Passingtime Cafe in County Durham

Lovely food, comfy chairs, big portions and decent prices at £24 for a very filling lunch for two. Would like to come back and try more from the menu. Only criticism so far is lack of proper baby changing facilities. I know space is an issue but all there is is a small, hard tiled counter.

Our 1st visit. What a Lovely place . The decor and staff were excellent. The food was fantastic, best Mince and dumplings we have had. We will be back. Thank you very much from a couple of very satisfied couple. We even took 2 scones home and they were delicious as well.

Best fried breakfast around, and I’ve tried everyone in the area over time. Lovely thick toast and tasty coffee. Menu looks good and it’s all home made. Friendly staff and good atmosphere.

Called in last week with a couple of friends. Nice, cosy place with decent service. Had the full breakfast which was perhaps the best I've ever had - anywhere. Absolutely superb. Only niggles were the cheap sauce sachets (get the good stuff in guys, the food demands it!) and a tin of Pepsi was a pricy £1.75! Parking easy round the back, get there early, gets busy, the secret is out!

I visited few weeks ago! Food was incredible, all homemade! Huge portions.... had to bring half home. Was back today for Afternoon tea nd again i was not disappointed.... staff are very friendly and willing to cater for every need.... Definitely worth the Money.... i may have to make a weekly visit until ive tried EVERYTHING on the Menu

After a gap due to bus strike we totally enjoyed a fantastic Christmas pork dinner followed by a gorgeous slice of Christmas Cake, all freshly home made by Paul and his lovely friendly staff. We were served by Allison and Neil. All in all it was a wonderful experience, we are looking forward to visiting again soon. Chris & Joy

Nice, very popular, quite old fashioned friendly, well run cafe. First time visit. Fantastic fresh scones and tea. We will be back!

As usual the meals were absolutely gorgeous that is why we travel from North Shields. Staff are wonderful and very friendly it's almost like visiting family. Will definitely keep visiting the Cafe even if its just to say hi to the staff.

Great staff, lovely food, well worth a visit. The owner cooks everything fresh each day and it is of a high standard.

I took my daughter to this lovely cafe for afternoon tea to celebrate her birthday. The place is neat & clean, the staff warm & welcoming and the food was delicious! A good choice of sandwiches, home made scones with butter, jam & clotted cream, chocolate-covered strawberries , cream cakes & cupcakes. There was more than enough for the 2 of us & we brought doggy bags home too! The price (£15 each) was excellent! We were offered top-ups with our drinks as well. Highly recommended

Took my mam for afternoon tea was amazing for £15 ahead it was value for money delicious sarnies and homemadecscones and cakes even fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate huge thanx to Paul Austin Margaret for today made my mama birthday little bit more special xxxx

Best afternoon tea around £15 per person and everything is fresh homemade scones and cupcakes made by the owner Paul unlimited tea/coffee. Would recommend everyone to try this cafe breakfast lunch or snacks you won't be disappointed

Absolutely outstanding afternoon tea. Food was fresh delicious and plenty of it. This little cafe in Chester-le-st is highly recommended come every week staff are always so friendly and food is always delicious and reasonably priced. Got to say best afternoon tea I have ever had and for £12.50 each a bargain

Went with friend for her birthday and had afternoon tea. It was absolutely fantastic and such lovely people who couldn't do enough for us it was the best afternoon tea my friend and I had ever had and we just couldn't believe the price at £12 there was so much we were given boxes to take what was left home and had two lattes each. It made my friends day as it was a surprise from her lovely granddaughter. We would recommend it to everyone who enjoys afternoon tea. Top Marks

I booked an afternoon tea today for my grandma's birthday with a friend. She came back nearly crying with how amazing everything was. To the food, to the really attentive staff and a lovely atmosphere. Thank you all so much for making my grandma's day even more special.

Beautiful afternoon tea. The sandwiches and sweet selection are amazing, I even brought some home to enjoy later. This is the second time I have been for afternoon tea and will definitely be back.

Enjoyed every visit to passing time cafe food clean plentiful served quickly can be busy so tables not always available but worth the wait staff extremely friendly and helpful but on our last visit a couple of ladies came in with their dog!! They sat at the doorway so weren’t near us but I still had to go passed where there isn’t a lot of room and I am frightened of dogs so this has put me off going back which is a shame as everything else is great It wasn’t an assisted dog I appreciate business have to accept all customers but I found this not a good experience sorry

Had a lovely afternoon with good friends and great food! Afternoon tea is absolutely delicious easily best around!

