If you have driven through Durham towards the hospital you will have no doubt seen the conservatory section of The Garden House Inn, having driven past almost every day we decided to pop in for lunch to celebrate me being up and about again.
We arrived at almost 12.30 and anticipating it being busy we headed inside expecting a wait. The place was almost empty and we were told to take a seat anywhere and we would be waited on shortly. Having spotted the perfect table in the conservatory we took our seats and were soon greated and told it was table service today so she would leave the menus and pop back shortly to take our orders.
The lunch menu is clean and simply laid out, I love the fact there isn’t really anything I would class as a main meal, which leaves the options open for salads and sandwiches, the perfect pub lunch. Prices are reasonable too with the option of adding sides for only a couple of pounds extra.
Hubby had only finished work an hour or so earlier so having not long had his breakfast opted for a grilled cheese and Nduja* sandwich with side salad. Although the Nduja was a little spicier than he thought it would be he said it was really nice but the sandwich felt like it was fried and a little too much for him.
Being a little partial to seafood and loving fish finger sandwiches (sorry not sorry!) I chose the fillet of fish sandwich with house tartar sauce served with side salad. OH MY! This came out and was a feast for the eyes!
I did wonder how on earth i was going to eat it since it was around 6inches tall but I managed (no comment on the size of my mouth!) The tartar sauce was one of the best i have ever eaten, whole capers and chunks of gerkin gave a lift to the creamy sauce and the side salad was beautifully fresh, covered in french dressing and bursting with flavour!
Scott chose the smoked salmon and cream cheese on toast served with a herb salad. This looked amazing and the salmon was apparently melt in the mouth and certainly plentiful! The toast was french bread and cream cheese smooth, creating the perfect open salmon sandwich! Full marks from Scott.
We were delighted to be given a few option for Amelia and she chose the burger which was presented in a chopped down brioche bun with a mini dish of fries and house coleslaw (Amelia didn’t eat the coleslaw but I did and I would certainly choose it as a side on our next visit – smooth and creamy, filled with red cabbage, my favourite!)
Overall we highly rate The Garden Inn for a quick lunchtime bite to eat and can’t wait to visit again for dinner sometime as we have heard nothing but good reports about the meals!
XOXO
Debbie
Fondly referred to as ‘the shed’.. not been for a while but enjoyed some lovely times in there
This looks like such a great restaurant to visit with little ones. We like taking the boys out for dinner!