The Honest Lawyer Restaurant in County Durham - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

A bit tired Decor in the room. Very noisy extractor in the bathroom and the plug stuck and refused to budge.

The room was okay, but the mattress needed replacing so not a great nights sleep. The service was great though and the people friendly so one night was bearable.

Just called in for a drink. Nice atmosphere and good service.

Such a beautiful little place, it was just unfortunate that I was here for work. I'll definitely be travelling back up for a weekend away!

Pleasant location and friendly staff. Clean and interesting but a bit quirky and lacking some modern amenities. No disabled facilities.

Clean & tidy, excellent breakfast with friendly staff

Our bed has one of the legs broken, they didn't change the towels. The price is too much for the quality of the rooms

Only had Sunday Lunch. Fast service and great food

Very nice place, they where able to find quite creative ways to help me navigate the hotel and and understand everything because im blind. Although a strange woman i belive who claimed she was a worker tried to seduce me and my service dog, by the way my dog acted and the sound the person ahd to much fun with him. Very nice personnel, wonderful breakfast😯😯☺️☺️🥳!

Lovely little chalets located at the rear of a beautiful pub. Lots of parking space. Compact but clean and comfortable rooms with en suite bathroom. Polite and friendly staff and a decent location from Durhan town centre (about 10 minutes drive) .

The staff was very friendly and helpful, and the manager was very pleasant.

The food was very good, definitely would recommend. Great value for money. I prefer locations that are just out of town, so points for location. My one complaint is the luggage holder, it does not work with hard shell suitcases.

Brilliant staff makes this place.

The staff go out of their way to be helpful. Well, most do. When we checked in, the guy on the desk just lay back in his chair the whole time. Not very professional. The rooms, both in the main hotel and the courtyard, are very tired and shabby. In dire need of a refit. Our 4 poster room in the main hotel had a wonderful view..... of the ducting and extraction fans from the kitchens! And they charge top dollar! Such a shame as it used to be pretty decent. God knows who decided to paint the whole exterior of the hotel in an awful dark blue colour! Dreadful!

Fantastic stay, great staff, great food and really comfortable bed.

Nice clean tidy and pleasant enough staff will have to return and try the food

Please note we did not stay in any room but didn't want to leave no stars

All members of staff first class. FOOD hot & fresh

Good evening with friends good service would highly recommend

Very nice but had to change room as first one stank of cigarettes even though all rooms non smoking in theory

Disgusting food 🤢 absolutely tasteless and overpriced. AVOIDDDDDDD!!!!!!!!!!!!! 0 STARS so disappointed 🤢 My food literally had hair in it ! The waitress was lovely tho 👍

Called in as we were extremely hungry.. for a start the menu was misleading... very odd menu infact. Got to bar to order I ordered a burger for £14.95.. it was the only thing I like on menu. Whilst at the bar partner seen fish and chips coming out.. ibsaid tobthe barman ahh I wanted that.. I did.. didn't give the option to change soni was very disappointed as its my favourite. Barman later came to table and ridiculed me for missing out! Burger came was burned with a very small side of fries .. burger was burned after waiting over half hour.. partners beef mushroom and onion bap came with no mushrooms ans I small piece of onion..full.or fat.. that was £13.50.. its ridiculous food for the prices.. lacking in customer service skills and food not worth the money.. this place wasn't busy at all by the way. Won't return here .. very disappointing

Booked this place for a night as working in the area . Booked a twin room for me and my colleague. Nice friendly welcome when checking in.twin rooms are really good , the beds look quite thin on pictures but there wider in the flesh . Shower is really hot and powerful and rooms are cosy

Called in without a reservation after our daughter's wedding at Bishop Auckland, hoping for breakfast. Even though breakfast was finished, we were able to order and enjoyed a delicious breakfast. Thank you! Service over and beyond excellent!

Lovely staff. Breakfasts are excellent as are the evening meals. Nice rooms. Super convenient for visiting Durham.

The room we stayed in was very basic but clean and the walls were paper thin so you can hear conversation next door.... The staff were super friendly and the food was excellent... Great atmosphere Brilliant for us because it is dog friendly

An excellent place was there for a wedding reception and highly delighted with the service and very dog friendly

Had a lovely Sunday lunch today with family for four. Food was delicious - we had chicken which was cooked to perfection and plenty of nicely cooked and varied veg. Staff staff were excellent.