Yet again another fabulous visit to passing times again we had the afternoon Tea to celebrate our friends birthday food was amazing and staff so friendly and helpful would definitely recommend a visit

Takeaway from passing times during various lockdowns was excellent and Now that we have just started to venture out it was delightful to sit inside this time Great to see they are still mindful of covid with hand sanitiser used when we arrived As expected the food and coffee was lovely Corned beef toastie and egg mayo sandwich both with salad and very nice coleslaw As always staff were very friendly and hospitable We would highly recommend

What a lovely afternoon tea. I prefer more savoury so this suited me because you got 4 sandwich fillings which was lovely. Then jam and cream scone and a cream cake and chocolate muffin. Definitely will be back here. This sandwiches were amazing!!

lovely food and drink but staff kept coughing around us felt uncomfortable as we are in covid times ,

popped down chester lee street today for a bit shopping, called into Passingtime first for a bit breakfast, was shown to a table after cleaning our hands, table service provided, i had a bacon and sausage butty and the wife had a bacon and black...

visited this cafe passing times this afternoon and had afternoon tea , beautiful food and staff were fantastic, would certainly recomend this place to anyone.

Nice food in good comfortable surroundings. Looking forward to having lunch here again soon. The staff seem to know the customers so they are obviously regulars, which is always a good sign

Have visited this cafe on many occasions whether it has been with my friends or family and have continued to support this local business throughout lockdown .Home cooked food is amazing and the staff are always so friendly .Home made chips are to die for...

First visit under second lockdown to give takeaway a try Very impressed Coffee and food delicious as always, (egg mayonnaise sandwich and corned beef onion and pickle sandwich). Bread always fresh and thick cut. Sandwich filling generous and very tasty Salad and lovely coleslaw included...

Popped in for a bite of lunch. Everything we had was super fresh and delicious, fab coleslaw. They were observing all the government regulations and we felt really safe. Cafe was scrupulously clean. Scones were delicious too. Everything was perfect, can’t recommend this cafe enough....

As my partner was time restrained due to work lunch break we pre-booked a time and choice of meat, we were seated and the food provided at the arranged time. We both had beef which was delicious, vegetables cooked just as we liked with delicious...

My brother always travels up from Bedfordshire on the anniversary of our mums death. This year was quite different for us as because of Covid19 we weren't able to meet up in our home. My sister had visited this Cafe last week for Sunday lunch...

First time I have had a Sunday dinner from her and it was amazing! We bought 4 to take away and 1 desert. The quality was amazing and will 100% be back.

We enjoyed an Afternoon Tea with beautiful fresh sandwiches, home baked scones and delicious cream cakes. Outstanding value for money and great quality. Clearly a team that cares absolutely about customer service with a commitment to quality.

Excellent food and excellent service. Impressed with the cleaning over and beyond in compliance with the pandemic.

Having found this cafe online with good reviews and a choice of gluten free my partner and I decided to visit for the all day breakfast. We arrived at 11.30am and 2/3 minutes later 3 tables all left so we wouldn’t need to wait long...

Having visted the Cafe both pre and post Covid and never had an issue after my vist today I was extremely disappointed. Whilst times are somewhat different now I found it extremely starnge and to be honest a little demeaning that we were not allowed...

My son and I had lunch here for the first time today and it was excellent, lots of home made items on the menu, the staff were helpful and friendly and had put measures in place for added safety due to Covid

A** safety first for all customers and staff. Fantastic! Staff as always extremely friendly and inviting. Food worthy of Michelin stars exquisite fresh colourful and so tasty. Well worth a visit when in town

My friend and I saw the reviews and decided to book for high tea. The cafe is lovely, the food plentiful, (good vegetarian options) and the staff were friendly. The place was kept clean and the staff were straight over to clean after customers left.We are already planning our next meal there.Highly recommended.

I had quite forgotten about my visit to this wonderful old fashioned cafe. My daughter great grand daughter and myself have been here a couple of times. The name had quite slipped my mind but not the wonderful food and service we enjoyed here.their coleslaw is so great that I took someone with me. I can't decide as to whether I prefer morning or lunch as both are fantastic.the cakes are to die for although my other half does like a couple of scones taken home. Pastimes is a very appropriate name for such a wonderful eatery.

We stayed over in Chester-le-Street on our way to Braemar and stopped here for breakfast. The cafe is very inviting with lots of lovely vintage china on display. The food was amazing! My only reason for 4 ⭐️ is that there is no mention on TripAdvisor that they only accept cash, fortunately we had cash so it wasn’t a problem, but it could easily have been. If we are ever in this neck of the woods again we would certainly return

Recommended by a friend and so glad we came here. Have previously lived in Chester-Le-Street for many years and never would have known this lovely place existed unless of this recommendation. Situated at the top of the front street, this comfortable and not so large bistro type cafe with comfy seating gives you a vast choice of foods both veggie and for meat eaters. My son enjoyed his breakfast and my ham and tomato sarnie on chunky homemade bread with a side of chips beat me. We both left with very full bellies!!Good value for money, lovely food and great service.

