The Hammer & Pincers

The Hammer and Pincers has been under our ownership since Jan 2016. As a family owned business myself, Peter and Neil all bring different strengths, experience and knowledge which at first we didn’t appreciate the benefits of as much as we do now!

For the past 4.5 years we have worked very hard, made lots of changes and learned heaps! At the forefront, our aims were to build up our reputation for excellent service, food, wine and local Ale and to ensure a great experience for our guests. In spring 2016 we built our giant Tipis in the beer garden and started becoming known as a wedding, music and events venue. In 2017 we opened our small caravan and camping site and changed the pubs name from The Blacksmiths Arms. In 2018/19 we turned our attention to the inside of the pub, decorating (again) throughout, sanding floors, installing a log burner, renewing tired cellar, bar and kitchen equipment. 2020 has again brought change – this time unwelcome in the form of Covid-19. So, in addition to making further improvements to our outdoor spaces we decided to bring forward our plans to open a delicatessen / farm / gift shop and extend our opening hours.

We offer our customers a ‘Covid Safe’ opportunity to escape and relax for a few hours, to enjoy our food and drink and perhaps to browse our shop and deli. Coming for 2021/22 we have further plans’ for development but at the moment its all a bit hush hush so watch this space!

The Hammer and Pincers is situated in rolling countryside while still being convenient for many nearby villages and the larger towns of Darlington, Newton Aycliffe, Bishop Auckland and Durham.

Newly opened within the pub is a delicatessen and gifts/home interiors shop.
Offering house produce – including jams, chutneys, takeaway cakes and savoury meals, also a selection of cheese, biscuits, basic and speciality food items, beers and wine.

New café style opening hours mean that breakfasts, light lunches as well as evening meals are now available along with a wide selection of hot and cold beverages, wines, beers and spirits.

And don’t forget about our highly rated Sunday lunches served on Sundays from 12 until 5pm.

• Pub
• Café and restaurant
• Caravan and Camping site
• Delicatessen
• Gifts and home interiors
• Boutique wedding venue