Last week I was invited to review Durham’s newest pub, The Kingslodge Inn. I was really looking forward to it and even took a half day at work so we could travel across to Durham. Arriving at The Kingslodge Inn we were impressed by the surrounding woodland and found it hard to believe we were still so close to the city centre!
Occupying the grounds of the former Kingslodge Hotel, the pub is an ideal place to eat, drink and stay whilst in Durham. The Inn itself and grounds are immaculate, with fresh paint work, bright plants and ample seating it certainly looked inviting.
The welcoming and laid back decor continued inside. Greeted by a lovely member of staff we were taken to our table and it was explained that food and drinks are ordered at the bar. Looking around at all the unique seating areas it was clear that Kingslodge Inn pride themselves on quality, the different kinds of seating make it the perfect place to catch up with friends, dine as a couple or spend time together as a family.
With exposed beams, brickwork and tartan furnishings, it felt really relaxed and homely.
The menu offers a wide range of traditional pub dishes served with a modern twist. The high quality local produce is prepared to order and is available along with daily specials from 7.30am til 9pm.
There were so many tasty options on the menu that it was hard to decide! Sitting close to the kitchen as well as dining as a group of 5 meant that we got to see a lot of the dishes, all of which looked nicely presented.
To start Paul and I ordered the wedges of breaded brie which were served with cranberry jam and oatcakes (£5.95), these were beautifully cooked and definitely my favourite course.
My Mum enjoyed the Goats Cheese and Beetroot on Leaves (£5.45), it was the first time she had tried white beetroot, I didn’t even realise it was a thing!
My Dad went for the Homemade Pâté that was served with hot buttered toast & chutney (£4.95) whilst Ronnie chose the Deep Fried Potato Skins with sweet chilli sauce and garlic mayonnaise (£4.95). I think the clean plates spoke for themselves.
To follow, 3 of us ordered The Kingslodge Burger topped with melted cheddar & relish and served with fries, salad & coleslaw (£10.95). This was very tasty and filling, I thought the relish was a great addition. We found all of our dishes generous; however, the pot of coleslaw could have been filled a little more!
Ronnie had his eye on the Grilled Rack of Pork Ribs in a House Sauce served with fries (£11.95) which were full of flavour and the meat fell off the bone easily.
My Mum opted for the Pan Haggerty Topped with Poached Egg, served with steamed vegetables (£10.95), unfortunately it seemed to be very oily and the egg was cold and uncooked in the middle. We let the waitress know and she was very apologetic, spoke with the chef and let us know that the chef sent his apologies and that another would be ready in 4 minutes. The second one was absolutely perfect!
We found the staff at Kingslodge Inn to be extremely friendly and found it quite touching that the chef had personally sent his apologies, we’d never experienced this before.
Although we were quite full at this point, we couldn’t leave without pudding!
Usually I go for chocolate based desserts but I decided to go for something a little less heavy. 3 of us ordered the Sticky Toffee pudding which was homemade with date sponge, sticky toffee sauce and ice cream (£5.95). We asked if it was possible to have custard with this instead and again, nothing was any trouble.
Ronnie went for the Warm Double Chocolate Brownie (£5.95) as it was just fresh out of the oven. The brownie was absolutely delicious, warm, rich and gooey! We even tried the physalis on top too.
If we didn’t have work the following day, we probably would’ve stayed for longer and sat in the garden courtyard which looked lovely and relaxing!
If Durham’s a little out of your way The Inn Collection Group have plenty more places you can enjoy in the North including, The Bamburgh Castle Inn & The Hogs Head Inn in Alnwick.
We thoroughly enjoyed The Kingslodge Inn and have already recommended it to friends and family. The food, service and decor were brilliant and we’ve already planned what we’re having next time!
Ami x
The Kingslodge Inn are currently offering a free starter or pudding with the purchase of any main meal. To keep informed about more great deals, be sure to sign up to their newsletter.
Looks Fab.
We went to the Hogs Head Inn at Christmas and had a fantastic night with Brendan Healy. Really loved the place and they’d mentioned that they were looking to open further venues. The tartan carpet, open fires and comfy chairs make it feel so homely.
That would have been good! We’re hoping to go to the Hogs Head Inn for my cousins 21st as he lives near Alnwick. The decor really makes it feel like you’re out in the country whereas it’s not far from the city centre 🙂
I’ve heard lots of good things about this and it’s so close to my work. I think I need a reason to stop out for tea after a day in the office!
It sounds a good enough excuse to me! The courtyard would be lovely to sit out in when the weather’s nice.
Ami x
I’m looking forward to heading down soon!
The food is really good, there was lots of families there too when we went. It doesn’t feel like your so close to the city centre!
Ami x
I didn’t realise they also owned the Bamburgh castle inn, another of my favourite dog friendly pubs!!
Yeah! We often go to the Bamburgh Castle Inn whilst camping, sometimes twice a day haha. I’ve always thought the Hogs Head Inn looked nice on the A1, especially when we drive past it on a dark and rainy winter’s night. I just want to stop over!
Ami x