Luxury County Durham hotel unveils new Paddock Bar and Feed Room inspired by its country house heritage

Headlam Hall Hotel & Rural Retreat has opened two new dining and entertaining spaces, bringing a fresh feel to part of the historic County Durham hotel while taking inspiration from the building’s original use.

Created within the former Stable Lounge, The Paddock Bar has been transformed into a new bar and dining space for up to 40 people. A bespoke bar now runs across the far end of the room, while exposed stone walls, a beamed ceiling and large glazed sliding doors retain the character of the original building and connect the space with its rural surroundings.

Designed with a relaxed countryside feel, The Paddock Bar will be available for private parties and events, as well as offering informal dining on Friday and Saturday evenings when the space is not privately booked. The emphasis is on creating somewhere sociable for guests to enjoy good food and drink with friends and family.

Alongside it, the hotel’s former Coach House Bar has been transformed into The Feed Room, a private dining space centred around a statement table seating up to 14 guests. An open kitchen at the end of the room allows diners to see the chefs at work as dishes are finished and plated, creating a more personal dining experience

The Feed Room has also been designed to offer flexibility beyond private dining and will also be available for boardroom-style meetings and smaller gatherings.

Thomas Robinson, Director at Headlam Hall Hotel, said: “We’re always looking at how we can develop the experience at Headlam Hall and make sure what we offer continues to meet the needs of our guests. This project is about giving people more reasons to spend time here, whether they’re visiting for a meal, getting together with friends and family or using the hotel for a private occasion. We’re really pleased with how they have come together and look forward to welcoming guests into these new spaces.”

The opening marks the first phase of a wider project at Headlam Hall. A second phase, planned for early 2027, will see the existing ballroom transformed into The Old Stable Yard, a more relaxed events space adjoining The Paddock Bar.

Set within the County Durham countryside, Headlam Hall is a family-owned country house hotel combining the character of its historic setting with a relaxed approach to rural hospitality. The opening of The Paddock Bar and The Feed Room forms part of the hotel’s continued development of its food and events offering.

To find out more or to make a booking for Headlam Hall’s new dining and events spaces, please visit www.headlamhall.co.uk.