The Otter and Fish in Darlington

Return visit for Sunday Lunch after lockdown. Nice welcome where all Covid procedures were explained before being shown to our table. Very nice to see some of the very friendly and welcoming staff. New menu with some interesting starters, would certainly recommend the Mackerel or the Goats cheese.Main courses of Lamb or Chicken were certainly up to the standards expected from the Otter-and Fish. Looking forward to visiting on an evening to try the new evening menu.

Visited Wednesday lunch time for a long awaited visit and it didn’t disappoint as usual! Special of crispy beef starter and hot shot Parmo for mains omg gorgeous! COVID procedures spot on and service and staff excellent! Love the otter and fish thank you

Booked an evening meal on a Friday to celebrate a friend’s birthday. Very impressed by the care taken by staff over safety and Covid rules. The staff were very attentive and made everyone feel at ease. Everything was explained and tables were well distanced. The food and service was just amazing, will 100% be going back. Highly recommend!

As we were staying overnight in the area we took a gamble and booked online for an evening meal. We were impressed by the care taken by staff over Covid rules. Everything was explained and tables were well distanced. Food and service were excellent and we wouldn’t hesitate to go back. Thoroughly recommend.

Your temp is taken on arrival and you are advised of the procedures you need to follow makes for a COVID safe experience. The food was of an excellent standard especially the whitebait starter and goats cheese lasagne main the customer service from the owners made for an extremely pleasant lunch.

We were staying in the nearby Rockliffe Hall last week and decided to have our evening meal at the Otter and Fish as some of the restaurants at the hotel are closed due to COVID and we had read good reviews about coming here. Lots of safety measures are in place which was good to see! Our waitress was lovely and explained everything thoroughly. Service was prompt and food cooked freshly to order! It was busy for a Thursday night so I would recommend booking.

Had a lovely family Sunday Lunch. Food was fab, staff were friendly and attentive. A real find. Will definitely be back.

A visit to the otter and fish should always be anticipated and then enjoyed. It will inevitably be a pleasure. A Sunday lunch didn’t disappoint. Covid secure and comfortable with attentive staff. If being ultra critical perhaps a smidge too much bechemal sauce in the lasagne and the beef a little too fatty, but these I amBeing pick and this place continues to deliver a delightful dining experience with value

My husband and I visited for our anniversary. The procedures put in place in order to keep diners safe were very well thought out but not restrictive.The meal itself was lovely and the staff were welcoming and friendly.Its a while since we had been to The otter and Fish but we will certainly be returning soon.

Visited The Otter and Fish on Sunday. I had the rib of beef and an Eton mess. My friend had the sea bass and a waffle with brownie. Neither of us had any complaints, it was all delicious. Service was first class, the young girl who greeted and seated us was lovely, very pleasant. As where the rest of the staff serving us. Felt really comfortable in the current climate and the staff couldn’t have done a better job. Samantha is an absolute delight. Will definitely be back!

Had a “homemade” beef burger and fries and my partner had a Greek salad. The burger was dry, tasteless and came with an abundance of bland melted cheese and frozen fries. The Greek salad was exactly the same as my side salad but with a little salad cheese and a few black olives. Our first and last trip to the Otter and Fish. With a lemonade and ginger ale the price was £30 ... not what I was expecting and we were both very disappointed.

I came for a work colleagues memorial and they were fantastic at providing food that was both veggie and gluten free for me. They were happy to amend any dishes from the menu to meet dietary needs. The service was very friendly and efficient and the Covid procedures were really good in the restaurant.All my dishes were lovely and I'm sure that I'll return.

First time we have visited for a number of months and so glad we did. Everything was perfect - the welcome from Jan & Richard, the ambience, the staff and most important the food which was absoltely brilliant. In fact we have booked again for next week. We will not hesitate to visit again on a regular basis and fully recommend. They are 100% on top of the Covid - 19 rullings regarding all diners safety.

They never let us down here; the food is always consistently good. Plenty of choice. We're always made to feel welcome, all of the staff are sincere and friendly. Covid has reduced the amount of tables available, you're temperature is checked before being seated and social distancing is not an issue. Well done Richie, Janice and staff!!

