The Chequers Inn

Clair, Darlington

Unfortunately The Chequers seems to have gone rather downhill since the above recommendations were written in 2006. WE visited last Saturday night and were surprised at how empty the restaurant was for a Saturday night. The food was average rather than being special and the portions not overly generous. The waiting staff were friendly but all appeared very inexperienced. What was also off-putting was the sheer amount of 'stuff' hanging from the ceiling, walls, and on shelves which made the place feel very claustrophobic indeed and certainly not a classy venue.

Lancashire Lad

Excellent country pub with very good customer care. interesting menu including kangaroo. food first class...will definitely go back next time in the area. Lancashire Lad

A. Good Eater

Possible the best landlord I have ever encountered; charismatic, welcoming, charming and very good fun. After a great welcome we sat in the lounge where the charming atmosphere and friendly people and staff made is feel like village locals. The food is great, something a bit different than what you would expect from a small village pub. We thoroughly enjoyed, will definitely return and shall be shouting their praises to all of our friends.

John

Have just returned from our first evening visit to The Chequers Inn. And what a night! The place was packed, with that thriving, jostling atmosphere that I thought had gone from village pubs for good. How pleasant to join the merry throng at the bar, to chat to the jolly locals and find staff that are enjoying themselves rushing about, whilst still finding time to talk. In particular we all enjoyed seeing the landlord at the helm, obviously a master at work. How rare it is now to find a good old fashioned landlord who wants to talk to you, is charming and enjoys a laugh (a smile is getting rare nowadays in many establishments!) whilst keeping the busy pub running. We found all of the staff faultless, from the friendly bar staff to the lovely young waitresses. The food was good homecooked fare, which despite the packed restaurant we did not wait for. We have enjoyed a thoroughly pleasant evening. The atmosphere of a location really does change the whole night, creating (as we have found tonight) groups from which the laughter rings out, and everyone exchanges smiles and witticisms as they pass. Well worth recommending.

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