Spice Lounge in County Durham

Absolutely beautiful food would 100% recommend this restaurant. Portion size is very generous. Staff are very nice and helpful

A cold wet Wednesday evening in BA and 5 years since our last visit to this restaurant and it is clearly struggling, like most of the town centre, to survive. The food and service were excellent with some interesting variations on the standard “Indian” restaurant menu favourites. If you’re in the area do visit- you won’t regret it!

Great staff..Great meal except for plain nan. Resembled a flat crisp...no stretch..just crumbled..staff informed of my disappointment. Apology given but the lack of a fluffy stretchy nan spoiled our experience a little

Having heard mixed reviews, I was dubious about visiting this restaurant. I shouldn’t have worried. The food was excellent and the staff were brilliant.

Beautiful restaurant really nice setting Food was so tasty Will be definitely returning to try more dishes Staff were very nice and polite

Last night at 8.25pm we went to Spice Lounge only to be told they were closing. We use this restaurant often and to be turned away very rudely means we shall never go again. The attitude of the two members of staff, was terrible sneering at me when I told them I wouldn't go back. Would I go back - no not even if I was paid to go.

We had 2 take aways over the Christmas season, both times the food was delicious. Cannot fault it. It would be nice if they started to do the specials nights again. Happy new year

Had a meal here last week with my wife and a friend.We have eaten here several times over the years and I must say,the food last week was as good as I ever eaten.Lovely,spicy chicken etc,very friendly staff.Highly recommended.

Ordered two main portion king prawn puree( take away) and am absolutely disgusted with the size ( no bigger than the starter version ( apart from a couple of extra prawns) not only were these the tiniest main courses i have seen but the rest of the order was wrong too! We ordered 4 puree and only got 3, ordered poppadoms with mango chutney and got no mango chutney, instead we got the dip that comes with onion bhajis. What upset me most though was the customer service when I called to complain, the rude person I spoke to said there was nothing they could do and then put the phone down on me! I did love this restaurant but unfortunately will not use again! Saffron will be getting all our business.

On the street level it looks a bit small and pokey but it opens up in to a very large dining area which is very well appointed. (and just as well as it was very busy even early on a Saturday evening. Food and service was great but best of all was the personal attention of the owner who went out of his way to ensure that we would not only have a great meal but gave lots of tips for maximising the visit to the wonderful Bishop Auckland. Popidoms were VERY fresh - which is often the guide to what's to come. Mains were excellent. Good choice for vegetarians.

Visited tonight for the first time in about 5 years. Moved back into the area and was really looking forward to visiting as it was my go to Indian restaurant. Evening didn’t start well having to pass through a nicotine fog from about 6 smokers gathered outside. They returned to their seats a short time later. Several of their party continued to walk up and down the restaurant and enter the toilets. No masks in evidence. Indeed one of the waitresses seem incapable of wearing her mask correctly. Rant over , now to the food. Oh dear what has happened here ? Not so much as gone downhill but tumbled off a cliff edge , Totally agree with the other reviewer who suggested “Uncle Bens “ rice. Overcooked and bland. My wife’s special mixed grill consisted of chicken which was chewy and stringy. Along with what looked like two lamb kebab starters. You serve lamb chops as a starter, why not include them. Served in a bowl and smothered in sauce. Far too salty . Credit to them they offered a replacement which again was totally over salted. No one actually enquired if that was ok. My chicken balti was full of nice tandoori chicken however again the sauce was over salted leaving a nasty aftertaste. On the whole probably about 3/10 nice onion Bhaji and naan . Absolutely gutted how much it has declined whilst I’ve been away. Time to find a new “local” Indian restaurant. Shame.

Second visit to this restaurant as the first was really good, this time was the complete opposite, service was very slow to say the restaurant was only half full, a long black hair found in my starter which the waiter identified immediately as female because the chef is male so couldn’t be his then the mains arrived after another long wait, incorrect dishes which led to the waiter sifting through the food with a spoon to identify what it was. Shame really it was a decent restaurant with a good reputation but for the money they charge the food needs match the price

I only give one star because, Terrible service, curry & nan bread was awful no taste at all & the rice I’m sure was uncle bens. Bad.