We booked a table for lunch today and were so impressed with the Covid safety in place. Couldn’t fault it. The staff were all so pleasant and helpful. Service perfect and the food impeccable- can’t wait to go back x

Hadn't had a meal here for quite some time so decided to give it a try for the eat out to help out scheme. Greeted by a friendly lady who took our temperatures and showed us to our table. Everywhere seemed as safe as could be although we were surprised that none of the staff wore any face protection.I ordered chicken parmesan and my husband had a steak. The meals came with chips and side salad. The salad was actually a small bowl of shredded lettuce and a tiny piece of cucumber so not exactly a salad. Although the meals were hot and ok they were certainly not exceptional for the cost. As this was on the half price scheme it was a reasonable meal but we certainly would not have been happy paying the full price. There are definitely comparable places to eat where the food is better and at less cost so all in all a bit disappointing.

We visited for a meal on Saturday evening as a 3. I’d never been before and the meal I had was excellent. I had the belly pork for main , I will definitely be back .

Visited for lunch on a Friday. Temperature taken on entry, great social distancing and service was well thought out eg cutlery brought to the table on a platter on napkins and left for us to take and drinks brought to the table on a tray and left for us to take - well impressed. Food was fantastic and lovely surroundings. Staff really nice too. Would highly recommend!

First time visit and very impressed with this restaurant-from it’s decor,it’s varied menu and delicious food to it’s professional and friendly staff. We had lunch and the vegetarian options were great-integrated into the menu, not simply add-ons. The safety procedures are well explained with temperature checks, signage, and hand sanitising stations throughout making you feel reassured and safe but not so overwhelming that the ambience of the restaurant is affected. Booking is strongly recommended though as it is very popular, particularly so with the supported scheme through August.

First visit to the restaurant since lockdown, as always Sam and the team were very friendly and welcoming. Food and service as usual was excellent and another chance to win the raffle. Great to be back.

This visit was supposed to happen back in April to celebrate 2 birthdays, but we all know what happened!!!We re-scheduled for yesterday, slightly apprehensively I must admit. However, we needn't have worried as the Otter and Fish have excelled themselves in making customers feel safe and comfortable.A one way system is in place, our temperatures were taken on arrival, hand sanistisers are placed all over the restaurant and only one toilet is in operation. The staff are amazing, so friendly and professional nothing is a bother to them.Each one of the meals we ordered from starters to deserts, was just simply beautiful, both in taste and presentation.Thank you Sam and all your team for an absolutely lovely afternoon, we will be back!!

We went out for first meal after lockdown didn’t want to be disappointed so went to Otter and Fish and we weren’t. Had main courses of steak and belly pork both meals were delicious and we will be back again soon.

Before lockdown we never got chance to go out very often but it would always be the otter and fish when we did so it would always have been our first choice for after lockdown!Perfect decision as we felt extremely welcome and safeAll the measures in place are just rightFood was better than before or is that because we have been eating my cooking for so long Thank you to all the staff for making our first night out the best

We had a fab experience! It was our first meal out since lockdown and all procedures put it place were brilliant, it made us feel comfortable and we will defiantly be returning very soon! Food was delicious and service was great.

Arrange to go out last night we have eaten at the otter & Fish numerous times, and feeling a little bit nervous, and not sure what to expect, but we need not of worried, everything was fine, warm welcome, temperature checked as we went in, told about hand sanitizer station's, staff were very informative, felt very safe. Food was excellent. Anyone feeling apprehensive about eating out after lock down, I can throughly recommend the otter & fish, for fabulous food, and the staff ensure your safety at all times.

And was really impressed. Felt totally safe with the measures put in place for customers and staff without it detracting from the environment or the atmosphere. We were very well looked after. Food was really good as always. Thank you.

This was our first time at the Otter & Fish and our first meal out post-lockdown. We had a fantastic experience. Their 1 way system and hygiene measures made us feel like we were in safe hands. We had a Sunday lunch and it was delicious, all of the ingredients were fresh and cooked perfectly. Dessert was lovely too; we had the sticky toffee pudding and the Eton mess. Overall a great experience; if anyone is worried about venturing out then please don't be, you're in safe hands with the team at the Otter and Fish. Can't wait to come back and sample more of the menu.

