The Waterhouse Kitchen in Darlington

Definitely the best Cafe in Darlington without a doubt, the menu choice, the food, the service is excellent top marks. I have been coming to this cafe for over a year now. This cafe should continue with same staff, service, menu choices and food. Best In Darlington by far. It would be an injustice and a tragedy if it was to close or change.

A lovely place to take a break during a busy shopping trip! The staff are very welcoming and obliging; the food is hot, top quality and served with a smile. Morning coffee breaks reflect the same experience - a place not to be missed!

Second visit to this lovely little cafe. Lovely friendly staff. Food is proper home made, just like mother use to make. Will definitely be back again Thank you

Went for Sunday breakfast,welcomed by pleasant and friendly staff,food was to die for literally.compliments to the chef 😄 Will definately return 😁

Had a lovely warm welcome by the staff , A high standard of cleanliness and the Food was tasty and had a good size portion also very reasonably priced , will defiantly call back there again next time we are back in Town

This is a cafe I have used for years but no more. I have always found it welcoming & comfortable on my own. 25/6/22 a different matter. Staff all stood at both sides of counter having private conversations in quite loud voices about nights out etc not what I wish to listen to. Order taken brought put in front of me, no enjoy or anything. There was 6 staff felt sorry for lady sat near counter. Couldn't eat quick enough to leave. No thank you or bye. SORRY Waterhouse lost a customer there are plenty more cafes.

One of only a few cafes open on a Sunday & pleased we stopped off here. Service was good, food really nice, as were the lattes!

Been here a few times with family and always absolutely amazing food is always hot and delicious very quick service aswell. Will recommend this to anyone in Darlington wanting good food it's cheap too

Today I was told off for apparently putting a hot plate onto a cold plate, I did not have an explanation on what the owners were on about. This happen yesterday as I am guessing. What right have the owners got to speak to me a loyal customer who has been going to that place for years and years. I am not staff that is beside the point. One customer stuck for me by saying 'How long have you been working here?' My reply 'I am not staff' ' how were you ment to know' she said I am thinking of boycotting the place

As per usual my beans on toast and coffee were just how I like them. I’m a regular. Always a warm welcome.

Ordered bacon sandwiches and coffees. Came very quickly and was very tasty. £18 for three people is very reasonable too, and the staff are absolutely lovely. They use local produce too which is a super thing. Would highly recommend 😁

We stopped here for breakfast while staying in Darlington - fantastic! We had a simple bacon sandwich, 2 coffees, and thought we’d try the black pudding stack. We loved it. It was also great to see the butcher from the covered market delivering fresh produce to the cafe. You must give this place a try with plenty of seating outside and in.

Cute little place. Fab location. All staff pleasant and kind as well as good COVID compliance’s. Choice of indoor and outdoor seating. Dairy free milk options too, always a positive for us since so many places we try do not accommodate.

Our first visit in over 14 months due to the pandemic. Less tables Covid track & trace in operation. Still great service. Food as good as ever and great choice on menu. A welcoming place to eat.

Visited on 26/10/20. Always a warm welcome when going into the Waterhouse kitchen. Staff are so attentive, caring and efficient. The two ladies and the lad who were working FOH made such an effort to make me feel at home. And had such good craic and laugh with them all. Food was amazing as always. Big breakfast (extra sausage). Great coffee and great atmosphere. With an amazing view of Darlington’s main shopping street. So good place to people watch or just be nebby. Be back again! Also on the halloween trail this week for the youngens 🎃.

We popped in to hide from the rain and were really impressed. The staff were so friendly, really strict hygiene measures were in place and the club sandwich was very tasty. Highly recommend.

Been many times but due to Covid-19 it has been made safe staff still very pleasant under these circumstances. Track and trace in place. Drinks and food are very good and reasonable priced. Will be back.

