After trying the local 'in' restaurants in and around Darlington, what a relief to finally find this place. Fantastic quality food, well cooked without the pretentious presentation of the michelin obsessives. I think the real test of an eatery is how well they cook their steak. So, we ordered Chateau Briand (for two) rare, and it arrived in that perfect state of of just past blue, where timing is everything, served with a sublimely buttery bearnaise sauce, and what, for me, was a revelation, new potatoes with an earthy taste that were a perfect compliment to the steak, no more fried potatoes for me then. Service was attentive, without the forced 'is everything alright? I'm only asking because I've been told to' manner of many restaurants, and after being crammed into two well known similarly priced Darlington area restaurants, what a relief, space, and room for intimate conversation. The start of a long relationship methinks. Bill: £97 inc wine, two covers. read more