Billabong Bistro in Newcastle upon Tyne

Llegó aquí el personal parecía agradable, pero cuando se les preguntó por un menú de bebidas, me dijeron que no tenían uno. Presionado para hacer un pedido a ciegas, tuve que pagar 7. 25 por un tónico de vodka doble que es exorbitante para Osbourne Road, especialmente porque estábamos sentados afuera en el frío. No volveré. Como era de esperar, era el único lugar con espacios en un martes 2.

Reservamos una mesa para 3 parejas para mi cumpleaños y era la primera vez que visitaba este lugar. Habíamos estado en 2 bares anteriormente en la misma calle y todo salió bien. Entiendo que debido al coronavirus hay algunas reglas diferentes en este momento, por lo tanto, reservamos una mesa y nos aseguramos de que solo éramos 6. Al llegar nos dijeron que no podríamos sentarnos adentro o usar el baño a menos que tuviéramos una máscara que ninguno de nosotros había traído con nosotros cuando íbamos a tomar una copa y que no la habíamos necesitado en ningún otro lugar. El personal fue muy grosero con nosotros y les expliqué que deberían haber dicho esto en el correo electrónico o llamarme para avisarme, ya que tenían mis datos desactivados cuando se reservó la mesa. Todos pagamos 2 cada uno por una máscara para poder entrar al bar y usar los baños. Una vez adentro, preguntamos a las personas que estaban a nuestro lado si habían tenido la misma experiencia y 2 de cada 3 del grupo ni siquiera tenían una máscara y se sentaron adentro. Vimos a mucha gente salir, entrar y caminar por el bar sin máscaras. Sentíamos que nos trataban injustamente porque estábamos en un grupo más grande y "jóvenes". Luego, no nos pidieron que completáramos el seguimiento y la localización una vez dentro. La mesa que habíamos reservado para 6 personas tampoco cabía cómodamente a 6 personas. No volvería pronto.

La comida es limitada pero muy sabrosa. Todo se sirve en una caja de cartón. Nos dieron 2 razones para eso, fue por razones sanitarias debido a covid o porque estaba muy lejos de la cocina. Antes de que se entregara la comida, se exigía el pago. No se emitió ninguna factura y no recibimos ningún recibo. después de que le pagué a mi marido, nos cobraron de más. lo mencionó, ¡nos pidieron que mostráramos nuestra factura y recibo! Finalmente, después de mucha discusión, obtuvimos nuestro reembolso. Para ser justos, la mujer a cargo estaba muy preocupada y nos ofreció vino y postre de cortesía. Si está satisfecho con la comida en una caja, vale la pena un viaje aquí, pero solicite una factura antes de pagar, verifíquela y su recibo.

¡Servicio impactante! Visitamos el día festivo el domingo y pidieron 3 veces que nos sentaran afuera, había muchos asientos disponibles, nos dijeron que no. Durante nuestra estadía, no vimos a ninguna otra persona tomar estos asientos exteriores disponibles, el interior estaba muerto sin vibración. Recibí un gin tonic doble que era 99% de hielo y no tenían pajitas, por lo que era imposible beber. Si quieres una buena noche ve al bar espía de al lado. ¡Es mucho mejor, más barato, amigable y el personal lo cuida!

Reservé una mesa para 2, me colocaron en una mesa interior. Pidió educadamente que lo trasladaran a una mesa exterior ya que estaba soleado y allí también había varios asientos disponibles. Constantemente dijo el personal que no había asientos disponibles afuera a pesar de haber pedido en 4 ocasiones y del hecho de que había varios asientos vacíos afuera. Práctica de servicio al cliente muy deficiente. Además, no espere cosas básicas como pajitas con sus bebidas. Sospeche que cuando piden bebidas espirituosas de doble medida, vierten poco y usan hielo adicional para disfrazarse de que se usa demasiado hielo en las bebidas. Hay muchos mejores establecimientos para beber en Osborne Road con un personal mucho mejor. Evite este lugar.

Twice we visited our local pub this week, a very pleasant experience, excellent cleaning practices and safety of customers seemed a very high priority, also new comfy outdoor seating with table service, smiley staff and good atmosphere, felt like we were on holiday!! What a positive experience on re-opening sooooo impressed keep it up guys!!