Party of six for a wonderful Christmas Day lunch - from entering and being greeted by Santa and Elfie the day couldn’t have gone better- main restaurant area was full but very well laid out so we didn’t feel cramped. Excellent waiting staff who really did their best to ensure we had a great day !! Food was amazing each course timed perfectly and mains arrived piping hot with lots of extra vegetables and sauces. Santa and Elfie visited each table and spent extra time chatting to our 91 year old head table guest who was delighted. Thanks to all the staff it really was magical and as our first eating out for Christmas- wow well worth the money 💰

A few years ago I used to frequent this hotel regularly food was excellent staff were professional- Dreadful experience last night soup cool had to be Rewarmed one of the main courses we ordered was incorrect the other was gammon steak that was approximately 150cm x 50cms. Waitress said she would have to get the manager to sort it out. we d been at the restaurant about an hour by this time. Bearing in mind there were only four other people in the restaurant. I can only liken It to being at Fawlty Towers. The manager arrived and apologised and agreed portion was poor and she would speak to the chef - we were starving by this time so we declined and asked for the bill for the drinks which we paid the soup was free! The drinks should have been too the staff were badly trained in my opinion and no quality control at all!!

Best Sunday lunch I’ve had anywhere Comes as close as it can get to my mams Sunday lunch and nobody can beat your mams Sunday lunch Well,done the chefs at the honest lawyer fantastic lunch. Staff also very polite and helpful Will definitely be a regular

Huge portions, but that’s no use if the food is served tepid and unappetising. Clearly the policy is quantity over quality but I saw nothing to recommend eating here. other diners left large quantities of uneaten food too. Definitely not a place I can recommend.

About two and a half months ago, on a weekday, we had a wonderful lunch in the restaurant here. We are both (medically) GF and one of us is also a vegetarian, so we are not necessarily the easiest of guests. The Chef himself came to our table and went through the menu with us, explaining which GF options he could do. Similarly, I had eaten there in the bar in the past and they always were able to produce something very tasty. So we chose to go there again for a dinner on our anniversary. Imagine our surprise when we got there and instead of the full menu as last time we got a one-page Sunday lunch/dinner menu sheet with only a very restricted choice, and virtually nothing GF or vegetarian. When we asked the waitress what GF/vegetarian options there were, it became clear immediately that she had no clue what we were talking about. After going back to ask four times (unclear whom), she in effect offered my wife a plate of steamed vegetables as a vegetarian mains. Our repeated request to speak to the Chef directly went unheeded. Finally, another, apparently more senior waitress appeared who was no better. The place was practically empty at the time and were were the only guests in the restaurant section, so the kitchen would have had enough time to think something up. They didn't even seem to make an effort. After over 20 minutes of this charade, we asked for the bill for our two drinks and left. They did not even have the grace to say sorry and that the drinks would be on the house. Not going back there again. If this is the new state of affairs at the place (new management/kitchen staff?), it no longer deserves the label of "gluten-free friendly". In this day and age, having GF and vegetarian dishes/options on the menu should be standard. A place with the history and reputation of the Honest Lawyer is really letting the side down with this.

Staff were friendly and helpful, room was clean and well appointed, prices were reasionable, meal was excellent and plenty of it. I'd go there again any time and can wholeheartedly recommend it.

Suppose not normally thought of for a good Sunday lunch but definitely worth a visit. Good food, nice restaurant & bar. Surprised not busier. Nice selection on menu and generous well cooked & prepared portions. Nice for family, and or large groups as although large there are lots of areas which are private if needed. Good parking as well. Even had a magician visiting tables which was a nice touch...keeps children occupied!

I visited this restaurant as part of a group for Christmas Fayre. I had visited for a similar meal on 2 previous occasions, and had been quite happy with the experience. However, this year, I found my main course of rib of beef disgusting. It looked a decent sized portion, but consisted of about 80% fat - very little lean meat, and a large bone. I spent most of the meal trying to extract some lean meat - with little success. Staff did not bother to ask whether the meal was OK, and when the waitress removed my plate, I pointed out the pile of fat left on my plate, and she promised 'to tell the chef'. I received no apology, and certainly nothing from the chef. I shall not be returning.

