Love Lily Sunderland — Restaurant in Sunderland

Be careful eating here if you are vegetarian. I ordered the Mexican hash bowl with Halloumi instead of chorizo (the veggie version in the menu) the person who took our order repeated it back to us even specifying it was the vegetarian version. When it came out I couldn’t see halloumi and assumed it was hidden underneath as it was a loaded bowl with sauce and leaves on top. I have been vegetarian for 11 years and never had chorizo so as I was eating there was grilled veg, there was a round grilled disc which I thought was mushroom - I knew something was wrong and spat it out into my napkin, making my boyfriend try another piece who was equally confused and confirmed it was meat.

When I took it back up I asked if this was the correct halloumi version, the person who had brought it out said it wasn’t and that she would get it remade taking it before I had a chance to bring up the issue that I am vegetarian and they have just given me meat which I had consumed some of.

I wasn’t hungry anymore but my partner was halfway through his meal and we had been having a nice time so far. The person who took our order and the person who brought it out both came up and apologised whilst it was being remade.

I was a bit in shock over it as this had never happened to me before so I always trusted cafes and restaurants when eating out as I had never been given a reason not to, being vegetarian is very common now and they had multiple food items on offer for this diet.

As my partner was finishing we thought about cancelling the order and leaving but as this had never happened to us before and the cafe was full we didn’t want to make an issue out of it as it’s a smaller room and the other customers would have heard what we were saying. Though looking back getting something like this wrong is a big no in a hospitality environment.

They brought out the correct meal which was covered with halloumi on top, I ate part of it but just wanted to leave at this point. We were trying to decide what to do as we aren’t the type to complain or want some kind of ‘compensation’ and usually just lump it if we aren’t happy. My meal was £14 however and to pay that for being served meat and trusting them didn’t feel right.

We went up to the counter to pay and asked if we could pay for our drinks and my partners meal as they got mine wrong, the person behind the counter was different and said she had to ask her manager who was the person who brought our food out, she came over and asked why and my partner explained quietly I had left most of my food because they got it wrong, I cut in and explained I’ve been vegetarian for 11 years and I ate some because I didn’t know it was wrong, she just said okay and started sorting the card machine, it was incredibly strange as when they had apologised before they had been nice and the whole time the service was chatty and really nice but as soon as we asked for the money off it was like it changed and it was just blank faces and no longer friendly. It was awkward.

It was a shame because we had heard good things about this place and the drinks were genuinely really good, the food would have been too if they had been careful. They did ask about allergies when ordering but not dietary requirements (maybe they should)

I’m unsure why it went wrong, I think they must have put it through as the normal meal rather than veggie version then the person who brought it out wasn’t the person who took the order so couldn’t catch it before...

I've been to Love Lily a few times and enjoyed the food. But the day I decide to do a review it was very disappointing. I usually get a USA breakfast or burger but today I went for the Love Lily breakfast and that's where it started to go wrong.

It was quite when I went in. I sat down with the menu and it took a while for the server to take my order. Love Lily breakfast and a coffee. The wait was that bad I had moved my menu away from me to one side and started using my phone so they would get the hint.

When I ordered it took 10 mins to get my black coffee. Nothing fancy. It wasn't one of the special drinks they make. I thought well at least my breakfast won't be long. Big mistake 20 mins later it came out.

It's like they forgot about the people in the cafe and went on a mission to serve everyone waiting to be seated. People in the cafe that came in just before me were finishing up their food and paying before I got mine.

When my food came I was very disappointed. I've had the USA breakfast and its been good but the Love Lily breakfast was bad. A huge amount of kale (green stuff). Tons of potatoes (over 50% of plate) a piece of bacon, one sausage a egg and a few mushrooms? The food tasted nice but it was the fact they were so stingy with everything except the potatoes. It really did look like I had a plate of potatoes.

I didn't have the grilled tomato but I don't think it would make a difference.

The atmosphere was also very strange. There were many mothers and babies in with there friends, which is not usually a problem, but every time they spoke it was like they were announcing it to the entire cafe like a facebook post or tweet.

People were also coming in with huge dogs and at the top of their voices the mothers were shouting "There a big dog.. awww" and running over to it with their babies. Bizarre behaviour?

I think the Love Lily Penshaw has effected the Roker cafe too much and it has lost its standards and service. The breakfast was not worth the money. I've had many better for less money, better service and the atmosphere was...

Disappointing Experience at [Restaurant Name] on 19th June

I contacted the restaurant a few days prior to our visit to ask about bringing a vegan birthday cake and some decorations for my mum’s 73rd birthday. Although I was told we couldn’t pre‑book a table, I confirmed we would be attending for breakfast on 19th June at 9:30 am (5 adults and a high chair).

We arrived expecting the decorations and cake to be set up as I had arranged, but nothing was done. We were asked to wait outside while staff put up the balloons and banner in front of my mother — completely defeating the purpose of making it a special surprise.

We were then left waiting 20 minutes for menus and had to ask staff to take our order. The drinks arrived with the food nearly 40 minutes later.

After our meal, due to time constraints (and an impending playgroup for the toddler), I asked staff if we could cut the vegan birthday cake. At this point, I was told we weren’t allowed to cut or consume it on the premises. This was never explained when I called to book, and had I known, I would have chosen another venue.

We then asked if they had a vegan option available for the special occasion — no. We asked if we could at least have the cake brought out for photos, and were presented with the cake still in its delivery box. We had to send it back to have the candles added, and only three were placed (unlit), despite giving them a full pack of candles. In the end, another customer kindly lent us a lighter.

This was supposed to be a memorable morning for my mum’s 73rd birthday — a moment that becomes more precious every year. Instead, it was an upsetting and poorly managed experience from start to finish. We spent over £100 for breakfast and received substandard service and communication.

I sincerely hope no other family has to experience this when trying to create a special moment. We certainly will not...