The Kirk Inn, Barnard Castle

Blue Scrumpy left this review about The Kirk Inn

The first and the strangest of 10 pubs we visited in County Durham on Saturday. It is one of 2 pubs in the village of Romaldkirk. We walked in to find one other person sat down watching a TV. This turned out to be the rather eccentric landlord, who kept apologising for the drugs he had been prescribed that were affecting his behaviour!

The pub is a single room that is extremely cluttered. A TV was showing women's rugby, there is a collection of hats hanging from the ceiling near the entrance. Other items around included oil and other motor projects, surface cleaners, some board games and what looked like a pile of LPs.

The landlord does own a vintage car, which he was messing with throughout our visit, whilst the pub dog was also roaming around outside. Dogs are allowed in. There is also at least one outdoor table overlooking the village green.

The bar has 4 handpulls, with just the 1 clipped with Mithril Dere Street. I received a rather cloudy half, which was taken away after a while with another slightly clearer beer replacing it. The better half tried to order a Strongbow but was persuaded that as there was very little left, she should have a can of cider. Call it £5, the landlord said. Of course, it's cash only.

I do love an eccentric pub and this has to be one of the most unusual I've been to.

On 3^rd June 2026 - rating: 6
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