We visited on a weekend of Six Nations , the pub was loud and insisted on showing both Football and the Six Nations resulting in a very poor atmosphere

We actually took afternoon tea in the hotel bar which had been beautifully laid out for Valentine’s Day. The afternoon tea itself was superb value, especially considering we were using a Groupon. Instead of the usual sandwiches there was a selection of different types of bread with fillings of ham, smoked salmon and egg mayo. The scones (both fruit & cheese) were full size and came with lots of butter and a huge scoop of clotted cream and good quality jam. A selection of small cakes and a fabulous lemon posset topped with a chocolate dipped strawberry followed. It included a decent glass of prosecco (orange juice for my husband) and 2 good sized pots of tea. Excellent service was provided by Abi for whom nothing was too much trouble. Don’t judge this place from the outside (it’s looking a bit tired and has alot of scaffolding up), the inside is completely different, nicely furnished and manned by friendly staff who are doing a great job considering it’s current situation following fire damage. Would definitely recommend!

Visiting Newcastle for the first time,we were advised to go t j Jasmine for a night out. We weren't certain where to go for a drink but the Billabong Bistro caught out eye so we decided to give it a try! (We were heading for Osbornes, but the unruly crowd outside our us off) The Billabong was small but nicely furnished with many TV's for Sports Watching. The european qualifiers were on and the place was busy but service was friendly and efficent. The best thing however was the price of £2 per pint which the barman advised us was a promotion throughout November. We were so pleased we had to have a second round!

Worst service I have ever experienced. The bartenders (all young males) seemed to intentionally avoid me and my friends. We had been waiting HALF an HOUR to be served despite the bar not being particularly busy on this day. The bar staff continued to serve everyone around forcing me to conclude that they were intentionally not serving us. They did not show any remorse for having just ignored us for half an hour. also the food looked horrible and the drinks were overpiced! Would never ever go back and i advise you to do the same.

Wow happy hour nothing happy worse unappetising gin & tonic ever never again I suppose you get what you pay for actually u don’t

Garbage meal; garbage eating experience. Maybe it's okay if you're a student on the lash or an orange person still pining for the bar-to-bar experience of Whitley Bay in the 90s, but this was awful If I'd had any sense, the name would have put me off.

The Billabong Bistro is part of the next door Caledonian Hotel where I was staying, came in here for drinks, pretty reasonable prices (but slightly more expensive than say Osbornes opposite), Didn't eat so can't review that.

Despite my reservations the food was great. Menue was very modern with many choices for vegetarians and light food choices. Although it is next to the bar it is not very noisy. The only thing i would like my resturant more quiet than this.

I've been here before, and both times I popped in for drinks. It's a wonderful place to go and catch some sunshine, or casual drinks with friends. I'd like to point out they do some wonderful deals! Thursdays are 1/2 price cocktails days, and you get to sit and eat outside too. I do want to try one of their protein bowls! So I'll be back.

Llamé a una tranquila tarde de miércoles. Probé la cerveza de verdad, lo cual fue un error ya que no creo que vendan lo suficiente, por lo que faltaba la calidad. La comida era normal, así que probablemente le falte a este lugar cuando vuelva a la zona, ¡lástima porque el entorno era agradable!

Great food at great prices. small but tasty menu, If you want a sandwich or a full meal you wont be disappointed, mouthwatering pizzas and delicious sandwiches, we really enjoyed our meal, staff could not have been more welcoming.

El Bistro es parte del hotel, así que después de mirar el menú decidimos comer allí la noche que estuvimos también tenían el fútbol encendido, así que pudimos ver mientras comíamos. Éramos 5 y 3 elegimos el Fish & chips. y 2 eligieron el curry verde tailandés, la comida llegó y todos quedamos muy satisfechos con nuestras opciones, el pescado era excelente y con patatas fritas caseras y guisantes molidos, todo fue un placer, los 2 que tenían el curry también estaban muy contentos con Choice aunque sospecho que cuando vieron nuestras Comidas les hubiera gustado haber optado por eso, las bebidas fueron muy razonables, así que, en general, recomendaría el Bistro Billabong, sí, sí. :)

Visited here the night before the Great North Run, loved the friendly staff and food was great. I had the steak, which was nice, my mum had the fish. My starter of salmon was amazing.

