
The Spotted Dog
Advertisements
Quick info
About The Spotted Dog
The Spotted Dog is a restaurant in Darlington at 6 The Grn, set in a traditional inn dating back to the early 1800s. A covered well in the floor lets visitors peer down into the building's past. The menu runs to 49 dishes, with Coronation Chicken Terrine and Smoked Mackerel among the starters and a Scotch Egg alongside. Sunday lunch brings roast beef and pork with Yorkshire puddings and gravy, and a gluten-free roast is available for those who need one. Walk-ins are seated without booking, and a private dining room gives groups a space of their own. Dogs are welcome.
Good to know
- ReservationsAccepts reservations
- ParkingFree parking lot · Free street parking · Paid parking lot
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, parking lot, restroom, seating
- Good for kidsGood for kids · Has changing table(s) · High chairs
- DietaryVegan options · Vegetarian options
Advertisements
Menu & Prices
49 dishes- Roast Tomato & Red Pepper Soup
- Coronation Chicken Terrine
- Garlic & Chilli King Prawns
- Scotch Egg
- Smoked Mackerel
- Miso Glazed Coal Roasted Courgettes & Green Beans
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention sunday roast, potato skins, yorkshire puddings and pistachio cheesecake.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention sunday roast, potato skins, yorkshire puddings and pistachio cheesecake.
Customer Review Summary
Sunday lunch draws the most praise at The Spotted Dog, with reviewers singling out the roast beef and pork, the yorkshire puddings and the gravy, and one calling it among the best roasts in the Darlington area. Close behind are the starters and desserts: focaccia, tempura chicken, potato skins, cheese soufflé, pistachio cheesecake, crème brûlée and apple crumble all get mentioned, and one likens the potato skins to a crispy version of the best chip shop chips. A lasagne also earns high praise. Staff are described as friendly and helpful, and several note that gluten-free requests were handled well. The recurring complaint is slow service, attributed by one reviewer to understaffing, and another felt a little forgotten as the room filled. A few other gripes surface: roast potatoes a little lacking, one main that wasn't warm, a tasteless steak sandwich, and no gluten-free Yorkshire pudding, though the staff brought plain cauliflower so one coeliac diner still had cauliflower cheese.
Customer Review Summary
Sunday lunch draws the most praise at The Spotted Dog, with reviewers singling out the roast beef and pork, the yorkshire puddings and the gravy, and one calling it among the best roasts in the Darlington area. Close behind are the starters and desserts: focaccia, tempura chicken, potato skins, cheese soufflé, pistachio cheesecake, crème brûlée and apple crumble all get mentioned, and one likens the potato skins to a crispy version of the best chip shop chips. A lasagne also earns high praise. Staff are described as friendly and helpful, and several note that gluten-free requests were handled well. The recurring complaint is slow service, attributed by one reviewer to understaffing, and another felt a little forgotten as the room filled. A few other gripes surface: roast potatoes a little lacking, one main that wasn't warm, a tasteless steak sandwich, and no gluten-free Yorkshire pudding, though the staff brought plain cauliflower so one coeliac diner still had cauliflower cheese.
Featured reviews
- Hayden Edwards
“Haven't been here in years and glad I visited for Sunday lunch. The whole place seems to have been done out and looks fantastic. There is even a covered well in the floor you can peer down. Plenty of parking and an outside area for sunnier days. Curried parsnip soup was 'ok' but the main beef and pork mains were lovely. Good vegetables, roast potatoes a little lacking, yorkshire puddings were amazing (I am still thinking about them hours later!) as was the gravy. One of our party said there main wasn't that warm; however, the rest of us didn't have this issue. Apple crumble desert was beautiful but couldn't eat it all. Service was good throughout until the end of the meal as it was getting busy and we felt a little forgotten. Reasonably priced overall and would definitely visit again as it was one of the best roasts we have had in the Darlington area.”
