Hardwick Bar in County Durham

I was here for an afternoon tea gathering for a large group of persons and I was SO disapppinted with the food and the service. The vegetarian tea had incredibly poor choices. I have had many vegetarian afternoon teas in the north east of England and this was the worst by a long way. Service was also very poor. The setting of this hotel is magnificent but the food and service was well below what you would expect from a hotel of this advertised quality.

It seems to us as regular customers that Hardwick Hall is trying to alienate coffee drinkers. Prices have gone up for a latte (.. small) from £3 to £3.95 in the last few months. At the same time alcoholic drinks have risen out of line with RPI. One tends to have to wait for service far too long (.. particularly about 10am) … and engagement with customers is poor.

Mothers day dinner. We enjoyed the food and it all came out together. What capped this at 3/5 was Charlotte the waitress. Lacking basic customer service skills, poor attitude, felt like any request was a pain to her. When one member of the party asked for a lager, the response was “well what one’’ whilst she opened her mouth and shook her head.

I have recently started to take my mam out for afternoon tea each month as a special treat , after a very difficult year health wise. We were sat in the bar area which was fine by us. The food came out and looked lovely on a three tiered stand. However, the food was just not pleasant to eat at all. Sandwiches- so little filling in the egg one that my mam thought it was bread and butter. Scones - cheese was very stodgy. Fruit was slightly better. Not served warmed which was disappointing. Where’s the attention to detail? Cakes- two were nice . The lemon posset was delicious and the tiny tart was nice . The coconut sponge was dry as a bone and very heavy , the brownie was not nice and the blueberry cake was very dense. When asked if we wanted to have what we left boxed up to take home, we politely declined . Sad to say we won’t be returning. I had high hopes as I had got married here 25 years ago and my parents had celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary here too many years ago. I wasn’t asked if everything had been ok or I would have mentioned my disappointment there and then rather than writing a negative review.

Went to the hotel to meet up with a friend I’d not seen since primary school. He was staying there for 3 nights. The plan was to have food and catch up. Ordered two coffees which we waited for and they were ‘plonked’ on the table without a smile or a word. After having coffee we decided to order food at the bar and had to find ourselves a Lounge Bar menu . These were few and far between menus and eventually with the help of another guest offering us one from their table, we decided to go for some food from the ‘light bite ‘ menu. We made our choices and went to the bar to order. The bar lady told us we’d have to wait as she needed to put some cutlery out! When she came back and we gave her our choices, we were told we couldn’t order from the Lite Bite menu as it finished at 6 pm and the till would not take our order !? She offered us the Rib Room menu which was lacking in choice for me as I have certain food intolerances and it was very expensive. I asked if they could make an exception and serve something from the Lite Bite menu which would suit the food intolerance I suffer from. Given short shrift and told no. Consequently we left and went to eat elsewhere. My friend had encountered similar reactions from staff from the moment he checked in and asked to speak to a manager. Obviously his words went over their heads as he kept encountering unhelpful and abrupt team members! The hotel from the outside looks impressive but leaves much to be required from in terms of proper hospitality. Staff training and Customer Care are obviously not a priority if my experience is anything to go by. I will certainly not be going back in a hurry.

Called ahead to book Sunday lunch today. We arrived and after a short wait were shown to our table. After waiting 30 minutes I decided to go to the bar to order drinks for our table as we could not draw the attention of the service staff. I requested a second glass for the water which was put on our table and this never arrived. Our first course arrived some 1hr 20 minutes after arriving at the Hardwick and I must say it was fantastic. Really looking forward to the main course at this point. Sunday roasts arrive sometime after the first course. Food looked great. Taste was far from great. The red wine gravy I personally found quite buttery tasting, roast potatoes either reheated or cooked possibly in a chip fryer. The serving of beef was good but the expectations I had of the dining experience here was not lived up too. Floor staff need to be focused and more attentive to the clientele. Final course was not tried today mainly because of the wait time and the buttery red wine gravy was not too pleasant on the tummy.

