Reviews in Darlington

Overall I would say our afternoon tea platter was a pleasant experience despite some negatives. The food was of a good quality and the waiting staff member was attentive but that staff member didn't make us feel particularly welcome. She gave us some odd looks. No idea why!! The decor and furnishings in the restaurant look tired/stained and dated. Some of the platter was lovely e.g scones but some if it was obviously shop bought. The spa and spa staff were excellent. The hotel receptionist staff should not be eating and have a mouthful of food when greeting guests ( which is what happened to us) . I think there's work to be done on staff customer service training e.g. thinking about the little things as it makes all the difference. It's a beautiful looking hotel that could achieve better.

We wanted to spend some pre Christmas quality bestie time together and boy did we!! Our treatments were amazing. The spa was so inviting and the beautiful blue sky enable us to enjoy the outdoor hot tub. The food was beautiful too, we really couldn’t have wished for a better time. Thank you

My friend bought me the spa package as a birthday gift.From the friendly greeting from reception staff the 2 lovely girls in the spa it was a perfect day . The food we had was a 2 course meal all freshly cooked and perfectly served by the young man h e was so polite and helpful I would definitely recommend it to anyone

The spa was enjoyable ,although the plunge pool was not in use . The treatment we had was relaxing and as is it was not busy things were accessible. A very disappointing afternoon tea.The sandwiches were dry and bland. The scones had been overheated . Which resulted in not being able to eat the fruit scone . In my opinion it had been made at lunch time and left to stand . Resulting in a disappointing afternoon tea . After serving our afternoon tea the staff disappeared, not giving us the opportunity to give our opinions.

We had a lovely afternoon tea. Service was excellent. Nice decor and comfortable surroundings.

I’ve always liked it here, but it’s certainly lost its appeal. We booked a spa day online. Didn’t get the automated email so had to chase for confirmation. After chasing, the responses were quite curt. When we arrived it was not busy but the greeting from reception was bland and like we’d interrupted her phone scrolling. Not advised we could get water or hot drinks as we wished we were pointed to get changed. Having got changed, we went to use the spa to realise lockers were out of use / none spare for belongings, the plunge pool - one very reason we were going, was empty and awaiting parts (also couldn’t book hot stone massage as parts required!) the hot tubs had thick grimy scum on the top and ring marks from people’s drinks. The treatments were basic, short and sweet. Showers are impossible, you press for 5 seconds of water then must keep pressing for a trickle... After, we had booked afternoon tea for 3pm. We waited u til around 3.30, bread was dry. Last time we got more selection and pots of Tea. The Scones were delicious as always. The spa was silent all but another patron constantly whistling loudly - can’t be helped but not at all peaceful and by this point 3 girls at reception scrolling on phones and playing clips. Despite this we had a nice enough time just glad we didn’t come expecting much more than what we got. And so glad we weren’t far from home for a hot shower and warmth.

Very pleasant afternoon tea. The scones were delicious, both the fruit and the cheese. Plenty of tea to drink, nice big teapot. Enjoyed the background music, very relaxing. It was hard to have atmosphere as we were the only people in, aside from one couple finishing their meal. In light of the fact I have mobility issues, using a walker to get around, the location wasn’t ideal. I would have quite happily eaten the tea in the bar.

We had a wonderful day at Hallgarth for my birthday treat yesterday. The Revive offer of spa use followed by a two course lunch was such a perfect gift. There were 9 of us in our party and we had a fantastic time, I chose the soup of the day started which was carrot and sweet potato followed by the chicken main meal…… cooked to perfection with a tasty sauce and veggies- the presentation was excellent too. So all we had extra to pay was our drinks. The staff were lovely, and so patient with us as we were such a big party. Everyone loved it and agreed it was an amazing day. Thank you to all the staff who made my birthday treat a wonderful experience.

We had a spa day booked with 2 course meal, we both had oxtail croquet to start delicious, then I had the lamb rump and my partner had the sirloin steak both cooked perfectly and the accompanying sides with each wrre excellent too, we paid extra for dessert coconut one it was nice but needed the ice cream as a little dry, overall though I would definitely recommend food there

Bought as a gift for my wife and mother in law included spa treatment , they said they had a great time at the spa but in the afternoon there was supposed to be prosecco included which there was not which was very disappointing. Why on earth people sell these packaged and don’t follow through with what has been promised . Very disappointed.

I was celebrating 25 years of marriage with my husband and friends. The food was absolutely delicious and beautifully presented. Would definitely book again. The only downside was the shortage of staff. We seemed to wait ages for drinks.

We got a 2 course meal in with our spa package and I was pleasantly surprised. The food was beautiful, I had the risotto for my main and it was so tasty. It was the best risotto I've ever had and I had the brownie to finish which was delicious. All gluten free also which was no problem at all. Had a lovely time.

Returned for an afternoon tea with fizz which was arranged by Angela. It was lovely. Great choice of food and drinks served by the wonderful Jennifer a friendly face and very accommodating. Would have no hesitation to recommend the hotel for food! Great place!

My friend and I had the Afternoon Tea. No sooner had we sat down our food arrived! It came on what looked like a mini set of shelves! it was so cute, a change from the usual 2/3 plate stand! Tea was piping hot! We had cheese savoury and ham sandwiches, this was our preference, we don’t like fancy stuff! The sausage rolls were beautiful, home made and still warm. Yes the scones were miniature (and missing marg/butter) but we had cream and jam. I think it was a slice of chocolate fudge cake we had each and vanilla baked cheesecake. These were proper size slices. If the scones had been any bigger we wouldn’t have had room for the cake!! We came away full and thoroughly enjoyed our treat. We would definitely have this again :-)

Four of us dined here last night and we all really enjoyed our food, two chicken tikka hanging kebabs, battered haddock and a halloumi burger, we had a little wait which didn’t bother us but when the food arrived it was hot and nicely cooked. Only two members of staff on the floor but both very friendly and polite and nothing was too much trouble. Thank You

We love this little spa. Always a go to when not wishing to spend a fortune elsewhere. Treatments and food always spot on too.

Went for afternoon tea with 3 of my friends on Sat, early 60th birthday celebration for 2 of us. Tea & coffee was cold, had to ask for hot water….only 2 types of sandwiches, which were a little dry….had to ask for butter for our miniature scones….chocolate cake was dry & not sure what the other cake was as we weren’t told. We were never approached to ask if we wanted another drink. Staff seemed very unhappy & stressed!! Not the best.