Fox & Hounds, Barnard Castle

Blue Scrumpy left this review about Fox & Hounds

Whereas the Red Lion is more of the drinkers' pub in the village of Cotherstone, the Fox & Hounds is more of a dining pub. The lounge is to the right of the entrance. It is carpeted with a large rug featuring a fox next to a fireplace containing a coal fire. An archway to the right looks as though it leads to a dining room but this was curtained off. There is a further room for drinking to the left of the entrance. Dogs are allowed in that room.

At the bar, there are 3 handpulls. 2 were clipped with Tirril beers - Ullswater Blonde & Cotherstone Gold (a rebadged Grasmere Gold). The cider was Thatcher's Gold.

I sampled both of the Tirril beers but the quality (perhaps the brew rather than the conditioning) was not as good as at the Red Lion just down the street. In fact, the character of the pub changed shortly after we arrived. On entry, the clientele was mainly diners finishing their drinks having long since finished meals. However with the Red Lion closing at 9pm, some of the villagers began what looks like a daily migration to the Fox & Hounds, which stays open a little later.

This pub is quite a cosy venue and seems a nice enough pub in its own right, but it's not quite as nice as the Red Lion.

On 3^rd June 2026 - rating: 6
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