Dun Cow Inn, Bishop Auckland

One of two pubs in the village of Witton-le-Wear, they are both listed in the Good Beer Guide. Although, I did prefer the Victoria. As with the Victoria, the Dun Cow closes on a Monday and doesn't open until 6pm on other weekdays. I was the first customer in on my Thursday evening visit and for some reason, they seemed to be a bit suspicious of me. They probably don't get too many non-locals in, apart from special local events such as the storming of the castle which brings in hundreds of bikers to the village. The landlady eventually warmed to me when she asked if I was just passing through and when I explained my hobby! She explained that the previous week the pub had been packed with the bikers. The pub is essentially a single room with seating either side of the bar. There is a large brick fireplace to the right, with a smaller one to the left. A few stuffed animals are scattered around and there are a few plates on shelves high up on the walls and a few hunting pictures. A TV to the right-hand side was showing the evening news. Laminate flooring can be found around the bar area with carpets to the right-hand side. There is a further small raised and carpeted area to the rear left-hand side of the bar and a passageway leading to the toilets. On the bar, there were 2 handpulls clipped with Landlord & Boltmaker. Although the Boltmaker clip was turned round. Stowford Press was the cider. Other keg options were Cameron's Smooth & Guinness. Card purchases are only allowed for transactions of £5 or more. Dogs are not allowed at all and children are allowed until 8:30. Signs indicate the various rules. This is a much cosier pub than the Victoria, but with only one cask ale and some initially very apprehensive owners, it took me a while to warm to this one. It's worth a visit and whilst I didn't have the Landlord, it's probably good quality if the pub is listed in the Good Beer Guide.