The Buck Inn - Middlesbrough

Visited The Buck Inn following a lovely long walk around North York Moor surrounding Chop Gate. Being rather thirsty and thinking a local pub might be grateful of some business following the covid restrictions, my partner and I decided to drop in for a drink.We were met by a lot of covid non sense demanding mask wearing etc, despite the fact all this ended in July and it is now choice, not law. Posters everywhere and a big Perspex screen across the bar. Not very inviting.However, we respected the wishes on this occasion and obliged in mask wearing. Drinks were ordered and an enquiry made about food which we were rudely told “Don’t serve food till 5:30 pal”. Another couple came in and immediately told to don a mask. They then did this but the bar man couldn’t tell what they were saying. Hmmmmmm. Not overly impressed by the way he spoke to other customers.Due to the pandemic I rarely carry cash anymore as it’s become an unwanted tender. But surprise surprise, it’s a minimum of £10 payment on card. So with no desserts available until 5:30, we ordered coffee to get to the £10.My partner was rudely told again that these couldn’t be take out and that there was no chance of a mocha, despite it being on the menu! I begrudgingly paid the barman and left.A shame this visit didn’t go well as I’ve heard the food was very nice, but if walking in the area I suggest people do themselves a favour and just get back in your car and find somewhere else for a drink and/or meal.No doubt ‘Helen B’ will be along shortly to tear this review to shreds as, from looking at other reviews, she cannot handle criticism.

We had 2 evening meals here while on a week's holiday. We have visited in the past and still cannot fault it. Good food. Friendly staff. We will definitely visit when this way again.

My family love Sunday lunch at this great little pub in the most fabulous location. 10 of us visited yesterday and with a choice of 6 meats (including venison) and as many vegetable choices it’s perfect for Sunday dinner. I have never seen as much meat on one plate as my nephew had!!! My partner loved the venison. I loved the gravy as that can make or break a Sunday lunch !! Absolutely delicious and we will keep coming back.

We stayed at The Forge B a few steps away and ate at The Buck whilst walking the coast to coast path. Chop Gate is tiny and The Buck is a hub of activity and a natural meeting point for village locals and walkers. it is one of the places where the Cleveland Way overlaps the Coast to Coast and we very much enjoyed meeting walkers in the convivial, welcoming atmosphere of The Buck. The food is well above average pub food, and the service is brisk and unobtrusive. Open topped pie was savoury and meaty with good, firm hot water crust pastry beneath. The prawn starter had a bit too much squirty balsamic but that of course is a matter of personal taste. The cakes and desserts are stunning but the generous portions made dessert a bridge too far for us. Good beer too.

I had a friend, from Italy, staying with her dog. As the weather was so hot, even in the evening, we didn’t want to leave him in the car, so I searched for a dog friendly pub. The Buck was an excellent choice. We enjoyed our meal so much that we went back a couple of nights later. Choice of food is good, freshly cooked and well presented. The young man who looked after us was extremely pleasant and he greeted us by name as we walked thro the door on the second visit. We live about 20minutes drive away and it’s a lovely run up Clay Bank and then back down Carlton Bank.