The Copper Mine in Crook wins ‘Best Restaurant in County Durham’

The Copper Mine, in Crook, picked up the accolade at a ceremony held in Newcastle on Sunday (March 22), celebrating the best in hospitality from across the region.

Owner Anne Binks, 65, said the win was totally unexpected after the venue was nominated by customers without the team even realising.

She said: “We were over the moon to have won as it came as a complete surprise.

Anne, with head chef Jess and daughter Sami (Image: Anne Binks)

“We didn’t even know we’d been nominated. It was our customers who put us forward, so we’re just so grateful to them.

“When they called our name out on the night, we were just ecstatic.”

Anne bought The Copper Mine from the bank in 2015 and said the journey since then has been remarkable, especially after being told early on the business “wouldn’t last”.

Anne Binks (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

She said: “I was actually bet £100 that I wouldn’t last six months and 10 years later, here we are.”

The pub has made its mark in the region over the years, picking up the County Durham title at the National Pub and Bar Awards in 2017, the same year it was named a national finalist for Best Newcomer at the Great British Pub Awards.

The Copper Mine (Image: The Copper Mine)

Since then, the pub has gone from strength to strength, recently being ranked in the top 10 per cent of venues on TripAdvisor for both 2024 and 2025, as well as being voted Best Pub in The Northern Echo.

Anne said: “We’ve been lucky enough to win a few awards over the years, so this is another one to add to the list and we couldn’t be more grateful.”

The pub, which has now been open for around a decade, has built a loyal customer base from across County Durham and beyond.

Anne believes its success comes down to their affordable prices and customer service.

The Copper Mine (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

She said: “It’s about good food at affordable prices. That’s what people need nowadays.

“And my staff are brilliant. They look after the customers, have a chat with them and make everyone feel welcome.

“It’s good food, good value and nice surroundings. That’s all you can ask for really.”

She also said it was encouraging to see other businesses from the area recognised at the awards.

Anne added: “It was great for the area. There were other winners from around here too, so it’s really positive for businesses here in the local community.

“We’re just so thankful to all of our incredible customers who continue to support us. It means the world.”