Vote open for Echo’s Best Restaurant and Gastro Pub 2026

Whether you’re after a luxurious meal at a white-tablecloth restaurant or a gourmet twist on cosy pub grub by a roaring fire, there are plenty to choose from in Darlington and County Durham.

That’s why The Northern Echo is pleased to announce its latest competition – Best Restaurant and Gastro Pub 2026. 

We want to celebrate the finest establishments across our patch, and to do that, we’re going to need your help deciding who is the cream of the crop. 

The Northern Echo readers can now nominate their favourite restaurant or gastro pub in the region via our online voting platform, here.

The Northern Echo has launched its Best Restaurant and Gastro Pub 2026 competition (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Online nominations are now open but will close in just three days on Sunday, March 29. The finalists will be revealed on Monday, March 30. 

Readers will then be able vote for their ‘Best Restaurant or Gastro Pub 2026’ by picking up copies of The Northern Echo in the days to follow as we profile all the lucky finalists.

Voting slips will be printed in the paper from April 6 to April 18.  

The Northern Echo editor Gavin Foster said: “Our best restaurant and gastro pub competition is the perfect opportunity to showcase some of the region’s best. 

“We are spoilt for choice with restaurants in the North East, and as many continue to battle against a challenging climate, it’s extremely important we continue to support them. 

“That’s why we are delighted to be launching our search for the ‘Best Restaurant or Gastro Pub 2026’ this month – and we need your help to vote for your favourite.

“Head to the link to vote now.

“We’ll be bringing you updates on the restaurants nominated in our competition soon, so keep an eye out and see if your favourite is featured.”