If that is the case, the Crossways Hotel in Thornley has no need to worry.

This venue - half way between Hartlepool and my home town of Durham - is small enough to be cosy and friendly enough to always make you feel at home.

The hotel's restaurant is something we have only visited once before. Time to put it to the test again.

On a blustery Saturday night, I was after something hearty and the main course was just that.

First though, I started with melon and marie rose sauce at £4.95 and found it tasty, fresh and refreshing.

My wife, Margaret, opted for the soup of the day – the same cream of tomato she tried on her first visit.

Once again, it was £2.50 and once again it was wonderful, she said.

Then came the main course and I couldn't resist the beef and king prawn in a szechuan sauce. This was served with rice and was deliciously hot and sweet at £13.95.

My wife's main course option was the 8oz gammon steak at £8.95. It was a huge portion of food and well worth the price.

My wife couldn't manage a dessert but I was still up for more and banoffee pie at £3.50 was some way to finish off the meal. Dreamy stuff and I slept well that night!

All this and a large Coke as well, while my wife was happy with her large glass of white wine.
– CHRIS CORDNER

The restaurant at the Crossways Hotel, Dunelm Road, Thornley, serves food between noon-1.45pm and 7pm-8.45pm from Mondays-Saturdays.
It serves lunches on Sundays from noon-2pm and is normally closed on Sunday nights. Telephone (01429) 821248.

Food:

Atmosphere:

PPPP
Service PPPP
Value for money: PPPP (£37.50 for two starters, two main courses, a dessert a large glass of white wine, and a glass of Coke.)