Reviews in County Durham

Sunday lunch was absolutely amazing and the rice pudding was delicious,staff really friendly 10/10.

We enjoyed our first meal on Sunday, with a family of 6. Initially, I thought the prices were expensive, however, when the food arrived we agreed it was well worth it! Adults and children agreed the food was delicious and plentiful (home made quality). Staff and service fantastic. One slight criticism.. neither the food or gravy was hot!

The meal was good but the room was Baltic!! Was a family meal for husbands birthday. Service was good and food was great but we sat absolutely frozen through. No door on dining room, In a castle in winter!!! Not good!

Food was delicious. Unfortualy one meals had be take gack but ot got sorted straight away. The staff brought another meal for my husband and we got meal for free

Booked an afternoon spa and lunch. I really enjoyed the facilities and found it relaxing. 2 course meal in the hotel was absolutely fantastic. All round great value for money and I will be definitely visiting again.

Lovely staff food and plade us beautiful

Sundays dinner was beautiful & came out pretty quick

Lovely Sunday dinner and plenty of it. Always one of our favourite places as we got married here in 2023.

Lovely food with friendly staff. Highly recommend.

3rd visit in 3 months. Food absolutely great, service friendly and attentive. 3 courses for £10 great value.

Me and my partner enjoyed a very friendly service and good value for money been here few times we be definitely coming back

I keep coming back to Benefit Restaurant every single month, and honestly, I can’t get enough of it! The atmosphere is so comfortable and welcoming — the perfect place to relax and enjoy a meal. The food? Always top-notch. Every dish is delicious, beautifully presented, and full of flavour. But what really makes this place special is the staff. Everyone is genuinely friendly and attentive, and they make you feel like a valued guest every time. A huge shoutout to Colin in particular — his warm smile and excellent service always brighten up my visit. He’s one of the main reasons I keep returning! If you’re looking for great food, a lovely environment, and truly heartfelt service, Benefit Restaurant is the place to go. 10/10, will definitely be back next month!

Lovely food and fab service Fish and chips and lasagne absolutely lovely

After seeing videos of ladies saying the spa wasn't nice, we thought we would still go anyways..On arrival lady was lovely, she showed us where to go,told us the hot tubs were on,an outside one and 2 inside, one of them inside wasn't up to temperature so we jumped in the other one which was lovely and hot..but after half hour of been in it,we noticed scum forming around the edges..the sauna was nice,but at the end when we went to get changed, wasn't nowhere to put the towels robes,like a bin..had to take them back to the lady.we then headed for our afternoon tea,the young lad who was serving us was polite, even if he looked like he was hating life..we asked for no fish, so ended up with ham,along with cheese and tomato..the sandwiches felt a bit stale,and the cakes..The fruit scone was lovely, was warm and got clotted cream and jam which was lovely..we were full so asked for a box to take them home in..which the young lad went to get some and bought them back..My friend bought a drink,so when we left we went to the bar bit to pay,but couldn't find anyone for at least 5 mins..I went upstairs to find a housekeeper as we were in a hurry to get off.Finally someone turned up to take our payment. I thought 30 pound for the spa and afternoon tea was good,but if we had to pay anymore I'm not sure wether it would be worth the money..Just feel the whole of hallgarth, needs updating ..

Myself and daughter had a spa day with afternoon tea. My back massage was really good and my daughter loved her facial! Spa was good, plunge pool not in use but didn’t bother us. We tried the outside hot tub which was a good experience. Would be better with a glass of bubbly and maybe a spot of sunshine. Lovely afternoon tea. Quality cakes and a cheese scone to die for!

The meal was beautiful staff lovely and friendly pub was homely and warm. Unlike weather was snowing then starting to rain. Enjoyed watching manager taking photosof roast dinner and waitress pouring gravy on meal while he took photos The young lass look nerovus but did very well. Highly recommended place be on Sunday for Dinner

I bought a spa day with afternoon Tea for two for my mams birthday. The spa staff were very welcoming and although it was disappointing that the plunge pool wasn't in use the sauna and jacuzzi were nice and we were asked if we wanted our welcome drink with either our afternoon tea or in the spa which we chose to have in the spa. Negatives, the taps in the ladies changing rooms were cold, very unpleasant washing your hands in. Leading on to afternoon tea, after going to reception who gave directions to the restaurant, no one was around but you had to wait to be seated. We had a time slot also no bell or something to alert staff we we there and we waited quite some time before being seated by a very unwelcoming member of staff who seemed annoyed like we'd just interrupted her quiet time. She seemed very cold in personality. We were seated on a 4 person table directly in the strong winter sun, we couldn't see no matter which seat we sat at. We had to ask to be moved, there were also another 2 tables that both sat 2 people free which I didn't understand why she had sat us at a 4 person table anyway. We were very pleasant with her and constantly thanked her when placing down food or drinks etc but still not even a corner of her mouth moved, she never smiled or acknowledged us, so rude. Service was very slow and when she disappeared it was for a long time. Some people book these thing's as a treat, as did I, especially for my mams birthday and her attitude ruined it which was so disappointing. The food was mediocre, dry stale bread on the sandwiches, sausages in blankets and mince pies, obviously Xmas leftovers. The only nice part was the scone, clotted cream and jam.

Great food and great prices highly recommend