The Ship Inn Middlestone in Bishop Auckland

Ah, The Ship Inn in Middlestone – it's one of those pubs that just feels like a proper British gem, you know? From what I've gathered from the reviews, it's got this lovely, old-school charm with friendly faces behind the bar who go out of their way to make your visit special. Folks are raving about the atmosphere, with its ship-themed decor and that inviting wood-burning fire, making it ideal for a laid-back afternoon or evening with mates. The food's a real highlight too; think hearty Sunday roasts that are spot-on, fresh homemade burgers for the little ones, and even pizzas that one lot said were the best they'd tasted. And let's not forget the beer – Hawkstone comes highly recommended for that authentic pub experience. But, to be fair, it's not all smooth sailing; there was that one review where a meal fell flat with an off pint and a disappointing chicken parmo, leaving them out of pocket at £34 and feeling queasy. Plus, if you're someone who likes to stay connected, the lack of WiFi and dodgy mobile signal might be a downside, though I suppose it's part of the appeal for those wanting to unplug. All in all, with a solid 4.6 rating from plenty of happy visitors, I'd say it's worth a go if you're in Bishop Auckland – just keep expectations realistic and maybe skip it if you're after something fancy. It's that kind of place where the good times usually outweigh the rare slip-ups, making it a solid choice for a casual night out.