The Royal Oak

A very warm, welcoming hotel & pub. The staff are brilliant and go out of their way to be accomodating. The breakfasts were delicious. (We had planned to have an evening meal in their restaurant too but our journey overran so we decided to eat elsewhere earlier...but I suspect the dinners are also nice.) The rooms were clean, tidy, comfy and surprisingly spacious. All in all, it's a fantastic little place.

It appears my experience was not like others. The first problem I had was parking. There is a road running parallel to the main road and it was unclear how to access it. I went through the bottom entrance and had to squeeze between a car and a scooter. I found there was another entrance about half way up. Because of the number of cars already parked I had to park a couple of minutes from the pub. The pub was smaller than I had imagined. I went to the bar and a young man got me my room key and took me to my room. It is definitely a pub B and B rather than a hotel. The room was basic with lots of storage, TV, tea/coffee and an en suite. I had to ask for the Wi-Fi password as it was not given in the room. The carpet was a bit worn but all in all it was an adequate place to stay. I was asked what time I wanted breakfast. That was fine. I was told that the door to the upper floor is closed/locked overnight which didn't affect me- there isn't much to see or do in the village. The pub was not serving any food on the Sunday evening of my stay. Would I stay again? No.

We stayed in a cottage nearby and visited the pub on recommendation from the owner and thoroughly enjoyed our Saturday night in the Royal Oak. Friendly staff, an extensive food menu, great drink selection (Cruzcampo on draft was a proper bonus!!) and incredibly good value for money! If you’re in the area, pop in, you won’t be disappointed 👍🏻

A really lovely local hotel. The staff and rooms are first class and the "natives" very friendly. Sadly I was only there for one night, but I really enjoyed the beer, evening meal and setting. I left full of a first class breakfast!!!

Room was excellent. Food was great Ate there every night Great Menu Owners and staff first class. Plenty of room in the bars Excellent Breakfast included in the price Only downside there was no real ales on when we were there.

We returned to The Royal Oak in Cornsay Colliery for a mini break .We were welcomed by Sonia as if we were friends .Nothing is too much trouble for her and husband Ian .We thoroughly enjoyed our time there ,travelling into Durham on the 52 bus avoiding traffic and parking hassle.The people of Durham are extremely friendly .We had glorious weather to do our sight seeing and back to the pub for a really tasty meal .The food is exceptional.Visitors and locals mix together in the evening for a really relaxing social time. I highly recommend checking The Royal Oak out if visiting Durham