
Tawny Owl
Quick info
About Tawny Owl
On Neasham Rd in Darlington, Tawny Owl is a pub serving pub grub alongside pizzas and burgers. Nooks fitted with books to borrow are set up around the space for guests to use while eating or waiting on food. The kitchen runs a weekend special menu plus a Sunday roast, and sticky toffee pudding sits on the dessert list, with mini puddings offered alongside a drink to close the meal. Table service is provided throughout, and mocktails and other non-alcoholic drinks are available alongside the regular bar. The pub takes walk-ins rather than bookings and opens daily. It sits in a countryside location on the edge of the city.
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention sticky toffee pudding, sunday roast, tandoori chicken skewers and pan fried duck.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention sticky toffee pudding, sunday roast, tandoori chicken skewers and pan fried duck.
Customer Review Summary
Diners repeatedly single out attentive table service as the reason they return, with staff frequently praised for warmth toward families and for small personal touches, like an extra scoop of ice cream added to dessert or a birthday candle placed on a sticky toffee pudding. Alongside the service, specific dishes draw praise: tandoori chicken skewers and pan fried duck from the weekend special menu, a well liked lasagne, and a Sunday roast described as lovely, though one reviewer felt the sticky toffee pudding could use a bigger portion of custard. The countryside, rustic setting and cosy nooks with books to borrow come up as part of the relaxed feel. One reviewer suggests a wider selection of zero alcohol drinks like gin and wine. Reviewers describe returning for birthdays, family meals, and a girls' Christmas gathering, consistently calling the staff welcoming and the food good value.
Customer Review Summary
Diners repeatedly single out attentive table service as the reason they return, with staff frequently praised for warmth toward families and for small personal touches, like an extra scoop of ice cream added to dessert or a birthday candle placed on a sticky toffee pudding. Alongside the service, specific dishes draw praise: tandoori chicken skewers and pan fried duck from the weekend special menu, a well liked lasagne, and a Sunday roast described as lovely, though one reviewer felt the sticky toffee pudding could use a bigger portion of custard. The countryside, rustic setting and cosy nooks with books to borrow come up as part of the relaxed feel. One reviewer suggests a wider selection of zero alcohol drinks like gin and wine. Reviewers describe returning for birthdays, family meals, and a girls' Christmas gathering, consistently calling the staff welcoming and the food good value.
Featured reviews
- Georgina Taylor
“The Sunday roast was absolutely lovely! Paula the lady on the bar was lovely, I have been in a few times and she always takes the time to ask how our day is and make our dining experience special and relaxing. 100% recommend because of the brilliant service for Paula especially x”
- Nick Potts
“Had an great family meal served by some outstanding staff. the team made us feel welcome, but their warmth toward our kids was what really made the evening special. Carly and Skye were warm, patient, and went out of their way to make sure the little ones were happy—bringing their food out quickly, talking directly to them, and handling every request with a warm smile.”
- Beth Bell
“Me & my husband started coming here more frequently, the food is absolutely amazing. The staff are lovely , very friendly & welcoming Charlie whom served us was really helpful. Would definitely recommend.”
- Enya Killen
“Such a lovely atmosphere here. Our waitress Carly was so friendly and helpful. I had the lasagne which was lovely. I noticed they have some cosy nooks for reading and books to borrow too. Great selection of food and drinks for all including mocktails!”
- Sam Wright
“First time here, but we have been to Vintage Inns before. It was very clean, and well maintained. The staff (Charlie and Carly) were genuinely friendly and made us all feel very welcome. We all said it was a very enjoyable Birthday meal and that we'd definitely return again. Well done to all the staff at the Tawney Owl.”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Good to know
“Pub grub basics share the menu with pizzas & burgers at this comfy spot with a rustic-chic interior.”
- ReservationsWalk-in only
Location
Bars near Tawny Owl
- The Mowden4.57573.1 mi
sunday roast, chilli beef starter, slow kitchen service
- White Heifer That Travelled4.31,3993.8 mi
katsu chicken burger, fish & chips, southern fried chicken burger
- LunaBlu4.43557.1 mi away
fry up breakfast, dog friendly seating, complimentary cups of tea
| Place | Rating | Distance | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tawny Owl | 4.51,864 | — | sticky toffee pudding, sunday roast, tandoori chicken skewers |
| The Mowden | 4.5757 | 3.1 mi | sunday roast, chilli beef starter, slow kitchen service |
| White Heifer That Travelled | 4.31,399 | 3.8 mi | katsu chicken burger, fish & chips, southern fried chicken burger |
| LunaBlu | 4.4355 | 7.1 mi away | fry up breakfast, dog friendly seating, complimentary cups of tea |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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