Poor menu , impolite staff , restaurant tables too close together, and allergic request ignored . Previously was pleasant but very disappointing now

We've eaten here several times over the years and have always been impressed, but not so much this time. The menu was very small and is just the usual pub food that you can get anywhere. So saying, the food was ok and the service attentive - just not as good as it used to be.

Good choice menu & excellent service. We had excellent Christmas Fayre and service was really effective & very attentive

Lovely place to meet, walked in very clean, warm reception. All the bales were made up and well presented. Open seating and a few private areas too. Friendly staff, very polite and attentive. Food, well, ordered the fish that was hanging off the plate, could not finish due to this. Great place and would deffo be back next time I am in the area.

Service terrible Attitude of staff very unprofessional Food and drink tasted old. Won’t be back, very disappointed as this place used to be good.

Fantastic food quality and service. Staff can't do enough to help and will meet the needs of all customers of they can.

Had a meal at the honest lawyer last week. May sound unexciting but I had the best haddock ever..The staff were nice and pleasant ...The pub was clean and well decorated. Will be back soon and I hope fish is on the menu. Complements to the chef.

We came here for Sunday lunch. We both got a starter, main and dessert. The food was tasty and the main course was a huge portion, couldn't finish it all! With a soft drink and a few beers the total bill came close to £60 so not cheap! However, service was great and atmosphere was friendly.

Went pre Christmas for lunch (not the Christmas Menu) which was very good and would certainly go again.

I had not been to the establishment before but went last night to meet a friend for dinner and a catch up after the lockdown period. The evening was nice - the food was standard pub food and the atmosphere was ok. Social distancing seems to be being taken seriously. However, PLEASE NOTE it is apparently company policy that if there is a group of people and drinks are ordered (by any of the group) and someone gets in their car - the police will automatically be called and registration given- even if that person has not had any alcohol. We were shocked to find this out when my friend gave me a lift home so that i didn't have to pay for a taxi (i had arrived by taxi knowing i would be having a few drinks). The police had been told my friend had had 4 glasses of wine which was simply untrue. When my friend rang the manager this morning the manager laughed at her down the phone and did not even attempt an apology - simply citing the company policy. With already stretched police resources it is a shame a company feels the need to waste police time in this way. It is also very concerning incorrect information was passed to the police regarding my friend consuming alcohol.

Just had a groupon afternoon tea, it was excellent value and great food.Sandwiches, warm sausage rolls, and small pies.Warm Scones, jam and clotted cream (in little pots) that works well as each has their own amount to use as they wish.Chocolate eclairs, macarons, and carrot cake.Too much to eat but was given cakes wrapped up tea take home Plenty of tea and coffee, and was offered more.Good staff and service too.Nice comfortable surroundings.Would recommend.

Four of us had a beautiful Sunday Roast here. The gravy was the best ever. Couldn’t fault any of the food it was totally delicious. We commented on how nice the gravy was and asked the waitress to pass on our compliments to the chef. She looked at us as if we just been beamed down from another planet.... but definitely the best Sunday Roast Dinner for a very long time.

My mother and I, when she is in good health, regularly visit the hotel bar/restaurant for Saturday lunch. My wife is at work, so I bring our fluffy, white, four legged companion to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.All the staff are courteous, friendly & professional and although not advertised as such, I feel the staff are dementia friendly who are respectful and accommodating to my mum’s needs.Today’s dining was extra special as they acknowledged my birthday too.Looking forward to many more return visits.

I went with friends to this establishment for afternoon tea I have to say I was rather disappointed We asked for the tea& coffee to be served with the afternoon tea but they didn’t take any notice they brought the tea and it was cold by the time the food came. We had savoury things on with the scones which were burnt they had eclairs that obviously had been the frozen variety and 2 pieces of carrot cake and 1 macaroon whether my friend and me were supposed to half it I do not know but when I tasted it it was tasteless The little pie that was on the tier with the scones I think was something and mushroom difficult to say when I only found mushroom and much the same with the tuna and cucumber sandwich which I only found cucumber in my quarter I think the customer service could have been better and they could have told you what was in the sandwiches before they plonked them down after telling me to move the teapot ( no please or thank you ) All in all not a very good price for what I paid which was £20 each I bought drinks after £14 for 2 Irish coffees which must have had a sniff of whiskey and cola and vodka and a cola I personally think the phrase I’m looking for is must try harder

Absolutely perfect hotel... but ... very poor wifi and vodaphone connection in room. Very disappointing in this day and age of connectivity.

