The Tea Barn - Durham

R.McCullough

Parking is plenty and is a one way system, so don't try to get to the front out of laziness or you could get stuck during busier times and end up having to go back out and round into the main dual carriage way and roundabout if there is too much traffic.
The parking is free and it is a gravel car park .

As you enter there is a sign to wait to be seated, but don't wait if there are plenty of seats, as you'll be there forever. I think the sign should be put away during quiet times and brought out in busier times.
Once seated it's easy to order, choose what you want from the menu and go to the counter (remember what your table number is).
Massive cake/sweet selection at the till area so I suggest having a look there as well for sure! At first glance £4(something) for a Melba is a bit much but then when you see the size of it, it's fair. Delicious too!
They have take away boxes as well, yum!

The last time I went I tried the hot beef bap and it was really good, no chewy, gristle or fatty bits in the meat at all. Spot on.
Time before was the cheese pie which I absolutely loved (my lactose intolerant body however rejected it, but was still worth it and I'll do it again NGL).

The majority of the staff are lovely, I've never felt anyone has been rude (even when they seemed to be having a crappy and busy day).

Have been a few times now and definitely will go again.

Edit: it's also (well behaved) dog friendly.

Lauren S.

Visited the tea barn today with my son and daughter. I was advised to find a table, I could only find one that was not cleared so we had chose this one and I went to order. I advised the lady on the till that our table needed clearing which she said she would request. This lady was pleasant and took my order in a friendly manner. Several staff passed out table and didn't clear it. Ten minutes later our drinks arrived, and only at this point were the previous customers crockery removed from the table. The table was not wiped down which I find extremely poor. The staff members were unpleasant, didn't say hello, no smile or interaction whilst bringing drinks and food. My children commented on how unpleasant and unfriendly the staff were. In a world where we teach our children to be kind shouldn't adults also be displaying this? Basic manners cost nothing. I run a successful small local business and I know customer service is one of the most important aspects of what we do. The food was average, coffee was good. My daughter's glass of apple juice was filthy - shes 16 and she commented on how water marked the glass was. Probably won't be back here unfortunately with is a shame as we do enjoy coming here for plants and our Christmas tree!

Si O.

We found ourselves at the tea barn today for lunch and although the food was nice the menu options were a little odd for what we wanted.
Having perused the menu we noticed the pies in the display and noted on the menu that they were served with salad, coleslaw and crisps, now I've never had or ever asked for pie and salad (and coleslaw and crisps), ever!
So when ordering we assumed we could exchange these for chips, at the till the lady taking our order looked at us as if we'd just created this new combination of food " so you want pie and chips" came the reply.
Yes please, we replied, and were once again quizzed that we didn't want the salad, coleslaw and crisps.
Ordering extra gravy was remarkably easy at this point.
We were however charged extra for the chips and gravy without a discount for having no salad etc.
All in all a very expensive £32 for 2 for a very basic pie and chips ( try it if it's something you've never heard of) and a cuppa.
Won't be hurrying back.

Irina (.

In winter people come here to sit at the fire and meet friends. In summer there is outside seating under tents. You feel cosy and closer to nature in this typical garden centre tea shop!

The atmosphere is fantastic and the service is very friendly. Order at the till, you would need to know your table number, and the food will be brought to the table to you.

There are stylish glass dividers between the tables, so if anyone coughs it stays with them. There is one spaceous hall and two smaller ones, all very cosy with typical English garden nursery charms.

The food is of a good quality, but also it isn't a restourant. Cakes are very sugary (personally I try to withdraw). There is a very good choice, but those that pretend to be continental aren't really. The tea is good but I would like to see more choice for a place of that name. Certainly needs more than just the tea bags! You better make sure you say you need your quiche warm, it isn't nice cold, and I had to ask to warm it again once. Saying all that I mean there is space for improvement, but this place is still very much worth a visit.

The fireplaces are modern logburners with glass doors, of modest sturdy look, but very efficient, plus added funs despersing heat. So, add some scout points for that. About 4 of them are certainly a good feature of this place.

The toilets are at the left from the till.

I think the Pity Me Nursery is a separate business, but since The Tea Barn is just there, you have a good chance to also browse and buy the plants at the nursery. The plants are not of as good quality as in The Poplar Tree Garden Centre, but then the prices are lower.

Tracy S.

Size of the cakes are unbelievable! Children looked la little “Mr Creosote” after eating.
Also ordered a massive Portion of chips which were piping hot and delicious.
Service was unbelievably good and speedy.

Dan O. M.

I felt at home from the first second. Lovely place to have breakfast in good company (I recommend the traditional English one but there are plenty of options depending if you are into savoury or sweet). The waitresses are superstars (thanks to Liudmila, Caroline and Inna).Their smile and positive vibe is contagious 🥰 We had a really enjoyable time. We will definitely come back.

Julia

I normally love going to the Tea Barn and go regularly. I buy all my plants from here as well as going into the restaurant. Today, the lady serving on the counter spoke to me like I was a piece of dirt under her shoe - she was rude, brusque and condescending and gave the impression that she couldn't be bothered being there. What a shame. It will be a while before I consider going back now.

Abigail S.

The staff were super lovely and the food came quickly, but the only vegan breakfast was beans on toast without butter, which we paid £6 for.