Copt Hill in Sunderland

Pleasant, clean and welcoming. Starters were well prepared and generous. Order 5 main courses. 4 were good without being exceptional. Mine arrived with cold veg and was sent back. On return the veg was undercooked ( especially anything diced ) and hard. Opening the beef and ale pie the meat and sauce was orange, tasting more of tomato than anything else. No taste whatsoever of beef! GrAvy weak and pretty tasteless. Whole meal rejected! I found the venue fairly limited and there was no kids menu offered. Can't recommend overall. Possibly the worst food and service I've experienced. There are far better places in the area. This, however, was just one of five meals served.

Went for afternoon tea and it was lovely. Sandwiches, wraps, quiche, cheese and fruit scones, and a variety of cakes and pastries with a lovely strong cup of tea (or coffee) to wash it all down. Staff are pleasant, friendly and attentive. Worth a visit.

We went to the Copt Hill for an evening meal. We arrived 5 minutes before our booking and were seated. The bar area had a few people in and was nicely decorated for the Halloween Festivities. We were taken into the dining area which is large and well set out. There were a multitude of things to choose from on the menu and I opted for the Scampi and Chips. We waited around 10 minutes for the food to arrive. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy the meal too much, the chips were dry and felt like they had been kept warm. The scampi was nice but nothing out of the ordinary. We did have a late booking so I believe that may have contributed. The staff were lovely and polite both on the bar and in the restaurant. I would go back to the Copt Hill but it did not wow me this time round.

I had heard some good comments about the place and, at a bit of a loose end, finally went in for a meal, and to be honest, it was a little disappointing. The waitressing staff were great, the kitchen staff really need to remember they are in an open kitchen and the customers can hear everything, but the main disappointment was the food. It wasn't terrible, but I have had better from chain restaurants. Hope it was just a bad day though, and perhaps would try again.

Excellent service! Ordered takeaway afternoon teas for a baby shower, amazing we couldn’t have asked for any better!! All savoury and sweet treats tasted fantastic, staff managed to cater for diet requirements which was very good saved some of our guests missing out. We will definitely be back 😊

Went to meet a friend here for lunch and was so impressed with the decor! Can’t believe it’s the same pub I used to work in many moons ago. I only had a sandwich and chips, but those chips definitely deserve a mention! Absolutely delicious. Will be back.

We have visited twice previously and had a good experience hence choosing the location for a family gathering. I first of all ordered pink Prosecco and received white… this wasn’t a big issue and we kept the white. I asked one of the waitresses to just make sure the bill was adjusted if needed. She reassured me the white and pink were the same price… we I later found out was incorrect when the bill arrived… £24.95 for pink, £19.99 for white. This was rectified at the same as I challenged the waitress who had been standing in a group of female waitresses chatting about what was believed to be my elderly mother who was having a real struggle to try and get through the base of her cheese cake! They were heard to say something like,” what does she want… a steak knife”! The female denied this and said someone else had asked for a steak knife for her cheesecake. Either way… surely a desert should not need a steak knife!! The female informed me that there was a number of agency staff in the kitchen so it was not running as it should be. The beef was tough and chewy… much of it went back, and the two apple crumble and custards were returned as they were stone cold. The service was poor… no empty glasses were taken away and not one person asked how the food was. There was 11 of us eating as part of a family gathering… we were left disappointed, and the situation really spoilt what should have been a special day. The meal cost nearly £300 and was terrible… we shall not be returning.

went to the Copt till with family on the 3rd of Februaryfor a my birthday . All started fine, went straight to the table, orders taken. 25 mins after the order was taken staff returned to say there was no fish left which was what 2/6 people had ordered. We were then assured that there was enough fish for our order and that the member of staff had spoke to the wrong table who ordered after us. fast forward to 50 minutes post taking order, the staff member returned to tell us again that there was no fish left and that our order couldn't be completed! 50 mins, is insane to finally figure out you can't complete an order! I was I formed at this point that the order tickets hadn't been picked up to time order in the kitchen! Due to diet restrictions one member couldn't eat anything else off the menu so we had to leave! I was advised that the manager wanted to apologise and compensate for the ridiculous service, they took a second phone number as a number was provided at booking and told they would call the following day. over 2 weeks later.... still awaiting on the call. Absolutely shocking service

Sunday lunch - the beef was absolutely repulsive . Just pure fat and chewy . Gravy was quite watery . Service and the bar was great. Won’t be going back for food

Have been here a few times and the food is generally good. The staff are pleasant but the service tonight was very slow. Plenty of staff around but not attentive and we waited a long time for our order to be taken and then waited for ages to get our bill then another wait to pay the bill. Staff just hovering around not doing anything. They really need to wake up and get on with it!

