The top places for a pint in County Durham have been revealed, according to TripAdvisor. 

It's sometimes difficult to find a great place that serves lovely food and drink and has the right atmosphere.

But all of these places have something for everyone - whether it is cosy décor or niche beers and ciders, these places are the best around. 

The best places to visit for a pint in County Durham:

Cross Keys Inn

Front Street, Esh, Durham, DH7 9QR

The Cross Keys Inn is a friendly pub with a range of drinks and homemade British classics with special boards from around the world and a range of traditional desserts. 

This place is often added to the best lists when it comes to awards ceremonies, and we have listed it in this top five ranking too. 

One person who wrote on TripAdvisor praised the speedy service, saying: "Booked as we were in the area on holiday on a Tuesday night. The website said open until 8 and I was a bit worried as we could only get there by 7.30 but we were warmly welcomed, allowed to sit where we wanted as it was not busy and our drinks arrived in seconds."

Ginger Dog

17 Church St, Coxhoe, DH6 4DD

This place is highlighted as one of the best when it comes to beer and cider taps in the whole of County Durham. 

A gastro pub set in the heart of Coxhoe, it says that it "prides itself on being the hub of the community".

In its description, the venue said: "Step through our doors and you will receive a warm welcome, a great atmosphere but most of all fantastic food.

"Using our knowledge & experience as traditional butchers we offer superb locally sourced Gourmet burgers, dry-aged steaks and other Retro classics supplied from just two doors away from your dining experience."

One person who enjoyed their visit said: "What a find! We were travelling to Belford Northumberland and stopped off for food and a rest. Found this pub after we googled the nearest dog-friendly pubs off the A1. The staff were extremely friendly and welcoming. Loved our dogs and plenty of biscuits were had! Lovely pub interior, clean and spacious."

The Joiners Arms

13 South View Hunwick, Bishop Auckland, DL15 0JW

Family-run pub and restaurant since 1971 - this place is a true gem near Bishop Auckland, which is cosy and serves a nice pint and some amazing food, according to reviews. 

The Joiners Arms is a family-run pub and restaurant located in the quaint village of Hunwick just a short drive from Bishop Auckland and Crook.

This is the go-to place in this County Durham village making it very popular among the locals. 

One impressed reviewer said: "We parked with two wheels on the pavement quite close to the inn entrance as did other cars. We went to the bar and a pleasant, helpful lady supplied our drinks. We were then taken by another lady to our booked table with a menu supplied to each of us."

The Half Moon

5 Crowther Place, Kirk Merrington, Spennymoor, DL16 7JL

The Half Moon at Kirk Merrington is a refurbished 19th-century pub - which is described as "combining the charm of a historic pub with modern amenities to offer warm hospitality to residents and visitors from afar."

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The description continues" We have two real fires which warm the pub in winter and a fantastic beer garden perfect for catching those summer rays.

"Regular quizzes, darts, dominoes and other events keep the Half Moon lively all week round."

One person who was impressed on TripAdvisor said: "The half moon is a little gem waiting to be explored. From the great atmosphere to amazing customer service and delicious food and drinks. We went for bottomless brunch. The whole experience was amazing. The staff couldn’t do enough for us. We’ll be back."