This is one of the only places I can eat in town as I gluten free and my daughter is dairy free The range of food available to me is excellent and always well made. Peter and the kitchen team always make sure to bring out my meal and make sure I’m happy with it. The front of house staff are really patient with my food intolerances and extremely helpful. I couldn’t recommend this family run establishment any higher. Great little place to eat

Went in for brunch on Sunday and were pleasantly surprised. Often passed it but never been before. Both had all day breakfast with coffee and both the food and drinks were very tasty. Pleasant service by attentive staff. Great menu choices as well

Smack in the middle of town this is an ideal place to stop for a cuppa and a chat. The staff are friendly and attentive (even under the current restrictions). The prices are very reasonable for a town centre cafe and the fare is very good.Treat yourself to one of their scones, oven warmed , with a tea or a coffee - you won't be disappointed

Quick, Covid safe service Came here whilst visiting my parents who live nearby, service was quick. Food was hot, came quickly and at £13 for the 5 of us due to Eat Out to Help Out, was incredible value

Sorry to say I am very dissatisfied with this Breakfast. £7.45 without a drink and to me nothing special. If it had included a drink I would have given it a pass. The only positive is the staff are very friendly. Find breakfast elsewhere next time.

Arrived around 11-30am on Saturday Jan 25th to find one table available upstairs. Coffees to begin with then lunch. Ham salads ordered unfortunately ham didn't look fresh even waitress agreed. Second ones arrived mine looked fine unfortunately my friends not. The owner came and spoke and explained everything one was changed. Delt with problem promptly and professionally. Well done.

We always come here when having a mooch about in town we were impressed with the yin yang soup well done ,my daughter and her husband also come here and some friends where we live also come here and yet we are to be disappointed they staff are very friendly and when my husband was in hospital we were in the town very early on the Sunday morning and it was wet and cold the staff let us in to warm up in which this day and age is a rare thing so thank you for that

We had read the reviews about The Waterhouse Kitchen and on December 21st 2019 my wife and I decided to try it for ourselves. We were not disappointed. The service was friendly and quick and the food was very good and very reasonably priced. We had home-made soup and delicious brown bread (£4.50 pp) followed by sandwiches with salad and coleslaw - also with delicious brown bread (£4.75 pp). Excellent value indeed.

There are few, if any better cafes in Darlington if you want wholesome food at a reasonable price. Coupled with a prime town centre location this really is a great venue. As is usual, when we attended the place was busy (speaks for itself) so we utilised a table upstairs. However, the benefit of this is a panoramic view of High Row and if you’re a ‘people watcher’ this is a perfect spot to watch the world go by. Our order was taken promptly by a polite waitress and the food was with us in less than 10 minutes. It was hot and deliciously cooked. The place is clean, well presented and very well run. Well worth a visit!!

Food was delicious and service was prompt. Was a friendly atmosphere and even my son who is a picky eater was well catered too. Would definitely recommend to friends and family and come again

Great place, packed full which is always a good sign! Very good value for money. Nothing flash but great for the money.

I eat here quite often as feel very comfortable on my own. Great staff friendly, efficient, polite and welcoming. Great menu choices and everything prepared fresh, using local produce.

Visited for brunch few times in past 2 months. Always very tasty, eggs well executed, vegetables and meat good quality and from local suppliers. Enjoyed every mouthful. Staff very friendly. Our favourite weekend breakfast, lunch place.

First time I have been and will certainly be going again . Lovely friendly staff to go with delicious food . We had the panini and a pate' both served with salad and coleslaw .

The Staff are very friendly and helpful. Service is very good. Really first class cheese scones and very good coffee. One of the best cafes in Town.

Four adults and a child visited 14/8/19 for breakfast another warm, friendly welcome and no problem for us to wait till everyone arrives. Order taken swiftly and patiencely while child decides. Food cooked, presented and served perfectly. Tasted and as always lovely that is why Waterhouse is our catch up place.

We called in for lunch on a recent visit to Darlington and immediately felt welcome. The food was expertly prepared and portions generous. Coffees also high quality and it’s always a bonus to be offered the choice of hot milk. Would definitely recommend.

My wife and I made our first joint visit to Darlington for the Town crier championship. We found this wonderful restaurant run by a friendly couple and helpful couple. We both ordered the excellent Lamb roast, with mint sauce, and fresh vegetables. The service was excellent If we ever find ourselves in Darlington again, I am sure we will return.

My partner and I have recently relocated to County Durham and made our first visit to Darlington. We found this wonderful eatery, which appeared to be family run. We both ordered the excellent Lamb roast, with mint sauce, and fresh vegetables. The whole dish was well cooked using locally sourced produce (from the adjoining Market Hall). The service was swift and friendly and the bill was very reasonable........ we will be returning.

