Forresters Bar & French Restaurant with Rooms

We went for a family meal after Chris**as. The food was not French -I've lived and worked in France - and had a weird warmed up taste. The ambiance was not good, and the landlord seemed uninterested, aloof. Found out later, through local newspaper that this restaurant has a hygiene rating of one! One out of five! -its a wonder we weren't ill.

We went to the restaurant for a special 50th birthday celebration for dinner and although the food was very good the actual restaurant was very disappointing. There was no ambiance due to the amount of bright wall lights on. We felt it was like being in a cafeteria rather than a restaurant for a special occasion. We were disappointed the staff made no reference it was a special birthday despite the fact I mentioned it when I booked the table. The staff although efficient did not interact with us at all even though they weren’t overly busy and we left after the main course as we couldn’t face being there any longer which was such a shame. The staff didn’t ask if everything was ok or if we needed anything, they weren’t attentive at all and need to improve on customer interaction.

Made a point of visiting Forresters after visiting Barnard Castle. The food was as excellent last time as it was this time. Entering from the bar we were welcomed by a friendly young barman who doubled up as waiter. We chose to sit in the restaurant - away from the clatter of the pool table. To start we ordered cheese soufflé and crispy chicken. Both were well prepared and presented. My only recommendation would be that the chicken could be accompanied by something to add a little ’kick’ to the dish. The accompanying chutney didn’t quite pull it off. That’s not to say that it wasn’t thoroughly enjoyed! For mains we ordered belly pork and boeuf bourgignon. Double excellence. Tender pork with really tasty accompaniments. Fall apart beef with a rich sauce and generous portion of mash. Both without doubt among the very best food we have eaten out for a long time. Food prices are just a little on the high side but at around £30 a head including two drinks each, it represented really good value for money.

Stayed 2 nights. Room was nice. Quite quirky with the bathroom upstairs. Room was lovely and warm on our arrival and very clean. We had two dogs and this was not an issue. Room had everything re facilities. Tea / coffee, TV, hairdryer, iron and ironing board. Water was hot and plentiful. The room is above the pub so can be noisy, as can the noise of other guests getting to their room but this did bother us. We dined the first night. Good selection and food was lovely. Throughout staff were friendly and helpful. Asked if we needed a room refresh on the first morning but just needed more tea / coffee. Hotel is great for local walks and links to Barnard Castle and High Force. A great stay, thanks. Would definitely use again if in the area.

We booked a large room with no stairs , which we were charged an extra £10 . When we arrived our room wasn’t available, so we were upgraded to a room with an upstairs bathroom . I explained my conversation about my husbands hip problem and we were offered a small room with a generous £40 refund that we accepted. We had lovely food in the restaurant , however the noise from the bar is like nothing we’ve experienced,we are toying with the idea of sleeping in the car ! I have the daddy of all headaches and it’s totally unacceptable ! Will will visit this village regularly but will Never ever return here !

The rooms are clean, comfortable and great value. The owner and staff are so friendly and welcoming it makes stay ling there feel like a special experience. The food in the French restaurant is fantastic for lunch or dinner, with plenty of mouthwatering seasonal dishes, and although they don't do breakfast there are plenty of options within walking distance. We're already planning our next visit to this wonderful place.

We booked a family meal here whilst away, staying in the village. Service was really good, the two young staff couldn’t do enough. We had 5 adults and 3 children. Children’s portions were extremely small for £8 and didn’t include a drink or dessert for them. One had Toulouse sausage and chips and it came with 6 chips- yes they’re fairly large but this isn’t a large enough portion. Food is very rich - as to be expected but all said they were too salty. The onion soup was the same flavour of the bourguignon. I had chicken in a creamy sauce and some of the onion in it were pieces of skin. We didn’t complain as it could have made the children have to wait longer than they could sit for. Additionally, the waiting staff were so nice and it didn’t seem fair on them. There was also a 10% service charge - which meant 21 quid for us. Not the best experience. Wouldn’t bother again.

Had a lovely time away with family and 2 dogs. The Forresters was perfect for what we required. The beds are comfy and clean. Plenty of toiletries and towels in the bathroom. The first night (Sunday) was a little noisy but you expect this being above a bar but it did go on into the early hours ending around 2a.m. Our second night was much quieter and a good sleep was had which was totally required after a long walk to low and high force waterfalls. The area surrounding the village/town is beautiful so we enjoyed our walks. The only disappoin**ent we had was that the restaurant is not open Sunday to Thursday. Especially as it was our wedding anniversary on the day we arrived, Sunday (and with having 2 dogs) it was difficult to find anywhere else to eat so we opted for take out pizza. The bar/hotel staff were really understanding and allowed us to eat our food in the closed/empty restaurant. The staff at the bar are excellent, friendly and helpful. Would definitely stay here again. If anyone takes dogs during the days the hotel does not offer food we would thoroughly recommend Penny's in Barnard Castle, dog friendly and the food is excellent quality and good value for money.

Our 2nd stay. Rooms are nice but really went for the food. Exceptional authentic French dining. Great attention to detail by all staff, particularly, Leo. Felt like the restaurant could have been in a little French town. Frank, possibly the owner, was lovely. Played pool with my husband in the bar after dinner. The Cockney bar manager was ace. (Sorry can't remember his name).