Visitamos Newcastle este fin de semana para el cumpleaños de mis hermanas y 40 era alojarse en un hotel en Jesmond. . decidimos comer antes de salir, así que nos encontramos con el Billabong Bistro. . Menú parecía lo suficientemente agradable. y además teníamos pulseras que nos permitía un 15%. . El restaurante estaba bastante concurrido, ya que allí había un gran grupo de muchachos en antes que nosotros. . Había 7 en nuestro grupo y pregunté si nos tuvimos que reservar para comer. No tan agradable. el camarero nos dijeron que no. . Todos ordenados y porque teníamos esta pulsera descuento él parecía un poco molesto con esto. . Él no estaba en. cualquier cliente forma amable pero luego oímos decir a un colega de él que él era todavía de resaca de la noche anterior. . No estamos diciendo que no vaya, pero seguro que en el trabajo entonces los clientes son su hospitalidad prioridad. No en este caso. Sin embargo, la comida era muy buena, no el servicio

Situado justo en el corazón de la calle osborne, este bar/restaurante sirve una buena variedad de bebidas así como una fuerte selección de resolución. Aunque caro, a menudo hay ofertas de (con la posibilidad de que tocara el timbre de red para conseguir una variedad de %s en su bebida (creo) entre 6 y 8 pm en días laborables). Junto con asientos al aire libre, una buena mesa de billar, y buen servicio, este es uno de los bares más bonitos de carretera. osborne

جيد جدا مع الغذاء لطيفة وأجواء ودية أود أن أعود مرة أخرى في وقت قريب جدا.وأود أن أوصي به أحد الأصدقاء، وبناء كانت لطيفة جدا.

This is a great place to enjoy a relaxing evening. The staff are great. Great menu and food delicious Recommended

Came to listen to the music and had a few soft drinks but would love to come back and try the food and also the good selection of alcoholic drinks.

Vine aquí con mi otra mitad para un almuerzo sol tiene el día como caradura. Noté el nuevo menú, que no me entusiasmó tanto. Decidimos dividir 1/2 pinta de langostinos y los nachos. Las gambas eran en su mayoría ensalada y la salsa bastante soso....

we went in to have a few pre drinks before going out of day 2 on our weekend away, it cost £16 for 2 vodka and cokes, rather small area and was very loud, the service was average, everyone seemed to be getting served quicker at the top end of the bar despite the time you'd been waiting, although great atmosphere for a saturday night.

Went here for a hen weekend. Only ordered one meal, pasta carbonara, but it was well tasty and a good portion. Reasonably priced. The rest of our party also ordered food and there was not one complaint. Well done Billabong Bistro,

The Gold Card deal eating in the Bistro was included. No complaints whatsoever. Nice menu for both food and wine. Staff were friendly without being too intrusive. Would recommend

The is part of the caledonian hotel. Went here for a drink on arrival. We don't carry cash and it was a minimum £10 spend on card. Had to bulk buy our drinks in advance to go over the minimum spend. At jus gone 9pm we wanted t order some food. Menu said food served till 9.45pm...couldn't order as kitchen was closed!!

Dinned at the restaurant while staying at the Caledonian Hotel and the food and service was excellent, good choice on the menu.

Good food, good ambience and realistically priced. Staff very attentive and pleasant. All in all a good evening out

Неплохой бар с приятным внутренним интерьером и хорошей кухней, но нам показалось, что цены могли быть и пониже.

Have visited this pub several times and have never been disappointed. The staff and surroundings are great. Tried the lite bites yesterday and had several small dishes of food to sample, well worth the money. All the dishes were packed with flavour. I will be sampling those again soon. A great pub to have a chat with mates or your better half.

We booked Sunday lunch, we dined here through a groupon deal a few years ago and it was lovely and thought we would go here again. We arrived for 12.30 and were given a table in the middle of the restaurant. Table was set out nice and plenty of room between other tables. It did take a while to receive our first drinks and our gin and tonics were served in what appeared to be half pint glasses. We were then given a set Sunday lunch menu very different to the menu which we viewed on line. We asked about this and then were given another menu, which again was very different to the online menu. The starter was nice but very small, the roast was nice however didn't think the baby corn went well with a roast dinner. We chose the cheeseboard for desert, nice portions of cheese but not enough crackers served.Overall the meal was ok, but the restaurant was freezing, we did mention this when we arrived but it was still cold when we left.