My sister is coeliac (no gluten allowed) and we find it difficult as a rule finding something that she can eat when we go out. This restaurant has a full, gluten free menu with a wide selection of items available. The staff were very helpful and looked after us. I had a massive light fruit scone with jam and cream. This will definitely be our go to restaurant whenever we’re shopping in Darlington.

Popped in on Sunday, and although sunder dinner was an option, we were easily able to still order from the regular menu. The staff were very helpful and polite. I had a delicious tuna panini, and girlfriend had a veggie breakfast. We’ll certainly be back again. The tea is loose leaf, which makes a lot of difference, and there’s a decent selection available. Picked a lovely seat upstairs where we could people-watch whilst we ate our meal.

This is a friendly, welcoming, comfy, reasonably priced and good food cafe. Three breakfasts three empty plates says it all. Staff very attentive and your well looked after.

My grandad and I have been to this cafe a few times now and although usually very busy , it’s definitely worth the wait , the food is lovely and reasonably priced. The staff work their socks off to make sure you are looked after and they are friendly and helpful. Always a lovely atmosphere ! Would recommend! Brilliant for vegetarians !

Went with my cousin Marie, it is a cosy cafe and it fills a hole when you are hungry. The chips are tasty.

Had a couple of drinks here recently, would go Again although it was nothing special just OK. Have been in better and a lot worse

Lunch here always know, you will be well looked after and have a good meal at reasonable price and nicely cooked.

Another beautiful and tasty breakfast here today. Cooked perfectly (no grease) perfect eggs. Always attentive. Thankyou to all involved.

It’s sad to say that after 5 years the Waterhouse is no longer my favourite place to eat Darlington. We were very disappointed by the customer service; we ordered a drink and the waitresses forgot about it and were stood at the table chatting among eachover. On the whole the food was okay but there was some disappointment; the new menu is more limited and there aren’t as many options for people with dietary requirements such and gluten free and vegan. When our food arrived, the chips were particularly dry, poached eggs were hard and the panini wasn’t cooked all the way through. Very sad to see such a nice cafe deteriorate, with its menu and staff changes. Sadly won’t be returning to the Waterhouse kitchen.

Just girgeous from start to finish. Come to Darlinton just for this place. Try the quiche its awesome!

Meet with friends one had a two yrs old with her. Was able to leave push down stairs as we like to sit up. We had meet up for breakfast, so accommodating in our orders toasts with no butter no problem. One of party dairy free that was no problem even brought spread up to check it was ok well done Waterhouse. We all enjoyed our breakfasts at our usual place to meet. Staff always pleasant, have a smile and chatty.

Meet up with workmates here for a catch up.There's nothing better than a good fry and decent craic with the lads.The food here is excellent ,the service is great and the prices are bang on.Always busy and the café has a lovely vibe about it

My wife and I called to this quaint little cafe situated above indoor market on our way back from Stockton my wife who doesn’t eat meat ordered mushrooms,tomatoes,beans,and a poached egg which was cooked to perfection I ordered three back bacon,sausage,egg,beans,the quality of both meats which again cooked to perfection was evident in taste what l like to call proper food.The owner a lovely lady to which nothing was to much trouble.Well done WATER HOUSE KITCHEN DONT CHANGE A THING we will definitely be returning.

Been here a couple of times in the last week. Pleasant staff, home made food, good coffee and good prices. Breakfast special great choice before 11am bacon or sausage sandwich and a hot drink good value. Scones best around.

This is the place for me when in town on my own. A friendly welcome, pleasant staff, good food, clean surroundings and reasonably priced. What more could you ask for.

Meet up with friends great service, nice food a pleasant surroundings. Here you always get good friendly service all staff pleasant. Good food choices and always nicely cooked and presented. Great value for money.

The food here was great value for money, big breakfast for only £6.50. Staff were quite attentive asking if everything’s okay etc but not brilliant.

Catch up with a friend. Always a warm welcome in Waterhouse. Clean, comfortable, friendly, good food with good prices. Bacon Sandwich with hot drink under £3 great value always plenty of bacon cooked to requirements. A jar of mints available at till.

