Lion Lamb - Northumberland

What a fabulous Sunday lunch. Food was absolutely delicious. I had lamb, others had chicken and pork and all raving about it. Lovely service and great atmosphere. Dog friendly which is an added bonus for us. Some had starters and some desserts, all delicious and presented really nicely. A new favourite haunt.

My friends and I go to the Lion and Lamb every couple of months and it has always been wonderful. Sadly last Saturday it was horrendous. The place was freezing cold, I had to keep my coat on the entire time. But worse than that we waited 55 minutes for our food, when it finally came it was stone cold and the portion was miniscule, the salmon was the smallest portion I have ever seen and the price was over £18 ! We sent it back, ten minutes later it came back exactly the same, cold. There was only one waitress on and it was quite busy, all around people were complaining about the long wait for food. I asked the waitress if the place had changed hands, as it used to have such high standards and decent food, she said not, but they were training a new Chef, not sure how that's going to work out for them. We won't be returning or recommending this restaurant, they didn't even have the good grace not to charge us for the awful food. So sad when a place goes downhill like this, it's like the owner just doesn't care anymore.

Been quite a few times as more of a place we go because of memory’s. We went for a drink one summers evening and the menu looked great we had to order some things, food was really good, we looked forward to going back. Booked a table on a Friday night, great staff. Menu lacked and they had ran out of a couple of things. Terrine was nice, although one bit of bread for it. I’m all for a bit of “charring” but the Chicken supreme was burnt it did not taste great, truffle and Parmesan chips lacked the truffle and my partners beef was dry and the side order of onion rings never came. Got 20% off the bill. Was still £70. Sadly won’t be rushing back.

Having been recently for a lovely Sunday dinner, sat next to a roaring fire, I decided to go for a Friday evening meal out. The pub was quiet, and out of all the tables where we could have sat, we were placed near the kitchen in the bar area. I got the impression this was strategic, so we were near to bar and waiting staff. It was very cold evening outside, and there was no heating on at all inside, the radiators were clap cold, not helped by a nasty draft every time staff went in and out of the kitchen, with the door left wide open on a couple of occasions... I had to get up and close it. I even wandered round to see if their lovely fire was going, it was, but it had all but gone out, no source of heat here either, so no point asking to move or complaining. The meal was a set price, with a limited menu choice, but catered for vegetarian and vegan and was decent enough. Starter and main came swiftly, staff were approachable and pleasant, but dessert took an age to arrive and as time went on staff became less visible. I can't recall a drinks menu, maybe it was there behind the food menu which was on a clipboard... but be mindful as the wine I had was nearly £9 a glass, and I only found this out when the bill came, which was a bit of a shock at the end of the night! In fairness it was a good wine, but I wouldn't have chosen it if I'd known how much it was or maybe just had one glass not three! The experience was disappointing for the money spent, the atmosphere lacking, contributed to by a distinct lack of any heat on a very cold, dark evening. Please put the heating on!

Absolute gem! Food was fabulous, service was polite and friendly whilst super efficient and the pub was welcoming. The roast beef melted in the mouth, Sunday lunch was the best I have had for many years!