Why diners continue to visit the Fox & Hounds in Cotherstone

The Fox & Hounds, in the Teesdale village of Cotherstone, has built a strong reputation with visitors and locals alike, regularly topping restaurant rankings in the village and attracting diners from across County Durham and North Yorkshire.

Online reviews from Tripadvisor repeatedly highlight its “friendly welcome, traditional atmosphere and consistently high-quality food”.

Many visitors say they first discover the pub by chance while walking in the surrounding countryside, only to return again and again.

The Fox & Hounds, Cotherstone (Image: TRIPADVISOR)

One couple described it as a “great find on our walk”, praising the “super food and a warm welcome”, adding that the chips were “amazing” and that they only regretted not having room for dessert.

Others speak of making a special effort to visit.

A regular said on Tripadvisor that she and her partner will “always travel those extra miles to get here”, calling it their “favourite pub”.

She praised the staff for recognising returning customers and described the Sunday lunch as “tasty, quality, well-cooked and piping hot”, adding that even when busy, the pub remains “very calming”.

The pub’s staff are mentioned by name in multiple reviews, with particular praise for the front-of-house team and the owner’s hands-on approach in the kitchen.

Diners frequently comment on the attentive service, describing staff as “exceptionally good at their job”, “friendly” and “knowledgeable”, with several saying the welcome they receive is as memorable as the food itself.

The pub is located in Cotherstone, Teesdale, County Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

“Plentiful and well cooked”

Sunday lunch appears to be a particular highlight.

One reviewer who booked in advance said they were allowed to eat early and enjoyed a meal that was “plentiful and well-cooked”.

Another described finding the pub after an eight-mile walk and being rewarded with a Sunday dinner that was “fantastic”, “full of flavour” and served “red hot”.

The Fox & Hounds is also regularly praised for its consistency.

A family who have visited “many times over the last few years” said it has been “absolutely fantastic” on every visit, with a “great range of lovely food”, while another diner who found it accidentally while staying nearby described it as “a real delight” set in a “beautiful village on the way to Barnard Castle”.

Food reviews frequently mention well-executed pub classics alongside more refined dishes, with diners highlighting fish and chips, pâté, gratins and roasts, as well as a good range of wines, beers and ciders.

Several visitors describe the food simply as “excellent all round”, with one saying the experience was “wonderful” from start to finish.

Beyond the menu, reviewers often comment on the pub’s atmosphere, describing it as “traditional”, “friendly” and “dog-friendly”, and noting that it fits perfectly with the character of Cotherstone itself.

Many advise booking ahead, particularly at weekends and for Sunday lunch, due to its popularity.