Tried this place that is located at the edge of the market hall. It is traditionally furnished and comfortable offering breakfast and hot lunch dishes as well as snacks. We had homemade soup with bread and a good strong lot of tea.

I am a solo walker on s long trek, and my lunch here today in welcoming and unhurried surroundings was just the ticket. It is in a great location on the edge of an old market hall, by the fantastic clocktower. Great tea too!

I visit this cafe many times when I Darlington as always a friendly welcome and I feel comfortable entering on my own. Breakfast special bacon sandwich and hot drink is always tasty hot and great value for money. Clean, comfortable and friendly staff make k e it a great place to eat.

Gluten free full English breakfast of excellent quality was a great idea for lunch on a snowy Saturday.

Call here regular as I feel comfortable entering on my own as always a warm welcome. Service is always friendly and orders taken quicky, food freshly prepared so always a little wait but well worth it. Nicely presented and very tasty.

The breakfast was exceptional very good quality and perfectly cooked, the tea was amazing and done with tea leaves filtered through the teapot. The place is located between the indoor market and the Darlington town it was nice watching views from both sides. The breakfast and tea came to about £9 and is definitely worth the price. I'll be back again no doubt,

Rubbish,customer service non existent, don't answer e-mails and just rude staff,don't queries and manager was shocking,no skills at all

Visited two days running for coffee which turned into lunch. Nice hot drinks served quickly. Lunch was lovely nicely presented very tasty and great portion. My favourite black pudding stack. Toast, black pudding, square sausage, black pudding topped with a poached eggs. Waitress or waiter always polite and friendly. Warm welcome.

Me and my partner visited The Waterhouse Kitchen today for the first time, after passing by a few times and reading the reviews on Trip Advisor. So we decided to pop in for a Sunday dinner. Well, not that we would call whatever we were served anything remotely resembling a Sunday dinner.

Needed to visit a business on High Row and fancied a stop-off for a coffee. Thought I would try the...

Reunirse con amigos para tomar café y un desayuno especial. Sándwich de tocino y bebida caliente antes de las 11 de la mañana a 3 libras - 75 una ganga. Sándwich de tocino tiene mucho.

Encontramos este fantástico café en nuestra visita a Darlington mientras competía en Croft. Desayuno durante todo el día el domingo por la mañana a mediados sólo el billete. Gran bacon y excelente selección de tés suelto.

El personal es alegre. Servicio de mesa. Pan fresco y un montón de tocino. Perfecto para una escapada. Parte del edificio del mercado interior.

Tenía una hora para matar así que fui a este restaurante bien para almorzar. Tuve un desayuno inglés completo con té. Blooming adorable que era demasiado. Volveré si estoy en Darlington de nuevo. Lástima lo de la alarma de incendios, ja ja ja.

Cuatro adultos y dos niños que llamamos comida no un carrito a un lado puso problema para nosotros silla alta para uno. Comidas y bebidas ordenados tuvimos una corta espera, pero como todo preparado no es un problema. El servicio siempre es bueno y el personal es agradable. Buena relación calidad-precio.

Almuerzo buena elección en el menú siempre muy bien preparada y presentada. Esperando el personal siempre es amable y educado. Pequeño gran café popular.

The food was served in the correct manner to suit my dietary needs. The service was welcoming and the waiting times were quite short. The food was beautifully presented as well as tasting delicious! Definitely will return to this friendly restaurant!

Friends and I meet here quite often on Saturday morning for breakfast special bacon sandwich and hot drink. Always nicely cooked and nicley presented. Staff always give a warm welcome and are pleasant.

Since my last review I have visited many times. We say welcome back Rachel after maternity leave. Great breakfast offer bacon sandwich and hot drink for under five pounds as long as you order before 11am. I have had it a few times bacon always nicely cooked and served with a smile. Have been for lunch and just coffees. Always my port of call in Darlington. Service with a smile and laughter.

4 adults, 1 child and a baby but no problem seating us. Order taken and child allowed what he ordered bagel but only wanted strawberry jam with it that was fine. Drinks brought one a tap water not a problem. Meals arrived all very nice from cheese on toast to panni and chips. We have all eaten here many times and will many more times.