It was a very busy evening as it was the government's 'Eat Out to Help Out' scheme; but the staff were very apologetic and the food was well worth the wait. Even without the scheme it would still have been very good value for money. As a family group we were on holiday staying in West Auckland and we were all extremely satisfied with our meals and would highly recommend.

If you want good Indian food and a decent atmosphere, you can’t go wrong with this place. I’d recommend the garlic chilli chicken balti.

Just eaten here on the eat out to help out scheme. Great service,friendly and helpful. The food was delicious and came out quickky, especially loved the sizzling chicken tikka, great sauces, good portions. Will definitely be back for more.

Visited on Friday 24/07/2020 while visiting sister for the first time in 6 months. The covid check details were taken and we were shown to our seats. Service was done in a timely fashion. 4 of us ate main course only a bottle of red two beers and two pink gin. The bill was £95 in total which I felt was reasonable. The food was hot and tasty. I would definitely visit again

I called up to book a table around 2 hours in advance after we were given the rare & impromptu opportunity of a babysitter so we could go out and celebrate my partner’s birthday. First time out since lockdown etc. so we were very excited! Looking forward to a hearty meal and a few drinks.When we arrived at 8pm, there was only one other table occupied, who left about half way through our meal. We ordered our food and a drink to start. The food came and that was the end of their service. We were given no opportunity to order any other drinks at any stage through the meal. Nobody once came to check how things were, and instead of being offered the dessert menu we were given the bill (without asking) as soon as the plates were whipped away. I get that it’s been a hard time for businesses, and I get that they wanted to close up shop and that our custom on its own wasn’t worth their time. Were it not for that I’d be giving less than three stars. I also should say that the food was nice - we’ve had better but it was a good meal for sure; no complaints there. But it could have been handled so much better. I’m a bit irked that they took the booking so late in the day and yet didn’t mention that they’d had no additional bookings and may have to close up early. Or at the very least, that there was no communication or real service at the time. Just a quick apology would have gone a long way. It’s a shame, especially as it was a birthday celebration, that we found ourselves done, dusted and back out the door within 45 minutes of our arrival. Uncomfortable and disappointing. I wouldn’t have expected them to stay open til their advertised 10pm closing just for us, but just bit of service, another drink during the meal and the option to have a dessert - it would have made the difference between a one-off and potentially a long term customer. I can’t see us ever returning sadly.

The food was a mixed bag. The lamb tikka was tough but the onion bhagi was nice. Poppadums were good but the starters were on the table before we had finished the poppadums. As they took the starter dishes away I asked for a break between courses but the waitress didn't respond. I had a feeling that the main course was ready to serve & 2 minutes later it was being plonked on the table rather roughly. On the whole the food was average.There was no rush to get us out of the restaurant so I don't understand the need to rush the food. It doesn't make for a pleasant dining experience. We paid, didn't leave a tip & wouldn't go back.

Just enjoyed our annual Curry Night at the Spice Lounge. Once again, everything was excellent, the food, the service and the atmosphere. Many many thanks to Issy and his team for another wonderful evennt.

The food is always very good, however the service requires attention. The young staff clearly would rather chat amongst themselves than monitor the customers.

A location close to various parking areas is a good start, which it has.A varied menu, the menu caters to most lovers of spiced meals including fish dishes and meat.My only fault found with Spice Lounge was the accessibility for disabled and wheel- chair users.There is no ramp access, no space to move around in the vicinity and the toilet facilities are a definate no-no.If this problem was identified more, with consideration to a disabled person then I see more customers attending.

Regular visits to the spice lounge, never had a bad meal. Got to know the owner well and he always makes time to talk. Brilliant choice of food and drinks, Wednesday and Sundays are excellent value for the offer. Looking forward to our next visit already!