Amazing as always, hence the reason we chose to come here for our first meal out in 4 months!! Staff are always very friendly and helpful and the food is always perfect. Felt very safe from covid and had a relaxing time which was well needed, couldnt fault at all! Will certainly be back soon!!

Just had an excellent meal at the Otter and Fish. Back in business Covid proof with minimum disturbance to the usual family friendly welcome. They deserve to build support quickly. My only observation: as usual the portions were too big for modest appetites but who is going to complain!

After many years since my last visit I’m pleased to confirm that the restaurant is still of a high standard. The staff are polite and friendly and nothing is to much trouble. I was also very surprised on how quickly our food arrived. Thoroughly recommended.

As the title says this pub is in a small niche area with stiff competition from the Bay Horse, Devonport and other surrounding venues but it is always consistently excellent, lovely friendly staff that always greet you with a smile! Food is top notch, and nothing is an issue if you ask for it!Would class this as our local despite being from a neighbouring village!

Having lived in the area for quite some time it's always pleasant to support local businesses. I'm afraid this venue doesn't always live up to the reputation in dines out on.Location is reasonable, Hurworth sadly has succumbed to being a sorry Darlington suburb, and that's not especially nice. The staff were welcoming and friendly but that's where my positively ends. The food was nice, it wasn't exceptional as the reputation would have you believe, but by Darlington standards it was better than average. Prices were to suit the bolder pocket, it is clear that the owners on longer take a particularly active role and the day to day management is left with the staff and any manager who is around.Summary, nice but nothing to write home about, plenty of far better venues to spend those hard earned pounds.But, if you want pretence, go here. Want better all round experiences, try elsewhere.

Pleasant staff very friendly great surroundings and warm. All meals were cooked to order and fresh locally sourced dishes.

Visited with family for an early birthday get together. Chose from the 3 course early bird menu which has changed a lot since our last visit, some of our favourites were missing, but everything we chose to sample was well prepared as always. We all really did wish that the Salt and Pepper Squid was still an option as it is the best squid dish around Darlington :) Started with Chorizo & calamari salad , Goats cheese parcel with red onion chutney and a retro PRawn Cocktail all good. Mains were great , two of us had the the Lush Corsican beef stew with herb dumpling was gorgeous, very filling and truly tasty, and two the Pan fried sea bass fillet with creamed vegetables & roasted new potatoes.For Pudding, which was a struggle as really we had eaten quite enough, we squeezed in the Sticky toffee pud, the berry crumble and a waffle dish . Stuffed.Always a great service, friendly and fun. Food is always great quality and lovely, and the surroundings are fantastic, cosy, comfy, smart, clean, we just love it here.

A good meal in nice surroundings with excellent service by pleasant staff. We were a club and booked in advance and, unlike some group meals, we didn't have to wait long either. They also allowed us to settle our own bills individually.

Plesant Sunday lunch with fresh veg and large Yorkshire pudding vairried choice of meals available the staff were lovely smily helpful and efficient would definatly visit again

As good as ever. Excellent staff. Excellent service. Good food. The only comment would be portions are too large but most people would see that as an advantage.

We visited for the third time this weekend, as we’ve done each time we visit a local hotel. It never disappoints.Genuine friendly service & good food. Pretty reasonable prices too with the ‘early bird’.My only ‘complaint’ was that the very generous main course size meant I couldn’t manage dessert

All I can say about the food in this establishment is wow The staff Katie and Carly were very helpful and it was a pleasure to be served by them There jam rlly poly was the same as my gran made If I had a complaint treacle sponge next time on specials It has been over 10 years since we had food hear it will not be the last Thanks to all the staff for a great evening

We had a lovely lunch here to celebrate, really glad we chose this place. Very tasty food, friendly staff, nice decor and right by the picturesque river Tees 🙂

Really enjoyed my meal here. Food was excellent, and we couldn’t fault the service I especially liked the black pudding starter.

We had a lovely meal on Sunday in between Christmas and new year. The Otter and Fish never disappoint what you get is what you pay for. I have to say it’s a lovely environment, the food is awesome and the service is great.

My husband and I booked our Christmas Day meal at the Otter & Fish for 2019. We have been to many different venues for Christmas lunch but this one was by far the best in the last few years. From the lovely warm welcome, the pleasant and attentive staff, efficient service, to the delicious meal. In fact, we enjoyed the experience so much we booked our table for Christmas Day 2020!

