OpenChop Suey House
59 Church St, Shildon DL4 1DT, United Kingdom
Welcome to The Bay Horse Middridge
The Bay Horse Middridge sits cozily in the heart of Newton Aycliffe, offering a warm haven for locals and visitors alike. This gastropub combines classic British pub charm with a rich menu of hearty fare. From fish and chips to succulent steaks, every dish is crafted with fresh, local ingredients. With a commitment to friendly service, exceptional drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere, The Bay Horse is the ideal spot for lunch, dinner, or a quick drink with friends. Reservation is a wise choice, especially on busy weekends when the place fills up quickly. The pub’s laid-back vibe encourages everyone to feel right at home.
Welcome to The Bay Horse Middridge, your local gastropub nestled in the heart of Newton Aycliffe. Enjoy our cozy atmosphere, complete with a fireplace, ideal for relaxing with friends or family. We offer a diverse menu featuring hearty meals, healthy options, vegan and vegetarian dishes, as well as an impressive selection of beverages, including craft beers, fine wines, and cocktails. With both indoor dining and outdoor seating available, you can savor your meal in comfort. The Bay Horse is perfect for lunch, dinner, or a casual brunch, with wheelchair accessibility ensuring everyone feels welcome. Join us for a memorable dining experience!Services, Amenities and More
Service options
Outdoor seating
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Dine-in
Highlights
Fireplace
Great beer selection
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Great wine list
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Food
Food at bar
Healthy options
Late-night food
Organic dishes
Quick bite
Small plates
Spirits
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Outside food allowed
Seating
Table service
Photo Gallery
View Menu Photos
Reviews Overview
Most Liked
The Sunday roast stands out prominently, famed for its tender meat and crispy roast potatoes. Diners rave about the generous portions served across the menu—definitely a plus when craving hearty meals. The diverse drink selection, including craft beers and a impressive wine list, provides a perfect complement to the robust food choices. Guests often compliment the relaxed and cheerful service, which fosters a welcoming vibe.
The atmosphere captures the essence of a community hub, balancing lively chatter with cozy corners for quieter conversations. Many delight in the variety of options, from traditional pub staples to innovative specials that showcase the chef’s creativity. Some even prefer clinking glasses over a great coffee in the casual, cozy environment.
Most Disliked
Though the food is generally praised, some diners mention that occasional dishes may lack the robust flavors expected, suggesting room for improvement in consistency. During peak hours, the restaurant can get bustling, which may lead to longer waits for food and drinks. This busy environment might not be for everyone, especially those looking for a quiet meal.
Another noted downside is the absence of an online menu, which would greatly benefit patrons wanting to explore options beforehand. The popularity means that some have experienced challenges securing last-minute reservations, particularly during popular dining hours.
User Reviews
BL
Balefire L.
The Bay Horse in Middridge is a proper gem. A cozy, welcoming pub with delicious food and friendly service. Whether you're popping in for a quick drink or settling in for a meal, it's great. The menu is packed with hearty, well-prepared dishes, from classic pub favorites like fish and chips and steak pie to more creative specials. Everything is fresh, generous in portion, and full of flavour. Their Sunday roast is a standout—tender meat, crispy roast potatoes, and all the trimmings done just right. The staff are always cheerful and attentive, making you feel right at home. There’s a lovely mix of locals and visitors, giving the place a relaxed, community vibe. Cheers!
DC
David C.
Recommend booking as it's busy, for good reason! No online menu from what I could see, but photos attached for reference - taken on 30th July 2025.
MH
Mick H.
Very busy restaurant and since last time has had a nice revamp deco. FOH Staff were very friendly and helpful. The restaurant was very busy and required to be patient. Food came and both presented well but lacked flavour and were dry. However, I will still come back again. It's a very nice place.
an
angel
Managed to book a table at short notice on a Friday night. The food came 20 minutes after ordering and it was all incredible as always! The chips are absolutely unbelievable😍 All food was piping hot and the portion sizes are great! Would highly recommend :) Incredible food and lovely atmosphere.
dd
dan d.
What a delight. Staff attentive, friendly and full of local character. Food, good variety, reasonable, and generous portions of sumptuous local produce. Atmosphere is what you make it...
DA
Davey A.
Randomly chose this place for sunday dinner didnt book in advance as it was just a spur the moment thing the elderly lady at the front who greeted us was lovely & helpful and found us a table (for 2) bless her i didnt get her name as the place was really busy so big thanks to her and really glad she did because the turkey dinner was delish we ate the lot, staff were fast friendly & helpful and didnt take long for the food to come out. 😁
GT
Gemma T.
Lovely food in a lovely pub, been a good while since we have been here but was really impressed with the food and the quality of it. Went again yesterday for Christmas Dinner was tasty. Also have been and collected a takeaway Sunday dinner absolutely lovely will use again
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Location & Hours
Opening Hours
MondayOpen
TuesdayOpen
WednesdayOpen
ThursdayOpen
FridayOpen
SaturdayOpen
SundayOpen
Location
Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t miss the Sirloin steak paired with French fries; it’s a standout. For a lighter option, try the Mushroom Stroganoff. If you’re craving something sweet, the Sticky Toffee Pudding is a crowd favorite.
Absolutely! With a kids' menu and high chairs available, it's family friendly. The casual and cozy atmosphere makes it ideal for dining with children.
Yes, there’s a great selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. The bar is stocked with various spirits and even offers organic options to satisfy your thirst.
The venue is fully accessible, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and toilets. Plus, there's a wheelchair-accessible car park available.
Why visit The Bay Horse Middridge
Visiting The Bay Horse Middridge is a must for anyone craving a true taste of local hospitality and hearty food. Be sure to book ahead, especially for peak dining times—Sundays are notoriously busy for their exceptional roasts. Timing is crucial for a serene dining experience; visiting during off-peak hours on weekdays ensures a more relaxed atmosphere. The cozy interior combined with outdoor seating gives a delightful ambiance, perfect for enjoying a sunny afternoon or a romantic evening dinner.
Take advantage of the great drink offerings to complement your meal, from their celebrated craft beers to fine wines. Do not miss the chance to try the mixed grill or parmo, dishes that embody the vibrant flavors of the region. At The Bay Horse, you’re not just enjoying a meal; you’re becoming part of a community experience that celebrates the simple joys of good food and great company.
