The Lambton Arms, Rockliffe Way, Eighton Banks, Gateshead

Oct 31 2010 by Zoe Burn, Sunday Sun

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WHEN I tentatively suggested a look around the Bowes Railway in Springwell Village, Gateshead, on the Sunday they held a Steam Open Day recently, I knew there was only one way Mrs Eats would agree.

Designed by George Stephenson and opened in 1826, Bowes Railway is – deep breath – the world’s only surviving standard gauge operational preserved rope haulage system, built to transport coal from pits in north west Durham to Jarrow Staithes.

As I explained all this to Mrs Eats I could see her eyes glazing over and a yawn beginning to form.

Then I mentioned I had heard there were supposed to be some decent scranning outlets in the vicinity, and this produced a much more positive reaction. And so it was full steam ahead to the Lambton Arms in Eighton Banks, Gateshead, just a couple of minutes drive from the railway.

Although an address in Gateshead does not normally suggest rural, the Lambton Arms has the appearance on the outside of a traditional country pub, situated on a narrow lane with panoramic views and people riding past on horseback.

Inside the cosy bar, the sight of Brains Bitter – an ale which is much appreciated in Wales but rather less so on Tyneside – caught my eye.

Always keen to try something new, I ordered a pint, while Mrs Eats decided on an orange juice, and we took a seat in the pleasant front lounge.

Although there were no more than a handful of fellow diners inside shortly after midday when we arrived, the place soon started filling up.

There was a selection of starters chalked on the wall above our heads, from which I chose lamb koftas, despite not having a clue what they were!

They turned out to be tasty kebabs served with salad and a spicy barbecue sauce, and were quickly brought to our table by a friendly, red-headed waitress called Gaynor.

Mrs Eats chose to forgo the starter because she wanted to leave some room for dessert, but I wolfed them down – and they were delicious.

For the main roast course there was a choice of beef, lamb or chicken, although there were other items on the menu.

Mrs Eats went for a portion of lamb, which came complete with roast and boiled potatoes, turnip, carrots and a Yorkshire pudding, while I opted I opted for the roast beef.

Again, it came with vegetables and Yorkshire pudding, and was swimming in delicious gravy.

We were asked if we would like sauces, and were quickly brought pots of mustard, horseradish and mint sauce.

I spread my horseradish generously over the beef, while Mrs Eats is partial to mint sauce with her lamb.

Both meals tasted exactly as a proper, traditional Sunday roast should taste – delicious.

By the time we had finished, the place had filled up nicely. Regulars chatted at the bar, watching football on TV, and diners who could not get into our lounge were taken into another one at the back of the pub which, again, had the footy on.

Gaynor was clearly adept at multitasking – serving drinks and chatting to regulars one minute, and bringing food to diners the next.

We looked at the dessert menu, which was advertised as home made.

Mrs Eats, whose mood by this time was so uplifted she had no further qualms about visiting the railway, chose apple crumble accompanied by ice cream.

I opted for the jam sponge with custard. The sponge was suitably soft and jammy, the custard thick and tasty, and Mrs Eats said her apple crumble was first-rate.

It was washed down with a second pint of Brains, and a lime and soda for She Who Must Be Fed.

The bill, when it came, was a mere £24, and was money very well spent.

We left to enjoy the delights of a ride on a steam train in a very contented frame of mind.

Rating: 17/20