The Black Horse in County Durham

Our first visit, about a month ago, was not good because the service was was appalling. The excellent food was let down because of this. Shame as this was a gift treat.Our second visit to use the remainder of our gift treat was no better. Again the standard of service was extremely poor. After enjoying our main course we had a long wait before being asked if we would like tea or coffee. We instead asked for the dessert menuonly to be told because they had a big party to serve. We would have to wait about 30mins or so. We decided to leave!! Never heard the like!! They really need to up their customer service to ensure returning visitors. We will not be back. Are they aware bad reviews influence others? The 1star is for the food.

This is a fairly extensive pub restaurant with plenty of outdoor seating and a play area, suitable only for older kids. Can't comment on midweek menu which looks interesting. Sunday lunch is fairly standard roasts with a cheaper small portion available. 3 or 4 other options available.I wouldn't mind trying an interesting looking midweek menu.

The black horse hosted my sons wedding and I would like to thank everyone involved for making the event so special.. Anne, Sharon and the rest of the staff went above and beyond to accommodate us. A beautiful venue, the marquee was just perfect and the rooms are stunning. The food was superb . Thanks again we will certainly return

AFTERNOON TEA for party of 6 Notified venue of our strawberry allergy when we booked told them again nearer the date and on arrival. Despite booking 3 weeks in advance they tried seating us in the bar we had to ask to be in the conservatory! 25minutes before any food arrived We were given strawberry jam & told the only alternative was marmalade. 10minutes later tea & coffee arrived but no milk by the time we got that the tea was cold. No butter for savoury scone eventually brought us 5 pats for 6 people had to ask for more & fresh tea. Poor service No apology given A bad experience overall.

Went here today for afternoon tea for our Silver Wedding Anniversary.The food was very nice and so tasty. Staff were polite and friendly, and best of all they had good manners.This is our third time here and hoping for a fourth visit soon too.

Visited here for Sunday lunch today for first time and been wanting to try for a while. Lovely place and surroundings however extremely disappointed in the food. My wife had lamb which was nice however the beef was completely inedible. Mentioned to the waiter but nothing was done. Much better places in the area so won’t be back which is a shame.

Sorry to say a disappointing stay. The room was spacious and well equipped but who wants an open plan toilet and living room?? Certain things need privacy. The evening meal was fine but breakfast again disappointing. Especially when Premier Inn do it so much better. They had no porridge, limited toast, no pastry /croissant type bread products. No fruit and yoghurt options. 3 different boxes of cereal. The staff tried hard and the manager did his best to make things easier.

We visited with friends for the New Year's Eve party and we also booked a room for the night. I cannot fault a single thing. Around midday I got a call advising our room was ready if we would like to go and check in early. Unfortunately we had other plans but when we did arrive just after 4 we were shown to a spectacular room with a 4 poster bed and a huge copper bath.The party itself was in the Marquee. The staff were very welcoming and attentive. The food was delicious and there was background music playing throughout the food service followed by a disco until about 1pm.Breakfast in the morning was a spectacular affair. There were several choices but we both ordered full English. It was huge, very well prepared and absolutely delicious.I would definitely recommend a visit. We had visited before, once for lunch and once at an evening wedding reception. On both occasions the food and service were excellent.

We stayed here on a Monday night and it was absolutely fantastic. Firstly the scenery around the hotel is just amazing. very picturesque with a lovely wedding marquee, some vintage tractors and just generally nice surroundings. The room itself was out of this world for the price. So much bigger than anticipated with huge solid handmade and obviously custom furniture. The best part was the huge copper tub in the centre of the bathroom which was great.The breakfast included was phenomenal. Absolutely monsterous portions of good quality ingredients served in a nice conservatory.To top it off the customer service was great, staff lovely and very welcoming. Would 100% return. I haven't been encouraged any way to write a review but felt it necessary for just how good it was. 5 stars.

This has to be the best overnight stay I've had. Nothing was too much trouble. All the staff are friendly and professional. The food is simply delicious and fresh. To top it all off, the room we stayed in was glorious. Set in beautiful countryside the views are amazing. Top marks all round!