We have returned to Beamish Hall after regular vis...

We have returned to Beamish Hall after regular visits in 2002-2004.
Must have upped it's game since then which was great at the time...right...?!
Very disappointed to see that the fine dining restaurant is closed and replaced with The Stables Bar, whether that is down to Covid or a permanent move, we don't know. Great if you are after a casual jeans & T-shirt place to eat, like Witherspoons or TGI Fridays. Food was mostly fried, filling your plate with onion rings, the mussels were great, but lacking in a good selection of steaks...rump, really? opted for Sirloin...(it was ok), didn't like anything much on the menu. Also, I wouldn't dress up or wear heels, as you have a fair walk to get to the stables bar from your room. Oh & take a brollie because you will need one to go over to the bar if it's raining as you have to cross an open courtyard. We like after dinner comfort & lounging so we came back to reception and lounged on the chesterfields. They could do with changing the lighting to make it more warming & inviting and have the fire on. I suspect however it's the way it is because they want you to stay up at the bar rather than be relaxing in the main house.
The good points, comfy bed (but very small room). Beautiful building, beautiful grounds friendly staff, but I'm afraid the dining experience does not reflect the ambiance of old Beamish Hall which should be a priority in such a beautiful place and therefore, I'm afraid we won't be back.