My recent visit to Copt Hill Inn left much to be desired. From the moment I arrived, it was evident that the staff lacked enthusiasm and a commitment to providing quality service. Instead of attending to guests, they seemed more interested in engaging in their own conversations, neglecting the basic principles of hospitality. The absence of table service only added to the sense of neglect, creating a frustrating and unenjoyable dining experience. What was particularly concerning was the apparent lack of knowledge regarding the menu, especially when it came to accommodating food allergies. As someone with dietary restrictions, I rely on the staff to be well-informed and attentive to ensure a safe dining experience. Unfortunately, this was not the case at Copt Hill Inn, and it left me feeling uneasy about the standards of food safety and customer care. Regrettably, I cannot foresee myself returning to Copt Hill Inn in the future. This establishment falls well short of the expected Tavistock standard, failing to meet the basic requirements of a reputable dining venue. The lack of professionalism and attention to detail displayed during my visit was truly disappointing and does not align with the standards I have come to expect from establishments of this nature.

Small family lunch for my wife’s 50th birthday. Nice food and good prices. Great service and all the staff couldn’t have done anymore to please us. Very friendly and helpful and good for a laugh too…. I’m definitely going back in the near future. Many thanks…….

Went today for meal and drinks with the wife only to be told I couldn't order food because they had a big party of people on a table what a joke we always go here and to b e told that I will never go to this pub again total disgrace be warned they don't care about you

Just passing by and decided to call in for a meal. It wss an extremely tasty steak pie. It wss beautifully presented and it tasted delicious. Absolutely delicious chunky chips. Would definitely visit again if I am ever in the neighboutpr hood again. We done to all

Nice surroundings, average Sunday lunch. Would be better if the female staff were dressed appropriately and professionally instead of looking like street walkers with stocking tops and bumcheeks on show. They don't really have a clue either so have they been hired as decoration or to serve customers cos my elderly mother doesn't want to see that while she's eating and we'd rather have staff who know what they're doing as that's what we're paying for.

I think this is living off the poetic license reputation. 45 minute wait for a mediocre at best steak. Then it’s nearly £4 for a small portion of peppy sauce. Great views but that’s it. Expensive and not value for money.

Lovely welcome from the staff at the bar and restaurant. Really good feel to the place. Would like to particularly praise Alex the waiter who noticed we weren’t quite happy with our food but immediately had all of it changed so we could both wait together and have to say was absolutely perfect. Attention to every detail was effortless will definitely be back.

Visited Copt Hill for the first time for a birthday meal. The food was lovely and good service. We got a steak each. It was cooked exactly as we asked and was cheaper than expected. Will definitely return

We had a lovely, relaxed early evening meal with our son and his partner - the restaurant is situated just outside the town of Houghton le Spring with great views of the surrounding countryside, the indoor rooms are really well presented and attractive. The menu offers a wide range of options and has a separate vegan menu on request - our food arrived really hot and nicely presented and we all really enjoyed our choices. The staff were excellent - polite and attentive but not pushy. We’ll definitely return.

Called in on the spur of the moment for a light lunch. We found all of the staff really friendly and accomodating. As there was no vegetarian options on the bar menu and asked the server whether there was anything available. She suggested that I order a starter from the vegetarian menu and I ordered vegetable tempura with a sweet chilli dip. The batter was light and crispy and the portion was more than adequate for a lunch. The meat eaters in the party were equally impressed with their food. We all thought that it was good value for money and agreed we will return.

Staff friendy. Lay out of pub excellent. Ordering and booking great. Meal was served prompt hot and presentation great. One of the best Sunday lunches we have had. All this and a power in houghton for 10mins. Cannot fault the Copt Hill brilliant.

Visited 22.7 with the wife for an afternoon treat that turned into an afternoon delight! Heard great things from friends that have visited the Copt hill, so had to give it a whirl. First impressions good as love the bar area and choice of beers....

After reading recent reviews was a bit worried about our visit to the Copt Hill but everytihng from service to food was great. Georgia our waitress was very friendly and very attentive to our needs. we were 2 couple and the ladies had a seafood...

Me and my friends attended the Copt hill inn on Wednesday the 28th of June as we stopped off there after work it was the first time we have been there and it will be the last I’m absolutely appalled and disgusted the way the...