I visited recently and thoroughly enjoyed a lovely turkey sandwich. Served in a delicious brown bun, a little stuffing plus served with cranberry sauce and a jug of gravy. Once again pleasant service a credit to Paul .

Had a lovely turkey sandwich with stuffing, and cranberry sauce in a brown bun. Served with a nice dish of gravy. Declined the chips. Very tasty indeed. Once again lovely service

Stylish with a vibrant feel. I had an exceptional breakfast, well cooked & presented, lovely coffee.

Called in to today for a sandwich . Thought with the weather been not good it would be quiet. It was chocca block. But once again a lovely egg mayoinise sandwich. Pleasant and efficient service

Visited Saturday lunchtime, was very busy but found a table food was great , large portions and tasty - one small complaint too much mayo in the Bacon and egg mayo sandwich mix !Reasonable prices and great service and we were not rushed - would recommend

Had a prawn sandwich to take out. Would highly recommend as the sandwich was very fresh came with a lovely little salad and was packed with prawns. There was a good selection to choose from wether you are in or as a takeaway

Visited this cafe this afternoon with a few friends for afternoon tea. Firstly came a tasty selection of freshly made sandwiches followed by homemade scones and cakes with tea and coffee aplenty. First class service was provided by the owner and his staff,who were warm and friendly. Would definitely recommend this cafe and will definitely be back.

Spent a lovely afternoon with friends having afternoon tea. Attention to detail excellent. Food fantastic. Beautifully presented. Service excellent. A hidden gem in Chester le Street. Well worth a visit. I will be back.

Me and my husband were dropping something off at solicitors and decided to pop into PASSINGTIME in Chester-le-Street. We are not from the area and were so surprised by the warmth of the deco, the fact every table was full and the quality and great price of food. The staff were friendly and it felt family ran. What a little gem of a cafe.

Sat 1st June 2019. Another nice meal in passing times .I opted for scrambled egg with toast and a small dish of chips . It was lovely. Well presented. One of my several visits to this charming place . Well worth a visit

always have the full fry up consistently good, great service, also beef sandwich with gravy and chips to die for, no better eating place in chester le street, visit as often as possible

Once again lovely food. I opted for a jacket potato with chilli. Well cooked and the chilli was delicious. Plus the potato was a nice size for us that's dieting. Once again service was quick and efficient. Well done

We went in thinking it was just a normal cafe. It was a nice surprise, the food was very good. Large portions and at a very reasonable price.

I took my Nan here for an afternoon tea for 2 as an early Mother’s Day present and I can’t pick a single fault. The quality and range of food on the afternoon tea was amazing... one of the best I’ve had. From fresh cream cakes to chocolate covered strawberries! Very, very impressed. The amount of food was impressive too, I even had to take some home which the staff were happy to assist with. The staff were lovely and more than happy to help with any of our requests. I’ve been here multiple times and the service is always fantastic. 5 out of 5 definitely!

Another visit to my favourite place to eat in ch le str. I had a lovely egg mayoinise sandwich . Well presented and made fresh. It gets busy at lunch times but we'll worth a visit.a good choice of menu. Quick and very polite service. A credit to the owner Paul. Who works hard to make it a success . Well done Paul and his team

Been to passing times today for afternoon tea it was amazing lots lovely sandwiches and beautiful cakes would definitely recommend it. I go with my friends every week before work beautiful food and very friendly staff give it a go you will not be disappointed

My last review was July 2018 . I often pop in. Visited today Nov 5th. Nothing changes still the excellent efficient service. Great choice of fresh food . Well worth a visit. It does get busy but nothing is a problem to Paul the owner and the lovely staff.

Spot on once again, lovely home made chips as always and a good cup of coffee. Favourite spot in chester for a working lunch.

We often come in here to have a coffee or tea n a sandwich been in several times over the past few weeks lovely food quick service really nice homely cafe serving good selection of food from soup to sandwiches hot and cold pies quiche and various other dishes jacket potatoes and fillings good sized portions well cooked nice seating for a small place gets very busy haven’t tried the cakes yet but will get round to it lovely friendly atmosphere what’s not to like and clean toilets great little place to meet and chat over a coffee / tea or even some lunch also they have a free water station so you can get a drink of water also nice and cold definitely be back

I visited with my husband yesterday for a late breakfast and wasn’t dissappointed! The breakfast was amazing and I was so pleased to find they had Soya milk as a dairy alternative for my latte! Staff are so friendly and service is top standard! We will definately be back!

