Prickly Pear Bistro in Rugby

Me sister me nephew and I went and had a nice meal there. The lady who said she usually works as the chef but was working front of house too was the definition of 10/10 customer service , took care of my diabetic sisters needs while she was having a hypoglycaemic episode , and was kind and attentive, and respectful. The woman deserves a raise, the food is nice too

Arrived at 2:00pm for bottomless brunch. Waited 25 minutes for someone to take our drinks order. After a further 20 minute wait for our first drink I had to go to the bar and ask where they were .after another 10 minutes our first drink finally arrived! Food was ok but nothing to write home about. Cocktails very watered down. I have been to bottomless brunch at various places and this was by far the worst. Definitely not worth £30 needless to say we were very disappointed and will certainly avoid in the future!!!

Came here for the first time for my daughters birthday room was freezing sat with our coats on there was a few things on the menu unavailable the time taken for food was a long boring wait in a cold room the younger kids weren't interest as much in their food after waiting so long there was a really bad taste on the chips like dirty oil/overcooked taste I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone and definitely won't return And was only 2 other table with people on one table left as we came in the other table who ordered after us had eaten there food and gone before we even got ours

Came before and the parmos were beautiful so returned with my family for my birthday. When we arrived it was freezing - no heating on and we’re told it turns off at a certain time. Sat with our coats on - kids all shivering. Told that they had ran out of bechamel sauce so could only do maximum of 2 parmos. There was a family leaving as we arrived and a couple that arrived after us, who ordered after us and had ate their main and left before we had our starters. 45 minutes for starters, which arrived with hot sauce rather than sweet chilli as per the menu (advised they would give free deserts for the issues) a further 40 minutes for mains. When they came out the chips and parmos tasted burnt, the curry was a child size portion at an adults price. The kids didn’t want to stick around to eat their desert as they were too cold, had to wrap them up and blast the heating when we left. Gutted as previous experience was fab but definitely wasn’t worth the money and would not recommend! The waitress was lovely though bless her, wasn’t her fault.

Amazing spot, beautiful place, lovely staff and great food for what’s worth. I will be visiting again if I am ever in Middlesbrough

First time visiting. My friend had been before when previous owners had it. She loved it so thought would finally try it today 11.01.2024. The place itself is really appealing. Lovely interior and the staff were friendly & attentive. I ordered the big one (burger). Was really looking forward to it after seeing it on the menu. When it arrived it was big but the meat very dry and burnt. The onion rings were stringy things, I laughed at the time but they were nothing like advertised (chunky). The diced sized bacon, cheese & crispy fried onions were concocted together and melted on top of burgers, again dry. The tea was unique in lovely glass teapots. The place has so much potential. I wish you luck but unfortunately I will not be returning.

I visited the prickly pear for my birthday meal,i wish i hadnt bothered, the staff were clueless, considering there was only myself and my partner and another couple in the place they got my order wrong and also the table next to us which resulted me and my partner eating seperate as i had to wait another half an hour for my correct order, we didnt even wait that long for the first order i could have understood if it was busy but at this point the other couple had left so there was only us left in there, the staff didnt seem to know what the lunch time offer was either as we got charged for drinks that were meant to be part of the offer. Although they didnt charge me for my meal due to all the mix up i would not visit here again.

This was unfortunately the worst Sunday lunch service I’ve ever experienced. The food was cold, chicken was dry, the roasties and cauliflower cheese weren’t provided and the meals came out on unusable chopping boards. Having spoke to the manager he agreed to discount the bill by 50% but two other families were also unhappy. I’ve been here before and had Parmos under the previous ownership which were beautiful and spurred me to come back but I don’t think I’d attempt it again after today’s experience. The kitchen staff need replacing if they feel it’s acceptable for food to leave their kitchen in that state.

Been here before and was it lovely! Today’s visit after being closed for a year. New owners! Looking forward to Sunday dinner. Had starters which were really nice! Sunday dinners arrived on small chopping boards. Stone cold and missing roasties and cauliflower cheese. Asked for plates and reheating on meals that had not arrived yet. Carrots still rock hard and raw. Advertised as honey roasted. Giant Yorkshire. These where broke into 2 and where like cake. Safe to to say alls not good at the prickly pear. Another table had the same complaints and left without paying. 3rd table asked us what was happening as we left manager on duty Obs panicking and calling the owners

We visited often before the Pear closed earlier in the year and were really happy to see it had reopened, albeit under new management, so visited last weekend. The food was always going to be tricky to live up to, and if that was a 9/10, sadly this food was a 5/10 and the overall experience a 3/10. The new staff are very young and inexperienced, and didn't seem to have a clue what they were doing, or even any basic level of customer service ability. I was disappointed to find that although they still do parmos with the same names as previous, all but the plain ones are with quorn only, and are not made with chicken. I therefore had a plain (chicken!) one and it was meh, just ok. My daughter had mac n cheese which she previously loved here, but it was really low quality and tasteless. We won't be back, which is a real shame as I was hoping we would be regulars again. Sadly unless the new management drastically improve things, I don't think it will be long before it closes again. I have promised the kids we will go to the Ship at Redmarshall to make up for this disappointment (the same company as the previous management were at the Pear).

