97 & Social — Restaurant in Newcastle upon Tyne

Myself and my four housemates were very much looking forward to eating here for a Sunday lunch after hearing great reviews from friends. However we were thoroughly disappointed. At first everything was fine, as we were quickly served tap-water and the drinks we ordered as well as ordering food within the first ten minutes of being there. Unfortunately though, after over half an hour of waiting for food, there was still no sign and one of my housemates went to the bar to ask how long it would take. The waitress assured us it was just being ‘plated up’ and would be with us within ten minutes. This was not the case, as another half hour later we had still not received our food and had to ask again! Ten minutes after that we finally received our five meals, however it had been well over an hour since we had ordered them and all we got was a brief ‘sorry’ from the waiter; not very apologetic at all! They gave some excuse that we had been behind a table of twelve and the kitchen was ‘backed up’, but one only had to look around to see the place was half full! On top of this, the meals were lukewarm (when one would expect them to be piping hot for the length we had to wait), one of the meals was missing parsnips, the vegetarian meal didn't come with a Yorkshire pudding, there was barely any gravy and the beef was rather tough. We weren’t asked at the end how our meals were so we didn’t get to convey these complaints, and it seemed as if the staff knew how poor it was as they were avoiding us like the plague. Originally we were going to stay for desert, but after the slow service and quality of food we decided to go elsewhere, especially since we received no offer of compensation for the wait. We are students and in future will spend our scarce money elsewhere for a roast as this experience was quite...

A few days ago I enquired about the Sunday roast lunch and was told they stopped serving at 5pm .I did not think I could be there before 5.15/30 pm and asked it they could hold the meal until then. The standard response would have been very sorry blah,blah,blah. However the young woman (Cristos is I believe her name) went and spoke to the Chef and managed to get my meal delayed. The meal itself was perfect the meat was soft and tender and full of taste ,the potatoe, parsnips and yorkshire pud was also spot on . This was a surprise as having lived abroad for many years I have never been overly impressed with UK cooking. The Brits have many strengths but cooking I have never thought as being one of them ,so congrats all round. Back to the young woman Cristos not only was she very helpful on that occasion, but on others I have observed that when the bar is busy she serves and delivers drinks with the grace and speed of a Gazelle, her productivity if measured is probably twice that of any other staff (and they are no slouches ). Also thanks to Paul the barman who first recommended the Sunday lunch to me . Overall the bar has a very nice atmosphere ,the decor at first you think you have walked into a sports bar with all the screens dotted around but they in turn are surrounded by what looks like a library stolen from some country mansion, even now it brings a wry smile to my face. So yeah I like the place, all the staff are well motivated and helpful, but the jewel in the crown is Cristos whatever you are paying her double it. Regards ...

Gastro pub...no way! Chosen for food based on the reviews and also their own description on their website about the food being locally sourced...maybe from the local Iceland! Ordered chicken and 'chorizo' skewers, beer battered onion rings and garlic bread...was served what tasted like chorizo flavoured hot dog...frozen cheap onion rings and frozen garlic bread. The southern fried chicken is one of those frozen reformed things as was the burger. I can't comprehend how there aren't any bad reviews for the food! Im not even insulting the chef as he didn't even make the food! Just stuck it in the oven. The cocktails were mediocre at best. The staff were really lovely though and the outside area is nice if you want to sit outside so that is why I have given the...