Pub 15 minutes from Darlington with ‘sublime’ Sunday roasts

The Black Bull Inn, in Great Smeaton near Northallerton, currently holds a 4.8-star rating on TripAdvisor.

The cosy country pub is described as serving homemade food from Wednesday to Sunday and has become a popular stop for people looking for a traditional pub meal.

Located in Great Smeaton, around 15 minutes from Darlington, the Black Bull Inn has been praised by diners for its Sunday roasts, generous portions and warm atmosphere.

Reviewers regularly highlight the quality of the food, with Sunday lunch appearing again and again among the pub’s most popular mentions.

One visitor, who booked a table for Sunday lunch in May, described it as “the best beef lunch we had for years”, adding: “11/10. Fantastic.”

Another diner praised the pub after visiting for Sunday lunch with their dog, saying the food was “excellent” and “served piping hot by lovely friendly staff”.

The Black Bull Inn, in Great Smeaton (Image: TRIPADVISOR)

They added: “Our only regret is we haven’t come sooner. We highly recommend this amazing little country pub — you will not be disappointed.”

The Black Bull Inn has also won praise for its friendly service and traditional village pub feel.

A reviewer from York, who visited with friends, said there was a “warm welcome on arrival” and said booking in advance was recommended because the pub became very busy even on a Thursday evening.

They wrote: “The food was all home-cooked, including the desserts, and all our party said our meals were absolutely delicious.

“It is a traditional pub which serves great food and a lovely warm welcome. Absolutely superb, will return.”

Others have praised the Black Bull’s Sunday lunch for its homemade Yorkshire puddings, tender meat and selection of vegetables.

One visitor from Yarm said they went for Sunday lunch after a personal recommendation and were “not disappointed”.

They wrote: “The food was really good, very tender meat, two of us had pork and two had beef, homemade Yorkshire puds and a nice selection of veg. Excellent desserts and all competitively priced. Plus excellent friendly service.”

The pub’s official website says its Sunday lunch includes a choice of topside of beef, leg of lamb, leg of pork or chicken, served with trimmings and gravy.

Beyond its roasts, visitors have also praised the Black Bull Inn for its steak, lamb, fish and chips, desserts and real ales.

One diner said they had driven past the pub many times without calling in, but after finally visiting, said it would be “much harder to drive past now”.

The pub has is as dog-friendly, welcoming four-legged guests.

One reviewer said their dog was given treats during their visit, while another said they arrived early for a booking with four adults and a dog and were happily accommodated.

With dozens of five-star reviews and repeated praise for its Sunday roasts, homemade food and friendly service, the Black Bull Inn has become a highly rated village pub for diners near Darlington and Northallerton.