The Darwin Room - Stockton-on-Tees

I visited this restaurant in February with my dad. I enjoyed goat cheese and risotto balls with salsa, which were delicious. Then, I had a crab cake with nice, crispy chips. My father had soup followed by pork belly. The portions were a great value. The restaurant is beautiful, but I felt sorry for the waitresses as they seemed overwhelmed. Another person helping out would have made a big difference. I have dined at top restaurants in the Northeast, and this place is just as good, if not better, than those in Newcastle with awards. I will definitely be returning.

I can't understand why this restaurant isn't busy every night. It is unbeatable, not only for value, but for the excellent quality of the food. Four of us dined here recently. Three of us started with the slightly seasoned chicken livers, which were cooked to perfection and delicious. The other appetizer was gently cured king prawns, both the taste and presentation were outstanding. I recommended the lamb to two of my friends, while another had the chicken dish, and I opted for the fish with a delicious sauce. The dishes were served with well-cooked vegetables and homemade chips. The lamb and chicken dishes were both deemed delicious, and my fish was superb. We enjoyed a bottle of house red wine, which was perfectly acceptable. Only two of us had dessert, a lemon cheesecake with Eton mess, which was delightful. The total bill was less than $50, such great value for the quality of food. I hope the owners of Staincliffe keep their kitchen staff as they are truly top-notch. In my opinion, this restaurant is the best in Harpool.

Four of went for dinner on Saturday night.The restaurant was very quiet ,I guess because it was just after the Xmas and New Year festivities .The service was friendly with young waitresses who were cheerfull and out to please.We were asked about pre dinner drinks...and were served quickly.Our starters came and we looked and tasted great.I had black pudding with soft cheese and salad and it was tasty and filling .Two others had kidneys on a crouton with a delicious sauce (I tasted .All of us were satisfied .(One had declined a starter) For mains we had a good choice .I tried the sea bass on a fishy risotto with a salad dressing .two had cod with a red wine sauce and one had a pork steak .We had a huge amount of veg.chips ,potato ,carrot s,sweet potato,greenbeans and onion rings (delicious) .All of us thoroughly enjoyed our meals ,which were full of flavour and presented very well by the chef. we could not find any fault.

Had an excellent Sunday lunch at the Darwin Room. Meat and vegetables were cooked to perfection, staff were efficient and pleasant. Beautiful dining room, nicely presented tables and enough room left between the tables for privacy. Wonderful sea views enhanced the experience. Will definately return

My son recommended that we try this restaurant, as it had been a while since my last visit. We were quickly seated by one of the busiest waiters I have ever seen, who ran back and forth between the kitchen and dining area. I started with a delicious pint of Caffreys, and although some might find the service a bit slow, I enjoyed a cozy afternoon. I ordered the soup, which was only lukewarm - I prefer my soup to be piping hot. However, the dish of black pudding on a bed of bouncing was sensational. My son wanted to share dessert, but I was too full from my fish. I loved the atmosphere of the building and the restaurant.