I visited with my friend for breakfast and as I'm vegan I wasn't hoping for many options! HOWEVER I was gobsmacked that they didn't even offer any dairy alternative milk... it's literally 40p from Tesco! How hard is it to offer an alternative, not only for vegans but for those who are lactose intolerant! Food was nice but had to send it back as they put butter on the bread (even though my friend got them in sachets)

My wife and I dropped in for lunch prior to the England v Australia ODI. Busy cafe ,good choices on menu ,quick and friendly service. Excellent value for money -what more could you ask ! highly recommended.

Visited family who live in Chester le Street some weeks ago and visited Passingtime Cafe....we were so impressed that we visited again today even though we live in Hartlepool ....choice of menu and value for money is second to none and the staff are very pleasant and accomadating...will certainly be regular visitors next time we are in the area..stands out from cafes in that range by a country mile..

I often pop in this delightful cafe. The staff are very pleasant with very efficient service. A credit to Paul the owner. The food is delicious with a good choice on the menu. The sandwiches are prepared as they are ordered. It gets quite busy at times. But we'll worth a visit

I have visited Passingtime Cafe with my husband, daughters and grandchildren on various occasions and have had a positive experience on each visit.

I often pop in to passing times when in Chester le street firstly Paul and his staff are very pleasant and helpful the service is quick. Next the food ! I often have egg maynoise sandwich its like a meal in its self . Ive had the hot beef sandwich Plus the Rosetta beef dinner. Everything is he cooked and well presented. I daresnt try the cakes they look delicious Paul also provides take away service . Love it at xmas all decorated out and very christmassy. Highly recommend this lovely place a great menu

Best toastie ever. None of your mothers pride rubbish but proper bread packed with ham, cheese and tomato.

A small cafe offering good food including, all day breakfasts, sandwiches, jacket potatoes, homemade broth and dumplings and daily specials. Chips are really good homemade, not frozen. As well as the hot food cakes and lovely homemade scones are available. Staff are friendly and efficient.

Lovely first visit to Passingtime, been meaning to try for ages. Deserves it’s good reputation. The place was packed with people enjoying hearty home cooked lunches. Something for everyone whether it’s a full blown meal for four or some cakes and drinks.

I come here so frequently (perhaps four or five times a week) because the food is great, the staff and owner are great and the customers are decent and friendly. The décor is warm and not over stated. If you want good quality and pleasant service (and friendly banter!) this is definitely the place for you. Top marks to Paul and his team!

The food choice and quality was of the highest quality with excellent friendly service from a very busy cafe

I’ve been stopping by for years, good food, friendly staff. Selection of cakes and scones also make it ideal for afternoon tea.

Met a friend for lunch, she had cheese savoury sandwich on brown, delicious. I had chicken, ham & leek pie with homemade chips & salad, always perfect, so filling & proper homemade chips! Get’s so busy around midday, I can see why, get there early. Hot selection very good as well. Nice to pop in for a cuppa too.

This cafe is a little gem they do the most amazing freshly prepared sandwiches. Reasonably priced and packed full of tasty ingredients

Passing time cafe is a lovely place to go both to sit in or take away. Varied menu with deliscious home cooking. Service is nice and friendly. Well recommended.

Absoluta una persiana este lugar. Si está muy lleno como siempre lo es, seguir tratando de que no te decepcionará. Llevé a mi hijo y nos encantó!

Metimos en un concurrido sábado a mediodía. Yo tenía una chaqueta de patata mientras mi amigo tenía pollo, bacon y brie con ensalada. Ambos disfrutamos la comida y estamos contentos de ver que son publicidad el té de la tarde, regresaremos.

Un pequeño y acogedor café. Con comida deliciosa y el personal es increíble amable. Recomiendo encarecidamente este lugar. Aún tienen que probar los pasteles pero parece definir

Me pareció que este café tiene volvieron pero los precios son altos en cuanto a cafés ir. El cuero se estaba despegando de sillas, que parecía llevar. El bollo era muy abundante, pero que sufrió posteriormente con calambres estomacales. La comida es bastante caro en...

Agradable cafetería pequeña, personal agradable, comida. Volvería. Las tartas frescas crema parecía delicioso,

Estado aquí un par de veces con mi marido y amigos y siempre es increíble. . . generosas porciones, el personal era amable y los precios razonables.

Can't fault this little gem. Wonderful coffee, great food, and the friendliest staff make this a pleasure to visit.

