Cog and Wheel — Restaurant in Newcastle upon Tyne

Awful service with a clear lack of knowledge, communication, leadership and management. Called in advance to book a table for a party of 10, they said they could accommodate for a larger group. When we arrived they had us sat on two separate tables, we then asked to be sat together as it defeated the point of our booking, we was then moved to a table that’s fits 6 where we had to squeeze in 10 people, not too big of an issue but this is where it shows poor management that they can not properly accommodate the booking they are taking. We ordered our food an hour and a half had gone by and still had no food, Space then opened up on 2 tables that were together behind us, where we then moved ourselves to have more space with no good valid reason I’m going to assume she was the manager asked us to move as they were reserved regardless to our original booking and couldn’t workout that the other smaller tables could be used, when politely asked about that I received a shrug and grunt, the table was then reserved for two people, aside to our situation they had another party of 4 squeezed up on a table that would of been more suited for the table of 2 and the bigger table for larger parties, this was another showing sign they are unable to properly handle their bookings and was prevalent throughout the place with smaller parties on bigger tables and bigger parties on smaller tables with people waiting too long on their food, may been that too many bookings were taken or too many walk ins were given tables or a mix but really should be addressed. We then squeezed back to the table of 6 we have still had no apology for any of this so far more so aimed at the fact we hadn’t gotten our food yet and hadn’t been given any communication about the wait and why also when asked how long it would be they said it’ll be ready soon. Our food finally came out some of the food was cold and could of been nicer if it was served at the temperature it’s supposed to come out at, additionally everything wasn’t coming out when it should have with a cauliflower cheese coming out after we had finished eating. We had also asked for some mint sauce and horseradish, instead of bringing out the horseradish they had bought out. Caesar dressing when we said about this the excuse was the horseradish looks the same as the Caesar dressing. The toilet upstairs wasn’t working and a member of staff was notified where it was meet with no interest or willingness to do anything or notify anyone but in fairness there didn’t seem to be any management or leadership from front and kitchen. Overall the food was okay but hard to judge as it wasn’t up to temp but does have the potential to be a good meal. It could be a nice place if they can have some real leadership and management in all areas but leaving without so much as an apology and clear lack of respect won’t be returning and would only advise you go if it’s a visit in...

Myself and the other half popped in here for a couple of drinks after our meal at the Geisha restaurant next door. We took a seat, had a look at the drinks menu and I headed over to the bar.

The place was quiet, and as I approached the bar. The gentleman serving, seemed more interested in his laptop than attending to a paying customer. He didn't once look me in the eye as I placed the order. Once again, his mind seemed to be on whatever was on his laptop.

I took the drinks back to the table I was sitting at. My partner took a drink of her Vodka and Lemonade. But it was a Vodka and Tonic that we'd been served. My partner took the drink back, and the guy even stuck his own straw in to see if she was telling the truth. Bearing in mind the drink looked barely touched. Anyways, he had to change the "syrup" and went away for 5 minutes and then brought the drink over.

My partner then decided to have one more drink before we headed home. So I told her just to get herself one. She asked for a Vodka and lemonade and his reply was "Same again?" He then made her drink and poured me another pint. Even though I was still nursing the first drink from before. Once again, his mind was clearly not concentrating.

We were finishing up and then three female students came in. Suddenly the bartender came alive and ran over to the table to tend to their every need. The girls didn't even have to go up to the bar. He came to them to take their order and brought their drinks over.

It's nice to see that the server had his priorities right. This is the typical scenester/hipster bar. Quite astounding they have such high reviews. Mostly down to the food I can imagine.

Avoid...

Having been a resident of Newcastle for 7 years (both as a student and a professional), I have visited a variety of pubs/clubs within the rightfully- called “party city”.

I can confidently say that, after these 7 years, I have not experienced a place which captures the heart of Newcastle better than the Cog and Wheel.

One of the driving factors of being a regular at this pub (apart from my functional alcoholism) for the better half of a year is down to the staff - the actual cog and wheels of Cog and Wheel (pun intended). From the minute you walk through the gate into the cosy beer garden to the minute you finish your last drink, the staff will be there to ensure your time at the venue is the best it can be.

A pub would not be successful without its food and drinks. Looking down the menu, you’ll run into your fair share of witty names, such as the “cog on the Tyne” and the “Kanye Zest”. However, do not let these names fool you, as the food/drinks offered here are no joke.

From the comical atmosphere of Monday’s quiz night to the dangerously cheap drinks available on “Wheel Wednesdays”, Cog and Wheel is the perfect place to be, no matter what the occasion.

I’m sure there will be some individuals who disagree with me, but I have only one response in return - try the...