Great service from Sam today providing drinks on time and with a friendly manner, he is a credit to this establishment

We booked a table for lunch as recently found out that my Dad was born here. Absolutely stunning building and grounds. Staff were so friendly and helpful and the food was absolutely delicious. The lunch menu had a great choice as did the specials board. The portion sizes were very generous and good prices for the quality served. We all enjoyed our meals and would definitely return if in the area again - maybe staying in the hotel too. Other guests around us had the afternoon tea which also looked nice. A really lovely place to visit - definitely recommend.

Booked afternoon tea to celebrate my mums 90th birthday. When we arrived the manager said they had set us up in an alcove in the bar which I wasn’t happy about as wanted something special. They said they had weddings on and had nowhere else to put us. They should not have accepted the booking if that was the case. There were 7 adults a 4 year old and 2 babies squashed around 3 metal bar tables with hardly any room to put the food. It was just horrible and the waitress was so miserable. The manager did apologise if our day was spoilt but that was no consolation when your 90 mum is in tears as she knew it was not the day I had planned. I emailed them on the Sunday after our visit and over a week later have not heard from them. Disgusting customer service

Venues, that use terms like "Luxury" and "Stunning Lounge", are portraying an image, while raising expectations to prospective customers. There is no way, either of those terms above are fitting for Hardwick Hall. We booked an Afternoon Tea online and to our surprise, were not expected at the venue (despite having an e-mail confirmation). Despite, very few customers being in the bar and none in the lounge, as we walked through the lounge, we could not see any tables that did not have dirty plates/glasses on them. As an afterthought, we were placed on table for 2, despite being a party of 3. The table was next to the door and dusty. We asked to move to a larger table, which would accommodate the party of 3 and of course, the they were all dirty. Firstly the dust for a "luxury" and "Stunning" venue, had been there for some time. There were food crumbs all over the floor and chairs (we had to brush the chairs, before we could sit on them) and we were so genuinely concerned about what we may be served, given we were not expected and the standard of the front of house, we chose to leave. This is a venue with much potential, but the building is tired and now being left to fall into a poor state and i suspect that it will erode until the business fails. It needs a strong manager and salaries for a cleaning team, that match customer expectations.

Booked afternoon tea for much long awaited catch up and first occasion out after covid . Been booked for couple of weeks received two e mails to confirm booking at 2.00 ,only to be told once got there sorry the systems not working afternoon tea isn't all till 4.00 and then walked away . Disgraceful service, not willing to help or organise anything got told you can have Sunday lunch or rearrange . To be honest if I had wanted Sunday lunch I would have booked for that! and we didn't want to wait two hours . We then had to rearrange a taxi to pick us back up and take us somewhere else for afternoon tea. For a large hotel iam astonished that you couldn't organise something or at least have a sincere apology . I won't be returning !

Walked in at 3pm. We were asked to log in on the covid app and take a seat. We were told someone would come to serve us at the table. Sat for 15 minutes and watched 2 members of staff wash glasses whilst a 3rd member of the team played with the till. Eventually gave up and walked out, obviously did not want our custom. Noted that only another 3 tables were in use so they were hardly rushed off their feet. Oh well won't be rushing back.

So we had made a reservation for a special birthday afternoon tea. At the time of booking, payment was made on the phone. A friendly young lad greeted us and showed us to our table. After a lengthy wait the tea was served. The selection of sandwiches and cakes and scones was good. There was just one tiny sausage roll per person and so if you like more savoury, this is not for you. The coffee was lukewarm and we asked for a hot replacement. The replacement was no warmer. We asked for milk and we asked for butter. All in all it was OK. Hardwick Hall is the most beautiful setting and the bar area had a relaxed ambience. That was until we were ready to leave and the young lad discreetly asked us if we were ready to settle the bill. There was no bill to settle as it was all prepaid. From that point, the whole experience went downhill. The other bar person was a girl who shouted across the bar at us that we hadn’t paid! It was highly embarrassing to be addressed like that in front of other customers. Eventually she found that we had indeed paid but there was not the slightest hint of an apology from her. After complaining to management, we have been advised that they are a little ‘rusty’ after being closed so long in view of Covid. This is not an acceptable excuse. My advice would be to find somewhere else for afternoon tea. There are other afternoon teas out there which offer more value for money and where you can receive impeccable customer service without being accused of not paying the bill. We won’t be back.