Your food is outstanding and your service love your cafe.can you tell me is bacon sausage and mushrooms grilled.xxI'm on s,world didn't ask today as was very busy,loved it anyway we come every Monday after slimming world.

We visited here for the first time this week for breakfast. There's a nice atmosphere when you walk in and it feels more like a restaurant than a café, which is nice. They have a good breakfast menu and both me and my husband opted for the full English with a pot of tea. The food was served piping hot and was delicious. I had a look at the normal menu and there was a lot of choice on there too. The homemade cakes in the cabinet also looked amazing!For less than £10 for the two of us I thought it was excellent value.We will definitely be back.

I have been to this cafe on several occasions with my partner. The food is excellent lovely staff fast service everything home made nothing fried. Cannot fault this place in fact it deserves more than five stars. You would not be disappointed.

Had great tasting coffee with lovely teacakes and crumpets. Service was excellent. Will defiantly visit again.

Had the good luck to have brunch in the passing time cafe. Staff was very friendly and courtious and the food was top notch. A real Durham gem

I visited this gorgeous elegant cafe with my family for lunch. The food was sublime and very tasty with the added extra of value for money. The staff where very welcoming and accommodating. Will definitely be visiting again. I wish London had this to offer.Grant London

Afternoon tea for my 60th birthday was the best I've tasted selection of sandwiches , then scones potted cream and jam then a lovely selection of yummy cream cakes tea and coffee too reasonably priced too can't wait to go back xxxx

Gorgeous even does sandwiches without butter, very friendly good service delicious food cakes to die for

Went for afternoon tea today with 19 work colleagues to celebrate a 60th birthday. Staff very welcoming and attentive, and regularly topping up the teas & coffees. We were 8 down on numbers going, but that didn't prove to be any inconvenience. And the food was delicious. Started with a sandwich selection, choice of tuna mayonnaise, cheese savoury, ham & pease pudding, and egg mayonnaise served on fresh brown & white bread. We had one person who didn't like any spread on her bread, and even after being served the sandwiches, she was given a selection of her own sandwiches with no extra cost incurred. Next were scones with jam & clotted cream, then a selection of cakes & pastries. Safe to say we were all full afterwards. And given the option to take home any cakes that weren't eaten which was utilised by most of the diners. All in all one of the best afternoon teas I've experienced thus far, and very reasonably priced....I would've even paid more! Great quality, great price, great venue. Definitely be back again. Thanks to Paul the proprietor and his staff for a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon!

This is a very popular small café serving really tasty freshly prepared food. The tables are a little too close. Staff are very helpful, friendly and efficient. They also serve take away food which is popular for local workers.

I've been to Passingtime a few times now, and it has been consistently excellent! The food is lovely, the staff are friendly and the café itself is beautifully presented and spotless. It has proven to be a hit with friends and family alike, and I will definitely continue to bring them here. No scrimping on portions, smiles or cups of tea, unlike so many other places. Really couldn't ask for better!

What an apptely named cafe ! We had 40 minutes of time to pass in Chester le street this morning and chanced upon this little gem of a cafe. We were just going to have a cuppa but decided to have a full breakfast ( tea came free ) and poached eggs and bacon on toast. And when I say toast it was proper doorstep thick toast with butter. Eggs poached to perfection and big breakfast was fab. The large pot of tea was empty when we left ! No room for cake but it looked delicious. So pleased we found it. We 'll be back for cake soon. Oh and the service was great :)

I go here at least twice a week for my lunch break. The food and portion size are amazing. The breakfast are fantastic and amazing value for money. I get a take away and you wouldn't believe how much Salad they can fit into the box. There is enough for two to share or for two meals. I am looking forward to trying out there afternoon tea's if I can get the time off work.

Must be the best for breakfast, good quality and reasonably priced, always cooked well and not a greasy spoon place.

Popped in today for my lunch, and I'm so glad I did! Lovely brunch of poached eggs and bacon on toast, plus tea and a scone. Staff were very polite and friendly, and seemed to get on really well with their regular customers who all sang their praises. The cakes looked lovely on the counter, and the portion sizes were generous so you get excellent value for money. The cafe is spotless, bright and tastefully decorated, and looks as clean and tidy behind the counter as it does in front of it which I always love to see! Overall very happy with food, service and hygiene so five stars from me. I will definitely be returning!

Excellent breakfast. Really great value for money. Love the big crusty toasted bread, it would of been perfection if you added a hash brown but that's just my personal preference. It really was a good hearty home cooked style breakfast and really finished our two day break on a high note.

Have eaten here a few times and is all ways good. They also offer a take out service. The vege wrap is one of my faves.