Me and my husband were in this bar last night on date night after we had eaten in the area earlier in the night. The heated lamps outside is a great idea as you can watch the night go past and enjoy fresh air without suffering in the cold. It was quieter than expected as it is a bank holiday weekend and the Sunday is normally the day to be out. The drinks are priced as everywhere else so knew what to expect. Only thing I would say is the toilets were a total mess, probs just need someone popping in now and then to give them a quick tidy.... Especially when it wasn't that busy. Nice place though. Friendly staff x

Nice to sit outside with a drink as this place gets the sun,sofas comfortable.unfortunately best not to go at week ends unless you want to be caught up in a hen or stag night.We had been shopping in Waitrose so went for one drink afterwards ,it was about 3 pm ,sun was shining,got sat down,then all these loud squarky hens started trooping in,followed by heavily tattooed bald gum chewing stags swearing like troopers.thank good I'm not single and looking for a decent partner.

I ate there on Monday evening (13th July). I was staying in the hotel who had a coach party in so the bistro was very busy and noisy in the early evening. I opted for the bar which I found to have a better menu choice. The screens were on but the sound was low so it wasn't too loud. The service was really good and the omelette was properly cooked, well presented and very tasty.

Called in for a meal and drink on a Thursday evening before my sons graduation. Reasonable choice on the menu, we had pizza and an omelette which were really good it was presented well & had a good taste to it. It's not a place to have a quiet meal because of the big screens everywhere & it's was getting quite lively when we were in..but the food is OK and the staff were friendly enough so may be worth a visit if you're around that area. They do that stupid thing of pressing the button on the bar to get discounted drinks I didnt see anybody pay less than full price while I was there.

Decided to eat here following our visit to the races. Set menu on the bar looked fantastic but this wasn't the one they were using in the restaurant! Apparently bar usually has the old one.Decided to have the 2 or 3 course meal that included a glass of wine. As I was driving I asked the waitress for a soft drink such as a J2O. When I asked if I could have this in place of the wine I was told it was not possible as it was for wine only. I pointed out this was not very drinkaware and that it was a terrible policy. I continued to complain and the waitress checked with the girl behind the bar.She told the waitress that it was true but then realised I was asking about J2O so I could have a soft drink such as a cordial with water or soda water. However because of the misunderstanding I could also have lemonade! A glass of wine was about £3.50 - even Osborne Road can't be that expensive for a soft drink. Staff explained it was mgmt policy but agreed that a soft drink option should be highlighted.Anyway, food was almost excellent, lamb melted in the mouth and cheesecake to die for. Vegetables were crunchy but too salty.Eventually we weren't charged for the soft drink and both girls were very helpful and made sure everything was good. As a result, they received a good tip from the 5 of us.

Called in for a meal..good choice on the menu..we had burgers & nachos which were really good it was presented well & had a good taste to it..it's not a place to have a quiet meal because of the big screens everywhere & it's was very lively when we were in..but the food is good & the staff were friendly so worth a visit if you're around that area.

we ordered from the bar menu, children said the Hunters chicken was delicious. I had a small but delicious steak. Wonderful chips! Nice atmosphere and the staff very pleasant. Great location and open on a Sunday evening which is super. Would recommend and also return myself.

Situation within the Caledonian Hotel, this is a lovely restaurant. Nice varied set menu (included in our hotel Gold voucher), great service and staff were amazing. Thanks!

excellent value - fish overcooked for my taste. On a value deal and choice was excellent. Service friendly and helpful

The menu is varied, good atmosphere, nice seating, if you want sports the staff will set up the screens. Pizza, burgers, sandwiches, lite snacks, main courses and desserts they have it all.