Unfortunately we did not enjoy our visit. We ordered afternoon tea and the waitress who served our table seemed More than miserable. We had a few issues including the random selection of sandwiches that was brought out (we knew it was a selection before as we looked at the menu, however the sandwiches we received were different from the menu advertised). The manager was very helpful however and offered to make another kind of sandwich. We enjoy going for afternoon tea and trying new places but this time we left feeling Unimpressed, I would go as far to say it was the worst afternoon tea we have had. I am still struggling to see how these items can warrant a price of £34. Especially when two Sunday dinners would have cost us under £26. We eat half of it, we weren’t enjoying it so left the rest. We paid the bill with the same miserable waitress, she did not ask if everything was ok with our food and appeared very unapproachable. Due to this we felt uncomfortable mentioning our disappointment, we just paid and left.

Excellent place for a Sunday afternoon pint. Friendly atmosphere, football on in the background, great beer, great time.

I am glad I did not read these terrible reviews before eating here I can only think it has either had a massive transformation or the bad reviews refer to something different to our experience. We are booked to stay at the hotel soon so thought we would have a taster the staff couldn’t have been friendlier or more helpful we sat in the quieter area a member of staff moved chairs around to accommodate us our order was taken and the service was fantastic. The food was delicious everything piping hot well cooked and beautifully presented. The staff were attentive nothing was to much trouble they even helped with information about forthcoming events. We had a delicious meal with excellent service and at a reasonable price sat in lovely surroundings please visit and make up your own minds I would have been put off had I read the reviews before visiting I would recommend this restaurant every time

We were at a xmas event today within the grounds of the hotel. During the lunch break many event attendees ventured Into the public bar in search of lunch, dodging the outdoor food vendors as it was a chilly day. Ultimately we tucked into a couple of hot sandwiches and chips, would rate as average pub food, side salad was the highlight. What was really disappointing was the tone and attitude of staff at the bar. One gruff barlady took great pleasure in turning away a young girl who had booked afternoon tea - unfortunately she'd made the booking online at a hotel with a very very similar name approx 10miles away, the girl was shocked and embarrassed - I think she was treating her mam to a day out. She was told she wasnt booked, couldn't be booked and should have checked more closely. To reinforce her error the bar lady claimed they get 'people like her' every day getting it wrong. Embarrassing and cruel. Next up a chap in a jaunty xmas jumper appears behind the bar with a look of horror. Flapping that 'this wasn't in the plan' and that 'you lot should be eating outside' (public bar remember) he went on to loudly ask 'are you lot Believers' ? (Believe being the title of the xmas event) to then even more loudly proclaim ' well we do NOT believe!' He thought he was funny, nobody was laughing including the staff - kids in earshot were confused and upset. A really rather vile performance by the staff today, accept they may have been caught a bit off guard with a spike in numbers but that should really have been anticipated as ticket sales were known.

This was a birthday meal, how disappointed we were, having asked specifically that garlic should not be present, after waiting three quarter hours we had to chase up our order the waitress was totally disinterested. Meal eventually arrived obviously it had been forgotten the food was appalling tinned potatoes and after specifically making sure no garlic there was garlic present, very dangerous they are not listening to requests. My husband had the fish and chips so burnt it couldn't be eaten. Sorry must try better.

