From Giant Yorkshire puddings and mountains of roast potatoes to homemade gravy and slow-cooked beef, everyone has their go-to destination for a Sunday roast.
We asked our readers to tell us their favourite Sunday lunch spots across the North East - and received recommendations stretching from Upper Teesdale to Teesside.
Here are the venues readers say are worth visiting.
The Copper Mine, Crook
The Copper Mine in Crook was among the venues recommended by Northern Echo readers when asked to name the North East's best Sunday lunch spots. (Image: The Northern Echo)
The Copper Mine emerged as one of the most popular suggestions from readers, receiving multiple mentions.
The Crook pub has become a well-known dining destination in County Durham, with many visitors travelling from across Weardale and south Durham for its food offering.
Readers described it as a reliable choice for a traditional Sunday lunch.
Shildon Civic Hall
Another venue receiving more than one recommendation was Shildon Civic Hall.
While perhaps not the obvious choice when discussing Sunday roasts, the civic venue has built a loyal following thanks to its affordable lunches and generous portions, with one reader particularly highlighting its value for money.
The Black Horse Pubs
(Image: Stuart Boulton/The Northern Echo)
Readers were clearly fans of the Black Horse name, with both The Black Horse in Ingleton and The Black Horse Inn & Pitman's Grill in Tudhoe making the list.
The Ingleton venue has long been popular with residents across Darlington and County Durham, while the Tudhoe pub and restaurant has earned a reputation for hearty meals and family dining.
Darlington's recommended spots
The Loft Steakhouse & Grill in Darlington was among the venues recommended by readers when asked to name the North East's best Sunday lunch destinations. (Image: Sarah Caldecott)
Darlington also featured strongly in the responses.
Readers singled out The Cooper Beech and The Loft Steakhouse & Grill, among the town's best places for a Sunday meal.
The Cooper Beech has become a popular suburban dining destination, while The Loft has established itself as one of Darlington's more modern restaurant offerings since opening in the town centre.
Village pubs readers swear by
Many of the recommendations also centred around traditional village pubs.
These included:
For many readers, atmosphere matters as much as the food, with community pubs attracting loyal Sunday diners.
Hidden gems in the Durham Dales
Not every recommendation came from larger towns.
Readers also highlighted Langdon Beck in Upper Teesdale, an inn popular with walkers, cyclists and countryside visitors.
For those prepared to travel, it is clearly considered a worthwhile destination for a weekend meal.
Teesside favourites
The Keys in Yarm was among the venues recommended by Northern Echo readers when asked to reveal the North East's best Sunday lunch spots. (Image: Terry Blackburn)
Several Teesside venues also earned praise.
Among them were:
These recommendations ranged from traditional pubs to modern bar and restaurant concepts, showing how varied the North East's Sunday lunch scene has become.
Chester-Le-Street and Shildon make the list
Elsewhere, readers recommended:
- Fabio's, Chester-Le-Street
- Eden Grange, Shildon
- Pollards
Each attracted support from those taking part in the discussion.
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Readers' full list of recommendations
- The Copper Mine, Crook
- Shildon Civic Hall
- The Duke of York
- Pollards
- Eden Grange, Shildon
- Crafty Cock Bar & Kitchen, Billingham
- Hamilton Russell
- The Cooper Beech, Darlington
- The Brownlow Arms
- The Black Horse, Ingleton
- Fabio's, Chester-Le-Street
- Langdon Beck, Upper Teesdale
- Moss Inn, Sunniside
- The Keys, Yarm
- Pub and Kitchen, Cassop
- The Old Mill, Tursdale
- Three Horse Shoes, Running Waters
- The Loft Steakhouse & Grill, Darlington
- The Black Horse Inn & Pitman's Grill, Tudhoe
- The Royal George
Did your favourite make the list?
Tell us which North East venue serves the ultimate Sunday lunch.