Voting for The Northern Echo's best pub competition is now open. In that spirit, we had a chat with one pub who made it in to the top ten.

The North East is full of a wide variety of fantastic pubs. Whether you look for a unique craft ale, a well aged whisky or simply the biggest screen possible to watch sport, there are always loads to choose from. 

After receiving all of your nominations, we announced the top ten this week who are all vying for your votes to take home the top spot. 

The Bay Horse Inn on West Green in Heighington village, near Newton Aycliffe, made it in to the top 10.

The pub, which is "extremely popular" for its Sunday roasts, is open from from noon to 11pm from Monday to Thursday and on Saturday and Sunday - extending to 11.30pm on Fridays.

It brands itself as a "traditional English pub" with a cosy fire, atmosphere and historic oak beams. 

Supervisor Kylie Greenwood told The Northern Echo they go for a "rustic yet modern vibe".

She said she was pleased to make the shortlist, adding: "I think it's great to be a part of it - and really nice to be recognised.

"Especially getting into the top 10."

Here's a full list of our finalists:

  • Baydale Beck Inn, in Low Coniscliffe, Darlington
  • Crafty Merlin’s MicroPub, in 6 Buckton’s Yard, Darlington
  • House of Hop, 4B Houndgate, Darlington
  • ORB Micropub, at 28 Coniscliffe Road, Darlington
  • The Bay Horse, at 45 The Green, Hurworth-on-Tees, Darlington
  • The Bay Horse Inn, at 28 West Green, Heighington Village, Newton Aycliffe
  • The Bay Horse Middridge, in 42 South Side, Middridge, Newton Aycliffe
  • The Copper Mine, in 26 Job’s Hill Bank, Crook
  • The Fox & Hounds Neasham, in 24 Tessway, Neasham, Darlington
  • The Slaters Arms, in 50 Bondgate, Darlington

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Voting is now open, and we'll be featuring each of the pubs over the next ten days so we can learn more about what makes each one so popular - so keep your eyes peeled.

You can vote for your ‘Best Pub 2024’ by picking up copies of The Northern Echo in the days to follow as we profile all the lucky finalists.