Five pubs in County Durham are looking for new owners with one venue described as a 'beautiful pub'.

Locations range from prime spots in Darlington to Stockton and Billingham.

The sales come as pubs across England are facing a tough time with high energy costs and high prices for food.

Brave entrepreneurs around the country can still make it work though.

Here are five of the best pubs available:

1. Otter & Fish, Strait Lane, Hurworth, Darlington

You’ll find this beautiful pub in the picturesque village of Hurworth.  

The agents sat that you’ll be "taking the reins of a pub with a sterling reputation."

They added: "Family-run since 2006, the venture will always pride itself on delicious, home-cooked food and five-star service.

"Guests love traditional bar meals and a full a la carte menu, but you’ll have plenty of opportunities to sprinkle your culinary magic on the menu."

The annual rent for this pub is £29,000.

(Image: Find My Pub)

2. Red Lion, Ramsgate, Stockton-On-Tees, Cleveland

The Red Lion is set back from the main shopping and market area of the town centre but it is surrounded by a selection of small independent shops and micro pubs so there is plenty of footfall day and night.

The agent says: "The pub occupies a prominent corner position, it has one central bar that services a wraparound trading area. There is a pool table in a separate area, along with darts. There is a catering kitchen in need of investment should the operator require it. 

"The pub can benefit from the use of a pavement licence at the front, giving a nice area for shoppers and regulars to drink in the better weather. There is not a car park, but plenty of pay-as-you-go parking close by. "

Annual rent of this pub is just £7,800.

(Image: Find My Pub)

3. Havelock Arms, The Square, Middleton Street, Darlington

This is a pub with a great reputation in the local community and three private rooms.

The agent says: "The Havelock Arms is a great community local, known for its excellent retail standards and great beer.

"It is considered the heart of the community with sports & horse racing being the main focus of the pub.

"The Havelock has one traditional bar with its own service area and one lounge area, perfect for more casual drinks.

"The outlet has a rear yard that has been converted into a nice outside trading area with a number of benches are there for customers to sit outside."

Annual rent is £14,500.

(Image: Find My Pub)

4. The Swan, Wolviston Road, Billingham

This historic pub was built in the 1940s and has a strong reputation in the local community.

The agent says: "The Swan is a large roadside public house located on the busy main road in Billingham.

"The Swan was built in the 1940s and has always been at the heart of the community.

"This well-established pub caters for both locals and large functions.

"The pub side of the business would benefit from a great live sport offer and also by offering a small bar menu alongside the existing Sunday lunch trade.

"Over 230,000 people live within 15 minutes of the Swan, therefore it boasts a very large catchment area."

The annual rent for this pub is £25,000.

(Image: Find my Pub)

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5. Coach and Horses, Croxdale, Durham

This incredibly historic pub dates back more than 400 years to 1590.

The agent says: "The Coach and Horses is a well-presented traditional county inn which has a long history which dates back to 1590.

"The pub is located on a prominent corner plot on the busy A167 just four miles south of the popular tourist destination Durham City and is close to the town of Spennymoor.

"The current customer base has a varied background, but all are attracted by the all-day carvery offer."

The annual rent for this pub is £28,000.

(Image: Find my Pub)