Quaint cosy little restaurant. We both had the Full English breakfast which also comes with a round of toast, delicious home cooked. We visited on a Saturday morning and it seemed to be popular with the older residents of the town but this just added to its friendliness and interesting banter. Well worth a visit.

Been here a few times with my friend and while i could go on about how amazing the menu is and how awesome the staff always are, the main point of my review is because one of my best friends. She needs a gluten free menu and this place has by the best she has even seen(her fav is the club sandwich) when we have been out to places before,her choice had been very limited and she normal can only get chips with the odd sandwich. However here there is full other menu that she can choose from and the choice is fab. She has also just had a little boy who was very early and is very small - she is currently breastfeeding Jason and the staff here have been great. Not one funny look or comment - in fact they have very supportive of this,unlike some places. Which I would like to say thank you too - as this means she can not only feed her little one in peace but also mean she knows there somewhere can always go for lunch and not be judged. This has now become our weekly meet up point and feel we could be visiting for quite a few week as she would love to try just about everything on the menu. I would also like to say the normal menu is great. Food is always fresh and is always amazing. Please don't stop being the great little cafe you are :) xx

Called in for a snack at 10-45 to find it very busy which proves how popular this place has become. Down stairs full and only a couple of tables upstairs had breakfast special bacon sandwich and a drink. Excellent value and lovely sandwich with plenty of bacon in it. It was lovely to see Rachel back after maternity leave.

A quaint little coffee shop, however they have lots of variety Archers Ice Creams and specialty teas.They serve great scones and tea cakes... A brilliant place to stop and watch the day along High Row passing by.

Popped in for coffee, but noticed they did cheese on toast as well.Good service lovely cheese on brown toast ,reasonably priced.. very clean and tidy

This cafe is really sweet. The downstairs is ok, but doesn't have much atmosphere. It's joined to the indoor market. Upstairs is lovely and overlooks the high row. The menu is small, and has lovely options, from flavour packed salads to paninis, and they also sell Archers ice cream. The staff are always friendly and they food is always freshly made with care, and beautiful.

Called with friend for lunch on Saturday greeted by smiles from staff as we entered. Our waiter was a very pleasant well-mannered young man maybe Sat staff. We both ordered Veg soup which was delicious with very fresh brown bread. A good filling lunch.

I have been to the Warehouse Kitchen many times and Sunday was no exception. The food once again was well prepared and presented. The staff were most welcoming and helpful. Will be going back again.

Just came for breakfast very fast to take my order and breakfast came out quickly only fault was I asked for my bacon very well done and it wasn't so had to send it back came back very fast and perfect but it did go in a microwave I'm a chef I can tell lol but is was ok did not bother me. Yes I would return.

Lovely food and excellent staff and at a great price. Been for Sunday lunch twice now and food has been consistent in its quality. See you again today

After my last report on poor service my friend and I have both noticed an improvement in customer service. We have still carried on supporting this local business and will continue to do so. Food is very very good always fresh and well cooked.

Very nice Cafe, great bacon sanies and the best coffee in town,never had a meal here but the food looks and smells great, very friendly and cheerful staff.

An amazing place for a latte and a bagel or even a full breakfast, Great with children too. Recommended

We always enjoy our weekly visits here The food is very good. The staff could not do any more to help us. They are very friendly. We enjoy the atmosphere. We also find the disabled toilet and access to be very convenient.

Do yourself a favour and every now and again pop in here and let someone else cook your breakfast for you, especially good the Black Pudding Stack :) FABULOUS and lovely coffees too.

I was out in Darlington for the first time ever, yesterday with my elderly Mam, Aunty and younger disabled brother. We had come to go for pub grub but the pub in question no longer did food. So after wondering around Darlington for a while we decided to enter The Waterhouse Kitchen. We were greeted at the door by the Chef who moved a table by the window so we could get brother's wheelchair in. With my brother's dietary needs he has his food blended. Unlike some other 'disabled friendly' establishments they couldn't do enough to help. The Chef and waiting staff were amazing and nothing was too much trouble for them. At first the menu looked a little pricey but when the food arrived (as an ex chef myself) I understood why. The food, like the members of staff was extremely good. I know this has been a long post and thank you for bearing with it. Thanks also to the staff at The Waterhouse who made what started as a so so day really enjoyable. Moral of this story is don't be put off by the price, the service/great food make it worthwhile. In case you're wondering I'm not a rich toff who can afford to pay whatever he wants to eat out and 2 women are retired and brother on disability but it was really worth the money.

