As we get towards winter, the need to have comfort food and a nourishing Sunday roast gets higher up the priority list.
Using Trip Advisor, we have compiled a list of the best spots for a Sunday roast in County Durham, with options to suit all budgets and diets.
We have also picked out six locations where you can take your dog while enjoying a Sunday roast.
The Three Horseshoes
Running Waters, Durham, DH1 2SR
One of the top restaurants in Durham, The Three Horseshoes has secured itself a reputation for affordable but delicious food.
As well as tasty meals, the Three Horseshoes has a rich history of serving County Durham patrons, as it has stood in its current location for over 100 years. In times gone by, it served a thriving mining community but has transformed over the last few decades into a popular destination for food and real ale.
The Copper Beech, Neasham Road, Darlington
The Copper Beech can offer customers a classic Sunday dinner for a fair price, while also offering a great service.
The venue has received four-and-a-half stars out of five for food, service and value.
It’s also managed to pick itself up a TripAdvisor 2021 Travellers’ Choice Award.
The venue has scored 257 five-star reviews and 65 four-star reviews out of 380 altogether.
One person said: “Just been for Sunday lunch we got 2 beef dinners extra gravy and pigs in blankets portions are excellent really tasty food aswell my partner had a coffee and a gin and tonic I had a pint of coke as I was driving excellent service and worth the £31.50 I paid.
“This is the 3rd time I have been for a meal absolutely fantastic food and made to feel welcome. Keep up the good work highly recommended make sure you book a table as people were getting turned away due to no spare tables.”
The Poachers
Bridge Street Metal Bridge, Durham DH6 5LQ England
Deemed by one reviewer to be "the best place in the area", The Poachers in Durham has an extensive menu, with plenty of options suitable for a Sunday dinner, including lamb chops and gammon.
Burtree Inn, Darlington
For the second place, The Burtree Inn in Darlington is rated four stars out of five from 514 reviews, putting it in a favourable place.
Boasting vegetarian options, vegan choices and a range of cuisine, it's the Sunday roast that stands out for many people on the reviews.
One person said: "Very pleased with the menu at Burtree. I chose Nut roast. Surprised by the size of the meal. Served with roast potatoes, mashed potato, mashed swede, cabbage, carrots and a Yorkshire pudding. Also served with vegan gravy. Too much on the plate for my appetite but I definitely enjoyed it and would recommend. All food was served hot and tasty. Excellent meal."
The Church Mouse
Waldbridge Front Street The Vintage Inns, Chester Moor DH2 3RJ England
The Church Mouse pub serves a range of hearty roasts, bringing plenty of cheer to a chilly winter weekend. All of the classics are available, with beef, turkey, and pork on the menu, as well as a candied vegetable roast if you fancy something a little lighter.
The Farmers Arms
South Side Shadforth, Durham DH6 1LL England
Known for being a little bit quirky, this classic community pub "with a twist" has built a name for itself on its home-cooked food - meaning it is usually busy with loyal patrons.
In addition to its bright and busy atmosphere, you can expect great food for a fair price; especially when it comes to Sunday lunches.
One happy customer wrote: "Service was excellent, food was excellent and the overall atmosphere in the pub was upbeat and enjoyable. We will be visiting again very soon!"
The Clubhouse Kitchen & Bar, Hurworth-on-Tees
The Clubhouse Kitchen and Bar is open all day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. it is the perfect venue for tucking into popular and wholesome British classic roast whilst drinking in the stunning views across Rockliffe Hall's 18 hole Championship golf course. Dishes are homely and comforting, with a touch of ‘Rockliffe flair’.
Bistro Citron Vert
1 Wellington Street High Pittington, Durham DH6 1AZ England
This canny little bistro has carved out a name for itself by serving Sunday dinners - despite specialising in French cuisine.
One reviewer labelled the restaurant "consistently fabulous", and another promised to be back again to try the whole menu.
With the Sunday lunch being so popular, it is necessary to book in advance to ensure a table at this gorgeous independent restaurant.
The Otter and Fish, Hurworth-on-Tees
Overlooking the river tees in the picturesque village of Hurworth close to the north Yorkshire border.
Fully refurbished inside & out to the highest standard, creating an ambiance second to none, in what has to be the best interior in the area.
Family owned & run since 2006, they pride ourselves on our food & service.
Their menus and service create a warm & welcoming atmosphere with the emphasis on food & service, ensuring a great experience.
The Old Farmhouse, Darlington
The Old Farmhouse in Darlington is a country pub & restaurant oozing rural charm and rustic character.
The picturesque surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for savouring the hearty, seasonal pub-food on our menu, and the carefully nurtured cask ales and fine wines gracing the bar.
