Spittal Brook Inn

A decent local pub overall. I’ve only used the bar, where there are some good traditional ales, though they’re a little pricey. If all the fixed seats are taken, the other options aren’t very comfortable, with stools and a trestle-style bench.

There’s parking on site, and the pub is very close to the town centre. The staff are friendly, with good beers and great food.

We went for a celebration meal and will be back. The food made the wait worthwhile, even though service can be a bit slow in this small pub. The Chicken & Mushroom pie of the day had delicious shortcrust pastry, and the Vegetable Wellington was scrumptious. The double burger was the best I’ve ever had, with proper handmade patties and wonderfully sweet bacon. I couldn’t finish it, so took some home for the dog, who wolfed it down. There’s a cracking choice of real ales, and the locals were friendly. Parking was awkward because of a poker night, and it took some effort to get the car out, but we didn’t have to wait long to leave.

The meal was badly cooked, with no seasoning. Half of it was burnt and the rest undercooked, and two courses cost £25. The restaurant seems to be trying too hard to be something it isn’t. I definitely wouldn’t come back.