I regularly visit this delightful little café when I'm out with my Mum.The service is always fantastic, the staff are extremely pleasant and helpful, and the food is lovely.It's great value for money, they can cater to all kinds of diets if you just ask, and will do whatever they can to ensure you have an enjoyable visit.

Been here lots and lots arranged to meet friend today29/3/16. Arrived to find friend outside as she had walked out due a member of staff being rude to get made us think about returning plenty of good coffee shops in town.Customer service goes along way to a good cafe as well as the food. Never experienced this before but have noticed standards have been slipping.

An amazing little find . Had a breakfast catered completely for my diety needs. All the staff are top rate and so friendly. That surpass efforts to ensure no cross contamination could ever happen. A real must if you have complex dietary requirements. Helen is the chef just ask and she will help.

Lovely friendly town centre cafe serving freshly prepared food all day and they also have a separate Gluten Free menu. Ordering gluten free you can be sure of a safe meal / snack, prepared and served by Chef Helen.All the staff are aware of safe handling for serving gluten free meals. Visited here on many different occasions and never been disappointed. Thank you

I have had Coeliac Disease for several years and have visited most eateries in and around Darlington, it's a breath of fresh air to have a choice, an extensive choice rather than the usual offerings of salad or jacket potato. i had a toastie which probably sounds rather plain, but trust me, this is the first time I've been able to have a toastie in a cafe and it was lovely. My husband (a non coeliac) had the corned beef pie which looked delicous and it was. Whilst we were there a lady who had had a gluten free fish finger sandwich said it was the best she had ever had so that's my choice on our next visit.Service was excellent and staff really understand what gluten-free means and that in itself is a breath of fresh air .

I was under protest at having to go shopping Darlington but was bribed with a promise of breakfast. I was still not expecting much but ended up really enjoying my breakfast treat a really pleasant surprise. It is not an attractive building but the service was good and the menu is varied. The americano was one of the best I have ever had and the black pudding tower was very good. It was cooked just right. The staff took a genuine interest in customer satisfaction. I will not protest so much next time

Have been regular customer to Waterhouse Kitchen going 3-4 times a week but not any more. I went for afternoon Coffee , asked if they did Gluten Free cakes , NO was the answer told they do at sister shop Coopers, so I settled for Gluten Free toast with. But they had run out gluten free bread for my toast so they phoned Coopers for said bread to make my toast . So why couldn't they offer me Gluten Free cake with my toast. This was Managers attitude.

I recommend the halloumi and butternut squash salad which my vegetarian daughter first tried and enjoyed. Halloumi and butternut squash lightly grilled is a lovely mixture of interesting flavours and a generous helping of halloumi, butternut squash over a mixed salad. My husband also enjoyed his all day breakfast, he has tried most of Darlington's cafes for breakfast and Waterhouse Kitchen is an excellent one he thought.

We came upon this rather unobtrusive cafe quite by chance, whilst shopping in Darlington during a short break away from home. My OH wanted a coffee and a snack, I was resigned, as ever, to just having a drink, as there are few cafes that cater for a gluten free diet. More than pleasantly surprised - they had an alternative gluten free menu, with lots of choice and info/details, absolutely excellent. I had the biggest bacon sarnie ever, absolutely lovely, served with GF bread. My husband decided to have a full-on English breakfast, loads of gluten included! I loved it, he loved it. Spot on!The staff were great, very helpful and obliging, great service too. Couldn't fault it, a little gluten free gem in Darlington, ideal for a snack or larger meal. Highly recommended.

Been here a few times and always had a nice sunday lunch. Came here today n was very disappointed my partner found a hair under his Yorkshire pudding therefore left most of his meal. The chicken was tough and tasteless and my latte that normally is a proper latte was a powdered sachet that i was charged £2.50 for. Standards are slipping no hats or hairnets worn by the kitchen staff when preparing n serving food. This is against food and hygiene regulations. Will not be returning