Wow we’re do I start!So I booked afternoon tea over a month in advance as I wanted to do something nice with my mam before I have my baby. I received a phone call last week saying that they were cancelling my booking due to a last minute wedding. Leaving me with just under a week to find somewhere else and it had to be the same weekend as I’m booked in for a c section this Monday. I asked to speak to the manager who was ....nice. She explained that the wedding party weren’t very nice people and they have cancelled it for my own benefit. If you knew the wedding party wasn’t nice would you really want them at your hotel? She then goes on to say the wedding is actually a travellers wedding and apparently we all know what they are like. Well to me i felt that was a disgusting comment to make and it filled me with anger I explained to the lady that the comment she just made was extremely disrespectful and also discriminating. She then changed her tune and agreed to allow me to have my afternoon tea. So when we get there we were sneaked in threw the back room to avoid the wedding. Then we’re put in the darkest room ever with the snottiest woman serving ever! My mam wasn’t best pleased the lady turned around and said ‘I’d there a problem like’. If I didn’t laugh i would of cried. We were then given our food and things and everything was okay but the lady was ready for us to leave so we decided to leave with a bad taste in our mouths. Never again!

I booked a table for four, with the incredibly easy to use online facility, for afternoon tea on New Year’s Eve at 5pm. I had electronic confirmation of the booking and I had to change a small section of the booking, so had a telephone conversation with Hardwick Hall too.Unfortunately, this was the end of the great service and the rest of our experience was beyond horrific. We arrived, excited at the prospect of a lovely event, at the main reception desk to be told to go through to the bar where Amy would deal with us. We entered the bar to be met by who will now be called ‘Mr Rabbit in Headlights.’He looked terrified on my request for afternoon tea but said -follow me. He took us through a lively bar which led into an empty room, totally devoid of atmosphere. We sat uncomfortably down. Then another man approached – ‘Mr I cannot deal with the public, general manager’- and launched into -sorry for the lack of atmosphere, we do not usually take bookings for NYE. Perplex I responded with -but we booked? -Yes, yes- he replied -it must have slipped through the system. -But I had telephone conversations about it. Yes, yes it’s ok -He said and wandered off. Now we felt totally cringey and uncomfortable and a tad embarrassed. Mr Rabbit in Headlights issued menus, with the reassurance that we could have everything on the menu, he was only issuing them for our information. We ordered drinks and on his return he asked us what we wanted on the menu. Confused I replied -But I thought we could have everything?-Yes of course he said. Another layer of cringey, uncomfortable embarrassment was added.Drinks arrived as requested and things began to look up. However this was not particularly appetising: Mismatched crockery: Complete lack of atmosphere: The time ticked on and at 5.40 we reminded them we were waiting for food. Part of it came at 5.45. We also reminded them that cream, jam and butter were missing. When they arrived the butter was frozen and it was whipped cream not clotted. However on a positive note, the second batch of cream ordered was clotted. A CD player was bought in, which was a thoughtful touch until the bootlegged CD got stuck and fun, fun, fun continually played for a few minutes until we turned it off. Towards the end of the sandwiches, scones and cakes the pigs in blankets and what looked like ravaged minced pies appeared: At this point we were teetering on the edge of reason. Mr Rabbit in Headlights looked terrified when asked and what are we supposed to do with these now as we have finished eating? He froze, we waited and then knowing the poor bloke had no real authority (or skills), we asked for the general manager. To his utter relief he immediately said yes of course and almost ran in the direction of anywhere but here. We waited. And waited again. A lovely waitress (Ms Initiative) did pop over and ask if we were ok. We explained that we had asked for the manager, she replied that she was aware of this but was hoping to help in any way she could. She was then joined by Ms I have been sent to the Slaughter by the General Manager. The general manager had sent the bar manager to sort out our issues. He had reached ‘Mr I cannot deal with the public’ pitch. She started her negotiation with ‘It is complimentary’.Which went a long way to calm us all down. The complete lack of support by the general manager to his staff was clearly the underlying problem with the whole establishment. I have had some lovely times at Hardwick Hall but these are times that are sadly over. I would not recommend anyone to go there as the treatment of us on what should have been a lovely event was disgraceful.

