Reviews in County Durham

We came for my parents wedding anniversary on say 31st August and overall had a lovely time. They were very accommodating to our requests and the food was lovely. However when it came to the Deserts it was a bit of a disaster We had pre ordered our food and the desserts still took about 40 mins to arrive. Some of it was just kids ice cream ! I got given someone else's ice cream and , as above, they just took ages to come out. They said it was because they didn't know what they wanted us to have the sticky toffee pudding with (ice cream etc) but this wa snot an option on the menu otherwise we would have pre ordered what we wanted with it

Been many times in the past and always enjoyed it. Last night I was disappointed as waited 90 minutes for food, with no warning or updates on delays, having to ask for updates twice before receiving food. Both of us had fish, mine was Seabass which looked more like smoked kippers it was that overcooked and dry. Totally ruined a beautiful fish and our night after a long day. We had booked a table for 6.30pm and didn't get food until 8.15pm, which is a disgrace. When asking for updates was given a number of excuses......"it's busy for a Tuesday", "we only have a few chefs", "we didn't expect it tobe this busy". All lies as there were a number of people arrived after us, ate and left. The reality was that our order was forgotten about though excuses were still given. The staff were very apologetic and firstly offered the cost of my meal to be taken off the bill, though when we questioned what about my friend who had also waited 90 minutes they later came back and said we could have 20% off each, barely £7 in total, absolute joke. In the end after further discussion they removed the cost of my main meal (still paying for sides and drink they provided for the wait), though nothing for my friend. Appalled at the food, the wait and the excuses. I will not be returning and after last night will not be recommending.

On the night I ate at the hotel it was akin to Fawlty Towers. Everyone seemed to wait ages for their food. Orders were muddled. Food came but appropriate cutlery did not Dressings, sauces etc were not offered by young staff and incorrect drinks were being delivered. The Hotel Inspector would have had a field day. The youngsters were pleasant but lacked training and real interest in delivering what the patrons would need. One diner ordered pie, after twenty minutes a non pie chicken dish was delivered. The young waiter went away with it and proudly announced he'd found the right person for it. 25 minutes later the guest had to ask when his main course was coming. The nice lady in charge was frequently missing apparently having to run between the kitchen, dining room and reception for some bizarre reason. When I paid the next day two glasses of wine were missing from my bill. I pointed that out and paid the correct amount. Many wouldn't have bothered. The receptionist said they'd been having problems with the tills for ages. Such a shame as the food was okay. However the eating area needs masses of artwork on the walls and better lighting. It had the atmosphere of a care home eating area.

Despite booking and having confirmation we were not expected. Starter of squid was very over Service was slow and we noticed people who had ordered before us were served after us. Service so slow we didn't order pudding. Shame it is usually much better that this!!!

Food was absolutely beautiful, lovely friendly staff, would definitely recommend

Lovely restaurant, great service, food was nice but not great. Risotto and Pasta, smothered in sauce and bland, but still tasty and very passable 4/5

Fantastic food even though we went on the special 3 for £10 night, staff were amazing and a really pleasant atmosphere

Really delicious lunch. Couldn’t beat 3 courses for £10 lunch. The staff are also delightful. We’ll be back

Great food, good atmosphere, good service in city centre location. Wide choice of dishes well presented and very tasty. Will go back next time we are in Durham.

Fab food and service as always warm and welcoming parmos are outta this world my all time fav

Always lovely here. The staff are great. The service is fast and efficient. The food is always very good and the price is very reasonable. Definitely recommend eating here. I’m a regular.

10/10!!!!❤️

Second time we have visited as a family for Sunday lunch. This time decided to go for the 3 course deal as we didn’t last time and portion sizes were tiny. Starter, lovely. Roasts, meat was nice, a lot more mash than last time. Veg was horrible Menu states kids roast £6.50. Was charged £8.95. When we queried this we were at the bar with two children. Manager said take the difference off just one of the kids meals. The other child did actually have an adults meal. But manager obviously thought different. Why should we have to pay more for their mistake. If something is priced on a menu that should be the price you should pay. No apology, nothing. Menu also stated £2 supplements for the brownie we were charged £3. I don’t trust this pub anymore. You should have to scan through a bill to make sure you’ve not been over charged. We’ve been here twice and twice this has been an issue with several things on the bill per time incorrect. We did want to try the main menu but I don’t think we will return again now.

Good food, good service - well worth coming back!

First time me and my fiancee have been here and we'll definitely come back again.. Easy parking, lovely atmosphere, and the food is superb We would definitely recommend the sea bass and also the gammon steak All food cooked fresh, The chips are home made and taste beautiful Well priced food and no over priced drinks Well done to all

We were on a return visit after a poor experience. Afternoon tea was still the same poor selection that we received on the first visit, which did not match what we had been sold. In fact it was a cheap substitute. Waitress was lovely and understood our disappointment on explaining the situation. Shame nobody else responded when I fed this back 5 days ago. Oswalds restaurant is also old and worn. You enter the hotel to lovely surroundings and as you walk through you can see the visible change to worn and tired, it’s all front show. Will not be returning and could not recommend.

As always, great food, good value, friendly and attentive service, and lovely atmosphere and setting, great local business

Party of 5 had really nice 3course lunch would definitely go back again