Minchella & Co — Restaurant in South Tyneside

Went in today after a walk along the beach with my partner and sadie (my Assistance dog in her working kit), considering that we have been inside many times before!!! Told only guide dogs allowed in by staff, only one problem with that, DDA and Equality act states that no premises where people are allowed in to eat can legally refuse entry to a disabled person and their equipment (including Assistance dogs). Staff attitude was well its only an "ACT" not a law or a rule!!! Given a phone number to ring, and i will ring it on monday morning, guaranteed. Considering that we go into many restaurants, cafes, hospitals etc and without any problems, methinks that Minchella's is becoming disabled UNFriendly, from now on we will go elsewhere until this archaic idea is changed. There are more places on the sea front at south shields that i will spend £20 a time at that deserve my business. Vetoed...

Me and my husband love this little place.

I don't have a memory of when Minchella's wasn't at the sea side and when I moved back to the North East recently with my Italian husband, who is very discerning about all things coffee and ice cream related, I knew I had to take him there.

The decor is a bit outdated, with candy coloured walls and the seating is a bit 'retro' , but I think that's all part of the charm.

There's a nice little terrace at the back that overlooks the sea, for those who don't want to sit inside. And there's on street parking (when the meter works... but thats another story) if you just want to do a quick drive by to pick up a brew.

The coffee, and the pistachio icecream was an instant hit with the hubs - he loves it, and I can't argue!

Definitely worth a try if you happen to want a great quality ice cream and very good coffee with a...

It’s always been a treat to visit Minchella & Co and we like to take visitors to the region there to show off our lovely coastline and the excellent ice cream… Perhaps this was a one-off, but our visit yesterday was a real disappointment… It’s got to be something really special if you’re paying over £27 for four ice cream sundaes, and the knickerbocker glories were nothing but jelly and a hint of ice cream with barely any cream or fruit. As for service, well the staff are pleasant, but with eight people behind the counter and no queue to speak of, you’d imagine you’d get your orders taken and prepared swiftly and the tables would be squeaky clean - unfortunately this wasn’t the case (we had to clean our own table!) As I say, perhaps they were having an off-day, but sadly we’ll take our precious custom...