Ayer, mi esposa y yo tuvimos que esperar casi una hora para este establecimiento sirve un simple pollo, a pesar de ser nada para sugerir que la cocina sería ocupado. Este era molesto, pero lo que realmente me estaba maravillado la excusa extraña el camarero ofrecido. Aparentemente, todos sus ingredientes son frescos y este solo explicó el retraso. Para ser justos, el camarero añadió que el chef había reconoció que el pollo" por alguna razón 'había tomado un poco más de lo habitual para cocinar. Ya estaba el tema de la frescura, lo único que puedo suponer esto fue porque el ingrediente era especialmente fresco en esta ocasión -tal vez tuvieron problemas para coger el de soltera en primer lugar. Cuando le pregunté al camarero si él amablemente volver a la cocina para obtener una explicación más plausible del chef, él simplemente andando. Más tarde, cuando mi pago, reiteró la mantra que debe esperar un retraso de al menos 20 minutos cuando la comida recién hecha. Parece que estaba siendo irrazonable por no apreciar que una horas de retraso simplemente califica como 'al menos veinte minutos.Yo no vuelve. La experiencia había sido demasiado raro para mí.

Decidimos tener un almuerzo ya que nuestra habitación no estaba lista en el hotel. Tenía la carne y cebolla ciabatta. Fue precioso el bistec agradable y tierna y la salsa muy sabrosa. Servido con ensalada de col y algunos. No gran parte pero suficiente para un aperitivo rápido. No es barato en £6. 95 pero no abusivos, como en algunos hoteles.

A good menu, available for much of the day, provided enough choices for difficult decisions to be made. Well priced and efficient service . Afternoon tea is also available and it looks sumptuous

Hemos estado en el hall para té de la tarde Hardwick numerosas veces en el pasado, no porque disfrutamos de su antipático y grosero personal... en realidad solo uno hombre en particular... que trabaja en el bar y nos han servido el té de la tarde numerosas veces en el pasado pero debido a que a menudo caminar por el parque y los bollos solía ser bueno.La última tarde del domingo porque era un día glorioso, mi marido y yo estábamos en el parque a dar un paseo y decidimos tomar el té por la tarde en el bar. Ya hemos estado allí en el pasado, sabíamos que no se llevaron a nuestros asientos o preguntaron que iban a tener.Después de pedir un helado de Té con té y otro té para mí nos sentamos a esperar. Después de unos 15 minutos nos dijeron que no había más bollos así que son hornear algunos y será más o menos 10-15 minutos. Nos dijo que estaba bien.Cuando finalmente la merienda (2 bollos y una porción de tarta de limón), nos quedamos horrorizados que tenían la cara de servir Scones en condiciones a sus clientes. ...Uno bollo era muy pequeña, capaz de ser comido en un trago y era ligeramente quemada o bien muy de color marrón, el otro bollo era un poco más grande, pero está bien!Sabemos que han cambiado su menú y quizás incluso su chef de pastelería, pero por £8,95 por 2 bollos en miniatura, una porción de tarta y té fue extremadamente decepcionante!!!!! Trataremos de evitar ese lugar en el futuro.

Visitamos aquí para una cena temprano. El menú cambia a las 6 de la tarde a el menú de noche, y había una buena selección a precios razonables. Fui para el paté de pato y luego la ensalada Cesar con pollo, que eran muy buenos. El pollo estaba recién preparado y muy tierno. Mi esposa tenía el cóctel de gambas y luego el pescado y las patatas fritas. Estos eran deliciosos y bien presentados, pero sólo dos pequeños trozos de pescado. El servicio era rápido y amable. El bar estaba animado con mucha actividad, hubiera sido mejor si los huéspedes registran estaban más fuertemente dirigidos a utilizar la entrada principal - muchos casos sacar por el bar.