Ate here all the time food amazing and as I have a taste card was amazing value 50% for 4 people on evening meal

Food was really good, fresh, hot and tasty. Service extremely slow - due to kitchen not restaurant staff who couldn't have been more helpful

Myself and two friends visited this restaurant today for our Sunday lunch only to be greatly disappointed. We first entered the restaurant and sat ourselves down as no one came to great us (despite there being a girl on the bar). We then sat for a good 5 minutes waiting to be offered drinks or our order taken or something. But no, we had to ask the girl on the bar what were we to do if we wanted to have a carvery, she directed us through to a different room. We were greated by a woman who showed us to our table and told us we could help ourselves to the carvery. The carvery finished at half 5 and we were eating around 4, so understandably the chef asked for some fresh things to come out which we appreciated. However, for a £9.50 carvery we expected a little more than what was offered. There were only 4 types of veg to choose from (suede, carrots, cauliflower cheese and cabbage) and where you had to help yourself the experience was just awkward. With a hot plate in one hand and a serving spoon in the other, there were no hands left to lift the piping hot lids of the dishes covering the veg. Next we sat down to eat where our drinks were waiting for us, however no one came to check on us once, nor offered us anymore drinks, despite my friend quite obviously choking on a dry piece of beef.It took the waitress a good 10 minutes (in a restaurant with only 2 tables taken) to clear our plates, and when she did so, we weren't asked if we enjoyed our meals or if everything was alright. We said no to any coffee's or desserts, but was not offered the bill. Ten minutes passed so we took it upon ourselves to ask for the bill. Another ten minutes passed after receiving the bill. We then explained that we were paying both in cash and on card so the girl asked us to go to the reception to pay on card. We did so and explained how we were splitting the bill. I had paid so much in cash and wanted to pay £4.50 on card, and my friend £10. We were told with no apology that there was a £10 minimum spend. I cannot understand how a restaurant who charges £9.50 for a carvery, will only take £10 minimum. I asked what the girl expected me to do as I had no other cash on me, and was told that I could go to the cash machine near Tesco (a good 4-5 minute walk) to get cash out. I resulted in borrowing money off a friend.On the way out I asked to speak to a manager, the manager was pleasant and offered us a drink but we were so fed up with the time we had waited that we left. Overall myself and my friends were extremely disappointed by this experience and won't be returning. I would also like to point out, that in a fairly posh looking restaurant, having music ranging from opera, to ballads, to then rap, is just completely bizarre.

used the bistro for 4 nights , had a combination of the a la carte menu and bar menu for the 4 nights we were there. All presented to a high standard ( more so the a la carte )Service was excellent, very high benchmark set here, even although they were very busy with other diners, nothing to much trouble for the staff herePortion sizes about correct, apart from the lasagne ( this is huge ) i struggled to eat it, managed half, and even my hubby who can eat could not finish this .Would recommend , and use again

Seeing other reviews about this restaurant could easily put you off but as all the reviews seemed to be about the service at busy times I gave it a try due to it being a lunch time and really quiet. This restaurant accepts the Taste Card so was a contributing factor in choosing to eat here as it meant myself and 3 others had 50% knocked off the food bill.I cannot comment on the restaurant itself as I did not go inside other than to order the food and drinks at the bar. The food arrived in good time delivered by a very polite and attentive waitress and was well presented and really nice. Can't say what it is like at busy times or on an evening when I believe it turns into a noisy student bar but of a Sunday afternoon brunch it does the trick just fine.

Was rudely spoken to when I asked a member of staff for assistance after I had waited TWENTY FIVE minutes at the bar. I'm in the trade 25 yrs and never witnessed such sour, slow service in my life. Twelve in my party and across the rd at Osbourne's was ten times better. Management and barkeep need P45's and new & trained staff required ASAP.

This place is a joke . If you are aged over 30 forget it . The staff are only interested in serving the beautiful young things. You are ignored totally the bar staff don't seem to keep an eye on the great British traditional of queuing. Its done so blatantly I have truly never seen anything like itWhy don't they rename it jesmonds student union and be done with it !! I live in jesmond I like students but this place is a joke There are better bars that don't have surly staff and sticky tables and when you can get served flat coke.

I have just finished one of the worst meals I've ever had the delight of paying for. My starter, the prawns, where similar those you would buy from Icelands freezer section. The pork belly was inedible due to lack of taste and meat. The fish was adequate but small and the chips were soggy and horrible. Not to mention the quality of service. There's so much choice in jesmond. Just make sure u don't choose here! Now off to waitrose to buy our second supper.

