A first look inside refurbished Darlington's Spotted Dog

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

The pub was bought by Barry and Julie Smith is due to reopen on Wednesday (September 26) having undergone a major refurbishment.

Read more: Darlington's The Spotted Dog to reopen after refurbishment

Their daughter, Grace Rickards, who is who is doing marketing work for the business said: "The Spotted Dog has been completely transformed. People will be amazed at how it has changed."

Jack Bowles and Ellie Richmond, from Houndgate Townhouse’s Saltfish restaurant, are co-directors of The Spotted Dog and are bring their wealth of expertise and local knowledge to the enterprise. 

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.

Speaking to The Northern Echo, Grace said: “There was a lot of demolition work done since we bought the pub in 2021.

“The Spotted Dog used to be all higgledy piggledy, with nooks and crannies here and there.

“We have made it into a more usable functional space. It has a function room which can be used for either small wedding parties and christenings and for people to watch sport events.

“Then we have created a large bar area and a dedicated restaurant area, as well a smaller private dining room area as well.

“So there are lots of different areas to suit everyone.

“We have had quite a lot of inquiries for bookings now that we are reopening, so it's a very positive start.

“We are looking forward to welcoming new customers as well as people who have been here previously.

“We would invite people to come and have a look and see. It is a complete transformation and is completely different. People will be amazed at how much it has changed."

Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)