The Mill Inn — Restaurant in Sunderland

I was reluctant to leave this as I've been visiting this restaurant for a number of years now and never found any faults however my partner left a review Sunday gone as it was his first time visiting and in so many words he has been called a liar by the person who has responded to his review so now I will leave my own. We came on Sunday after being told the mill caters for vegetarians/vegan . With a full menu to show for this with quite an extensive array of meals .. when we arrived there was people still sat in our booked table so we waited and sat elsewhere , I wasn't that bothered about this I could see It was busy as it usually is which in my eyes a busy place is a good place ... We ordered drinks .. 20 minutes later they still weren't with us .... Regarding the vegetarian options there was none , the waitress told us they had no options but my mother in law could have a plate of vegetables a little more than what you would get in a Sunday roast .. out of politeness my mother in law said that would be ok then I asked the waitress if they had anything else available for a vegetarian which she apologised and said no there wasn't not on a Sunday .... My partner was upset over this as the menu previously looked fantastic and he was looking forward to a nice meal out with myself and his mum, we did leave the restaurant and we went elsewhere .. I won't leave a 1 star as I have been here many times before and enjoyed the place but I won't have my partner be called a liar on his own review .I understand completely about previous covid issues ect as explained in the reply to my partners review , however there was staff "just standing there" .. I am disappointed in the service of either uneducated or uncaring staff that was working this day . I hope it returns to the normal service I've received...

Going to give a 4 stars as to not damage the restaurant reputation but I would really like to rank it 1/2 stars. Booked a table at 13:30 got seated straight away but then seemingly forgotten about. We did not order drinks until 13:55 after having to ask a passing waitress. Then waited a further 20 Minutes to then order food(also again having to ask a passing waitress). We had a show booked along the road at 15:30 (one would assume 2 hours would be enough time to have a 1 course meal and drink). After ordering 40 minutes had passed, it was nearing 15:00 and we were worried as the show would be starting soon. We asked if our food would be much longer as we had a Xmas panto booked. They said it was the next meal due to come out. 10 minutes later the food arrived and we asked if we could have it to take away as it has taken too long for us to dine in and we had to dash off… instead of saying sorry about the wait or no problem we will box it up for you, the waitress simply scoffed at us and said well you have ordered a burger, it’s the longest thing in the menu to cook what do you expect??

I found this extremely rude as we were not complaining about the wait simply asking to take it away as we had other engagements. Rude staff and poor wait times, such a shame as the food was delicious and well priced!

I have managed restaurants in the past and the main pointers I would give to the owner to pass on is: Make sure staff are actually polite and courteous to customers, customer service is a big deal. Maybe revisit the system used to monitor who has/has not ordered drinks and food to avoid long wait times.

Great food, service questionable. It was relatively quiet too,...

I went for lunch with my mum and her friends, I had checked the menu before arriving, I had in my head what I would have because I am glutenfree so I need to check venues before going. Once I arrrived I went to the bar for drinks and asked the staff if they had a separate fryer for chips, I was expecting the same answer as always, No, but I was shocked when they said yes, I even double checked, I was so happy I changed my mind to what I got to eat, the staff were so friendly and helpful. I have to say the chips were amazing, best I’ve had in a very long time, when the staff cleared the plates they asked about deserts, I said not for me as there isn’t any ring on the menu, the lady went to check, and to my surprise I could have pudding, I chose sticky toffee pudding and custard, and I really enjoyed it. The portions are really big and the great thing is you don’t pay any additional charges for glutenfree like in some places, I hope I get to go again...