The Bowes Hotel — Restaurant in England

Another Sunday lunch review (My 150th) combined with a trip down memory lane, the venue, The Bowes Hotel, Bardon Mill and a place that was often frequented by my late father and myself as a kid in the 1980’s as we lived close-by.||A table for two reserved, the lady-friend and the two yappy dogs in tow, a nice table by the window, a lovely greeting off the couple from behind the bar and a 0% Guinness and a beer shandy ordered in to wet our lips and our visit to The Bowes Hotel was starting off great.||Two pan fried mushrooms on bruschetta starters ordered in, with a tri-meats main (Beef, lamb, chicken) for myself and a lamb dinner for the lady. Desserts were a couple of crème brûlée. All courses were very competitively priced compared to similar type venues in the locality, add a few drinks and for the best part of £70 we had a lovely Sunday afternoon out.||The important stuff, all courses came within good time, the pan fried mushrooms starters were absolute heaven, the Sunday dinners we received were absolutely huge with the meats cooked to perfection, lovely roasties and quite possibly the best mashed potato and red cabbage combination that I’ve devoured. I have it on very good authority from my gorgeous dining partner that the cauliflower cheese was delightful too.||Service was excellent, very attentive and some nice general chit-chat from staff/owners, the ambiance was fine, some classic ‘Queen’ tracks playing at a nice background level. I couldn’t fault The Bowes Hotel in Bardon Mill, I’m more than happy to recommend the place and I look forward to a return trip...

What a find, a real gem. Looking for somewhere for a couple of nights to meet up with family and came across The Bowes Hotel, so pleased I did.||Upon arrival we were met by Nicki who made us feel welcome from the second we walked. She took us up to our room and made sure were were aware of all the facilities. Room was spotless and really well equipped.||We booked a table for us and family we were meeting for an evening meal. So pleased we did. Steak pie to die for, wife’s curry was adjusted to her taste without hassle.||Bread and butter pudding so light and real custard. Excellent food, everyone enjoyed their meal.||Staff were all friendly and cheerful and happy to help with anything that was requested.||Breakfast in the morning was out of this world, cooked fresh and served by another brilliant member of staff. You felt as if you weren’t a guest but a friend, such a lovely warm character who was happy to chat and tell us about the photos on display.||The staff here should be treasured by the owners, they’re worth holding onto...

I've been visiting the area for the last 15 years. A lot has changed. Some places that were once great no longer are. But a few have gotten better....and in the case of The Bowes I'm going to use the word great. I stayed for two weeks while excavating at Vindolanda. The food? Superb. Best steak pie I've ever had. Curry was also outstanding but be sure and ask which chef is cooking, it will influence the spice rankings! Eddie the bartender will pour your a friendly pint, Astrid and Catherine are almost mother hens in their efforts to make sure your stay is comfortable. Ian the owner often gave people lifts to start their day, although for me it was a pleasant 35 minute walk up Chainley Burn to the dig site. Also note excellent rail connection from the station just down the street and at least some useful bus links. Our little band of excavators has decided that The Bowes will be our "local" for all future seasons. UPDATE: Back again for two weeks in 2023. ...