Luci's Bar & Bistro, Cleadon — Restaurant in South Tyneside

Firstly, just wanted to start out by saying, I'm not one of those keyboard warriors who nit picks after the event. I will write up really good reviews when places are great, and I really wanted to like Luci's. There simply aren't enough quality eating establishments in the South Tyneside area, so we were really keen to try this new addition. Booked an early table (5pm) with friends. Our waitress was absolutely lovely. The manager guy behind the counter. Well, for some reason, even though none of us ordered either a garlic bread starter or a pizza, he felt he had to point out how ridiculous it was that "we" people ordered things like that together. OK, ignore that one. Ordered the starters, and 45 mins later, still waiting. Asked the manager and he said they were on the pass and just coming. 5 mins later they arrived. Three of the four were lovely, no issues. My Bruschetta starter was just horrible. Cold wet soggy bread with some tomatoes on top. It had obviously been done ages ago, stuck to the side to go to mush whilst they had forgotten about the other starters. The restaurant simply wasn't full on busy enough for it to have taken that long. OK. The manager straight away said he would knock it off the bill (great, thank you) and I could order something else, but I declined. I like to eat along with my wife and company, not after them. The lovely waitress also offered a free drink, but I wasn't for being greedy, so declined that as well. Main courses came, all lovely. Then another waitress came and asked if we would like a second bottle of wine. Given that we had already been told they need the table back for 7pm (fair enough) we declined, but they said we could keep the table till 7.30, so agreed to order a second bottle and deserts. Wine came, deserts took ages. So by the time we literally put our forks down to finish our last mouthful of desert, the bill was on the table, because they wanted us out for the next sitting. The waitresses were again lovely, apologizing for the issue with the starter, but Manager just totally blanked us and looked very grumpy. So that, for me, is enough to write this review. It's not hard to get it right, and customer service is massive. From that stance, we won't be back to Luci's. Shame. Oh, and may as well add, the owners need to tighten up the door closer on that entrance/exit door. The staff had to permanently pull it shut when it stuck open 2 inches allowing an artic blast in each time is was opened. Again,...

Ahhh, when it looks like a place you really want to try ... You try.... and leave thinking, and thinking some more... To eventually feel like it was OK, just ok.

Booked this place a few days in advance as you do, Saturday evening for the wife's birthday. Specifically asked for two Espresso martini on arrival, and stated I don't want to be asked what to drink... Yep, we walked in... Checked us off their booking system.... Sat us down followed briefly after with "what can we get you to drink" !!! OK when busy things can get missed, there was 3 floor staff, and 3 tables seated. Not busy enough to forget my request. A couple came in 8-10 mins after us and ordered before is and had their starter dish before somebody even took our order. We ordered our drinks, and my request was simply that, a request- not met or fulfilled. Our orderd Cocktails were fine, then onto our starters which again perfectly OK. Steak and pork belly. Unfortunately stake was over seasoned with enough salt to make your tongue zing! Cooked well (Medium rare) Pork belly came with cold mash, which was reheated and brought back, with apologies, that we accepted. My wife however didn't want to make a fuss re steak... Re ordering drinks was a chore as we had to ask/ remind more than once for a wine and beer (not the most elaborate of drinks) They did bring out a nice happy birthday dessert for wife, complementary that we appreciated. Upon asking for our bill, we paid cash and always tip, which we would have anyway... but my change didn't come. It was only a few pounds, which, like I say would've gladly and happily left. But wasn't given the option. It's the small details that make the experience and occasion. We will most certainly return, but maybe more so to walk down into the village with the kids for a pizza and burger rather...

We were at the micropub next door and decided to try here for our tea and sat outside as the weather was nice, we had to go inside to order which was fine, the staff were lovely and polite although it was busy, our drinks arrived nice and quick and our food was also quick, the only thing was our pizzas were in cardboard takeaway boxes, no plate, cutlery or even a napkin to go with them, like we weren't even eating there at all even though they knew we were as we had bought drinks to go with our meal! I assume this is policy for people eating their meal on the outside tables as we saw other boxes on other tables too (what happens if you get pasta??) but felt that we had paid restaurant prices for a takeaway! Felt 2nd rate to be honest like we weren't supposed to eat it there or something and this would really put me off going again. The pizzas were lovely and we got free tap water brought for the table which I always appreciate but never have I been served my meal at a restaurant in a takeaway box and was not impressed at that when we paid full...