The best restaurants in County Durham North East

Food was excellent, quickly prepared and good value. Would defo use again

Highly recommend this place. Burgers with fries and breakfast sarnie were both delicious. Very good coffee too. Really friendly staff. We must have walked past here so many times. We have been missing out! It’s great. Will be back. Soon!

This retro looking cafe is something else. Came across by chance and so glad we did. Only went in for a cuppa and a snack, but when we saw the menu wished we had had a meal. Clean, not expensive and friendly staff plus they are dog friendly too. As seen on the police Drama Vera. Well worth a visit.

Best Fish and Chips i have had in years and i used to work in one. Lovely fresh fish , tasty chips that are well cooked and more sides than you can shake a stick at. Will definitely revisit when next in the area.

Mixed experience here on Saturday. I had a bacon brie and cranberry sandwich, but for some reason they used raspberry jam? I never complained at the time because I didn't want to make a scene in front of my friend, but it was very sweet and clearly used raspberry jam. My cafetiere of coffee was the worst I've ever had. It was weak and was already pressed when brought to me, so I unpressed it and stirred it, only to see that there can't have even been a teaspoon of coffee grounds in it! I can't fault presentation or speed of food service. Also, their barista coffees were delicious. We were stood for quite a while waiting to pay despite there being a lot of staff members around and no apology was offered. I would definitely go to the other cafes in middleton before trying this one again.

Received uncooked raw food, told the staff & was told “I’ll take it back” & received nothing else. Miserable staff. Atmosphere was ok. Will not return.

Lovely little family run cafe I had a freshly cooked breakfast and a pot off tea and enjoyed every mouth full. P.s ther was music playing and not radio rubbish but old school 60,s 70,s blues....excellent

A great little spot down by the river. Had a cheese scone a brownie and a cappuccino.... scone was beautiful, lovely and fresh and the size of a boulder ! Coffee was very nice too all finished off with a gorgeous brownie. Definitely recommend to pop in if you've not been before.

Called last minute to ask for a room and revived a warm welcome.Heard lots of interesting stories about the pub and the area. Hosts efficient, helpful and friendly.Room very clean, and bed very comfortable. Breakfast- a simple but excellent selectionThank you for your hospitality and warm welcome.

Passing through on way back from holiday. Stopped for morning break. Delicious freshly baked scone and coffee. Lovely and clean quiches looked great. What a great find would recommend.

Why was this place nearly empty? It should be full!!!!! The cheese scone was just out of the oven and was delicious! The coffee as great and the prices very reasonable in my opinion. The staff were very friendly and the cafe also has loads of craft things for sale which were high quality. Go there you will enjoy it!

Just got back from a lovely evening at The Grove, the food was delicious and beautifully presented. The staff were very friendly and professional. The restaurant is beautifully designed and the standards are very high. Will definitely visit again. Well done team.

I love coming here. Always made to feel so welcome. I've decided they have the most delicious selection of cakes in all the North East! Not open all week is probably a good thing for the waistline as I'd happily visit daily!!!!!!

This used to be a wonderful place to visit, all members of staff were friendly, the food was always piping hot, well portioned and very reasonable. It has undergone a few changes, one being the name - now named "The Lighthouse by Poppies". It seems the new owners have made a few changes, the decor has been vastly improved, however there are couple of new members of staff who just aren't as friendly. Furthermore, the quality of the food is terrible compared to all our previous visits. The chips which used to be absolutely wonderful are now terrible - I'm not certain if a different oil is being used, but the quality is just not there, and the meal was also served warm as opposed to hot. To add to this, the prices are much more expensive, even a can of coke is £1.50 - a can that came from a multipack! I'm afraid what was a regular place and a highlight of Seaham has now been crossed off the list. Finally, a "Traditional Turkish Breakfast"... It's an English cafe for goodness sake!!!

Called in for lunch, food and service really good, fish and chips , lovely , lovely country pub, staff really friendly