Dovecote Inn, Trimdon Station

Situated at a road junction, with some kind of trading estate opposite, the Dovecote Inn was very much another locals' pub, with an after-work crowd of all blokes. Even the bar staff were all male. However, it appeared to be a fairly down-to-earth wet-led boozer providing a valuable social meeting point for the community, as all pubs should do. The 2 real ales amounted to just Abbot & Bombardier, whilst a European football match was showing on a TV in the corner. Locals seemed a jovial bunch and there were a number of trophies scattered around for various pub games won. People I spoke to later on in Sedgefield seemed surprised I'd been brave enough to venture into the Dovecote, but despite the lack of adventure with the real ales, I'd be happy to have this as a local.