Had a truly brilliant night here last night. First we got a drink from the bar and sat under the heat lamps outside and enjoyed Osborne roads atmosphere. This was our first visit to the restaurant and we walked in we wondered why we hadn't been here before! The decor is stylish.The staff were brilliant, friendly attentive and welcoming. The food was beautiful, I recommend the pork three ways.Looking forward to returning soon, thanks for a great night.

We were on a Christmas night out in Jesmond and went into billa bong for a drink. The bar maid spilt a drink down the front of my dress and I still had to pay. The staff were surly and unpleasant and I was made to feel awful on what was supposed to be a great night out. Will be avoiding at all costs from now on. Shame.

Called in last nite before the stereophonics concert..and the staff were brill...i got a poor pint and when i pointed it out to the manager he couldent be more helpfull. Myself and freinds got a free drink.. defo gona pop into this top bistro again. I would highly recomend it.

Deciding on not eating at the Best Western New Kent, we found the Billabong Bar.Being very busy was a good sign as we passed by some empty bars on this very busy street.We stumbled upon "happy hour" which consisted of a big red button that you pressed to gamble your happy hour offer, very good idea.We ate some finger food and it was tasty, piping hot and good VFM.Various TV screens showing football and on the night attracted a lot of students was therefore boisterous, dont come here if you want a quiet night.Very good bar/bistro that I would return to and recommend!!

After entering the establishment at approximately 10.45 pm on Thursday, I placed an order for 4 pints with my colleague. (2 each) At the time of the transaction there was no reference to the time of closure, which we assumed was until late as advertised. However, at the time of 11.10 pm were forcefully told to finish our drinks. This shocked me, as this was no stated during the transaction and I would not of completed such process without confirmation. After being told to leave at 11.15 pm I was confronted by a manager who felt that he would defer the argument to the speed at which we were to complete our beverages. After 5-10 minutes I was astonished at the resulting confrontation of the staff towards myself regarding the non-notified time of closure. I was forced to leave the bar with most of my order not finished. The un-organisation of the staff and poor attitude regarding this matter has forced me to no longer visit this bar and I would strongly advise others against the use if you require a calm drinking environment.

only problem is the menu is a bit boring theses days they may need a new chef but its well worth a visit the staff are very freindly. the service is one of best in newcastle just wish they would do more classics menu

My husband stayed at the Caledonian adjoining the Billabong in August for a stag weekend and had one meal on the Saturday night. The staff were very polite and helpful throughout the meal, my husband ordered the bread starter which was very nice, with a variety of breads and olives and a dip. For main he ordered the sirloin steak with chips (veg was £2.50 extra) medium rare, unfortunately when the food came the steak was well done, over cooked and very tough, he did order the extra veg which was not needed as the dish came with mash and a mashed olive filled tomato. The staff are great and helpful but the food is poor and does not match the service, you would be better off trying elsewhere than eating here.

Good location, nice looking place even if it is looking a little tired around the edges. We ordered two pizzas and steak frit. I will never return to this place. The food, despite being quite dear, was worse than a kebab shop. Frozen pizza bases with substandard toppings slopped on. Steak was vile. DO NOT EAT HERE. Shame because it used to be pretty good.

Came for drinks Sunday 3rd March, very quiet no atmosphere, after a few drinks went to toilets and no locks on doors, tiles missing think its time they refurbished the toilets as this is a real pet hate of mine, also tried to have a bit craic with barman and just looked at me funny think they need to lighten up and be more friendly.

Me and my husband have had sunday lunch here before ( about a year ago) and it was lovely, we decided to go for a meal on saturday night, it was terrible, i ordered fish my husband the lamb, it took about 20 mins. then when the fish arrived it was raw inside, another 20 mins.another fish came this was better but they had put it on top of the mushy peas that was on the other plate and which had dried up. My husbands lamb cutlets were all fat and bone practally no meat at all. The lady serving us was very apologetic and did give us a free drink each ( which we needed) The resturant was empty at 7 o clock on a saturday night, that should have warned us, also people were cutting through the resturant to get to the bar and were very loud. avoid this resturant.

