Hello Lovelies,
During an unseasonably warm December, we found ourselves hankering after a Saturday afternoon pub lunch somewhere scenic after a days off roading. We have our usual favourites but we thought we’d branch out. After trying to think of places, I randomly googled “Best pub lunch in Durham” and picked one at random. That is how we found The Anchor Inn in Whittonstall.
Situated roughly 5 miles from Consett, Corbridge and Stocksfield (DH8 9JN) we thought we were on to a winner thanks to the beautiful surroundings, hilltop location and easy accessibility.
Set atop a hill, the village of Whittonstall boasts beautiful scenic views of the area and the small village happily only has 1 pub, The Anchor Inn. Steeped in that old world country charm, the pub has recently undergone a revamp at the hands of the owners, Karen and Gavin Raey who took over in 2007.
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| The more formal dining area, dressed for lunch |
Care has been given to provide the locals with a bar to drink at, an informal area for pub lunches as well as a more formal dining area. Not to mention a separate function suite and rooms for weary guests to lay their head. Trust me, after the food here you may be tempted to book in and sleep off all the tastiness. Small touches in the décor stand out, such as stoneware pots bearing the owners names sitting on the windowsill.
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| The view from our table, with personalised earthernware |
The Anchor Inn has what would you could call an eclectic menu that is HUGE. Ranging from your traditional pub grub favourites, to American classics to Asian. All perfectly executed, made fresh and very, very plentiful. The quantity does not overshadow the quality.
To start, we shared the Squidward squid (£5.95) which was cooked and seasoned perfectly for that Asian kick of salt and pepper batter. Served simply with a chilli mayo dip it wasn’t over done or fanciful for the sake of it.
Next we had a main, of which I am never allowed to photo Mr Tramps as he hates waiting to start. He always dives right in!
He chose the Steak and Ale Cobbler (£9.50) was jam packed with delicious tender meat, ‘proper’ gravy and well cooked vegetables with a buttery mash topping. The ale was a delicate but definite taste.
I opted for the Whittonstall Cheese Steak sandwich (PRICE) from the Born in the USA page. I was expecting something quite small but my word was I shocked. I couldn’t actually finish and Mr T had to help out. Made on a fresh sub roll, filled with tender thin strips of beef, griddled peppers and onions, completed by the obligatory cheese sauce. Served with wedges and coleslaw, it was a perfect change from the usual pub grub.
The Anchor Inn has been placed at the top of our ‘must return’ list and we have sung it’s praises highly. In fact, I may even go again tomorrow to try out more of that delicious menu!
Had many fabulous meals here and we also hired the whole pub for my daughter’s wedding just 2 weeks ago. We had a fantastic weekend with great service where nothing was a problem, the food was amazing and the accommodation was was beautiful and very comfortable. Looking at going back very soon to try the new menu, it looks very tasty.