant service. Just go but don't tell everyone! Best to book at busy times.

Happy days

I had a lovely evening dining at the Black Horse. Delicious food, good atmosphere and great service. It's so good to be able to have a night out at such a great country pub, happy days.

Perfectly-run English country pub

Been several times and always a great welcome especially from Anth the host, outdoor area works really well and very comfortable, food great, never disappoints.

Lovely home style food

Myself and my partner ate here last week whilst visiting the area, we chose The Black Horse due to great Trip advisor reviews. We were not disappointed!

All items on the menu sounded appetising but we both went for lasagne and home made chips off the specials menu with a side of garlic bread. Food was piping hot, really tasty and the garlic bread was one of the best I’ve had - very garlicky which is what I like.

Really impressed, wish we lived closer so we could go back more often. Staff very friendly also, booked our table last minute and this was no trouble with them.

Only one review, from last August, rated it one out of five.

Lack of respect

Anyone who refers to their customers as punters does not deserve any respect. Pleased that they have been recognised, but please do not take your paying guests for granted.

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