Tapas Factory in County Durham

Ordered the Faustino white Rioja from the menu @ £20.95. Owner returned with a bottle of wine and without offering a taste, poured 2 glasses. I tasted the wine and it was obviously table wine worth around £1. When I questioned this he said he has had trouble getting hold of his usual wine. He returned with an alternative bottle, white Rioja this time, which he said would be the same price. This wine was fine but produced by Lidl and on sale @ £5.95. We ordered 3 tapas dishes with the plan to order a couple more afterwards. Chicken croquettes were a little bland but the meatballs and the beef stew were both lovely. All the sauces were mopped up with the slices of tiger bread. We were looking to order a couple more tapas but despite two waitresses sat at the table near the kitchen, they were busy on their phones so we didn’t bother. We were the only customers in the restaurant until another 3 arrived so I saw the opportunity to ask for the bill. He returned with the bill which included 10% service charge which I asked to be removed. We hadn’t received any service to speak of. I also mentioned he had purchased the wine from Lidl so was not worth the £20.95. He returned with a revised bill, no service charge and wine at £17.95. Still well over priced but we paid and left. We enjoyed the food but trying to pass off £1 table wine for Faustino was taking the piss out of his customers.

There was one guy who was so rude serving us but the food was lovely

Great little eatery, had a selection of tapas and everyone was fantastic. Would definitely recommend

Lovely family lunch on a Sunday. Very welcoming when we came in and the food was lovely and fresh! We would 100% visit again!

Very busy, food fantastic. It was a little warm because it was so busy! Highly recommend

Great food and atmosphere. Highly recommended 👌

The chef's self-righteousness that such poor quality ingredients could deserve a 10% service charge is the funniest joke I've heard in 2024 as of now. Black prawn heads filled with wet, slimy, limp prawn meat (almost in a state of near-rottenness), shrivelled mussels that even had sand in them, frozen squid that tasted like rubber, over-salted frozen churro from Iceland and nightmarishly unpalatable pork, all of the above made for one of the worst Monday nights since 2024. I strongly urge that the service charge be removed as no one would pay an extra £11 for such bad food. BTW there is no free tap water in this restaurant, and they don’t accept card.😁

Absolutely delicious - really great selection of tasty tapas. One of the best sangrias I have ever had too! Want to go back to try some more of the dishes!

Nice place and delicious dishes. I love their squid dish very much.

Honestly it was terrible. The waiter sat at another table and rolled a cigarette while we were looking at the menu (which he went and smoked outside during service). My husband asked for 2 different beers which they didn’t have (they were on the menu). The jamon was sliced too thickly and was chewy and like jerky, the pork belly was inedible, no crackle, it was like it had been reheated repeatedly. The paella was like a dry risotto with little flavour. The croquettes were passable but may have been frozen ones. Then they have the cheek to add a service charge of 10%! It is optional but already on your bill. I asked that it be removed as we weren’t happy with the food or the service, the waiter didn’t seem to care and removed the charge without question. Don’t bother.

My wife and I had the pleasure of dining at the Tapas Factory on Saturday evening and it was an absolute delight! We arrived at 7pm on Saturday, the atmosphere started off quite quiet, but by 7:30 it was full and lively. Even though it was busy, service was quick and friendly. All the dishes we had were bursting with flavor, the meatballs were melt in your mouth tender, the patatas bravas were nice and creamy and the fried fish was light and crispy. All fresh, delicious and well presented. Portions were a little small but we left feeling satisfied. If you're looking for Tapas in Durham I highly recommend Tapas Factory.

Have visited many times and always enjoyed it but not so much this time. Called it around 5 on Saturday no other customers in but it was after new year. There were 2 people sat at a table one with her coat on slouched over engrossed in her phone the other man came to serve us. Service was good. We ordered a few dishes too share among the 5 of us. Calamari was excellent but small portions even though we ordered 2. Prawns were great. But most of the other dishes were very very salty on mentioning this to the server he simply didn't seem bothered at all.

The dishes are just ok tasting wise (if you know the taste in Spain). I’m sorry to say, but I would not come back here next time

Worst tapas we have had. No atmosphere, food was served warm, will not be returning. Service charge too high

Lovely wee tapas place friendly and nice atmosphere. Food was lovely

Happened on this place by chance, peered through the window to see if there was space and was beckoned inside by the owner. Shown to a table and menus offered. Good variety of dishes to order but not too many you where overfaced. Decent sized portions, 3-4 tapas dishes per person recommended. Authentic tasty food and a good atmosphere, one slight issue, the coffee machine was broken so no after lunch coffee but the churros were hot and tasty so we can forgive.

Wandering around Durham on a Thursday evening not sure what or where to eat and decided to try the Tapas Factory, really glad we did. All of the dishes we had were incredibly fresh and tasty. Standouts were the mussels and the pork belly. All of the portions were really generously sized (for Tapas) and the meal overall was great value.

