The Dairy Barn — Restaurant in England

Wow! This is a jewel of a place to eat in the Northeast! You do not want to miss this if you are anywhere from Darlington, Newcastle, Durham, Bishop Auckland, Hexham, Corbridge, etc. You definitely want to come here if you are an international visitor to sample some of the best food in NE England. You must come to the Dairy Barn! With easy access from A68, A69 or A689 (look for the flag on North Bitchburn Terrace), and with plenty of parking. The atmosphere is friendly and your first glance is a case of amazing pastries. The seating is casual, and family friendly, with a kids playground and tables outside as well. Service: The staff and servers were friendly and patient answering questions about pastries, changing orders, and making substitutions. Food: This is the best part - it is excellent!! We arrived a few minutes late for breakfast (on our first day), but ordered lunch. The jacket potato was delicious with tuna, mushroom and bean options (we tried all three). The second day we returned for breakfast. I ordered a full English, with changes and substitutions for a vegetarian meal. It was delicious, perfectly cooked, well worth the price. My wife had the cheese and mushroom on a muffin. Our last day in the area we returned for desserts for breakfast (we got it right this time!) The ice cream is rich and flavorful, the chocolate and banoffee cakes are excellent. So we ate at the Dairy Barn three days in a row and regretted we were leaving and not able to return for one more visit. I...

We came across The Dairy Barn thanks to a post on social media when we were looking for a dog friendly tea room and thought we'd call in on our way back from The Lakes. There are a number of tables outside with a nice little play area for the kids. Inside, the barn is really clean with some tables having lovely views over the fields. We didn't sample the meals but did opt for a couple of their cakes and they were lovely, and huge! Even for someone with a very sweet tooth, I would even say they were a little too big - never thought I'd hear myself saying that! Price wise, they were very reasonable and we'll definitely be back to try more of their food.

Unfortunately, I have had to change my review of The Dairy Barn due to the fact they no longer allow dogs inside. This is apparently due to some dog owners being inconsiderate to other users and the premises in general. If that is the case, deal with them and don’t punish us responsible dog owners. If children are noisy inside, would they ban all children?

In reply to the owners response, yes it is YOUR business and YOUR choice, likewise it is MY choice to change my review based on the fact I am longer welcome to eat inside with my dog. I could have completely deleted my initial post but wanted people to know that the cakes were nice on the occasion we were welcome. As stated previously, you have decided to tar all dog owners with the same brush due to some who don't treat others premises...

We recently visited The Dairy Barn, and it’s the perfect countryside retreat if you’re in or around North Bitchburn. Set above the Wear Valley with sweeping views of farmland and hills, this tearoom and ice‑cream parlour offers a wonderfully relaxing spot to unwind .

On arrival, the warm and welcoming vibe is immediately apparent. Inside, the décor is charmingly rustic—exposed brickwork, comfy chairs by the wood‑burner, and a display of delicious cakes, scones, and artisan ice cream. We sampled one of their signature creamy cones and a slice of cake, both beautifully presented and utterly delightful. The menu covers light lunches and baked goods, with plenty of apologies to dessert lovers .

Service was friendly and personal—staff were clearly passionate about what they do. It’s a busy spot, yet they manage to make everyone feel looked after. Outdoor tables are a bonus on fine days, offering a picturesque vista that’s ideal for families, couples, or those seeking peaceful countryside downtime.

Though some reviews mention service can be variable and breakfasts off‑peak have been less than perfect , our visit was spot‑on—efficient, friendly, and relaxed.

Verdict: The Dairy Barn is a delightful countryside gem—fantastic homemade treats, stunning views, and a warm, rustic atmosphere. Ideal for a refreshing break or indulgent sweet treat. Highly...