Here are some great places to eat in Bishop Auckland—whether you’re after a quick sandwich, a cozy café meal, or something a bit more refined. These spots come highly recommended by locals and visitors alike:
Tindale Deli
A friendly local sandwich‑and‑café spot offering freshly made baguettes, salads, hot dips and meal deals—great for breakfast or lunch.
Bradley Burn Farm Café
A charming farmhouse café with antiques shop attached, serving wholesome food, breakfast buns, quiches and lovely varied scones; dog‑friendly.
Red Double Happiness (Chinese takeaway)
Popular Chinese takeaway offering hot classic dishes (sweet & sour, Szechuan, curry)—fast service and friendly delivery; portion reviews mixed.
El Castillo (Tapas at the Spanish Gallery)
Tapas restaurant next to the Spanish Gallery—excellent Spanish dishes like pork belly with harissa aioli, using ingredients from the walled garden.
Featured Eateries
Tindale Deli
A go-to for freshly made baguettes, hot dips, hearty salads, and breakfast sandwiches. Open from mid-morning, it’s praised for friendly staff and excellent value. Reviewers consistently mention the meals are well-priced and tasty—perfect for a casual breakfast or lunch.
Bradley Burn Farm Café
Located just outside town in Wolsingham, this farm café is both quaint and characterful. It’s beloved for its homemade quiches, breakfast buns, and especially its ever-changing selection of scones. Combine a meal with browsing antiques, and bring along your pup—this café is dog-friendly too.
Red Double Happiness (Chinese Takeaway)
A local favourite for Chinese food delivery. Classic dishes—sweet & sour, black bean, Szechuan, and curry—are delivered hot and fast, with accommodating staff. Reviews mention generous portions, though there have been cases of slow service or quality concerns.
El Castillo at The Spanish Gallery
For something more elevated, head to the tapas bar adjacent to the Spanish Gallery. Standout dishes include the pork belly with harissa aioli and seasonal vegetables from Auckland Castle’s walled garden. Reviews commend the service, quality, and how well it complements the nearby art collection.
What Locals Recommend
From a community discussion on Reddit, several notable spots were raised:
“…Restaurants/cafés/bakeries (Chiang Thai, Breaking Bread, Longstaffs, Gregory’s, Fifteas Tea Room, Foxes Tail Café, Four Clocks Centre Café etc)”
Highlights include:
- Fifteas Tea Room — a vintage-style café, perfect for afternoon tea with a nostalgic flair.
- Breaking Bread Kitchen & Bakehouse — likely a bakery/café offering fresh bakes.
- Chiang Thai — a local Thai option for those seeking Asian cuisine.
- Longstaffs, Gregory’s, Foxes Tail Café, Four Clocks Centre Café — additional varied cafés offering everything from casual bites to more relaxed dining.
Summary Table
| Type | Recommendation | Why Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Quick & tasty café | Tindale Deli | Fresh sandwiches and is budget-friendly |
| Countryside charm | Bradley Burn Farm Café | Hearty home-made food, antiques, dog-friendly |
| Takeaway option | Red Double Happiness | Fast and accommodating—but mixed reviews on consistency |
| Upscale dining | El Castillo (Tapas) | Spanish-inspired dishes, great ambiance, local garden ingredients |
| Variety of cafés | Fifteas Tea Room, Breaking Bread, others | Crowd-pleasing options for sit-down meals and cosy dining experiences |
