A popular North East pub is set to reopen its doors after a major refurbishment.

The Spotted Dog in High Coniscliffe closed in at the beginning of the pandemic, and after reopening briefly in 2020, it has remained shut since.

The pub is set to reopen in August/September but an exact date is yet to be confirmed.

As so many businesses in the hospitality industry have had to permanently close as a result of the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis, it’s definitely positive news that a well-liked Darlington pub will soon be opening its doors again.

The Northern Echo: Refurbishment of The Spotted Dog, High Coniscliffe, Darlington. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, NewsquestRefurbishment of The Spotted Dog, High Coniscliffe, Darlington. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

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The team is working hard to give the pub a refurbishment so that when the doors open to the public again, people can enjoy the pub’s new look.

Grace Rickards, who is part of the team at The Spotted Dog and who is doing marketing work for the business, spoke to The Northern Echo about the pub’s progress.

Ms Rickards told The Northern Echo: “We’ve put in loads of work and it has been a bit stressful but we’re really pleased with the progress and we can’t wait to be ready to open in August/September.

“It will have a real country pub-feel and we’ll be serving food as well. We’ve had a lot of support on social media from people who used to drink in the pub so hopefully they’ll be coming in when we open.”

The Northern Echo: Work continues on the refurbishment. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, NewsquestWork continues on the refurbishment. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

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Jack Bowles and Ellie Richmond, from Houndgate Townhouse’s Saltfish restaurant will be involved in the day-to-day running of the business.

The couple’s previous experience ranges from working at London restaurants alongside reviving a failing pub, renamed the Fox Hole pub, in Piercebridge, just outside Darlington.

Considering how popular Saltfish has been, locals in High Coniscliffe are in for a treat.

Anticipation is growing among Darlingtonians, with many taking to The Spotted Dog’s Facebook page to say how much they’re looking forward to the reopening.

The Northern Echo: The pub is set to reopen in August/September. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest The pub is set to reopen in August/September. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

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Lee Morris said: “Look forward to visiting when you’re open. I worked here about 25 years ago.”

Jackie Poad said: “Lots of work. Look forward to seeing the end result.”

Phi Lawson said: “Can’t wait for the opening, just like old times.”

Julie Calvesbert said: “Wow can’t wait for the opening.”

The Northern Echo approached the Saltfish team for comment but we didn’t get a response in time for publication.

The Northern Echo: Anticipation is growing over the reopening. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, NewsquestAnticipation is growing over the reopening. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

The Northern Echo: By the time the pub reopens, the pub will look very different. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, NewsquestBy the time the pub reopens, the pub will look very different. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

The Northern Echo: Picture: Sarah Caldecott, NewsquestPicture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

The Northern Echo: Picture: Sarah Caldecott, NewsquestPicture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

The Northern Echo: Picture: Sarah Caldecott, NewsquestPicture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

The Northern Echo: Picture: Sarah Caldecott, NewsquestPicture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

The Northern Echo: The exterior to The Spotted Dog in High Coniscliffe. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, NewsquestThe exterior to The Spotted Dog in High Coniscliffe. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

The Northern Echo: Picture: Sarah Caldecott, NewsquestPicture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

The Northern Echo: Picture: Sarah Caldecott, NewsquestPicture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)