My daughter bought me an afternoon tea for my 40th via Groupon. Over the years I have been for many afternoon teas and this has to be the worst I’ve had. The scones which are meant to be the show stopper of an afternoon tea were burnt and difficult to cut, with a teeny pot of sealed clotted cream, the ganache on the eclairs was dark chocolate and extremely rich as was the macaroon and the sweetness of the icing on the top of the carrot cake was so overpowering and I’m unsure if it actually contained any carrots at all. I would never pay full price for this at a rate of £20 per person when you can go 6 miles to one of the best afternoon teas for half of that price. The service left a lot to be desired for my small party of two yet I could hear another table being asked continuously if everything was ok and if they needed anything else (probably full paying customers I say cynically). We quickly finished and left

Big plus is Sunday roast served until 8 pm. the quality and price were good - no complaints at all. Service excellent too. Restaurant is I would guess quite newly refurbished and lacks some character, charm and ambience - may be better when full.

I tried to eat an evening meal here. Prices were astronomical so opted for a beefburger. This was incredibly spicy, served in a Brioche bun which did not work flavour wise. salad was inedible being drowned in something spicy. Chips again the Chef loved his spice, served in a small metal bucket. Whole thing came on a tray covered with paper at the prices charged at least expected a plate. Lunch menu was pricey, boring and the jacket potato with Coronation chicken should have said hot chicken curry. It was inedible

First time of visiting here and hadn't had Afternoon Tea for a very long time, so wasn't sure what to expect. I'm wheelchair user full time, but space was made available (notified when booking) fir our arrival. Fab friendly staff throughout our time there, fresh sandwiches, warm sausage rolls, chicken puff pastry pies, assorted mouthwatering sweet selection with pots of tea and/or coffee to go with it all....couldn't ask for anything better than we already had received. Look forward to returning here and certainly recommend even travelling to try it out.

We had our wedding reception here last weekend and I can honestly say it was the most wonderful day. Unsal and all the staff went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect and ran smoothly. Food was beautiful and the rooms were spotlessly clean. Everyone commented on what a lovely time they had. Without a doubt I would recommend them to anyone looking to host any event as nothing was too much trouble. They really made us feel at ease every step of the way from first enquiring up until the big day. We cannot thank them enough.

We recently stayed at the hotel for 2 nights (I have reviewed the hotel separately as it is shocking and the restaurant doesn’t deserve to be tarnished with the same brush) and absolutely loved the restaurant.

My husband and I had a very pleasant meal, starter, main and wine ; very good service and the food was lovely. The restaurant was clean, tidy and tables nicely spaced out. It was good value for money.

Really enjoyed the meal here. The kid's portions were of a good size. Superfood salad is nice and big too. Rump steak was to die for and actually as good as the sirloin which was nearly £10 more expensive. Recommend the knickerbocker glory! Lovely meal and would come back.

Bought a groupon for afternoon tea. Used to go to the Park Head which is just around the corner. We fancied a change so picked the Honest Lawyer. We are so pleased we did ! A pot of tea and coffee arrived and we were told if you want more let us know. Our 3 tier tea arrived which was delicious. Starting with ham and tomato and tuna and cucumber sandwiches. Then sausage rolls and chicken pies which were such high quality. The scones were warm with a pot of clotted cream and strawberry jam. The top tier was the cakes including moist carrot cake and chocolate eclairs. All tantalising your tastebuds. The setting was so lovely and calming and we were not alone as more people arrived. The staff were very attentive. This to us was a special afternoon together and we will definitely be back.

We've stopped here on a few occasions for lunch and have never been disappointed. The staff are welcoming and attentive, service swift, and the lunch menu varied . I can recommend the sharing platters as a great choice for a light lunch, giving enough room for one of their delicious desserts.

Ventured here after a lovely walk along the River Browney with the North East Scottie Group. The staff were all really friendly and welcomed us all with dogs in tow, and they were quite a few doggies. The food and service was really outstanding, couldn’t fault the place...will be returning. Thanks again for a great service.