The Foresters Arms, Darlington
The Foresters Arms went under extensive refurbishment in September 2015 and changed under new experienced management team.
The mission of the pub was to bring back a community facility and high quality cuisine. The Foresters Arms is set in the rural outskirts of Darlington Town Centre in a countryside environment.
The Pub boasts generous outside space,with a alfresco courtyard, small children's play area and parking available for 30 vehicles.
The interior is warming and comforting with open fire perfect for relaxed evenings and gatherings.
At the Foresters the restaurant is open Tuesday to Saturday offering high quality British cuisine, Sunday opening is offering the full Sunday lunch experience.
The Rose and Crown
Location: Romaldkirk, Barnard Castle, DL12 9EB
Rating: 4.6/5
A family who popped in with their dog, commented: “Visited last weekend with my family and our dogs for Sunday dinner.
“The staff were so lovely and welcoming of us and our pooches, the location was gorgeous and the food was amazing.
“The best Sunday Dinner we've had in a very long time. We will definitely be making the effort to come back soon. Thank you :)”
The Seaton Lane Inn
Location: Seaton Lane, Seaton, SR7 0LP
Rating: 4.3/5
This pub is also pooch-friendly, as one user posted: “A very comfortable place we went for Sunday lunch and it was excellent.
“Very friendly staff, who love dogs. Billy also got a Sir Woofchester meal specially made for our canine friends, thank you to the waitress who got him some gravy as well.
“A thoroughly welcome change from some of the establishment's we sometimes frequent. Would give 6 stars if we could.”
The Pub and Kitchen
Location: Front Street North, Cassop, Durham, DH6 4RJ
Rating: 4.6/5
These customers left this review: “Sunday lunch today was amazing. Melt in the mouth roast lamb. My partner had the beef which she said was delicious.
“The veg was cooked to perfection, we added cauliflower cheese as an extra, very tasty too. Huge Yorkshire puddings and lush gravy. Although very busy the service was spot on. Will definitely return."
The Duke of York Inn
Location: Fir Tree, Crook, DL15 8DG
Rating: 4.6/5
This person hopes to return, adding: “Just had a fantastic Sunday lunch here. Spoilt for choice and plenty of meat and very good selection of vegetables. Excellent customer service and very friendly.
“Plenty of space between tables and very nicely decorated. Will definitely return.”
Some of the best dog-friendly pubs in County Durham
Rose Tree Inn
Location: Low Road West, Shincliffe, DH1 2LY
Rating: 4/5
One person left this review on Tripadvisor: “So dog friendly, we were staying at a local campsite and wanted somewhere to eat that was dog friendly.
“Nice warm welcome wide range of food choices plus a specials board. We went back twice as food was superb large portion size.”
You can read more reviews on Tripadvisor.
Ye Old Elm Tree
Location: 12 Crossgate, Durham, DH1 4PS
Rating: 4.5/5
This visitor wrote: “What a brilliant place, a must-if in Durham. Superb staff, excellent service, dog friendly, cosy and welcoming. An excellent choice of beers and other drinks.”
You can read more reviews on Tripadvisor.
Cross Keys Country Pub
Location: Hamsterley, Bishop Auckland, DL13 3PX
Rating: 4/5
A customer said: “Excellent family friendly pub, we had Sunday lunch and it was beautiful.
“We had our 2 dogs with us and they were more than welcome. Warm welcome by friendly staff. We will defiantly Be back.”
You can read more reviews on Tripadvisor.
The Kingslodge Inn
Location: Waddington Street, Flass Vale, Durham, DH1 4BG
Rating: 4/5
One user posted: “I stayed for three nights and ate at the pub several times during my stay. The staff is super friendly and the food was delicious.
“My room was clean, bed was comfy, and the location close to city center is superb.
“Dogs are allowed and I enjoyed seeing other patrons’ pups while I was there.”
You can read more reviews on Tripadvisor.
The Green Tree
Location: 41 Tudhoe Village, Spennymoor, DL16 6LE
Rating: 4.5/5
This person said: “Looked on searchforsites for a dog-friendly motorhome stopover for the night.
“What a find. Food was excellent, proper portions as well. Staff were excellent and very dog friendly.
“Staff could not do enough. Food was very reasonably priced. Locals were very friendly as well. Could not fault the place.”
You can read more reviews on Tripadvisor.
Derwent Walk Inn
Location: Ebchester Hill, Consett, DH8 0SX
Rating: 4/5
You can read more reviews on Tripadvisor.
This customer posted: “Pub was nice and clean. Large wooden floor area with tables where I could take my dog.
“Lovely woman behind the bar recommended the Cantonese crispy chicken and it was really nice. Food came quickly.
“Reasonable price. I liked it.”
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