Sorry food was not what I expected £7.00 service charge not mentioned Family of 4 Saturday 25/11/23 Paella was like uncle bens rice. Calamari was like chewing elastic bands Over cooked Over priced on portion size didn’t match price or quality Service was friendly and authentic Cramped and seats uncomfortable Would not recommend

This is place is a gem. Oscar our waiter was just so polite and attentive. The food was honestly outstanding. If ur in the city don't pass this place.

Lovely restaurant with tasty Tapas dishes. Large portions, 2 each is plenty.

2nd time we have been here and once again we were not disappointed. The staff are friendly and accommodating and very helpful. The food is simply fantastic, never had a bad tapas yet. Easy to recommend.

We stopped here for lunch while visiting Durham for a few days. We were lucky enough to have good weather so were able to sit outside and enjoy the street scene as everyone passed by, there is no traffic allowed along this section of road and it has a lovely view across one of Durhams ancient bridges. Chatted to the waiter, sorry but I can't remember his name, who was super friendly and spent time with us chatting. We had drinks and a couple of tapas for a light lunch and the food was delicious, full of taste and reasonable priced. Overall a great location to sit and watch the world go by on a sunny afternoon with good views and great food.

Pleasant food but unpleasant service charge regime. I don't like seeing a 10% charge on my bill. However the young staff were scared to take a cash tip as the manager lurked obtrusively. We all know that Staff rarely see the tips paid to the till.

One night in Durham and lucky enough to find this jewel. Excellent, helpful and friendly service. Tapas where excellent, will be visiting on next trip to Durham.

Buena comida, precios aceptables

Booked here for a Friday evening meal. Great menu choice and the food was tasty and authentic. Service quick and the ambiance was good. Had a bottle of Rose which was delicious and we thought it was fantastic value. Overall good value too. Recommended.

We found this dainty Spanish tapas while strolling through Durham city centre on a Sunday afternoon looking for somewhere to eat and while away the time while our son was playing hockey at Durham Uni Sports complex. We were not disappointed at all. The seafood paella was divine and the chicken in skewers too. We had profiteroles as dessert …. Hmmm yummy! 😋

Like many other Spanish restaurants in the UK, this is a disappointing experience as well.... Paella 🥘 it is only overcooked rice mixed with various ingredients and probably cooked in a pot and placed later on in the specific paella pan... it tastes more at turmenic rather than sofran. Tbh, calamari and croquettes taste and look like frozen food. Sangria taste like cranberry juice, no wine, no orange flavour... The food is eatable, but it isn't authentic Spanish food. I don't recommend them as authentic Spanish 🤷 restaurant

Food was good. Service was rushed. Manager was too keen to move us on. Portion of Paella for two for £35 was not generous. I'd give this place a miss on busy nights

We booked for a family celebration at 7.30pm. Turned up to find a queue of around 20 people before us, all saying they had made a reservation for the same time. Very greedy to book so many people in and disappoint them.

Enjoyed lovely meal here . The food is authentic and the staff superb. Even engaged with them in Spainish which I feel brought them much hilarity ! I would thoughrougly recommend this restaurant but on a sunny day, get a table outside because inside is sweltering.

Lovely little gem right near the cathedral - would highly recommend.

Wonderful and authentic! Very friendly! Good tasty food. Wait time was good. We sat outside in the sunshine with a family of 7

Fab tapas restaurant with tables outside if the weather is good. Good sized portions; we had seven dishes plus bread and that was a nice lunch for four. The table next to us had a meat platter which also looked great.

Food was lovely couple of dishes a little overpriced for what you get but everything tasted good

First time here and really enjoyed it. Not cheap but great selection of Tapas and Cruz campo beer. Good service and friendly staff. A good experience and will be back.

Food and service on point. The best tapas ever

We were there on Saturday for my husbands birthday. The food was delicious, staff were helpful and friendly. Great atmosphere will defo be back. Would highly recommend x

Asked for gluten free, they said no problem as the food came out they instructed us that some of it wasn't gf 🙄, very expensive for what you get

Just paid £50 for a plate of wet rice with 3 small pieces of chicken and the same of chorizo. Plus 2 drinks. £4.80 service charge. Absolute rip-off.

Despite being rammed, food and service were excellent at a good price

The crispy pork belly and the seafood paella are a match made in heaven!

Amazing restaurant!! Cannot wait to go again!

Beautiful little restaurant, don't be put off by the name! It is anything but 'factory' like. Delicious tapas accommodating an array of visitors from all walks of life, which was great to see. Food was magnificent.

Porciones muy pequeñitas hablan en español pero no está mal

Would recommend! Very friendly staff and food was 10/10!

Nice food, really good service, very helpful and obliging staff

Tapas dishes, lovely, all fresh and tasty. Very friendly helpful staff. Definitely recommend.

Fell down the very slippery stars. Be aware

Absolute hidden gem in the town. The service is incredible here and the food is nothing but fantastic!! So authentic, we left expecting to be in Spain!! Everything about our visit was perfect and we shall return very soon. We had the lunch option 3 tapas each and plenty to share. Highly recommend a visit. Praise to all staff, especially the chef.