We had to complain because the food was disgusting. The king prawns were like chewing on a wet flip flop. The ‘meat’ which was unrecognisable was chewy, fatty and bland. We politely raise the issue and was offered a repayment. Given how bad the food was we decided against replacement and the waitress (who was excellent) went and spoke with her manager. After 5 minutes he didn’t acknowledge the complaint and the poor waitress you could tell felt awkward as he wouldn’t doing anything about it. All he had to do was apologise and offer a resolution. Something like ‘your drinks are on us and we hope you come back so we can show you how excellent our food is’. But no, he actually said ‘just get out!’We had been very nice about the issue but he made out we were sexist (truth is he hid behind the waitresses putting them in a uncomfortable) and kicked us out. Food was absolutely disgusting. Management was even worse.

We called in to order a take away on November 1st. The food was exceptional as always. My main reason for posting a review though is to highlight outstanding customer service way beyond expectations. We took our take way home on the bus having had a a few drinks in town. Having got home to Evenwoood, we found that one meal was missing. I phoned the restaurant and even though they don’t do deliveries they brought the meal to the house along with poppadoms, pickles, rice and a voucher.I can’t say thank you enough or recommend this place more highly.Thank you, thank you and thank you again.We live in Derbyshire but will back to visit in December and will be sure to visit and spend our voucher. I have always felt that this is a fabulous restaurant but tonight’s response to a mistake was truly first class and proves that not only the food is in the top league but the people too. If you’re in Bishop go to Spice lounge.

Ate here tonight and it was a massive disappointment. Had been recommended this place by several people. Maybe they’re easily pleased, I dunno. Unfortunately there’s a lack of Indian restaurants in the area so there’s not really anywhere else to go.

We went here based on a recommendation and we weren’t disappointed. The food was fantastic and the service was very good too. We would definitely go back again

Had the 3 course special priced at £11.95, well worth the money, chicken chat starter and chicken tikka sagwaala main both so tasty, had to bring a doggy bag home

Don’t normally post many reviews but after reading some poor reviews on here I feel I must share my experiences. Usually visit on Sunday evenings about six of us and the food is always top notch with lots of chicken and good accompaniments. I have tried quite a lot of different meals on the menu and always found them delicious and good. On all the years I have visited this restaurant I have never had a bad meal and experienced good polite service and the manager is always polite and welcoming. He also runs charity nights on his day off to help the local community. A very generous thing to do. Look forward to my next visit . Highly recommended

Family of 4. 2A 2C. Visited on recommendation from accommodation in Escomb. Tuesday offer buy 1 starter and main, get 1 free. Really tasty. Cheese naan was best I've had In a long time.

I’ve read reviews on here and can’t agree with some. I’ve been here many times and found it great. Food is tasty, fresh and smashing. Staff always great. Had sit in and takeaway here, and always enjoy it

Came here for a birthday celebration meal as a family. Have visited many times in the past - a few years ago this was our favourite local Indian restaurant. All I can say is after the last few visits and the most recent, we will never return again.

We have found that the food is always very good at The Spice Lounge however although the food is always reliable, the service is all too often slow.

Ordered chicken tikka Rogan Josh described as medium to hot - OMG it wasn’t even mild! It smelt off!!!! My wife ordered Chicken Tikka Masala which in here own words “this is very poor and doesn’t taste like masala”.

We have had several takeaways from here over the last couple of years but every time never as nice as previous but tonight ...OMG!

Visited after hearing loads of good things about the place, OMG I was not disappointed at all, food is to die for, staff are friendly and food is reasonably priced. Can’t wair to return

The staff were pleasant, the food was average. There are definitely better restaurants out there. Food was tasty but overpriced for the standard of meal served. We asked for a small bowl of masala sauce for my grandson to put on his rice, (see photo) the dish was tiny and we were charged £4.50 for it. Another thing that lets the restaurant down, is that they do not offer any dessert menu whatsoever. Pretty disappointing and very unusual.

Found this place hidden away and enjoyed a 2 for 1 meal deal offer. Excellent food and service at reasonable prices, especially when on offer.

On entry, I asked if the chef would alter any of the meals to suit me, and was told of course. They made me a prawn Rogan Josh, but spiced it up to make it the hottest dish they ever make, it is not on the menu (It made my eyes water and my nose run, but it was delicious). I would go there again. My partner enjoyed her Tikka as well.