Just home from yet another fantastic night at the otter and fish

We booked this fabulous resturant for christmas day lunch, honestly can not fault any part of it. From the initial booking to leaving we all felt like we were made to feel welcomed and not just an inconvenience like we've experienced in another resturant on christmas day previously. The service in this resturant really does make it, it is perfect, such friendly staff with nothing an issue, a member of our party was gluten free and they even made special pigs in blankets and sausage meat stuffing for her. Food was all delicious, served hot and ample amount of time between courses, at no point did we feel rushed. Amazing service, delicious food and lovely atmosphere what more can anyone ask for we have pre booked for next year already! Thank you very much to all at the otter & fish for a perfect Christmas day lunch.

Chicken parmo, was so awful i could not eat it, then have had a bad stomach since. The chicken was rubbery, and did not taste right.

Very nice place, with excellent food. There is a nice atmosphere to the place the staff were very attentive.

My husband, son and I decided to book The Otter & Fish as the food is always lovely. We weren't disappointed. Food was amazing & staff as always were super helpful. The atmosphere was happy & relaxed.

I was really looking forward to my Christmas Day Lunch. On arrival, we were given an extremely warm welcome and after having the Bucks Fizz we were comfortably ready to enjoy our meal!

First time I’ve been here very nice setting very warming and friendly. The food was really nice and ample for a lunch time festive fayre service was really good Shane about the horrible squealing from behind the bar but things do break down otherwise a very pleasant experience

We came here for our evening meal as the Orangery was fully booked at Rockliffe Hall, where we stayed. We chose the Otter and Fish after reading great reviews, and we’re really glad we called to book a week in advance as it was very busy! The service throughout our visit was quite slow but it was busy.

This is the second time we have been and the food and service was fantastic. The pub was very busy but this did not affect the speed of service or the quality of the food, fantastic!!

Fabulous place to eat, the staff are amazing, would definitely recommend going here to visit it’s brilliant

Excellent food and service 10/10 would recommend to go. 100% would come again. Didn't book but accommodated us perfectly on a busy day

Good service, friendly staff and brilliant food. Easy going with young children made it a positive experience

Cosy, well decorated pub restaurant. Varied menu with fresh, home- cooked local produce. Friendly ,efficient staff. Good value too. I wish we lived nearer then we could visit more often!

this place has Class. everything is clean and it is so tidy. the staff always come and check on you or the group you are with. superb food. the vegetables are cooked from fresh. the drinks to go with the meal are perfect, this was our first time visit here but we do know when we are next in the area we will call in here again. you can not find one fault with anything as every detail is on show and you are made to feel like you are the only guests there, very very good

This gorgeous, welcoming pub has amazing food, staff and ambiance. We visit the area once a year, and I wouldn't go anywhere else. Every time the service and food is outstanding. I

A great evening! Was delighted that upon booking, the lady I corresponded with offered to put birthday banners around the table as it was my husband’s 40th Birthday. The table looked great when we arrived. Food was lovely and the staff really pleasant. Thank you for a lovely evening.

This is the "local" for a friend of mine who I visited and we went there for dinner. What a great local! Foods was stunning and washed down with a great selection of Cask Ales or fine wines. Can't wait to be invited back.

Quick service. All six of us enjoyed our meals. Everything lovely including the starters and desserts.

Very attractive contemporary style restaurant. We loved the food and the service was very efficient and friendly. We hope to re-visit.

Another lovely meal - seating area was decorated with birthday banners! As always the service and food was excellent. All our family thoroughly enjoyed the occasion. It is lovely to know that when taking guests it will be a first class experience. Thank you to the whole team that makes that happen.

We were greeted by a lovely staff member and they had decorated our seating area.Very friendly staff members who were attentive.Food was lovely first class place. Thank You All

Wow another fantastic meal! The only place to go for a top rib eye steak!! Birthday meal went perfect. Sat outside in the sun watching the night draw in with a drink and fantastic food!! Top marks again

Once again not disappointed at the Otter and Fish.Always a warm friendly greeting from the staff,and another top class Sunday lunch.

