The Spotted Dog in High Coniscliffe marks 200th anniversary

The Spotted Dog in High Coniscliffe has been at the heart of village life for two centuries and drew crowds across the weekend for live music and food.

Celebrations concluded on Monday (August 25) with the saxophone duo ‘Sisters of Sax’ and a surprise guest bringing the party to a close.

Sisters of Sax perform at The Spotted Dog to celebrate 200 year anniversary (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) One of Darlington’s oldest pubs, it was first known as The Bluecap after a foxhound that won a race in 1763 before changing its name to The Spotted Dog in 1851.

During the Second World War, it became a favourite haunt of Canadian air force members stationed nearby.

Recent refurbishments unearthed a nine metre deep well beneath the bar, thought to date back hundreds of years.

Sisters of Sax perform at The Spotted Dog to celebrate 200 year anniversary (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Barry Smith, who runs the pub, said: “It feels like a real honour to be the owners of The Spotted Dog on its 200th anniversary.

“A pub is the centre of any village; it’s a great community facility appreciated by most residents in High Coniscliffe.”

Sisters of Sax perform at The Spotted Dog to celebrate 200 year anniversary (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

He continued: “[The best thing about owning the pub is] the feeling of community and a feeling of pride that comes with owning such a special building.

“We’re incredibly proud of The Spotted Dog’s heritage and wanted to honour that with a celebration that brings the community together.

“It’s not every day a pub turns 200 – and we’re thrilled to still be part of the fabric of village life.”