Now, its culinary crown jewel - The Dining Room - embarks on an exciting new chapter with a stunning refurbishment and seasonal menu that promises to elevate County Durham restaurants to extraordinary heights.

As you enter The Dining Room, the first thing that captures your attention is the seamless marriage of historical elegance and contemporary sophistication. Georgian windows frame the iconic Seaham Hall fountain, while newly installed 14-carat gold-plated chandeliers cast a warm, inviting glow across the space. The interior transformation respects the building's storied past while boldly stepping into the future - much like the culinary philosophy that underpins the restaurant itself.

Executive Chef Damian Broom has crafted a menu that serves as a love letter to the North East restaurants and its abundant natural larder. His approach is both reverent and innovative, celebrating local produce while introducing unexpected elements that challenge and delight the palate.

This commitment to locality isn't merely fashionable - it's fundamental to The Dining Room's identity. The kitchen team has developed relationships with small-scale producers across the region, from dairy farms nestled in the Durham countryside to North Sea fisheries along the coast. Each supplier has been hand-selected for their dedication to quality and ethical practices, ensuring that every ingredient tells a story of provenance and care.

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of The Dining Room's new concept is its emphasis on shared dining experiences. In an age where genuine connection often feels elusive, there's something profoundly meaningful about gathering around a table to break bread together.

The menu features an array of small and large plates designed for sharing, encouraging conversations and creating memories. This approach transforms dining from a mere meal into an event - a celebration of food, company, and moment.

Among the standout offerings is the Organic Burrata, served with vibrant basil pesto, premium Centanari olive oil, and grilled focaccia - a seemingly simple dish elevated to extraordinary heights through impeccable ingredient sourcing.

Seafood enthusiasts will delight in the Wild Prawns 'Pil Pil', which showcases the kitchen's deft hand with the North Sea's treasures. The preparation is respectful of tradition while introducing subtle contemporary nuances that distinguish it from similar dishes elsewhere.

For those with heartier appetites, the Chargrilled Cumbrian Texel Lamb Cutlets with salsa verde and Amalfi lemon offer a masterclass in flavour balance. The lamb is treated with exquisite care, allowing its natural quality to shine while complementary accompaniments provide perfect counterpoints.

These dishes exemplify The Dining Room's philosophical approach: respecting exceptional ingredients, applying precise technique, and presenting them with understated elegance. This is luxury dining Durham without unnecessary fuss or pretension - food that impresses through substance rather than spectacle.

What sets The Dining Room apart from many fine dining County Durham establishments is its ability to deliver exceptional cuisine in an atmosphere that feels genuinely relaxed. The service strikes that elusive balance between attentiveness and discretion, making guests feel pampered yet comfortable.

The refurbished space enhances this feeling, with thoughtfully spaced tables allowing for intimate conversation without sacrificing the room's convivial energy. Whether visiting for a romantic dinner or special celebration, the environment adapts seamlessly to the occasion.

While Seaham Hall has always been renowned for its luxury spa experiences and stunning accommodation, The Dining Room's transformation establishes it as a gastronomic destination worthy of a journey. Now open seven days a week from 6:30pm until 9:00pm, it offers both hotel guests and visitors the opportunity to experience one of the best restaurants in Durham.

For those looking to turn the dining experience into a complete getaway, the hotel's Share, Savour and Stay package provides the perfect opportunity to indulge in both culinary and wellness experiences at this remarkable 5-star Georgian country house hotel.

The Dining Room at Seaham Hall represents British hospitality at its finest - thoughtful, generous, and rooted in a profound sense of place. In a region increasingly recognised for its gastronomic credentials, it stands as a shining example of how historical properties can honour their heritage while boldly embracing the future. For those wondering where to eat in County Durham, The Dining Room is an unmissable choice, offering some of the best fine dining experiences in Durham.