You can’t beat a buttery pastry followed by a freshly roasted coffee in the morning (or whenever you fancy).

Across County Durham, there are plenty of places to get your fix of sweet treats and savoury goods.

Whether you’re looking to stop off on a bike ride or pop out with the family to try a variety of local food, here are some of the best bakeries in the county according to their Google reviews.

Some of the best bakeries for a bite to eat in County Durham

Sweetharts Bakery & Coffee Shop

Location: 101 Durham Road, Blackhill, Consett, DH8 8RR

Rating: 4.7/5

One visitor wrote: “Bread, cakes etc are all freshly baked everyday by award winning baker. Nicely decorated with pictures from the local area. Staff are lovely and very helpful. Highly recommended and well worth the trip.”

Dents Bakery

Location: Newhouse Road, Esh Winning, Durham, DH7 9JX

Rating: 4.8/5

One account posted: “Just popped in on my travels for a bite to eat. Glad I did. Had an egg mayo roll and grabbed a couple of sausage rolls and they were fantastic. Really tasty.

“The girls behind the jump were funny and a delight to talk to. Highly recommended.”

Maple Patisserie

Location: Unit 25, The Riverwalk, Durham, DH1 4SL

Rating: 4.9/5

A recent customer commented: “Absolute gem of a place. I love it.

“The coffee is excellent, flat white spot on.

“The cakes and scones are another level. The cheesecakes are the best I’ve had, and I’m hard man to please with cheesecakes! The peanut butter one 10/10.

“Everything is made there too, not bought in and pretending to be homemade like other places often do.

“It truly is a wonderful little place and highly recommended.”

The Bakers Loaf

Location: Front Street, Stanhope, Bishop Auckland, DL13 2TS

Rating: 4.5/5

“Everything was spot on" according to this review: “Had a Breakfast sandwich from here and it was really great, got a few cakes as well and everything was spot on. Great bakery to stock up at if you are doing the c2c!”

Clair's Gluten free bakery

Location: 119 Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7EN

Rating: 4.3/5

If you are looking for a range of gluten-free bakes, this could be the place for you.

One person said: “Amazing!  I had a whole menu to choose from..  started with a cheese and back wrap in puff pastry and wow..  Bought two to bring home.  Quiche and chips with salad was beautiful, even my non gf son thoroughly enjoyed his meal.  We left stuffed and with a carrier full of stuff to being home.

“Claire is amazing and happy to chat about recipes etc.

“I cannot recommend highly enough.”

RISE Artisan Bakehouse & Café

Location: 13 Horse Market, Barnard Castle, DL12 8LY

Rating: 4.8/5

A local resident added: “Had a lovely coffee and bakery snack here. The seeded sourdough bread cheese toast was wonderful and chutney amazing! Wish they sold that chutney!  The Mezza plate was fresh and a delightful mix of flavors with loads of fresh breads.”