The Owl — Restaurant in Great Britain

This is a hidden gem and an indicator of what could be done with what remain of some glorious old buildings in the old “shopping centre” of West Hartlepool, long since abandoned, destroyed or left to rot in favour of the what was the new (now much improved) shopping centre opposite the Grand Hotel. The Owl is warm and welcoming, over two floors. The ground floor in particular is very cosy and kind of intimate. In spite of lots of Eurofizz type lagers (sorry it’s just me: I am an ale drinker) I had an excellent Irish stout and ordered a burger, which I was told by the helpful young barman was very good. It was in fact excellent. I thought it was too much for me to eat even though I was hungry. But I paced myself and ate the lot, without feeling bloated. I also met the young chef at the bar on paying my tab and he was a self-effacing and charming young man by the name of Spencer who was grateful for my compliments on his cooking. All in all, a very pleasant experience and not at all what I expected just off the rather desolate remains of lower Church Street and the once elegant streets off it to the south. In two words: highly recommended. I have eaten in many funky little bars around the world and this is right up there. If only the elected governors of Hartlepool could learn from this place and make downtown Hartlepool a bit more like it used to be and less like a middle America drive through experience. Oh and the price was a pleasant surprise: only £24 for an excellent burger and two...

We wanted to try somewhere different for lunch and The Owl definitely did not disappoint. A brilliant selection of drinks, draught and in the bottle, comfortable chairs and some much needed warmth on a very cold November day. We ordered a platter consisting of two smash burgers of our choice with two bao buns and loaded fries. A good selection of flavours to choose from. The taste and flavour, outstanding, every mouthful was enjoyable. Certainly a must try and a definite return in order.

Updated August 2025 Lost count of the times we have been for lunch. Food continues to be exceptional along with the welcome and ambiance of the pub. Latest burgers were smash burger and a chicken with buffalo sauce. Crisp salad and veg accompany every burger, not too much, just the right amount of freshness with each bite. Bao buns, fresh, warm and filled with just the right amount no matter which one...

A lovely firendly, quirky upbeat bar, more like something you'd expect in York or other trendy location. The staff are so helpful and the menu is fantastic featuring unusual spicy and non-spicy choices from Japan, Korea, china, vietnamese and others. Not a raw fish or sushi menu at all...delicious loaded fries, panko, katso, and the smash burger was just heaven. Honestly this extremely charming, trendy little restaurant bar is a total gem and we are so lucky to have them in Hartlepool. Just occasionally everything in a food place is done right and the Owl proves how right something can be. I strongly recommend you try this venue ... its low-key, trendy lovely atmosphere offers a great experience at a great price....