We have eaten here quite a few times,the choices are good though the food can be a hit and miss sometimes.the staff are all helpful and friendly and it is handy for the city.

Visited today for afternoon tea with a Groupon voucher.

Booked an afternoon cream tea as a special treat and to check out the Hotel for the future

We had a lovely afternoon tea, courtesy of Groupon, which was brilliant value. The staff were excellent an happily provided alternatives when I advised them in advance that I was unable to eat ham or pork due to allergies.

Visited the Honest Lawyer for afternoon tea purchased through groupon for £16 for 2.

We have visited and stayed here a few times and always had a pretty good time. Unfortunately our visit for lunch last weekend was disappointing. I ordered the Thai green curry bento box. The presentation was great. The prawns and duck spring roll that came with it were fine. But when it came to the curry it was simply awful. I had noticed a strange, greasy smell coming from it. The chicken looked pretty grizzly but I would have gotten over that. The sauce itself was literally just oily, green water. It was horrid. There was absolutely no flavour, not even a hint of coriander or lime. It tasted of grease. It was foul.

My wife and I went along for afternoon tea using a voucher.

I would like to start by saying I have been going to the HL for years and cannot fault the service or the quality of the food. So this review is solely for a visit I had last Wednesday with a couple of mates. First of all we chose Wednesday because it was a curry night. We were looking forward to a selection of different curries with a few beers, only to find out they had one curry. There was no choice. It was a lamb curry or nothing! Who does a curry night with one curry as the choice? Two of us went with the lamb curry and the portion was really small. It was delicious, I can't fault the quality, it just wasn't enough. We had to order a cheese board afterwards to fill us up. This was delicious too by the way. Two of our meals were brought out together but the third never came. We finished our curry by the time the third meal arrived. Come on, serve the food at the same time! Must be awful watching your mates eat when you are starving. Staff were very friendly and service was good (apart from late meal). Has to be 3 stars I'm afraid.

Attended with friends on a Saturday night, we didn’t book a table and were able to walk in and got a table in the restaurant. I had the burger which at first looked really peculiar because of the black bun but it is merely colour and tasted beautiful.

Had a lovely time, great ambiance, good food, good value and very good service from our 'host' Lewis who is worth mentioning by name, attentive but not intrusive. Thank you all involved xx

Went for the first time in ages with a group of friends. Restaurant lovely and relaxed and staff very attentive. Food was lovely although service was a little slow. Lovely atmosphere, great food and company. Couldn’t ask for more. Menu good with lots of vegetarian options

I just wanted to say how refreshing it was to have someone serve me that went the extra mile. Thank you Lewis you showed empathy and understanding, You are a credit to your employer

The portions are large, the food is locally sourced and freshly cooked. A large and varied menu. The haddock was the best I had ever tasted as was the kipper for breakfast. The fillet steak was perfectly cooked and lean. Fresh salad was well presented.

A tea afternoon cream tea. A point is lost as a choice of sandwiches was not offered (ham/tomato tuna/cucumber). Otherwise evetything else was very nice and the coffee was a decent cup.

Used the restaurant on the firist night of our stay service and food were great though the food is a little overpriced in my opinion. We returned on our last night for the Burger night and thay was well worth the visit. And yes the burger bun is Black Bread! Cracking burger with all the trimmings!

Went with a friend for afternoon tea - absolutely fabulous! great selection served in relaxing surroundings by attentive staff. Highly recommended.

Stopped for an impromptu Sunday lunch. Didn’t expect to get a table considering the car park was busy at 2pm.

Came in around 6 the night for some diner. When we came there were around 8 dogs with their owners in the front part of the restaurant. Never seen this is a restaurant before. Decided to go for a drink and eat somewhere else as there was only 1 table with people. Felt a bit strange for a place as big as this. The lady who was serving was very friendly but dogs in a restaurant??

Went there to have something to eat after work with friend.

stayed here for a nearby funeral and ate in the restaurant it was good value for money and a nice place,very busy

Decided on a late lunch at 6pm today and with most of the places around Spennymoor stopping serving at 4 or closing at 7 we chose the Honest Lawyer serving till 8pm!

