Reviews in County Durham

Great food and great service food reasonably priced definitely worth a visit.

We enjoyed an evening meal in the restaurant upstairs for my wife's birthday. It's the same menu if you eat in the bar downstairs but I had requested some flowers on the table and a big bunch of red roses was waiting for us. It was very quiet with us being the first diners of the evening and we had a great view of the grounds outside. A bit of background music would have been good but we made do with Adam (castle entertainment) practicing "I did it my way" about 15 times next door! Great menu full of pub classics the wife went for potato skins with bacon and cheese, I had the garlic mushrooms to start. Big portions and very tasty. Then the wife had the steak pie with mash and veg, I had the steak with all the trimmings. The peppercorn sauce was one of the best I have ever had. Both very nice and again enormous portions. We could not finish and no room for pudding! Prices are fair but the quality and quantity shine through. It's the first evening meal at the castle enjoying Sunday lunch a few times before and also the on site chippy. It's all good and as caravan owners here it's great to have this all on our door stop. 10/10 chef.

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.

Always a pleasure eating here. Food is underrated and prices are very good. Chips are huge but always cooked right through. Always enjoy my food and service is always friendly and quick. Always going to be in every week.

We arrived at 5.we waited 15 mins and then got the attention of a waiter.ordered dinner which was nice.however after plates were taken away, we tried to get someone s attention to get another drink and a desert for 20 mins.inthe end we went to the bar where eventually someone asked if they could help.i replied well as no one came to the table to ask if we wanted anything else so I’m leaving.they gave the bill and I said “ no tip because of bad service.notgoing there again.such bad service

Lovely food, atmosphere, staff very friendly. Always go back for any occasions, was there last Christmas eve and it was beautiful. Highly recommend.

Excellent food, really friendly staff and quickly served

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.

Sunday lunch at the Castle as usual Excellent ,A full plate was devoured and enjoyed, could not fault it. Service was spot on

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.

Absolutely beautiful food, plenty of choice. 3 course deal is amazing value, service good, would definitely recommend

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

Went here in July and then again on 1 September 2025, lovely atmosphere, woman who greeted us wasn’t very friendly however the lady who served us was absolutely amazing, she was happy, had a laugh with us and the service provided was perfect. The only slight niggle was that one of the meals was over spicy, but maybe that is how it was meant to be, so am still giving a score of 5, would definitely recommend to anyone and will be returning

We booked for 16.30 on your website only to get there and find you were no longer serving food.. ? You even had table availability for after our booking so I suggest you amend your website or booking system. Disappointing none the less

Cannot fault The Farmhouse Dine & Wine! The service here is second to none; friendly and attentive without being intrusive and always very happy to help. The menu is brilliant and well thought out, and the food is amazing - always delicious and always fresh. Will continue to be a retuning customer.

Came on Thursday. Cute little place, that had authentic feel. Was excited to try different dishes and enjoy an authentic Spanish meal. Had a variety of dishes from chicken Wings, prawns, patas braves, meatballs and mini paella. However all though nice, not very authentic. Wings were battered with some kind of cheese/buffalo sauce, seafood over cooked. Glasses for the lager had a funny smell which made the lager taste funny. It was okay, but not what we were looking for for £90. Disappointing.

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.

Great food.