Eddy Eats' review of the year

Dec 23 2007 by Eddy Eats, Sunday Sun

THE ARCH, Tynemouth, North Tyneside

AN unusually warm November day persuaded Mrs E and I to head to the coast in search of scran, and we stumbled upon the impressive The Arch in Tynemouth, North Tyneside.

Helpful staff instantly earned brownie points for service with the speed at which they brought food to our table.

I had beef, while Mrs E had pork. Two large square plates were placed in front of us, with big, thick slices of meat nestled on top of tasty-looking roast potatoes.

The plate was balanced with a huge Yorkshire pudding and a massive dish of winter veg for us to share was also delivered to the table.

We were both feeling very hungry so also went for dessert.

I went for home-made chocolate sponge with chocolate sauce and custard, while Mrs Eats managed to force down a cheesecake. We both agreed the desserts were as fine as the main courses.

Character 4

Quality 5

Service 5

Value 4

Total 18/20

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BAYS BISTRO, Whitley Bay, North Tyneside

ANOTHER trip to the coast, this time in April, allowed us to stumble on Bays Bistro in Park View, Whitley Bay, North Tyneside.

After a brisk walk and plenty of sea air we stumbled across this gem, where helpful staff, nice surroundings and a good selection meant we were both very happy.

Among the highlights were generous portions of lamb, Yorkshires, mashed potato, roasties and a selection of vegetables, including carrots and cabbage. The servings were just large enough to be filling without being overwhelming and we both enjoyed dessert. Mrs E had only one word . . . “magnificent”.

Character 5

Quality 4

Service 5

Value 3

Total 17/20

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THE RED LION, West Boldon, South Tyneside

THE Red Lion in West Boldon, South Tyneside, is a pub Mrs E and I have passed hundreds of times, but our decision to pull into the car park in May was a good one.

The pretty flowers at that time of year on the exterior of the building were blooming marvellous. Inside, the subdued lighting, a low wood ceiling and a traditional stone floor, all helped to create a lovely, homely ambience at the pub.

The menu may be far from extensive with only three starters and four roasts to choose from, but what’s on offer was done very well. The melt-in-the-mouth lamb was among the best I have had at any pub in recent memory. Mrs Eats opted for beef, which was expertly cooked.

Character 5

Quality 4

Service 4

Value 4

Total 17/20

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OCEAN RESTAURANT, Seaton Carew, Hartlepool

A VISIT to Hartlepool in September to see the new Andy Capp statue allowed us to try out the recommendation of a friend and pop into a seafood restaurant.

The Ocean Restaurant, in Seaton Carew, provided excellent value, with three courses for £10. We had seafood starters followed by main courses of beef and pork. The Yorkshires and gravy were among the best we had tasted in many months.

Dessert of chocolate marquis with cream and strawberry cheesecake with fruit coulis rounded everything off very nicely.

Character 4

Quality 4

Service 4

Value 5

Total 17/20

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ROBIN HOOD INN, East Wallhouses, Northumberland

A SUNDAY Scran was combined with a history lesson when we visited The Robin Hood Inn, East Wallhouses, Northumberland.

Accompanied by a neighbour and her eight-year-old son, Mrs E was soon answering questions such as “What did the Romans eat to keep them going while they built the wall?”

Mrs E couldn’t answer all the questions but we did learn that The Robin Hood Inn is supposedly made from material liberated from the wall in 1752.

As you would expect of a building this old, in October there was a traditional, warm, cosy feel with an open log fire.

After a short wait we were shown to our table in the colourful restaurant. For starters, both Mrs Eats and I had the lentil soup followed by chicken and roast beef.

Character 5

Quality 4

Service 4

Value 4

Total 17/20