Fast and friendly service Staff were excellent Prices are reasonable Food portions were good Look forward to eating here again Small car park to the rear

We took some friends to dinner at The Otter and Fish on Saturday 3 August for a meal and a get together. Firstly we were warmly greeted and then shown to our table which we had previously booked. We were treated to friendly service which was quick but not intrusive. When our food came it was served beautifully on the plates and tasted delicious. We topped our meal off with a selection of their own home made ice cream. One word, delicious! I have never tasted such fabulous ice cream anywhere in the world and I can get it in my own part of the world. Price was simply fair and not overly priced. I would recommend this place to anyone who wants either a special occasion noting or just feel like a treat. I tried to book one night in the past but it was closed for a deep clean. Shame for me but good to know they do such things regularly. 10/10 .

Second review of this restaurant and the standard is even better it is just amazing, staff very pleasant and chatty. The food so tasty and excellently presented and best of all very good value for the price. We will be back the trip from Scotland is worth it.

Not been here for a while but popped in while passing... The place was the same clean, tidy and well kept. Friendly staff who made me feel welcome. The menu had changed since I was here last. The kids, I say kids my eldest is 16, loved the parmos, I personally loved the Sizzlers. the food was reasonably priced the staff friendly,nice warm atmosphere.

Friday date night that doesn't happen very often so had to go to our go too place and as usual didn't disappoint! Love everything about this place the service is flawless and food delish can't reccomend the otter and fish to enough people 😁

Had dinner here last weekend for my wife’s birthday and have to say we had another superb meal, surroundings and atmosphere are fantastic, food quality as always second to none, I had steak cooked to perfection, staff are very attentive without being in your face, overall excellent experience and for just under £100 for three courses I think this good value. Recommended!

Excellent restaurant food, service and environment all very nice would highly recommend for good night out

Had another superb meal with friends at the Otter and Fish at Hurworth. I had duck with fondant potato, green beans and carrots served with a wonderful sauce/jus. Just wish I'd had room for a crème brulee (which I've had before.) Relaxing place and great staff. Be back soon.

This is my mums favourite restaurant, and it’s not hard to see why. I visit from Australia and love going to The Otter & Fish. I always receive a genuinely warm welcome from Sam who runs the establishment, and all the staff are cheerful and professional. It’s nice to see the same wait staff (like Katie), who has been there a long time, just shows the ambiance of the place. The food was delicious, we had calamari and black pudding & chorizo salad to start, followed by sea bass, sizzling plate and a fish so big it almost didn’t fit the plate. All meals were really good, and great value. Can’t wait to return.

Had a birthday meal here. The staff couldn't have been friendlier and more helpful. Everyone's meal was great, came out at the same time, all delivered with a cheery smile. I personally had the steak, very good!

Only the second time that I have visited this welcoming, inviting and totally satisfying restaurant. I have clearly been missing out on a real gem of a restaurant. The menu was extensive and fairly priced. The service was memorable for its friendliness and customer care and the food was to die for. I started with a smoked salmon parcel which was generous in its smoked salmon wrapping and well filled with its bulky shrimps. Then onto the Lasagne which was enormous - enough for at least two but piping hot and filled with very tasty steak mince and topped with almost an excess of delicious cheese. Having cleaned my plate as all war time babies were taught to do I only had room for the creme brulee was a brilliant choice.Those around me were equally satisfied with their Venison, their Duck, their Fish Curry,their Bream and also the quite enormous steaks cooked to order.How they had room for Sticky Toffee Pudding and delicious flavoured ice creams remains a mystery. What a really wonderful experience.A Night to remember - a wonderful celebration.Am I enthusiastic - you bet ?

Staying locally & lots of good comments in the visitors book & from our hosts (John & Anji, Graces retreat), so we decided to try.

We visited here on Sunday, both me and my husband enjoyed a Sunday roast and our 11 year old son chose to go off the specials board ‘BBQ chicken melt’.

Visited for the first time last night and cant believe we haven't tried here before now!

We don't get to eat out very often due to conflicting work schedule's but on a rare Sunday off together this is the only option I would chose for Sunday lunch. I had the beef dinner which was delicious with the best yorkie I've ever had and my girlfriend had the special of crispy chicken sizzler which she said was also delicious!

We came here for our anniversary and were not disappointed. There was a warm welcome in coming through the door and the staff made you feel at home.

