1st

( last year 3rd )

The Bay Horse ,

Hurworth-On-Tees

Our 2018 winner returns to the top , narrowly edging out its sister restaurant , Muse . Owned by Jonathan Hall and Marcus Bennett , The Bay Horse is a much-loved stablemate to Muse , Cena and the Devonport . Tucked away in Hurworth , near Darlington , the eatery has steadily built a reputation for excellence since opening in 2008 . Awards have included the Michelin Bib Gourmand , it regularly features in dining bibles such as the Good Food Guide and chef-patron Marcus has been crowned Gastropub Chef of the Year . The 15th-century coaching inn masterfully blends the modern and the traditional to offer a sensational eating experience , with dishes artistically crafted using the very best local and seasonal produce .

Mouthwatering mentions

An honourable mention to some wonderful eateries that narrowly missed out on our top 20 : Oven , Fellini ’ s , Umi , Copperstone , Barbarossa ( all Middlesbrough ); Borge , Sorriso ( both Stockton ); Lebaneat , Tomahawk Steakhouse ( Yarm ); Stable Hearth ( Darlington ); La Porto Italiano ( Hartlepool ); Sea View ( Saltburn ), Green Apple Bistro ( Stokesley ), Herd and Herb ( Sedgefield ), The Stables ( Pinchinthorpe ).

Roll of Honour

Tees Business Best Restaurant

2016

The Crathorne Arms

2017

Muse

2018

The Bay Horse

2019

Chadwicks Inn

2020