The Exchange 1856 — Restaurant in North Tyneside

Saturday 18th October: I have just experienced the worst customer service ever, and I need to share it. I was just finishing the last part of my pint of lager and noticed something in the bottom of the glass. On inspection I realised it was a child's sticker about an inch in diameter. Knowing that I hadn't put it in there I went to the bar to let the staff know, I spoke to a female member of staff, who I found out later was the duty manager, and when I showed her response was 'It's a sticker, it won't kill you' I was absolutely flabbergasted, I have never ever experienced such disgusting dismissive customer service, she was clearly not remotely concerned no apology no offer of another pint, which i would have refused anyway as we were about to leave....and how on earth does she know that it wouldn't kill me !! My wife who was also shocked at her behaviour and appalling attitude went to the bar and spoke to this member of staff and she asked who the duty manager was and she was told that it was her, but she didn't get her name. My wife proceeded to ask her about the sticker and the duty manager told her that she had poured the pint, still no apology, and that she didn't know how the sticker got in there. She was serving another man at the time who commented ...can you please finish serving me....but she continued to talk to my wife about the sticker. This is such basic stuff: it's quite obvious the sticker was in the glass before the pint was poured and she should have said to my wife I will talk to you in a moment when I have finished serving this gentleman...?? as I have said these are very basic fundamental skills and they are clearly lacking with this member of staff, and it's quite concerning that she is the duty manager on shift tonight. I am looking forward to hearing from you, and will be delighted to...

I can't remember how I spotted the event, maybe through a mailing list. We were really looking forward to it and having read the info about seating (and standing) we decided to book seats at the rear of the front seating assuming the floor was inclined (although this didn't matter) We had thought about the upper seating but decided the back of the "stalls" would be fine. We were amazed at how few people were there! Maybe this was due to the price of tickets, but personally we all felt that had the place been full and therefore having a great atmosphere it would have been brilliant. The staff and especially bar staff were tremendous. The real issue for us, having booked the rear of the seating was the fact we could hear the people at the bar making an absolute racket with their loud conversations. It was so bad we could hardly hear the band and I've never suffered that problem before (I do photography for bands and I've never had an issue with people being louder than the band and even more so just by talking) It's been years since we were at the centre and forgot how gorgeous it is so we'll be back for a meal and or drink soon. The Cavern Beatles were superb and the £27.50 would have been good value in a different environment. you need a crowd to create an atmosphere. Surely they must also be disappointed as it's not just the money, bands need an atmosphere to enjoy themselves too. Better advertising might be the answer. I bet you wished you hadn't asked for my opinion Haha! And to end on a plus, thank you to the bar staff as every time we went to the bar they were very friendly and...

Update 27.03.24. My previous review still stands. I returned this evening to carry out graft with the exact same NTMEH setup BUT.....post refurbishment. It looks great: the performance space, the bar and the overall. It's not acoustically mega (questionable). Go hear for yourself. However, with a hundred or so school based musos in once again, and having heard the parental feedback as regards the evening's experience overall: it's a goer.

I played here on a Thursday night as part of the North Tyneside Saturday Music Centre Easter Concert Series. It was a very decent place to play indeed! The facilities worked well to accommodate many young folk keen to perform to a packed house. I don't think it's particularly cheap to hire, but venues like this often don't survive through financial difficulties (lack of support). Head along and check it out, even just for a brew/beer and bite to eat. Parking was tough admittedly due to maintenance works, so for now maybe get the metro down or walk...