Mrs Eats and I have visited more than our fair share of pubs in our time. Indeed, we have reviewed so many eateries we could probably fill a book with our tips on the best place to scran in the North. But a pub is only as good as its last review, and that is why we occasionally decide to go back somewhere which has already impressed us . . . just to make sure standards haven't slipped. With this in mind, we made our way to The Honest Lawyer just outside Durham. The last time we stumbled on this place was in November 2005, when we decided to pay a visit to the majestic cathedral city for a bracing autumn stroll. On that occasion, it was Mrs E's hunger pangs which dictated that we needed to find a top-quality eating establishment. This time, we decided to forego the walk . . . with the amount of rain we have been having we didn't think it would be wise to turn up at a posh pub like drowned rats. From our previous visit here, we knew the pub served a carvery between noon and 5pm, but that it was best to get there reasonably early. At 1pm we pulled into the car park and, once inside, found a table in no time. A quick visit to the bar saw me return with a white wine for She Who Must Be Fed and a lager to quench my thirst. We took in the modern stylish decor while having a quick glance over the menu. On Sundays, the restaurant offers a set carvery menu with prices ranging from £7.95 for one course, £10.95 for two and £13.95 for three. Although tempted by the starters, we decided to go straight for the main course, with a choice of turkey, beef or lamb. I went for turkey and Mrs E went for a combination of beef and lamb. There was the usual choice of Yorkshire puddings, stuffing and vegetables. The Yorkshires were light and fluffy, the stuffing very tasty and the vegetables nice and crispy . . . and not in danger of being overcooked. The roast potatoes were very good . . . I would go so far as to say they were cooked to perfection. In my younger days I discovered while that an honest lawyer is a rare find. And that is exactly what The Honest Lawyer is . . . a rare find offering top-quality grub matched by exceptional service from helpful staff. To find The Honest Lawyer, travel along the A167 from Neville's Cross. The pub is in a dip two miles out of town. The Honest Lawyer, Croxdale, Durham Character - 4 Quality - 4 Service - 5 Value - 3 TELEPHONE: 0191 378 3780 FOOD SERVED: noon - 5pm DRINKS:pint of lager £2.50; pint of bitter £2.40; gin and tonic £3.20; glass of wine (250ml); £2.75orange juice - £1.10 Car Park - yes Kids Allowed - yes Real Ale on tap - yes Wine by bottle - yes Vegetarian food - ye Disabled toilets - yes | 