I visited this hotel for a Champagne Afternoon Tea, which I had purchased as a treat for my mum from the Living Social website. The price was greatly reduced because of this.We arrived just before our reservation time and signed our car in with reception. We then went to the restaurant, were brought a glass of champagne each and our tea. (Earl Grey for me, and normal for my mum) We were also brought our food, which was 3 lots of finger sandwiches, egg mayo, smoked salmon and cream cheese and roast beef with horseradish.We had just started to eat when the fire alarm went off. We all trouped out and were back in within a couple of minutes as it appeared to be a false alarm.We then started again with our tea. As well as the sandwiches, there were cheese scones, fruit scones, and various cakes and fancies and butter, jam and clotted cream for the scones. We asked to swap the cheese scones for more fruit ones as neither of us like cheese ones and this was no problem. We also had another pot of tea, which was again no problem. The service was very prompt and was no bother to the waitress who served us.My only negatives about this are the fire alarm that went off and could only have been a false alarm as we were out for no more than 2 minutes (this would not have been a criticism if we had been out for a longer period as I would have expected this from a normal fire alarm and would not hold the hotel responsible for this), also though the price I paid for this through Living Social was great, I would not have wanted to pay full price for this (£45) as I thought this was overpriced for what we got.

starter was nice - very small though and trying to be fancy when it shouldnt be.The 'steak' main course AWFUL! the sauce actually tasted of nothing! and i got two little pieces of what looked like frying steak not a proper steak at allDesert - nice overall - wouldnt go back, disappointing!

In contrast to several of the other reviews, I was extremely impressed on my visit ( 10/06/2012).The surrounds, I could not fault and the waitress who attended to us was excellent in all respects,Very sensibly priced drinks and very good- not brilliant, food at a very reasonable price.In summary, a lovely night out and would most certainlky return.

Groupon deal so only paid £10 per head for three courses and a glass of prosecho. Service was ok to slowish. My mushroom starter was the smallest I have ever had but tasted good. They kindly agreed to nacho starter for my wife which was good. we both had steak which although tasty and cooked as requested, was the thinnest steak I have ever seen. Dessert was good.Worst thing was the bistro is next to a bar with adjoining doors. Busy doesnt describe the place. Could hear the noise through doors although it was a saturday and Champions league final was on the TV so cant blame the bistro for my poor date and time choice.I wouldnt go back but my Wife thought it was very good. Cant please them all!

Attended this on a Groupon deal - advertised as worth 66.40. Turns out the menu could have been had without the groupon (24.00) for only a little more at 34.00. So for a start we felt somewhat mislead. Oh the groupon deal did include a free glass of prossecco I suppose but that's not exactly expensive - and it was a shame they couldn't actually then sell us a bottle of it so as to continue with the same drink.Anyway the food - sounded good but rather disappointing, nothing more than average and a novice could have knocked up better. Below par, no doubt cheap, ingredients being the culprit we think. Anyway all all in all not so bad for 24 quid but nothing at all to write home about and expected more from the advertising and menu.

I was looking forward to Sunday lunch at the Billabong Bistro. (Located in the Caledonian Hotel) The layout of the Restaurant is very strange as it is located between the hotel reception and the bar. As a result, the through traffic is a little off-putting. The service was good, but the food was very average. I had turkey and my husband had the beef. The turkey was processed, and I think it was so thin, I could have read a newspaper through it. The beef was thicker, but very chewy (I had a little taste). The roast potatoes were very nice, but the serving of veg (carrot, swede and cabbage) was rather mean. I think we could have done with almost double the amount we actually got. I noticed every table ate every tiny bit of veg, so it wasn't just us beig greedy. We both had apple crumble for sweet, which was nice, but could have done with a bit more custard. So good in parts and poor in parts - makes it a very average meal.

We often go for drinks , which is always very nice , pricey though , lovely to sit outside in the summer but the bar is always busy , never enough staff . They're not the friendliest either , they could make more of a effort with their customers . Decor is lovely & nice feel to it . Foods average & not great . Better for drinks than food

Very slow at servin walked out four times r more and it wasnt busy at all . I go to jesmond every week nd like bil a bong but always walk out as u cant get served