6 in our party. We all had a different meal. All which varies in potency from spiced and aromatic to hot.

We walked in to the restaurant on a Tuesday night not knowing it was buy one get one free, the waitress meet us and took us to the table after she worked miracles reorganising the layout the four of us ordered drinks, then pappadums came so we ordered the food, well what can I say about it other than fantastic, we all ordered different meals the presentation the colours, the whole meal was beautifully presented in the dishes the nan bread was full of garlic, and coriander,

waitresses need training.food is very oily and gave upset stomach.the tandoori mixed grill is well over priced for the few items you get. there is much better out there for simalier prices.

We have visited here numerous times and the food is always amazing, the staff are lovely, the menu is extensive and there is a very well stocked bar! Would 100% recommend, it’s definately the best Indian in the area!

Booked a table of 8 for my daughters 18th, from booking the table the staff were as helpful as possible. I asked for extra room for my dad and it wasn't a problem. The food we ordered was very tasty and piping hot. What more could you ask for. The price was reasonable too, for eight meals and drinks (quite a few drinks) the bill came to an average of £16 per head. Cant wait to go back

We enjoyed dishes from the home style cooking section of the menu and had a lot of fun choosing gin and tonic combinations from the huge selection available - very reasonably priced too.

We were visiting the city and this place was recommended. Was a little out off when I read the latest reviews but we were sick of pub food so decided to give it a go.

Usually a 5* restaurant but tonight was extremely disappointing. Rice had zero flavour and the massala sauce wasnt red and sweet like usual. Not sure why its changed but I'll be trying somewhere else next time

I've visited this restaurant in the past and previously it's been ok. Nothing special - but ok. However we recently visited for a pre booked one-off 'buffet night' which cost £13 per person and had to be paid upfront in cash prior to the night. Well no wonder!

Visited tonight with friends. The starters were ok , but just after the main courses arrived. The waitress spilled drinks between our table and while accidents happen no attempt was made to help dry those customers effected and newspaper was put on the floor which the waitress and customers stepped over it for 20min.

Been here many times but last few times has been disappointing visited with friends in November and with my partner in April. Food was satisfactory but service terrible also must remember to drink bottles next time

My son had a number of people down at the Spice Lounge last night to help raise money for project he is working on in Peru later in the year. I have to say absolutely everyone really enjoyed the food, service and the evening as a whole.

It's been a while since we've ordered from Spice Lounge. With our daughter having a lot of allergies, most of which are ingredients in curries and their dishes, we tend to order if shes not around.

Ordered take out for family of 5 during first wkend visit to Bishop Auckland. We all really enjoyed our meal! No delivery but we were staying close so collected after 50 minutes. 5*

I’m not from the local area so someone recommended here. We came as a group from work. The food was lovely and we had a great time. There’s a lovely atmosphere in this restaurant. The staff were very attentive and the meal was served quickly and was hot and fresh. I’ve since visited again twice and again it was perfect.

I went with friends for a charity event, Burns night, and quiz evening. We had a really good night with excellent food. I did not know what to expect, there were piper’s there for the Piping in of the haggis and all the normal Scottish poems etc,

Didn’t really eat Indian food until I attended a Curry and Quiz night and was well impressed. Plenty of choice for those who don’t like it all ‘hot and spicy’ Staff very friendly and nothing is a problem! Will be back again :-)

This was the 4th Indian Burns Night hosted by the Spice Lounge and once again it was a fabulous night, with a mix of Haggis, neeps and tatties alone with some fine Indian cuisine. Throw in some Burns poetry, bagpipes, a raffle, whisky auction and...

We chose this Restaurant on line, we reserved our table, we had the usual Papadoms and chutneys, we had a starter and a main meal each, all in all good food and service, we would go again...

Best Indian in the north east. Take away is always red hot, the prices are great and the staff are lovely. I wouldn't go anywhere else!

All the food here was well above average. Everything was well cooked and had a depth of flavour which is often missing from many a curry house in our opinion. The naan bread in particular was delicious.

