The Forresters in County Durham

Fantastic stay and beautiful food. I booked a room last minute and was give a very warm welcome from the bar staff and owner. The locals were super friendly too. I had a lovely stay and would definitely stay again.

Had a great visit to the restaurant the other day, booked for a family birthday celebration. The staff went above and beyond to make it special for us. Would certainly go again. Fab that it is dog friendly too.

We had heard great reviews about The Forresters, so we decided to give them a visit.It was Sunday Lunchtime.We were pleased to learn that Sunday Roast was not on the menu.We were soon seated and our drinks order taken.Service was at a leisurely pace, which suited us just fine.We ordered our meals. It was a difficult choice, as the menu was loaded with tasty sounding fare.We opted for Boeuf Bourguignon.The Bourguignon was served on a bed of creamed potato, topped with an absolutely outstanding sauce. Tasty fresh vegetables were served in a separate tureen.Not being a chef, I don't try to offer an opinion on how the food is cooked.I can only state that the food was very appetising in its presentation and equally it was extremely tasty.It was also very hot which is not always the case in other outlets I have visited.Dessert was out of the question having been filled up with a feast of a main course.The cost of the meal was equally as impressive as the food.The plaudits were by no means overrated. Will certainly visit again when we get the opportunity.

Fantastic food beautifully presented and tasted spectacular. French onion soup with gruyere croutons and pork tenderloin stuffed with fig and boursin with creamed cabbage and leek and the smoothest mash. Very very recommended

What an absolute shameful experience, we have stayed in this lovely location 4 times, even eaten at this venue previously before, it was poor then, but tonight being the only venue open we asked if take away was possible, yes not a problem, gave us the menu, off I went to decide what we wanted, 15 minutes later I returned to order to be told ‘sorry we can’t take your order due to being sold out of chips!’ I didn’t want chips! To then be told due to current bookings they couldn’t take my order. I could see the diary for bookings and 1 table was due in.I am sorry but the guests I could see in the restaurant didn’t give the vibe of happiness, I am certainly not happy, and we’re in the business of holiday rentals!My advice would be don’t go with high expectations and you won’t be disappointed!!!

We stopped here on a motorbike trip and needed a break. We spotted this lovely pub - it was mid morning and thought we’d give it a try. A guy appeared and we asked if they were open for coffees, etc and he was really helpful. He fetched us a couple of lovely lattes and we sat outside in the sunshine. Staff were helpful and polite and the location was wonderful. When I went in to pay, it seems the place wasn’t even supposed to be open that early so I was so grateful that they helped us out. We’ll definitely stop again if in the area. Thanks guys.

Just decided to break our journey and this popped up on google maps. We liked the look of the varied menu and we weren't disappointed. Service friendly and efficient and the food was delicious. We had scallops, a crab and sweetcorn pannacotta, steak baguette and croque monsoir with the best triple cooked chips we've had in years. If we are travelling near by again we will definitely go back.

Thank you for a lovely stay last week. The staff were super friendly, very clean rooms, delicious food (the dessert in particular were delicious). A must-visit for dog owners - the doggy dessert menu was amazing, and the attention to detail was nothing I've seen before. Special shout out to our room cleaner with a great sense of humour!Thank you Forresters, from Nicky, James and Fionn the Collie.

Delicious lunch presented beautifully and in good time. Friendly, professional and attentive staff. I would give an extra star if I could for the additional menu of home made healthy treats for dogs 🐕, a genius idea and so thoughtful. Highly recommend this lovely place

Lovely staff. Clean and tidy rooms (with a toilet lit by the gods above, see picture).Dog friendly which was fantastic!Great food and even better desserts.10 minute drive to High Force waterfall.If staying though, remember it is above a pub and there will be noise until the pub is closed. It's not very noisy but there is noise until gone midnight. Didn't bother us but worth noting.