Barnard Castle, British, Modern Restaurant Guide

In the peaceful countryside of Teesdale – about 20 minutes’ drive from the High Force waterfall – this fine 18th-century coaching inn (with 14 bedrooms) provides a comfy, traditional stop-off. In the panelled dining room, there is a choice of ‘mains’ or ‘pub grub’ on the well-modernised menu – approving reviews this year include of “possibly the best sticky toffee pudding ever!”

“Always buzzing”, this “family-run” fixture is very consistently praised in reports for its “great pizza menu” while also offering British and international classics. (After two decades, the owner-operators put it up for sale in summer 2024.)