This place is really good, top quality food, excellent service, & reasonable prices. We class it as fine dining, but at mid range.

On December 16th at 19:35, we attended the Spice Lounge, 15 Fore Bondgate Bishop Auckland.

My wife and I recently spent a couple of nights in County Durham, we found this restaurant.

We’ve been to the Spice Lounge a few times now and every time we have a super meal and enjoyable time

Disappointed on this visit, menus were sticky and dirty to start with, food wasn’t as good, garlic naan tasted like cheap margarine was used, chicken was tough in the dishes and a couple of the waitresses had long hair hanging down and a sloppy attitude.

My new favourite Indian in town So fresh clean and tasty Shame it doesn't deliver though Definitely a must try

So disappointed after visiting this restaurant for years. Food lovely as always but service from the three of the four young waitresses was terrible. Found them to be very rude and disrespectful. Won't be back for a very long time.

Welcoming and polite staff, lovely atmosphere and very clean resteraunt. A large selection of whiskies and gin as well as varied and tasty menu.

As a family we do love coming to the Spice Lounge. The food is always worth the wait - and yes there is always a wait, even when you are the first ones in and only ones in. However it really is worth it.

Had an excellent meal here before going to Kynren on a Saturday night. The food was first class, the service friendly and helpful and the prices were great, very good value for money. We will be back again soon even if only for a take away. Would recommend highly.

Fantastic meal well worth a visitIt's a little hidden gem in our home town Defiantly will be back also over 80 gins to choose from Ambience and staff were fab

Only two of us went for a meal, we both ordered 2 pints of coke and weren't told it was sold by the glass bottle so cost us £4 each for a soft drink! We had our poppadoms brought out and then 30 minutes later our starters were brought out. Once our starters had been taken away we then waited 50 minutes without any sign of the main course. When I asked where it was we were told it would be out soon. 10 minutes later, still no main course. By this point we had to go as my friend had to be back home. We asked for it to be bagged up to be taken home which took another 15 minutes! We were then presented with the bill at £45! £45 for two take out curries? When i expressed that I wasn't happy with this, the waitress stood and argued with me. Apparently, we wouldn't have had to wait so long if we didn't get a starter?? So if you go out to eat and order a starter, it's standard to wait an hour for your main course? Asked to speak to the person in charge and apparently he had "popped out" SHOCKING! Will certainly not be returning here again. And to top it off, when we got back to eat our expensive take out, we didn't eat any of it. The naan bread was like cardboard, the curry was greasy and the chicken was dry.

Service is always quick and friendly. Good food, freshly cooked and pleasantly served. Interesting range of specialist whiskies.

Great staff, great food, prices very reasonable. Nice clean friendly atmosphere. Staff only to willing to answer on questions re menu. Look forward to next visit.

Beautiful food!can eat in the restaurant good spacious room or can takeaway they also offer a delivery service amazing food every time

We are not familiar wth the area and went merely on TA advice. The restaurant was very busy which is a good sign when visiting somewhere you don't know. They did their best to fit us in and we were seated. We waited some time for drinks but given that it was so busy it was acceptable. From their on in the service was really good and the food was delicious. Very reasonably priced too as an added bonus.Would recommend.

'Spice Island', Bishop Auckland, is a pleasant eatery;Of course you need to like 'Curry', to suit the pallet of you and me.An excellent Chef produced the meals on time for twenty eight;Sufficient gaps between each course ensured that none were late.The staff were kind and caring, most efficient and helpful to boot;Sufficient room twixt walls and chairs meant ease to serve and then clear out.We took advantage of a 'Tuesday Deal' that was really more than generous;Although the scheme for dividing that which we consumed, was really rather onerous.Tasty; Ample and cooked to Perfection;The sign of quality, when nought is returned in rejection.Whilst I found the seating rather low, for a portly chap to rise without staggering;All in all an excellent place to hold a 'monthly meal & gathering'!!

Went for first time as was recommended on TripAdvisor: reviews accurately describe it as worth a visit: really good clean food, tasty and good value: staff very friendly and nothing too much trouble. Worth a visit if you're in Bishop Auckland area and want a good curry. Parking nearby. 78 year old father in law singing their praises so much be good!

