The Red Lion Inn — Restaurant in South Tyneside

A very typical country-type pub with a bit of history. It has ample free parking for patrons at the rear and side of the premises. Entry at the front and side. Front entrance is the bar element of this hostelry which has a cosy feeling to it and the seating adds to that ambiance and although some would want it larger, this would destroy the very fabric of the place. Remember first going there in March 1969 and enjoying my time There. Going through to the resturant, that has been refurbished recently with an a conservatory adding more light and space to the building along with more external seating to the side. Have to be honest I haven't been recently but intend returning there soon - it is a bit of a hike nowadays for me now i am getting on a wee bit. I have aye been fond of the place and we aye surely have time for those in the hostelry business who care enough to preserve the character of these old inns rather than jazz them up with plastic fittings. This is definitely worth anyone's drive away from the city to enjoy a good meal and an hour or so in the tranquility of a country inn. You could even visit the ancient Parish Kirk at the top of the hill (St. Nicholas C of E) built in the middle Ages but on a religious site long before that as part of Jarrow Monestry! Incidentally Boldon, being a part of the land controlled by the principality of the Bishopric of Durham, produced its own 'Domesday Book' and it was, (and still is), known as the Boldon Buke. (See Boldon Community Library (times varied) to...

First of all, the food was absolutely outstanding and would receive 5 stars any other day. However the whole dining experience was utter chaos.

First of all, we had booked a table for Sunday Lunch that we had to wait 30 minutes to get seated for, with the justification of “they’ve paid they’re just finishing their drinks”???? Surely if you book and the bills been paid people should be politely asked to move to the bar?

Dinner came out very fast and as mentioned was lovely. But we couldn’t get comfortable as staff were flying past, shouting over the bar, phone ringing constantly. Then, fellow restaurant goers were knocking my seat while waiting for takeaways or paying bills as I was having my dinner so that was annoying.

Then it came to pay the bill at the counter, we were stood for a frustratingly long time while the gentleman booked more people in to an already packed place with staff running round at 100mph. The card machine was going left right and centre and we felt we had to say “we just want to pay and get out of here it’s utter chaos.”

We felt in no way relaxed or comfortable as everything felt stressful and we were relieved to leave. It’s a great shame as the food was amazing, it just seems they had overbooked so it frankly ruined the whole experience for us. Will not be going back and wouldn’t recommend going if you want a stress free afternoon....

Went for the in-laws 40th wedding anniversary. Booked a table in advance. We had sat down took are coats off and they where asking us what we want to drink. Drinks arrive asking us what food we want. Had to ask for a kids menu (she is 5). Food ordered 15 mins after being in, I had to ask where the food was after 45 mins to be told he is just reheating some items it won’t be long. 10 mins later food arrives. Now the food was delicious! Really was gammon was perfectly cooked! Eggs were runny. All of the food was outstanding!

How ever it just seemed to take an age for anything to happen. The lady who was ‘working’ there took are plates and she asked if we wanted dessert, yes please ok I’ll bring them over. 20 mins later I went up and asked for the menu, young lad brought them over. He served us and was lovely. She then came back to take away the plates. I asked for a bill she said yes of course. 20 mins later we ended up going up to the desk and asking for bill as she didn’t bring it over, after watching her standing round talking to other people, and serving them. And now I get it, we are not the only people in there, but 2 and a half hours for to get food for 4 adults and a child in a not very busy but certainly quiet time. And having to ask for simple things it just seemed a...