Each fortnight, when my mum is in good health, we visit this establishment for lunch in the bar area. Recently, we realised that we could reserve a table which pleases my mum.

We recently held a celebration meal for 18 family members and friends in the private function room. From the planning of the event, with Unsal, the General Manager, right through to the end of our stay, it was a first-class experience. We were given an extensive a la carte menu from which guests didn`t have to choose in advance but could do so during the pre-meal reception, with bubbly and delicious hot and cold canapes. The meals were superb, the staff were friendly, helpful and attentive as well as being professional and were available to us at all times. Nothing was too much trouble for them. All in all it was an occasion to remember, and "excellent" was the unanimous verdict and we can recommend The Honest Lawyer wholeheartedly.

May have been the location of our table, but was difficult to attract the attention of he serving staff. Enjoyed the food but not the service

We booked the Honest Lawyer for a family meal for 20+ of our nearest and dearest to celebrate an 80th birthday. From start to finish the team were so helpful and organised. We were offered a limited menu but there was still something for everyone and were asked to provide a pre-order in advance to help ensure the evening was as smooth as possible. We were offered a private area which was beautifully arranged and decorated and we were able to add our own little touches too.

Lovely staff and lovely afternoon tea , a selection of sandwiches, savoury pastries , scones with clotted cream and jam and a selection of cakes including a fresh cream chocolate eclair.The food was lovley and you could drink as much tea and coffee as you wished, Will be back to have a meal soon as it all looked lovley.

We went for Mother's Day, but after the event. The afternoon tea was delicious, warm pies and sausage rolls, superb sandwiches and excellent scones and cakes. Very nice atmosphere and excellent service, what more could you possibly want! So good we are going again soon.

what a fabulous place on our door step

Four of us had lunch in the restaurant. Choices were limited but available food was well cooked and staff were friendly and helpful. Afternoon teas seemed to be better value.

Good access into a large car park, good to see nooks and crannies as opposed to all open plan, table was reserved earlier in the week and due to the layout it appeared not to be too busy. We had 3 roast beef and 1 lamb with vegetables along with a freshly baked Yorkshire pudding, veg was mash and roast potatoes on the plate and accompanied by fresh carrots Swede and white cabbage with a good cheese sauce and pieces of bacon, gravy boats were excellent, service was good with the general manager having time to speak to the diners. Beer was at the correct temperature and the loos were clean and odour free.

Surprisingly good food at reasonable prices, thoroughly enjoyed eating here rather than having to go out each night of our stay!

Excellent afternoon tea and good value with my Groupon voucher. Four different sandwiches, warm sausage rolls, mini chicken and mushroom pie, scone with jam and cream, three type of cake. All tasted fresh and home made. Good mix of sweet and savoury. Free top ups of tea, friendly and helpful service. Good job!

We ate here while staying at the hotel and were pleasantly surprised. There are several areas you can sit, in the bar, an orangery type area or in the restaurant area, all decorated perfectly. White linen in the orangery was a nice touch. You order st the bar but then all food and drinks are brought to you. We only had main courses but they were beautiful. Excellently thought out and presented. I would return to the hotel just to eat there. Staff were lovely too. Highly recommend.

My wife and I were looking for a place to eat which was close to Ho e and offered good quality food. This place doesn't disappoint. Service was prompt and friendly. There was a good range of dishes on the menu most of which I would have been happy to eat.

It was very busy when we went, so would advise booking which we did. The Sunday lunch menu offers a variety of starters and mains. We opted for the pork loin and roast beef. The waiter was a little unsure about if the roast potatoes were gf but was happy to check with the chef and confirm they were fine. Served with a selection of veg, they were happy to provide more both gf and ordinary gravy on request. All in all a pleasant meal.

We dined here while staying at the hotel. Superb menu, with a varied selection. All of the dishes our group ordered were cooked to perfection. Service was excellent throughout, with friendly and helpful staff. Very reasonably priced. Would definitely dine here again.

stayed at the adjoining hotel and again the same theme prevailed

Nice spacious rooms and comfortable bed, facilities are good in thee main but thought a toilet brush would be the norm, bar is pleasant and well stocked, breakfast was excellent, brilliant choice from full English, continental, pastries , fruit and cereals