Dodgin's Yard — Restaurant in North Tyneside

I pre-booked and had to pay deposit for a double birthday celebration on Friday 5th May at 3pm, a time we booked because it was Coronation Friday on the Bank Holidayweekend. The primary reason we chose it was because it was the only place in the Newcastle area where we could guarantee that lobster would be on the menu. The 2 birthday boys and I arrived at, frankly, café decor - described in another post as "quirky" - and were met by a totally miserable and disinterested barman/maître d' , who we christened Mr Happy, and who appeared to be the only member of staff in the place apart from someone who turned out to be the chef, who was sitting at another table playing with his phone. There was only one other couple in the place and they were about to leave. I introduced myself and we were shown to our table, already laid with the cheapest paper napkins and cheap, almost tinfoil cutlery. There were no tablecloths and the tables and seating were literally out of Johnny's Greasy Spoon Café. We ordered drinks, 2 large g & ts and a pint of lager, and 5 mins later the barman came to take our order and it was at this point that one of the birthday boys decided he wasn't going to bother "risking it" by eating here and he would wait to eat something later with his wife. The other 2 of us decided we were just going to share 1 lobster between us - after all that is what we had come here for. As I said, we came primarily for the lobster which was on the menu at "Market price" so I asked Mr. Happy what today's market price was for the lobster thermador. He summoned the chef who asked us to choose from the lobsters in the display tank by the bar. I chose one which I imagined to be about 2kg. He picked it out of the tank, estimated the weight of it with his hands, and told me "could do it for 90". I thought that was fair and we ordered our lobster thermador with "proper" chips and Halloumi fries. We ordered another round of drinks which Mr Happy duly brought and then the meal arrived. We were each given a cheap 7" plate and nutcrackers and a fondue skewer. The lobster came cut-in-half on a cheap wooden board with a limp salad and an equally cheap bowl containing the "thermador" sauce. The "proper chips" and halloumi fries were in "trendy" mini frier baskets. The only reason for the single star I've awarded is for the lobster which, to be fair, was fresh and delicious, and the chips and halloumi were fine. The thermador sauce, on the other hand, was very watery and bland and we left most of it. At this point, 2 more friends arrived for drinks, which Mr Happy brought along with another round for us. It was then that I asked Mr Haopy if he would mind removing the empty glasses from our table, not one of which had been removed since our arrival. This he did with a petulant shrug as if to say we could have brought them back to the bar ourselves. He never removed another glass even when bringing the second round of 5. Long story short, the 5 of us had another 2 rounds of drinks and then "got out of Dodge" leaving the table strewn with dead glasses. Well over £200 for 10 g & ts, 6 lagers and one lobster thermador. Will definitely NOT be returning unless someone I trust tells me that the situation has changed dramatically. Overall, it was very disappointing birthday celebration and start to the...

A Disgraceful Decline in Standards This establishment has suffered a shocking and unacceptable decline. Once a charming and respectable local restaurant, it has devolved into an unprofessional and hazardous venue that should not be in operation. The moment of arrival set a grim tone. The chef, in full uniform, was smoking on the corner stairs—a blatant disregard for hygiene and professionalism that is frankly appalling. This lack of respect for food preparation standards was a preview of the wider issues within. Once inside, the situation was even more dire. The restaurant was being run by a single staff member, a server named Elly, who was forced to handle all duties from serving to cleaning and beyond. This severe understaffing is not only a disservice to customers but an exploitation of its employees. The most disturbing event of the evening involved the lobster tank, where two lobsters were visibly dead. A nearby table ordered these, and though the issue was reportedly "fixed," the mere presence of deceased shellfish is a serious health code violation and a clear sign of gross negligence. The fact that the restaurant would even consider serving these is beyond comprehension and a genuine risk to public safety. The only positive element of the entire night was Elly. Her professionalism, incredible work ethic, and ability to handle an impossible situation with grace were truly remarkable. She is the sole saving grace of an otherwise horrific experience. Her dedication stands in stark contrast to the appalling mismanagement and flagrant lack of care demonstrated by this establishment. In conclusion, this restaurant is a serious risk to its patrons. The combination of unprofessional staff behavior, unhygienic practices, and a clear disregard for employee well-being makes it an unacceptable place to dine. I would strongly advise against visiting and cannot, in good conscience, recommend this...

Myself, my partner and my 5 year old son went on Saturday along with my friend and her two kids and with our adoptive mother for a mother's day treat. Booked and had to pay a 5 pound deposit per person which I was surprised at but paid.

Arrived at 4pm to find table not ready at booked time. Got to table and it wasn't set and when it was, we were a fork and a set of cutlery short. Then we were told that certain items were missing from menu and if we wanted seafood platter we should have given 24 hours notice. Wasn't told this when I booked.

When side order of fries came out there was no plates provided. To expect seven people to dip hands into a communal bowl was a bit risky so I had to ask for plates. Eventually got them. My friend ordered the lingustine which she said was nice but not filling as no chips came with it. The rest of us had monkfish, or just fish and chips. The food was o.k.

Again we had to hunt down someone to order a desert, the staff seemed more concerned with their beer garden then inside the restaurant. Anyway got the desert, my son was told only vanilla ice cream even though menu said flavours available so that was poor. To their credit the sticky toffee pudding was probably one off the best I have ever tasted.

Anyway the service was terrible, no attention was given to us. The portions were small, I gave no tip which I rarely ever do. If I ever see the women who recommended this place to my partner I would say maybe in past good but not now. I would advise to avoid it, we will...