Así que cuando un amigo y yo necesitaba una buena ponerse al día, pensé que podría haber contado con Hardwick Hall Hotel para ofrecer un buen té de la tarde, aunque esto no fue el caso.En primer lugar, cuando llegamos no había personal para recibirnos o indicarnos dónde necesitamos ir. Así que estábamos paseando por el edificio por unos 10 minutos, podríamos haber sido cualquiera. Estos días, siento que es importante para un edificio más grande que tienen de seguridad, ya que cualquier cosa puede pasar!En segundo lugar, finalmente fueron "indicó" en la dirección correcta por un miembro del personal particularmente desagradable. Nos sentamos en una particular, los miembros del personal, que al principio era muy entusiasta pero, con el paso del tiempo esta rodeado por sarcástico y molesto ...Así que después de una espera de 45 minutos, finalmente nos dieron nuestro té de la tarde para que nos dimos cuenta de que teníamos que rodea la casa pequeña 1 y 2 pequeños bocadillos, todos con grizzly rellenos de carne. Luego tuvimos dos pequeños bollos y una pequeña jarra rellenos de mermelada y nata para los bollos, con otras 2 pequeños pasteles cada una. Mi amigo y yo tenía un bocado de cada sándwich y pasteles y dejó un montón de comida, a lo que habría sido señalada por los 3 camareras que quedó y hablado. Estoy seguro de que nos ofrecieron una selección de tés alternativos sobre 5 veces.Nos habían terminado y nos sentamos para unos 15 minutos y empezó a salir del edificio cuando nos dimos cuenta de que no habíamos pagado. No había personal allí para ayudarnos a dónde ir, así que allí estábamos paseando alrededor del edificio. Cuando finalmente nos mostraron la zona a pagar, resumimos nuestro tiempo al miembro del personal que no se disculpó pero en cambio dijo: "estamos normalmente dicho a nuestros el tamaño de las porciones son demasiado grande"!!En resumen, nos sentimos decepción con la comida que se servía para nosotros, la amabilidad del personal y la limpieza de sus uniformes, y la relación calidad-precio. Yo estaba mirando a asistir al Festival de langosta/ball más tarde en el año, pero este asunto con el lugar me ha dado ninguna confianza en regresar.

Good food at reasonable prices and all well presented by pleasant staff. We had a private dining room which easily accommodated 30 people.

For starter i had the Belly Pork served with coleslaw,really delicious and plenty,then i had the Fillet steak with tomatoes,mushrooms and onions with a blue cheese sauce,again delicious and cooked to perfection.If you want chips that was extra.

Booked a table for afternoon tea well in advance to celebrate a birthday. Day ruined, atrocious service, waited over hour for food, received one cup of tea but milk took another 15 minutes to arrive. Vegetarian food mixed with meat and fish. If Vegan don't even think of this hotel unless you want a plate of lettuce leaves.

Nos alojamos en el hotel para el fin de semana, y durante toda la estancia no había ale porque la bomba de mano el bar poseía estaba roto. Un gran número de personas de nuestro grupo estaban privados de una buena cerveza para beber. Para un bar que estaba totalmente equipados para 5 en bodas y otras numerosas funciones durante el fin de semana, puede que te han pensado acerca de cómo instalar una segunda bomba de mano.

Had some difficulty spotting the bar as it was not at all well illuminated - and (when we did find it) next to a brightly-lit Indian restaurant. Not a very imposing entrance. But a very warm welcome immediately we walked into the bar and were soon supplied with drinks.A comprehensive menu including a page of Thai food (we had Groupon vouchers for half-price meals from the Thai selection).Very efficient staff - the food was plentiful, nutritious and enjoyable.Although we only had two Thai meals (I opted for Steak and Ale pie - definitely not Thai!) I was surprised the bill for a starter and three main courses and drinks was only £17.

We are never disappointed when we eat here it is always an excellent experience, staff are always accommodating and so friendly. we had steak today which was delicious. I can't fault anything.

Called by with a friend for lunch, so wish I hadnt.To begin with it wasnt the best greeting,the barman came across as a real misery.I ordered a Coffee, it tasted like it had been stewed, my friend ordered tea, she said it wasnt the best!Our lunch arrived sandwiches with salad and coleslaw. The coleslaw tasted and smelt disgusting. Food was sent back to the kitchen, where we were told 'yes the coleslaw was off, it must have just turned'! Well to say I was horrified was an understatement. All we got was an apology! I left my details for the manager to contact me, suffice to say Im still waiting. We left feeling very sick and hugely disappointed and went elsewhere for lunch. The area where the Boyne suite is smelt as though a dog had been sleeping there! SMELLY! Will not be visiting again!