The Stables Restaurant in County Durham

It's been so long since I was last here, well before lockdown.The place had the same feel, nice courtyard if you want to enjoy a drink outside and lovely decor inside, very inkeeping with the buildings original use. Staff greeted us on arrival & were very friendly and polite throughout our visit too.Unfortunately they no longer have their own onsite brewery and therefore their own beers are no longer available, I was devastated. They do keep other real ales/handpull but it's not the same.I was with family today, there were 5 of us. I booked a table on line, which was remarkably easy, I even amended the booking to change our arrival time, which again was hassle free.Apart from myself and dad, everyone went for fish and chips. We were all amazed at the portion size and everyone enjoyed it although the food took +half an hour to arrive.I went for a philly Cheese steak panini with fries which was Iovely and just enough. Dad went for a ham n cheese sandwich with chips, he enjoyed but I think he was looking at my panini

Reviewed as part of a dinner, bed and breakfast deal.The Stables is set in a beautiful location, if it’s sunny then the courtyard is a wonderful place to sit with a couple of drinks. Inside is also very cozy.We are local, so have visited here many times in the past, before lockdown.I will get my ‘negatives’ out of the way first, as these are more personal and may not be of huge help to others.In the past, I have loved the various boxes of scrumpy type cider on offer here…. this time I was disappointed to only have Magners, Strongbow or a huge array of fruit ciders to choose from (which I’m not overly keen on). My husband was disappointed that the microbrewery didn’t seem to be brewing any more. He was looking forward to a Silver Buckles after our walk.The ‘positives’.The menu at the Stables quite literally has something for everyone and it is very well labelled for anyone with dietary requirements. I found, with my food intolerances (I need gluten free vegan to cover everything), the staff went above and beyond to accommodate. We got a 3 course meal with our package, which included all items from the normal menu - everything brought out to us was beautifully presented and tasted nice.Breakfast, again with my awkward dietary requirements, was well accommodated. The chef put together an amazing, filling plate of goodness. I was quite literally taken aback by what appeared in front of me. My husband enjoyed his full English also.A great dining experience, for us only let down by drinks. Other than that I would rate 5 stars.

First time visiting and pretty underwhelmed. My wife found a piece of metal filing in her soup and my starter was nice on paper but pretty bland then my main came out cold and had to ask 3 times for cutlery to eat my food . Lovely hotel but the restaurant needs major improvements we were given a round of drinks for free which I thank them for but for such a high end restaurant it needs a serious review of quality

We had a really lovely lunch outside in the sunshine. We had a chicken wrap and a falafel wrap, both extremely tasty and served with coleslaw and chips. There was no problem with gluten free, we’ll be back soon!

Beautiful outdoor terrace for al fresco dining leads into the indoor dining tastefully done throughout. Staff so polite and friendly well informed on the dishes no longer available before you broused over the menu. The food from starters through main to dessert, amazingly presented and tasted delicious

This is probably the best restaurant in the area. It looks very nice inside and out. The staff are lovely, very attentive.The food was gorgeous, I had the chicken Caesar salad, which was massive.The prices are totally acceptable and it’s comfortable seating.The car park is a bit rough; stoney and muddy in parts. But that’s fine, the venue is pretty.I’ve been here a couple of times with my family and will continue to, ideal for small gatherings and catch-ups.

Prawn cocktailSirloin steak, fries, Diana sauceCheese boardIrish coffeeNot such a good steak, mushroom sauce not goodSorted by staff

Food was great! Wonderful drinks menu! Staff were the best I have come across in a restaurant for a very long time! Very welcoming and friendly.

Lovely food and warm atmosphere. Although the menu is limited in choice for vegetarians and vegans, what there is to choose from is diverse enough to cater for different tastes and beautifully cooked and presented. A subtle use of ingredients combine to deliver an explosion of flavours unrivalled by many restaurants. Highly recommended.

The food is fabulous! I had the Super Wholefood salad with Pea and Mint falafals....divine!! The Sticky toffee pudding was to die for. The service is very good, the staff friendly and attentive. Great selection of wine