NEWS
Timeless charm meets modern flair at award-winning restaurant
charming 15th-century coaching
A inn, The Bay Horse in Hurworth, near Darlington, has been beautifully refurbished, bringing wonderful modern décor while managing to retain its characteristic charm.
Greeted upon entry with a roaring open fire and a friendly team behind the bar, you’ ll feel welcomed immediately.
An eclectic drinks choice offers everything from local ales in traditional dimpled pint pots to classic cocktails, with a varied wine list to please any palate.
Menus change seasonally and comprise mostly classic dishes given a modern twist. It’ s easy to see why the restaurant has been one of the region’ s most celebrated venues in the last decade.
Cuisine – menus change seasonally and are comprised mostly of classic dishes given a modern twist.
The beautiful walled garden is a suntrap in the warmer months, with many guests choosing to dine outside, surrounded by flowers and the accompanying birdsong.
The garden is surrounded by festoon lighting, setting a wonderful ambiance in the evening, with blankets available and firepits lit to give some extra warmth as the evening temperature dips.
Tables on the patio area are covered with a solid roof and sides, with heaters allowing for a cosier alfresco dining experience.
Reservations are available outdoors for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.
The Bay Horse has quietly and steadily built a reputation for food quality and service since opening in 2008.
Owners Marcus Bennett and Jonathan Hall are no strangers to receiving awards, including the prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand and Gastropub Chef of the Year.
Their pub has also featured in The Times Top 50 Gastropubs and The Mail on Sunday’ s Top 50 Sunday Lunches in the UK.
It is a UK top scorer in the Harden’ s Diner Survey, a winner of Trip Advisor’ s certificate of excellence and regularly features in dining bibles such as the Good Food Guide
Character – a recent refurbishment has modernised The Bay Horse while retaining its historic charm.
and the Michelin Guide.
It was voted in the Top 50 Most Romantic Restaurants in the UK by OpenTables users in 2022, number 62 in the Estrella Damm UK Gastropubs 2023, the National Pub and Bar Awards’ number one pub in the North-East in 2024 and won the Stonegate award for the Best Food Offer in the UK in 2025.
Now Tees Business readers have voted it the Tees region’ s best restaurant for a third time in 10 years.
And right next door, a quaint country cottage is available as self-catering accommodation for two, priced £ 140 per night.
To book a table, visit thebayhorsehurworth. com.
Elevate your corporate events
Historic venue – you can meet in style at Acklam Hall.
When it comes to hosting corporate events in the Tees region, Acklam Hall stands out as a premier choice.
Renowned for its exceptional facilities and stunning surroundings, Acklam Hall provides the perfect backdrop for any professional gathering, from intimate business meetings to large-scale conferences and product launches.
The 18th-century Grade II-listed hall offers a range of elegant boardrooms and networking areas designed to cater for all your business needs.
Whether you are planning a strategy meeting, a networking event or an executive dinner, the opulent rooms are sure to impress your guests. Surrounded by beautiful architecture and exquisite gardens, Acklam Hall is more than just a venue; it is an experience that combines business with pleasure.
The facilities can accommodate from two to 120 delegates, making it ideal for events of any size. Each meeting room is equipped with highquality furniture, stationery and state-ofthe-art audio-visual equipment, ensuring a seamless and professional experience.
Additionally, free high-speed wireless internet access is available throughout the hall, providing the convenience and connectivity needed for successful events.
Acklam Hall is strategically located within easy reach of the A19 and A66, and close to Middlesbrough railway station and Teesside International Airport. This prime location makes it an ideal choice for local and international guests alike.
Whether you are hosting a charity ball, gala dinner or a corporate conference, the ample parking facilities and modern audiovisual equipment will ensure your event runs smoothly.
The team at Acklam Hall understands that each event is unique. That’ s why their corporate event packages are designed to be flexible and customisable, catering to your specific needs. From client meetings to training sessions, packages include a range of benefits such as complimentary tea and coffee, as well as access to the latest equipment.
The venue’ s central Middlesbrough location also means you are just steps away from local attractions and the vibrant town centre, providing additional opportunities for business and leisure.
To arrange a viewing and discuss your requirements, please contact the Acklam Hall team via acklamhall. co. uk
104 | Tees Business