The Bay Horse - County Durham

This lovely little hidden gem in the middle of a quaint village is the hive of community get together as selling gastro pub meals at affordable, competitive prices and variety of alcohol and soft drinks. They also have a carvery on a Wednesday and a light bite menu which is great for people who do not have as big an appetite. I have attended as a sole diner on a lunch or with friends or with my daughter. The light bite menu suits us and so can highly recommend the chicken fajita, corned beef pie, tuna melt is to die for, the flatbread of the day is also a sure winner as is the sausage and mash and mince and dumplings. They are perfectly cooked and well portioned sizes even for lunch. On an evening I have been with family and friends and for occasions and it is always a happy, buzzing, ambient atmosphere. The staff are so welcoming and though it is extremely busy, they are always friendly and cannot do enough to make your dining experience as wonderful as can be with meals served in a timely manner. Family favourites are definitely the sizzlers. Though the steaks sre cooked to perfection and speciality hamburgers are also sure fire winners too. For fish lovers, there is always plenty of choice, the salmon in specials was truly mouthwatering. Unfortunately I cannot comment about the puddings as I am always far too full to enjoy a desert but happily have a nice coffee which is served with a biscuit and a smile. Whilst drinks are generally paid for and you have to take to the table, the meals are table service. For those who are disabled and have mobility issues, the friendly accommodating staff will do their utmost to make things easier for you. Tables by the door, disabled toilet to be used with disabled key or one will be provided. Full table service for drinks including meals if disabled person is not easy to stand for so long. Nothing is ever a bother and the food is nothing less than hot when served and absolutely delicious!

Wow ! what an absolutely wonderful place The Bay Horse is we have been many times before and is it any wonder. We were there as a family to celebrate our Daughter's birthday. It was on a lunchtime 1.30pm which suited everybody. The meal was as always exceptional. Good sized portions without affecting the quality) served hot and above all fresh. The bar staff and waitresses were as always friendly chatty and nothing was too much trouble for them. What my wife and I particularly liked we being the first ones to arrive) was that one of the Chef's came over to greet us at our table and had quite a nice chat with us while we waited for the rest of our family to arrive which we thought was just a nice thing to do and it just set the scene for an absolutely brilliant afternoon and an equally brilliant meal. Just as a footnote I have to mention the extensive menu choice that they have there as well. Personally I would recommend their Mince and Dumpling with vegetables, first class but that's just me). Our thanks to all the staff, Bar and kitchen for a memorable afternoon.

Sunday Lunch, 1.00pm not booked in, called in on spec, table found for 2 of us , taken to table and settled in, given menu. 25 minutes served piping hot beautiful food , sweet after with coffee.whole bill less than £41.00! Thank you Ian, Supervisor and Maureen, Receptionist for fitting us in, all the staff for being so welcoming. Table 22.

Called in at 16:45 for a quick bite to eat whilst child free for an hour or two. Whilst waiting to be served at the bar an old woman barked at us HAVE YOU BOOKED! No hello or can I help you just HAVE YOU BOOKED whilst scowling at us ! Looking round the pub there were approximately 4 tables seated and two gentlemen in front of us at the bar. I simply asked do you have a table for two??? Her reply, IF YOU HAVENT BOOKED WEVE GOT NOTHING UNTIL AFTER EIGHT! Simply turned and walked away. Heard others talk about the attitude of the old woman but never experienced it until tonight! The bar man even apologised as we were leaving saying that’s what she is like.

Third visit and again very impressed. There were 6 of us and we all really enjoyed it. Good quality food, lovely place and really nice staff. Can't wait to back.