Ferryhill community pub the Dean and Chapter up for award

The Dean and Chapter, on Main Street in Ferryhill, is one of ten pubs shortlisted in The Northern Echo's Best Pub 2026 competition, after readers nominated their favourite locals from across Darlington and County Durham.

The pub, operated by Amber Taverns, has built a reputation as a friendly community venue with a wide range of drinks, regular live sport and fundraising efforts.

And just this week the pub put back into the community again with a Wild West-themed day to raise money for Ferryhill Ladder (Lakes and District Development Education Resource) Centre.

The Dean and Chapter in Ferryhill pictured (L-R) are Barry Weir, Christina Sim, Ethan Hawk, Joe Linder, Nadia Morrison, Steve Linder, Tracey Linder, landlady Andrea Alexander and Claire Robson (Image: CHRIS BOOTH)

Andrea Alexander, 52, who runs the Dean and Chapter, said being shortlisted for a second consecutive year was a proud moment.

She said: "We are over the moon; win, lose, or draw to get nominated for a second year is just absolutely brilliant.

"We are a proper community pub, and we love doing things for the community, such as food banks and fundraisers.

"We had a big party because we came second last year and it was brilliant; to be nominated is an honour enough but fingers crossed for the win.

"The fact that customers have done this is absolutely amazing."

The Dean and Chapter in Ferryhill pictured (L-R) are Christina Sim, Steve Linder, Tracey Linder, Barry Weir, Joe Linder, Nadia Morrison, landlady Andrea Alexander, Ethan Hawk, and Claire Robson (Image: CHRIS BOOTH)

The Dean and Chapter does not serve food but offers a large selection of drinks, including a wide range of gins, cocktails, and draught beers.

The pub boasts a large beer garden with an outdoor television, while inside there are ten screens showing live sport from Sky Sports, At The Races, Racing UK, and BT Sport, and a pool table.

The Dean and Chapter in Ferryhill pictured (L-R) are Ethan Hawk, landlady Andrea Alexander, Steve Linder, Tracey Linder, Claire Robson, Joe Linder, Nadia Morrison, Barry Weir and Christina Sim (Image: CHRIS BOOTH)

The Dean and Chapter in Ferryhill pictured (L-R) are Christina Sim, Steve Linder, Tracey Linder, Barry Weir, Joe Linder, Nadia Morrison, landlady Andrea Alexander, Ethan Hawk, and Claire Robson (Image: CHRIS BOOTH)

The Northern Echo's Best Pub competition celebrates boozers across Darlington and County Durham that play an important role in their communities, from providing a place to meet friends to supporting local causes.

Readers can decide this year's winner by voting using the coupons printed in your Northern Echo.

To vote for the Dean and Chapter, complete the voting form and return it to: The Northern Echo Best Pub 2026, LOCALiQ House, 1 Dalston Road, Carlisle, CA2 5NP.

Voting closes on Saturday, August 1, with the winner to be announced shortly afterwards.