We took our daughter here for her birthday. We have been before with no problems . We ordered mixed grills which were over cooked. My sister got a Vegie burger which had no vegetables in it as it was a quote steak shaped object. We...

Steak night was fantastic and service was great as well. Lovely restaurant which is very clean and airy.

Sunday lunch at the Copt hill was absolutely beautiful 10/10 and great value for money. Staff are amazing very friendly and accommodating. I definitely recommend this pub/restaurant. Elaine and Stephen from Houghton Le Spring 👍👍👍

Travelled 300 miles to meet family for a meal. They recommended The Copt Hill. The brisket beef was absolutely fantastic. 2 members of our family only wanted small portions so they were able to order from the children's menu. They ordered 2 hamburgers and chips...

Lovely place, nicely decorated, beautiful views from the beer garden. Ate as a family of 5 including 2 teenagers. Service was a little on the slow side but generally speaking no major issues. One of the meals that came out was wrong but was rectified...

Visited on a Thursday evening for a 6.15 booking. The restaurant was busy but not full. We were sat quickly, but not immediately offered drinks, it was another 5 minutes before we were offered anything. The menu has a good selection however it is worth...

Another great night in the Copthill, came for food and drinks with friends. Lovely food and great atmosphere. The two young mangers were very attentive and looked after us very well See you all soon

Popped in for a drink and hoped to have lunch but they’d just stopped serving it was back on at 3 pm ,so we will go back ,they’ve done a great job ,quality refurbishment throughout,very impressed,it’s a lovely spot on the hill overlooking open countryside,certainly...

Out in the country with a huge car park with a couple of bars and a restaurant- the service is very friendly and efficient - we were quickly shown to the table and given menus and drinks orders taken- a good choice of well cooked...

Family treat tea out. Fillet steak cooked to medium rare liking. Sausage and mash tasty. Vegetarian Thai curry absolutely gorgeous. A lengthy wait from asking for the dessert menu but again the white chocolate cheesecake and the rhubarb and ginger vegan cheesecake was delicious. Lovely...

The first impression was not good, IE huge car park but no disabled bays. My wife ordered fish and chips and the fish was really good and the chips were okay. I ordered the steak and ale pie with a suet pie crust and was...

Mother’s Day Sunday lunch - visited as a family of 3 and we all agree that it is the best Sunday lunch we have had in a restaurant. Sticky toffee pudding - light and very tasty 😋. We will revisit again .

We went here for Mother’s Day lunch the food was delicious and so tasty complements to the chef service was great too would highly recommend people to come for food

Went for a "Home Made" steak pie. Well, what a surprise I got when the dish finally arrived. This pie is not "home made", it looked like a shop bought pie out of tin foil. Ok, give it a try I thought, but when I...

Amazing experience! Staff efficient! Great atmosphere. The views are amazing surrounding the pub and we can’t wait to sit in the outside area all summer

Apart from my wife's home made Sunday dinners this is the best I've had. Great choices, taste fantastic, service was fab. Dessert was best sticky toffee pudding I've had. Definitely coming back and would recommend

I visited just before Christmas for lunch and we all enjoyed it. Food and service was good. So when visiting the area again I was keen to visit again to repeat the experience with a family dinner. However I have got to say we were...

We went for a family birthday Sunday lunch. I was really looking forward to going as they have transformed the pub from what it was. It was a Sunday lunch menu 1 course £13.95 , 2 courses 17.95 and 3 courses 21.95. the choices were...

the restaurant has been refurbished to a very high standard, it’s lovely inside. the food is top notch, ordered a ribeye steak and it was fantastic so no complaints about the food, the cost or the environment. i do however have one complaint, customer service,...

Went last night with friends and the food was very nice. Staff very friendly. Book in advance as gets busy. Would definitely go back.

Recently refurbished and looked very smart. Busyish lunchtime. First surprise was that that neither of the two very young servers appeared to have a clue what real ale was! After a huddled conversation one of them scuttled away and returned to say they had a...

Had Sunday lunch here and other bar meals which was great. Decided to call in tonight at 5 pm for bar meal. Informed by barman that it was fully booked and there would be no food served in the bar. The restaurant at this time...

Had Sunday lunch here today & I have to say one of the best I’ve ever had. Presentation was first class and the variety of vegetables that came with it was well worth it. We had pork and the slow braised beef brisket, everything was...

Great food in the fantastic newly refurbished Copt Hill. And they do hand pulled beer 😍. Lovely staff and a pleasant atmosphere.