The Bridge Inn - Darlington

Tatiana D.

Probably the most famous place in North Yorkshire, with a great reputation.
I've heard so many great reviews and am glad I finally came here.
I was impressed by the regal interior.
The service was high quality and the food was beautifully presented.

Scott D.

Passed this a few times since moving to the area and finally visited with a friend. Love the decore and the choice on the menu is just immense, portion size is also amazing I was very impressed. My lamb chops were superb and I fully intend to go back for a steak as they look amazing. The only tiny niggle was the young waitress who welcomed us, she kind of looked like she didn't want to be there unlike the other staff who were really bubbly and friendly, she kind of stood out a bit. But I highly recommend based on our visit and will return very soon.

THE P. -. F. P. D. A.

Saw the nice exterior of this place as we drove through Stapleton. After googling to find they served food we turned back to have dinner. We were glad we did since it was quiet (though the music s little louder than desired) and service efficient. My partner and I had duck and lamb (respectively). Both dishes were perfectly cooked and the sauces to compliment each dish was delicious. We both felt nourished and not over stuffed (as we often do at other establishments) Quality not quantity - though I might add that the meat portions were more than adequate. Prices acceptable. Strongly recommend!

Ian A.

I had a table booked for Sunday lunch at 3 pm. We were asked to get a drink as they were running behind. We got one and went outside expecting to be called when our table was ready. I had to ask twice if they were ready for us, once told yes and we were given a table it wasn’t even set. Didn’t get seated and ordered till 3:50. Had a couple of beers while waiting which were really poor. Dirty line flavour and fairly flat. Finally we got food around 65 mins after arriving and I didn’t get the food I ordered, which was belly pork and turkey crown. I did get the belly pork but also 3 pieces chicken leg meat which was fairly shite. The 3 other people with me got what they ordered. Once the meal was served, we weren’t offered any condiments such as horseradish or cranberry sauce. No follow up if the meal was ok, as we would have complained. Sat after eating main course for 30 mins without plates being removed and asking if any deserts were required. Two of my guests would probably had one. Needed to request the bill after some time which was paid and we left. Will not return. Poor service throughout.

Jack C.

Booked a table to celebrate my university graduation.

1. When we arrived and stated our surname we weren’t even on the list and were told to sit at the bar.
2. Worst point of Johns Smiths, I have ever consumed.
3. Too many items on the menu….food over priced compared to what we received.
4. Area in which we were seated was close to another table, in which people were using to access the bar and serve the food….i had to keep moving my chair in on numerous occasions to let people through.

Overall poor experience, such a shame.

Stan R.

Worst place i have ever been too.Told had to wait 20 mins to get table and advise to get a drink. Drinks order placed and still no sign after 15 mins of drink.We sat there and watch others being served. If this is service standard then I can only say do not waste your time here.We walked out.Should be no stars

Andy F.

This has been on the radar for a while, and we have only avoided because there was so much choice on the menu. Often, we have found that a very large menu can lead to ordinary execution, with nothing great.... We didnt need to worry here! My wife and I, and my son visited for the first time yesterday, and ordered a varied range of different food, with meats ordered from rare, medium rare and medium well.
Everything came out cooked perfectly at the same time, and it seems they pay a lot of attention to the quality of the produce, the lamb and steak particularly good...perhaps exceptional. Service took a little while, but not to the detriment of the experience.
Atmosphere is traditional, but spotlessly clean, and the staff friendly and happy.
If we would change anything, the steak was a bit too lightly seasoned before going in the grill, but not enough to drop from a 5 to a 4 star.
While eating, there was a table of 16, who all ordered different meals, and, at least from a distance, they seemed to be really enjoying their meal too.
Good value, especially for the quality of the food

Will definitely return. Kicking ourselves that we put off out first visit for too long.

Hannah J.

Absolutely fantastic place! We booked a table for 17:30 and it's a good job we did because they seemed to be fully booked minus 2 or 3 tables. Drinks were brought over very quickly, as was the food. We went for the early bird 3 course menu and the value for money was astonishing. I had the calamari + whitebait to start which was lovely, crispy coatings with lovely soft fish/squid inside plus a tasty little salad on the side. 3 of us had the mixed grill and it was *massive*. Meat was cooked nicely, the mushroom was one of the nicest I've had, the chips were great, and the onion rings were nice, if not a little bit too oily. For dessert I had the blondie which was nice. I would've gone for sticky toffee pudding but it's not often you see somewhere that serves a blondie rather than a brownie.

The other meals were fab too. They had the baked black pudding, Peking duck, and salt and pepper chicken to start which were all nice. For mains, there were the other mixed grills, the pulled pork burger, and the pork loin steak. Again, also lovely. Other desserts included the raspberry brulee and baked cookie dough.

Service was fantastic as well, checked on regularly and everything brought out very quickly. Even when it got very busy the level of service didn't change.