- Pam Bracken
“3 of us just been for lunch at the Spotted Dog for the first time in years. Wow what a transformation. Everything is amazing..the staff the food the decor. I had the best lasagne I have ever had. It was really lovely. Will definitely be going back and recommending it to family and friends. Thank you everyone at the Spotted Dog xxx”
- Ben Dobson
“Very nice atmosphere and friendly staff. Easy to find with a nice beer garden and well maintained grounds. Flat path and entrance makes it accessible for all. Food was good but the steak sandwich was a bit tasteless. Would definitely visit again.”
- Karen Oliver
“The Spotted Dog at High Coniscliffe is a fantastic place to visit. We love it! The food is always outstanding, the chefs produce delicious meals made with quality ingredients and never fail to impress. The whole team work hard and always have a welcoming smile. If you haven’t tried The Spotted Dog you’re missing an absolute treat!”
- Irena Dzene
“Visit spotted dog yesterday..service very good ..food was quick on the table ..all fresh ..portions not big ..standard normal ..it is good because you can order starter as well”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Highlights
“Immerse yourself in the rich history of our traditional inn, dating back to the early 1800s. With a perfect blend of timeless charm and modern sophistication, our pub welcomes you with open arms. Our friendly team behind the bar will make you feel right at home as you indulge in our extensive selection of drinks and dishes. With ever-changing seasonal menus crafted from the freshest ingredients, our creative chefs ensure each meal is a tantalizing experience. From authentic cuisine to home-roasted coffee, we have something to satisfy every palate. Join us at The Spotted Dog and discover a hidden gem that will leave you speechless.”
- Fireplace
- Great beer selection
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Great wine list
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Accepts reservations
- Outdoor seating
- Dogs allowed
- Dine-in
Show more amenities
- Family-friendly
- Vegan options
- Bar onsite
- Cozy
- Beer
- Coffee
- Offerings· 9
- Alcohol
- Cocktails
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Private dining room
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
- Crowd· 3
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Pet-friendly· 2
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dining options· 6
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Atmosphere· 2
- Casual
- Trendy
- Family-friendly· 4
- Good for kids
- Has changing table(s)
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
- Planning· 2
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Highlights· 5
- Fireplace
- Great beer selection
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Great wine list
- Popular for· 1
- Solo dining
- Facilities· 1
- Restroom
- Accessibility· 3
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Parking· 4
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Parking
Location
Restaurants near The Spotted Dog
- LA Pizza3.7182.6 mi£10–20
donner kebab, pizza, cheesy chips
- Cockerton Fisheries4.42752.9 mi£10–20Outdoor seatingGood for kids
gluten free menu, crispy battered fish, mushy peas
- Golden Fisheries4.11053.6 mi£1–20
fish and chips, mushy chips, curry sauce
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Spotted DogOutdoor seating · Vegan options · Vegetarian options | 4.4503 | — | £20–30 | sunday roast, potato skins, yorkshire puddings |
| LA Pizza | 3.718 | 2.6 mi | £10–20 | donner kebab, pizza, cheesy chips |
| Cockerton FisheriesOutdoor seating · Good for kids | 4.4275 | 2.9 mi | £10–20 | gluten free menu, crispy battered fish, mushy peas |
| Golden Fisheries | 4.1105 | 3.6 mi | £1–20 | fish and chips, mushy chips, curry sauce |
The 3 nearest restaurants by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
Similar Restaurants nearby
3.6 miOven Restaurant
3.7 miDton Fish Shop
3.7 miBartlett Street Fish Shop
3.7 miManjaros Restaurant Darlington
3.7 miSpeedy Pepper
3.7 miBest Kebab
3.8 miCherry Tree Kitchen & Cocktail Bar
3.9 miHoundgate Townhouse Hotel & Saltfish Seafood Restaurant
More to explore in Darlington

40 places
Restaurants in Darlington
Photo: The Old Yard Tapas Bar · 4.6 · 957 Google reviews
See all 40 restaurants in Darlington