TripAdvisor: Best and worst Wetherspoons in County Durham

County Durham is home to eight Wetherspoons locations, each with its own mix of fans and critics.

Based on customer feedback and the percentage of ‘excellent’ and ‘very good’ reviews, here’s how they rank from best to worst.

TripAdvisor: Best and worst Wetherspoons in County Durham

1. The Five Quarter, Peterlee

Address: Peterlee, County Durham
TripAdvisor Rating: 4/5

Topping the list, The Five Quarter has received solid reviews, ranking among the best pubs and restaurants in Peterlee.

What customers liked:

What customers didn’t like:

• Some menu items unavailable, even during promotions.

• Portion sizes can be inconsistent.

A happy customer shared:
“Never had a bad meal here. Staff are always friendly, service is fast, and the prices are great. Perfect spot while shopping.”

However, one disappointed diner wrote:
“Went for Curry Club, but they were out of naan bread at 4 PM! Then they didn’t have my choice of curry either. Ended up with 13 chips on my plate—yes, I counted!”

2. The Hat and Feathers, Seaham

Address: Seaham, County Durham
TripAdvisor Rating: 3.5/5

This Wetherspoons ranks as one of the better places for a quick bite in Seaham, earning over 250 reviews.

What customers liked:

What customers didn’t like:

• Cleanliness concerns, particularly with cutlery.

• Some describe the atmosphere as unappealing.

One satisfied visitor said:
“The staff here are excellent—helpful, polite, and efficient. Food was hot and arrived quickly. Just what you expect from a good Wetherspoons.”

On the other hand, a harsher review claimed:
“This was the dirtiest Wetherspoons I’ve ever visited. Every knife and fork had food particles on them, and the atmosphere felt more like a greasy spoon than a pub.”

3. The Bishops’ Mill, Durham

Address: Durham, County Durham
TripAdvisor Rating: 3.5/5

A popular choice in Durham, The Bishops’ Mill has a high number of positive reviews but also a significant amount of negative feedback.

What customers liked:

What customers didn’t like:

A happy customer wrote:
“We always look for a Wetherspoons when eating out, and this one didn’t disappoint—good food, clean venue, and great staff.”

In contrast, one customer was unimpressed:
“Half the menu wasn’t available, including sauces for desserts. Ordered cookie dough, but it arrived dry with no sauce at all. No apologies, no solutions. Won’t be coming back.”

4. The Horse Shoe Inn, Crook

Address: Crook, County Durham
TripAdvisor Rating: 3.5/5

With 68 out of 108 reviews rating it as excellent or very good, this pub has its fair share of fans.

What customers liked:

What customers didn’t like:

One customer had a great experience:
“Visited for breakfast, and everything was perfect. Staff were welcoming, the food was hot and tasty, and service was excellent.”

However, another was less impressed:
“Ordered the steak and kidney pudding—completely inedible, dry, and flavourless. Won’t be making that mistake again.”

5. The Wicket Gate, Chester-le-Street

Address: Chester-le-Street, County Durham
TripAdvisor Rating: 3.5/5

A solid mid-table entry, with 63% of reviews being positive.

What customers liked:

What customers didn’t like:

One satisfied customer shared:
“I’ve visited many times, and the food and drink are always great. Prices are fair, and service is decent depending on the time of day.”

However, another had a different experience:
“Nice interior, but getting served is a nightmare. Loads of people waiting while staff stand around doing very little.”

6. The Grand Electric Hall, Spennymoor

Address: Spennymoor, County Durham
TripAdvisor Rating: 3.5/5

With 58% of reviews being excellent or very good, this pub has its supporters but also faces criticism.

What customers liked:

What customers didn’t like:

Recommended reading: 

A positive reviewer wrote:
“Fantastic staff who couldn’t be more helpful. The food is affordable and decent quality. Looking forward to visiting again.”

Meanwhile, another review was less forgiving:
“Filthy tables piled with dishes, old furniture, and drinks machines that looked like a health hazard.”

7. The Company Row, Consett

Address: Consett, County Durham
TripAdvisor Rating: 3.5/5

57% of reviews are positive, but service and food temperature have been common complaints.

What customers liked:

What customers didn’t like:

One reviewer enjoyed their visit:
“Great value breakfast with welcoming staff. Coffee machine was a nice bonus.”

However, another wasn’t impressed:
“Served a stone-cold full English in the middle of summer. At least get a plate warmer!”

8. The Stanley Jefferson, Bishop Auckland

Address: Bishop Auckland, County Durham
TripAdvisor Rating: 3/5

With just 46% of positive reviews, this is the lowest-rated Wetherspoons in County Durham.

What customers liked:

What customers didn’t like:

One satisfied visitor said:
“Love the app ordering—quick service, and food was just what we wanted.”

But the negatives kept coming:
“Ordered fish and chips, but the fish was wafer-thin with rock-hard batter. Chips were undercooked. Truly disappointing.”