Fab food and friendly staff - speciality whisky and gin nights are well attended and sell out quickly.

Couldn't recommended this enough. Fab food and staff. Best Indian I've had ever. We will definitely be back.

Another fantastic Curry Night. Raised over £750, thanks to Issy kindly opening up for us. Thanks also to all the restaurant staff.Great food as always. If you haven't been, you don't know what you are missing.The Bangladeshi dishes are exceptional.

Amazing Christmas Day lunch, fabulous atmosphere and Issy and team made the day really enjoyable, outstanding value for money

Lovely atmosphere staff extremely helpful. New menu. Food is delicious. Have been many times over the years and will keep returning ;)

Been here a few times & the food has always been of high quality & this meal was on par, lamb rogan josh & chicken tikka saag, both very hot & the rice was nice too, there appeared to be a little more surface oil than normal tonight & the peshwari naan didn't contain as much filling as the last time but still a nice dining experience & the 3 young girls waiting on are very pleasant, efficient & attentive, certainly worth a visit if in the area.

A fantastic change from the usual Christmas fare, not to mention eating out and no cooking or cleaning up after! An original and delicious concept with an amazingly great gin collection!

Called in here for a meal with my partner and we were highly impressed as always, the food was great and service brilliant too.

Excellent food and excellent service. Always have a really good meal here. Also do top rate takeaways for Shen you want a quiet night in.

Second year we've been for Christmas Lunch, food and staff are superb. Plenty of choice and at only £20 per head great value.

Have visited many times over the years and this place just keeps improving.Bearing in mind how dead the town has become, you can walk through a ghost town and stumble upon this vibrant little oasis.Great hospitality and service and a menu that caters for all tastes.The lamb chops are to die for, however the only criticism I have is that I tend to order chicken dishes for a main, they are always tender and juicy, sometimes the lamb can be slightly tough. It's just my preference because the dishes are always tasty, fresh and piping hot.Sit down meals and takeaways equally as good and always a warm reception from Issy and the team.

Beautiful meal. Only negative was my starter was meant to be spicy mushrooms in spicy batter but there was not one bit of spiciness about it. Main meal was delicious, great flavours. Defo recommend this place.

Never been disappointed in spice lounge even after several visits! Friendly staff and variety of delicious freshly cooked food. Always busy so booking is necessary! Definetley recommend especially chicken tikka masala and onion bhaji

Food superb - Faultless actually! Would have been 5 stars but for the surly guy taking orders who seemed to have zero smile, manners or personality.

As ever, a quality visit, good food, excellent staff and nice ambience. Wish I still lived in bishop

Went here for a birthday treat, the restaurant was a bit chilly when we first went in, we were the first ones there, it soon started to fill up tho, we had some starters which were brought out on a sizzling plate all very tasty, mains was also very nice and plenty of it, the service overall was good too, one guy was particularly helpful and friendly. overall a very pleasant evening and not too badly priced

This restaurant is the only Indian I will ever eat from. Issy and the team are very very hospitable and caring. You are never rushed or hurried out - you are allowed to enjoy the whole experience not just the food. I never ate Indian food until I tried here.

Back here in September.. food good as always. Nothing a trouble, good service. Mid week is quieter but call a book a reservation at peak times . Oh they also do take out food

The food was OK and not over priced, but was not somewhere that I would go back to. The curries that we bought were not very flavourful even though the portions were a good size.

Customer service was very poor and rough. Staff need training for the service specifically the food serving persons.Bar service was good. Food is tasteless, bland

I have visited this restaurant on numerous occasions with my wife, family, friends and Business Associates and I can honestly state that everyone has been overwhelmed by the food, the atmosphere, the service and the staff.Issy is one of the nicest people I know and he promotes his attitudes and behaviours amongst all his staff. The food is absolutely fantastic and I applaud his activities within the community. I would thoroughly recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Bishop Auckland.

Average Indian . Ok when you are starving after a few drinks. They try and push different foods onto you so your bill is a lot more than you anticipated.