Cross Keys Country Pub

Smokehouse Railway Street

➤ 1 Railway Street, DL14 7LR, County Durham, United Kingdom

Carta • Tea • Western • Burgers • Barbecue

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"I had my first taste of eating today. faster and courtier service, it was obvious that eating was prepared before spot and very fresh. I ordered the pulled swarm, the brisketburger and the hawn with a wedge. sharing this with the family, there was a lot to go and there were 4 satisfied people. pulled pork tender and damp, brisket burger boiled exactly right, cheeky, and that huh had an amazing taste, I have commented how the chicken skin doesn't look sharp enough, but as I ate it, I had to change my mind, beautiful and crisp with a lot of taste. keep the good work, can not wait to see what is next."

Red Alligator

➤ Auckland Road, DL14 6SP, County Durham, United Kingdom

Carta • Pub • Steak • Vegan • British

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"First time visiting The Red Alligator after a few recommendations and I definitely wasn’t disappointed! Sunday carvery was exceptional (and very affordable) The meat was cooked perfectly and there was a fabulous selection of veg. It wasn’t really busy when we arrived and we were served by two lovely, polite and very helpful young members of staff quite quickly. After stuffing ourselves silly, we sat for a while letting our food digest, before ordering the best cornflake tart and custard Iv had since I was at school!! Would definitely recommend this lovely pub if you are in the mood for an excellent Sunday lunch."

The Pollards Inn

➤ 104 Etherley Lane, Bishop Auckland I-DL14 6TU, United Kingdom

Carta • Pub • Pizza • Asiatic • Mexican

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"I’ve been coming here with my parents for seven years, and we’ve never had a bad night! The atmosphere can get a bit noisy, but that’s just a sign of its popularity, and for good reason: the portions are huge. Some may argue that it’s a waste of food, but at least you won’t leave hungry! The staff is friendly and attentive, and the overall vibe is cozy. It’s a great place to enjoy with family or friends. The menu has changed slightly, which is my only complaint since I tend to stick to what I know (I really miss the old sharing platter—it was so good!). But it’s definitely worth a visit. Just a heads-up: making a reservation is a must, as it often gets packed!"

Spice Island

➤ 100 Main Street, County Durham, United Kingdom, DL4 1AQ

Carta • Balti • Asian • Indian • Vegetarian

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"I went here a few years ago and gave the restaurant four stars. Having returned, recently, I am dropping my review to two stars. When I called to make a reservation, the gentleman answering the phone straight up asked me if I was actually going to turn up. This immediately put me off. I understand that some places have problems with customers booking and then failing to show up, but there are probably politer ways to speak to people making a booking. When we got there, the gentleman who greeted us seemed to be the same man as answered the phone. He was very friendly and polite, and everything seemed fine. I remembered that the last time I visited, the Vindaloo wasn't particularly hot, so this time I tried ordering the Phal, which should have been considerably spicier. I have had Phals in other restaurants and they are normally at just about the upper limit of my tolerance/enjoyment. Sadly, Spice Island's Phall wasn't noticeably hotter than their rather timid Vindaloo. My sons both had tasty curries (deliberately mild, as they don't like very spicy food), and I couldn't argue with the portion sizes, price or flavour. When I mentioned the lack of heat in the Phal to the manager (the only person working front-of-house), he replied that he had given me something relatively mild because he wasn't sure if I could really handle spicy food. This on its own limits the place to two stars. There is a distinct lack of trust from the management towards customers. Two days later, we ordered curries for delivery. Mostly the same items, but with one of our Vindaloos switched to a second Phal. Again, the Phals just weren't particularly spicy, despite our insistence, on the phone, that yes, we really did want spicy food. I have no idea if Spice Island is actually capable of serving really spicy food, as I have never had any from there. I can say that their food is flavourful and generously portioned for the price. The restaurant is cleaner than the last time we visited, with no lingering smell of cigarette smoke in the toilets anymore. The management, however, is off-putting and I am not sure if I would bother trying for spicy dishes for a fourth time."

The Joiners Arms

➤ 13 South View, Bishop Auckland I-DL15 0JW, United Kingdom

Carta • Pub • Cafés • British • Vegetarian

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"Friendly village local pub and restaurant. Fresh food is First class and very reasonably priced with good portions of great British fayre. Place is spotlessly clean, always a smile from behind the bar from Ian, Joanne and Lee, Caroline is our favourite waitress and Sophie the chef cooks steak to perfection. A very happy welcoming place buzzing with lighthearted banter that has a special magnetism which draws you back time and time again."