Gateshead
Porky's Low Fell

Porky's Low Fell

168 Kells Lane, Gateshead, United Kingdom, NE9 5HU

Pizza • Steak • Waffles • Barbecue


"Just been for a Sunday lunch at porky’s with my family. We were 8 people and it was a bit of a disaster start to finish. The service here is normally pretty good but today despite having 7 waiters on for 8 tables it was diabolical. They were very slow to take our order and then announced that they had run out of almost all items on the main menu (no pork, no bbq sauce, no shrimp, no nachos). It took 3 trips to the kitchen by the waitress to establish what was left and we placed our order. 15 mins later they return again to say all the starters we had ordered were out of stock. It was 20 mins before our simple drinks order arrived. Yet more faffing ensued and we eventually got our replacement starters 1hr after arriving. It was then a further 1hr before any mains which trickled out over around 15 mins. In the time we were waiting dozens of takeaway orders were processed and sent out. The staff seemed to have no idea what they were delivering and repeatedly returned to the pass to clarify. The cutlery wasn’t replenished after our starters and no further drinks orders taken despite long empty glasses. The food itself was ok but nothing special. The Yorkshire puddings were so dry they were inedible. They seemed to have been kept in a big batch under the heat lamps and no one seemed to question why everyone in the restaurant was sending theirs back uneaten. The manager was sat in the corner of the restaurant throughout and at no point did he lift a finger to help his struggling staff. When we complained the waitress repeatedly went to talk to the manager who never came to speak to us himself to apologise. We asked for a reduction in the bill and eventually agreed on around 50% being taken off. Overall this was an incredibly frustrating meal that in no way reflected the usually high standard of food or service. The whole experience was worsened by the fact the management appeared to be witnessing the whole thing and just not caring or making any attempt to rescue the situation. Had a booking to go back with a group of friends later this week but will be cancelling and giving this place a wide berth for a while."

The Engine Room

The Engine Room

Rockcliffe Way, NE9 7YJ, Gateshead, United Kingdom

Pubs • Full • Steak • Lunch


"Went for Sunday lunch. My wife and I both have mobility problems and informed them of this at the time of booking. They said that they would make allowance for this. When we arrived we had to go up 3 steps to get to our seat. We were able to do this but they did not ask if we could do this. We were seated and waiting for someone to come take our order when we noticed a sign saying that orders must be placed at the bar. I made my way to the bar and had to negotiate around tables then down the 3 steps, then I had to pass by people in a narrow hall who were carrying their drinks. This was difficult as I cannot walk in a straight line and am unsteady on my feet. When I ordered I asked the barman to bring my drinks to the table which he did willingly. I asked for a lamb and beef and asked whether they would be able to put some of each on our plates. They said we would have to do this ourselves as the chef was too busy. This is also the reason they were not serving food outside. It was a lovely day and they were turning business away as they were too busy to serve food at the outdoor tables. The food was delicious (apart from the mashed potato). The meat was so tender and tasty. When I went to pay I tried to explain to the barman about the difficulties and lack of awareness but he couldn’t spare me a second as he was walking away from me rather than listen. Poor customer service especially to disabled customers. Nobody came to check whether we were enjoying our meal or whether we would like another drink. I also noticed that they cleared tables ready for the next guests and put a high chair in place for a child. They are good at preparing for children but not disabled customers."