We went to the Havelock for a date-night and had a reasonably enjoyable time. Based on this…read moreexperience, we would describe this as a cheap and cheerful type of place. The pub itself is fairly small if you exclude the outdoor area. The decor is attractive, if slightly worn in places, and the only thing about it that I really didn't like was the two massive widescreen TVs positioned in the dining area. The sound was just audible enough to be annoying and football matches were screened for the first hour or so that we were there followed by some BBC drama. I though these were unnecessary in the dining area and significantly detracted from the overall atmosphere. Later in the evening, the TV sound was drowned out by some disco music which again wasn't what I would have chosen for a dining area at all. We came on on a specials day (Mondays and Thursdays currently have 2 starters and 2 pizzas/pastas for £12) and found the bar and restaurant to be fairly crowded at 19:15 but by 21:00 when we left it had quietened right down. The a la carte menu was a shortish list of fairly basic pub fare aside from the steaks (of this more below), and we decided to go with the £12 special. We chose the dough balls and potato skins for our starters. The skins were greasy but tasty, and came with chilli and sour cream sauces, clearly from a bottle but which went well with them. The dense but fresh home-made dough balls were let down by their garlic butter which was basically a large chunk of butter in a little paper cup covered with a spoonful of garlic paste. We enjoyed our pizzas (which arrived rather late but we had an apology for that). The cheese on them was decent and the bases were very tasty, and although they weren't huge, we found them the perfect size after the starters. (Cautionary note: we do not have large appetites.) The pub also offer an unusual steak experience that is a little at odds with the rest of their very basic pub menu, and these are Steakstones. If you go for one of these expensive numbers, you get your choice of fillet or sirloin delivered to your table on a sizzling hot stone tablet so that you can finish cooking it as much or as little as you like. (We saw one at the next table.) Personally, as a rather particular steak-eater, I'd much rather have a chef cook my expensive steak than do it myself, and with the rest of the place being so cheap and cheerful, I was reluctant to commit £16 to discover how good or bad their choice of meat (and my cooking skills) could be. Overall, good value for a cheap meal out if you go on a specials night and probably about average the rest of the time. Unless you choose the steak!

Nice pub, last time I was there it was quiet. The food was lovely but the thing that put me off was…read morethe dog... yes a dog... Think it belonged to a member of staff and unfortunately kept weeing on the floor when it got excited. Apart from that I enjoyed the experience, watched a bit tv, had comfy chairs, reasonable prices.

I love the Ox and Plough, staff are friendly. I used to spend all my money on the jukebox playing…read moreZeppelin and playing pool. Do nice cheese toasties. I have been to many events there, such as engagement parties and it has always been lovely.

Excellent country pub serving first class cask ale and hearty meals. Our party of 5 visited on a…read morebusy Friday night and really enjoyed everything. I had a lamb kofta starter and for entree had the chicken breast stuffed with haggis. The plum porter was also excellent accompaniment and replaced pudding course!

the three horse shoes is situated in the hamlet of leamside which is very near to the A60 durham to…read moresunderland road and houghton le spring. I have recently visited here for lunch and was very impressed with the hospitality and warmth of the place. the menu was varied and portions were plentiful. the desserts were wide ranging and although i was somewhat full i was tempted to indulge in a pudding. value and quality was excellent and i will not hesitate to return again. The public bar is somewhat dated and i suggest that you enter the restaurant if it is food that you are after, by the rear entrance.