Darlington's Spotted Dog reopens as ancient well discovered

Owners of The Spotted Dog, in High Coniscliffe, were amazed to find a 30ft well under the floor of the pub during refurbishment. And they have covered it with thick glass and made it a central feature of the pub. 

Read more: A first look inside refurbished Darlington's Spotted Dog

The pub was bought by Barry and Julie Smith, who are in partnership with co-directors Jack Bowles and Ellie Richmond.

Having been transformed with a complete refurbishment, the pub will open doors at noon today (Wednesday). 

Mr Bowles said: "Discovering the well was a surprise for all of us.

"We tried to even out throughout the building and had to dig everything down to foundation level - that is when we discovered it.  

"We're not sure when it was concreted over - but it must have been a long time ago. It could have been an outside well originally."

He added: "When we first saw the hole, we knew it was a well and felt it should be an integral part of the of the pub and used it as a feature somehow. 

"We have done it in a way that everyone will see it. It's in quite a central location in the bar and if you are going to the restaurant it is something that you will walk past. 

"The well is covered with specially-made glass that can take a lot of weight. But to be honest most people won't walk on the glass and they'll step over it." 

The well has been tastefully set in mosaic tiling with a grey rim. It is not known how old it is, but it is believed to be hundreds of years old - if not older. 

Mr Bowles said it was probably covered over when one of the newer extensions was built. The oldest part of the pub dates back more than 200 years. 

Mr Bowles said: "We don't know quite how old it is. It could be medieval. We are near Piercebridge where the Roman for was - so it could have all sorts of connections."

Speaking to The Northern Echo, earlier Grace Rickards, who is doing marketing work for The Spotted Dog, 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.

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“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."