We had a really good meal, everything was perfect including friendly service. My wife is gluten free., no problem almost all the menu can be made gluten free! I will be back!

We were up for the day from Liverpool and stopped by for lunch. A VERY warm welcome from the get go; such FANTASTIC service and AMAZING choice. Husband chose the calamari and the I chose the black pudding with onion marmalade for starter. As soon as it arrived, I knew we were going for the three courses! Main meals was the burger with cheese and bacon and from the specials the salmon. Fantastic portion sizes compared to what you usually receive from a lunch menu. Delicious. Pudding was the creme brûlée and mixed ice-cream. Vodka and coke, lime and coconut and white chocolate. We couldn’t fault anything. The people were lovely, attentive and welcoming and food was fantastic. We were just gutted we couldn’t stay for longer. There would have been more pictures but we tucked straight in devoured the food!

Had dinner with friends and I had the linguine arrabiata, which was more like an udon dish than what I ordered. The sauce was too thin and didn't stick to the pasta so it wouldn't stay on my fork. My husband had the fish and chips and left a lot of batter as too much for the size of the fish. Great wine and service and lovely surroundings though

Have just had a lovely meal at the Otter and Fish. Very nice restaurant, friendly and efficient staff and an excellent early bird menu which is available from 6pm- 9pm. Good choices for all courses and specials on the board are included. Food was hot, tasty and the portions more than we expected. The pork belly was particularly nice. We're in this area on holiday, otherwise I'm sure this would be a regular eaterie for us.

I ate here with a group of colleagues for a January Christmas lunch. I had a burger and fries, which I found dry. I suspect it'd possibly been waiting under the heat lamps while other meals were prepared. One of the perils of eating in a large group.

My daughter took me here to celebrate Mothers day, she was told that as it was a busy day, they had 2 hour sittings and was this long enough.... we no problem with that. We ordered 3 courses and were served our starters quickly, which was fine, as soon as we put our cutlery down, they whipped the plates away and our roast dinner was put in front of us. This is when it started to go down hill.... my daughters beef was very fatty, the food wasn't very hot and the roast potatoes were tough. Unfortunately the table check was done almost immediately so we hadn't time to find this out before being asked if it was ok. Once again, as we put down our knife and fork, it was whipped away and our desserts were put in front of us. In 45 minutes we had been served all 3 courses, i ordered coffee to stretch it out a bit!

Had a lovely family meal tonight. Excellent food and ambience. Welcoming staff and excellent service. Definitely recommend. Superb

Sensational meal and great service from Sam and the team. My wife and I both had steak, perfect, and the Brownie desert is to die for. This place as a gem. Thank you we will be back soon

Lovely place to eat. Nice decor, friendly staff & above all good food.

We ate here on the first night of a 2 night break at rockcliffe hall. The menu was extensive and the food was really nice.

Fancied a mid week meal out with my wife and The Otter and Fish has never let us down. As well as the food being great and the staff attentive, it is always clean and well presented.

Fabulous food. Salmon fishcakes, calamari, chicken and chorzio rissoto and fish and chips. All fantastic. Homemade tartare sauce etc. Only complaint was we were too full for pudding. Great choice from the early menu which was available till 9pm. Want to go back.

Great food ... better than normal Pub Grub ..It gets very very busy and its advisable to book a table ...especially on a weekend!

Lovely meal...sharing board was very nice. The service is always good..staff very attentive, inexpensive and very good value for money

We pre-booked a table which i was glad about as the restaurant was full when we arrived. This did not effect the very efficient service we received from the pleasant staff.

Just had a lovely meal (lunch time) it was quiet today but got busier as the time moved on, service was excellent and waitress very pleasant and jovial. Food that w3 had was of excellent quality main course and sweet, with a glass or two of very good white, I have eaten here many times before and have never been let down, evenings weekends you may possibly have to book. Car parking but tight but easy to find and very smart and modern surroundings.

I went with my husband and 3 year old.

My son, Mum, and I visited the Otter and Fish to celebrate my Mum's 87th birthday and, as previously, enjoyed a delicious lunch, with a warm welcome and good quality choice and food. We would recommend this restaurant and believe anyone visiting will enjoy the occasion