Terrible service! They told us there was no tap water and forced us to pay 3.40 pounds for a bottle. But give other customers free water. There's no going back, and the food isn't good.

Really enjoyed our meal here and the sangria was good too. Watch out for the 'service charge' of 10%, we were going to give a 20% tip which would have meant 30% more so be aware.

My first time here and it will not be the last! I live in the area and always walk past and think ‘I’m gonna go’ because it looks so lively and just a great atmosphere. It did not disappoint!! The food was amazing and so was our server - really friendly and chatty. The sangria was also great. Will definitely be returning.

Lovely food; service a little on the slow side, but they were working hard and were very friendly. Bit naughty to add 10% service charge automatically for a small group.

Very tasty food, and lovely service. Mi Gusta much.

Oh dear such a huge disappointment. Food was ok service was awful. Another much better tapas restaurant in Durham

Lovely food! We particularly liked the churros :) Very nice staff too.

Amazing food and service is spot in...

This was a great find. Will be returning. Food was lovely and you received it pretty quickly

Excellent food on a busy Saturday night. Service was superb also. Highly recommended.

Had dinner here on Valentine’s Day. The food was lovely - particularly the patatas bravas, the paella, and the steak. The sangria was also lovely. The restaurant was busy and had a good atmosphere. We had a reservation for 8pm, but we had to wait for a table. When we arrived at 7.50, we were asked to come back in ten minutes. We had to wait outside until 8.30 until we were able to get a table. This was a shame, but the wait was ultimately worth it for the food!

Delicious meal during Durham restaurant week

We tried patatas bravas there..it was nice.. these place has vegetarian options..

Pre booked & sat downstairs, bitterly cold. Ate with coats & scarfs on. Food was nice but very small portions.

This restaurant was a joke. We tried to book a table but the restaurant did not ring to confirm it or not. So we arrived wondering if we had a table. The waitress spent the time she said would be spent clearing us a table taking orders. In short, the service was extremely disappointing. My prawns were bland and the bread starter was like they had made it with a couple of poorly toasted slices of white bread. Far from restaurant quality. The sangria was anaemic to the point of being tee-total. I asked for the bill (the waiting on staff appeared to be flirting and eating a starter another table had returned for being appalling), and was waiting so log to pay that I went up to the staff to settle the bill. Avoid at all costs

Great food, nice place to eat, staff friendly and accommodating, good price, wife had tapas, I had mussels, cooked how I asked and made my day ...thanks.

Very friendly staff, excellent service. Food was amazing, kids loved all the choices of tapas. X

Muy bonito, la comida estuvo muy buena, espero volver, podría estar más ocupado...

Love it - visited more than once over a number of years. Tasty tapas and wonderful service.

We shared 9 dishes between three of us and had a really enjoyable meal washed down with Cava sangria. The place was quite busy and had a good vibe.

very nice place with tasty food and a great atmosphere, We had a very good time here

Amazing food and service. Very cosy place 😊

Really friendly staff. Great value and the food was exceptional. Pork belly is to die for

Good food, great service, will be coming back

Horrible experience, overpriced and very poor food quality.

Too expensive for the low quality of food.

First time here and food was delicious. Good atmosphere and great service

Small restaurant with a fantastic menu at reasonable prices,lovely setting during the evening for dining.

Great food and wine for a lunchtime celebration.

Great food,lovely staff,had a great evening

Amazing food well worth a visit, and great service.👍😋😋

Amazing food ,amazing friendly service , definitely worth a visit .

Foods is fab, service is fab, definitely a place to return 😊

Decent place to grab a bite and rest your feet. However, it's nothing special and won't be returning.

Excellent choice of tapas....Pork Belly with PX sauce was particularly good

Food was great and staff was very friendly.

Beautiful food and generous portions

Extremely tasty and reasonable. Would recommend.

Absolutely delicious! Had an amazing time!!!

Fantastic service paella 🥘 was amazing I would definitely recommend a visit

Calamari, King Prawns, Valencia Paella and Pork Belly are to die for.

Great atmosphere and fantastic food, will definitely return. The service is also spot on. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend.

Great tapas and atmosphere. Albondigas and croquetas pollo were delicious. Fab place for a birthday lunch for two. Katie who looked after our table was brilliant. We'll definitely go back 👍

Nice place, good food, reasonably priced, friendly place (lots of stairs down to toilets). Service good, staff attentive but not overbearing. Enjoy 😉

Loved the vibe at the Tapas Factory, food was superb and the staff very attentive would highly recommend a night out here

Service was prompt and friendly! Food was absolutely delicious, very authentic tapas cuisine. Would highly recommend for families and couples!

Fantastic little restaurant. The atmosphere is fantastic, the owner is very funny. Food is fantastic and the prices are very good. This is a little gem!

Popped in for a quick meal, and the food was delicious and very filling, worth a visit if your near

Decent food decent price very good staff. Seemed authentic Spanish/Mexican food.

Great food and very friendly service. Would recommend the Halloumi from here and also the Brocoli 😍