Best places to eat in much-loved Barnard Castle

Barnard Castle <i>(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)</i>
Barnard Castle (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
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Barnard Castle has long been known as a stopping point for travellers heading through Teesdale, but in recent years it has attracted growing attention from visitors drawn by its mix of history, scenery and walkable town centre.

This charming market town, set on the banks of the River Tees, offers a delightful mix of history, culture, and culinary experiences and has been labelled as a place that is 'easy to fall in love with'.

Here are some of the best places in Barnard Castle to eat according to TripAdvisor reviews.

Valentine's

Location: 11 Galgate, Barnard Castle
Opening times: Sunday: Closed; Monday: Closed; Tuesday: Closed; Wednesday: 11:30 - 15:00, 18:00 - 21:00; Thursday: 11:30 - 15:00, 18:00 - 21:00; Friday: 11:30 - 15:00, 18:00 - 21:30; Saturday: 11:30 - 15:00, 18:00 - 21:30
Rating: 4.7

One customer said: "We just had the most amazing meal with fantastic service from the waitress and the owners, which all made us feel so welcome and relaxed.

"I recommend the Lasagna, and my husband said the Belly pork is the best he’s ever had (which is a lot). We look forward to the warmer evenings so we can sit in the gorgeous garden."

The Three Horseshoes Hotel

Location: 5-7 Galgate, Barnard Castle
Opening times: Daily: 10:00 - 00:00
Rating: 4.5

Guests frequently praise the friendly and attentive service, and the 'generous portions and quality of dishes', like Sunday roasts and steaks, are also noted.

One reviewer said: "This lovely hotel is very central for Barnard Castle.

"Although an old building, it has been modernised and is very comfortable.

"Breakfast is really faultless, there is everything you could possibly want and the staff are polite and helpful."

Babul's

Location: 9 Market Place, Barnard Castle
Opening times: Sunday: 16:00 - 21:00; Monday: 16:00 - 21:00; Tuesday: 16:00 - 21:00; Wednesday: 16:00 - 21:00; Thursday: 16:00 - 21:00; Friday: 16:00 - 22:00; Saturday: 15:00 - 23:00
Rating: 4.6

The award-winning South Asian restaurant brings a lively atmosphere to the heart of a historic market town.

One satisfied customer said: "Visited Barnard Castle Babuls after a great experience at their sister restaurant in Darlington, and we weren’t disappointed.

"A midweek early evening dinner, so it wasn’t too busy but definitely popular.

"The staff couldn’t have been more helpful, and we particularly liked the iPad service call button and being able to add drinks to the order on there."

The Crown at Mickleton

Location: Mickleton near Barnard Castle
Opening times: Sunday: Closed; Monday: 10:00 - 17:00; Tuesday: 10:00 - 17:00; Wednesday: 10:00 - 17:00; Thursday: 10:00 - 17:00; Friday: 10:00 - 17:00; Saturday: Closed
Rating: 4.5

It is a 'rustic-chic lodging' with kitchen, accommodation and countryside views, offering high-quality, locally sourced food, real ales and fine wines.

A customer said: "What a hidden Gem!

"Lovely site, in a quiet village, very peaceful, with a couple of nice walks virtually from the site, and a good evening meal.

"But my oh my - the Sunday Lunch is incredible!

"Absolutely amongst the best we’ve ever had.

"And staff are lovely, so helpful - we’d made a mess of our booking but they let us stay in the car park, and arranged electrics too."

Bengal Merchant

Location: 7 The Bank, Barnard Castle
Opening times: Sunday to Thursday: 16:30 - 22:30; Friday to Saturday: 16:30 - 23:00
Rating: 4.6

Nestled in Barnard Castle's beautiful ancient artisan quarter, below the Market Cross, is a charming, inviting, comfortable, award-winning restaurant offering sophisticated, vibrantly flavoured, subcontinental cuisine of real style and taste.

One customer said: "An absolutely brilliant Indian restaurant! We couldn't fault a thing. Friendly welcome. Still under renovation but so far the decor is super. Food excellent."

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