We come here the third day of it opening so we did expect some teething problems. Inexperienced staff made ordering difficult, this is in no way a reflection on the staff, more so the management, it seems as though they've picked the youngest kids to keep payroll down. Our server didn't know what Rosè was, they didn't know the drink and food menu. When I asked for a drinks menu, I was told to scan the QR code on the table, which is fine but we had an 85 year old with us who couldn't see the screen. When it came to ordering food, I asked for menus and again told to use the QR code, I said we needed a physical menu because people couldn't see. I was told by our server that they're not supposed to hand the menus out but they would get us one anyway. Then the table behind us got seated by the manager and they were instantly asked if they needed menus or would they be OK using the QR code. 2 of us out of 7 had issues with our food. One meal took so long to come out that everyone had almost finished eating. One parmo was burnt and inedible, and the vegetarian parmo came out, not vegetarian. It was visibly clear that it was chicken and not a vegetarian alternative, this was taken back to the kitchen and the manager couldn't apologise enough however this was the straw that broke the camels back for us. A vegetarian option eventually came out which was soppy and cold in the middle. The 2 meals we had issues with were taken off the bill. But then 2 bottles of wine that we didn't have totalling £50 were put onto the bill. Overall, the evening was just shocking and taking two inedible meals off the bill just didn't cut it for us. Won't be returning.

Went here on Saturday and took my son for the first time (as I've been a few times and had bigged it up to him) and was disappointed with the parmos, as I've been here before the parmos have been lovely even when I've took them home to enjoy, later but I don't know if they've changed the recipe or have cooked it at the same time with the one that has maple syrup on, but mine was sickly sweet even though I got a parmo with meat on, even when I took it home to enjoy later, I couldn't as it was that sweet on the base, it was that un-edible. Also not a fan of the 10% "tip" added to the bill automatically, would be nice if it was a choice to and it on after or there was some other way to tip (ie a tip jar) as even though the food can be enjoyable, it is expensive, but tipping should be an option not made compulsory

Food is nice, but I wish they'd stop addinng a 10% tip for what can easily be a pricey place to eat and expecting the customer to be fine about it. I think if you want to tip separately in a jar at the till that's fine, but to add it to the final bill when the bill can be easily over £50/60/70 already is a bit of a cheek and rude, unless the expected 10% tip on top of the bill is removed, I don't think this is a place I'd go back to in quite a hurry

Food ok but time waiting between starters and mains is ridiculous and there was only two other tables in

WOW WOW WOW!!! I was recommended by a friend to take a trip here for their Chicken Parmo's. And I wasnt disappointed at all. 5 mini Parmos for £28 that come with fries, salad and slaw. MOG. Absolutely unbelievable. This IS the place to eat. We will definitely be visiting again soon to try some more. Thank you to our lovely waitress Sue. She was so friendly and a credit to the Bistro. She couldnt do enough for us and helped us with the menu which was packed with choice.

Absolutely amazing experience and food! A proper hidden gem in Middlesbrough, would definitely recommend going here - really lovely service too 😊

The restarting has little atmosphere. The food was nice apart for the pad Thai. This was ridiculously spicy but this was not mentioned on the menu. Had to order another meal. They charged us for both even though no mention of how spicy on menu. A few of us tasted it to see how spicy. No one felt they could eat it. They did not care and still charges us for both due to some of us trying it. Practically full meal left. If it was that spicy it should say on menu. Staff were not accommodating especially when we brought our whole family large group size and spent a lot of money. Some staff members need to know how to smile. Wouldn’t go back - what a shame!

I can’t say the venue itself is inviting, it isn’t and considering we were the only people inside I don’t know how it actually stays open. The food itself was nice, the parmo etc all good stuff What I think let it down was the service and the ‘manager’ proceeding to tell us why she doesn’t know why it’s so quiet…. Very uncomfortable and awkward conversation to have with people already there Wouldn’t return I’d rather go to yarm in nicer surroundings

We booked online for a party of 4 on Saturday evening at Prickly Pear. We arrived dead on time. There wasn’t a table ready for us which I understand sometimes things don’t alway go to plan and the appropriate apologies were made. We didn’t wait too long for a table to be made ready. After being shown to our table the staff didn’t return to take our drinks orders for another 20 minutes. After ordering the food at the same time as the drinks, the food arrived an hour after our order was taken. On the whole the venue was good but service speed was very poor. The food was underwhelming, I would’ve expected more than a couple of pieces of pepperoni and jalapeños on a hot shot parmo. Also the inferno platter had no heat at all! All in all we felt our first visit was very disappointing. I have privately messaged them on instagram to which I have had no response. The email asking for feed back after our visit has no link for a response. Your media team do a fantastic job of promoting your restaurant but delivery at the venue lets it down. Sorry to say we won’t be coming back.

Visited for Sunday lunch. Staff were welcoming, friendly and professional. The food is amazing. We had their Sunday roast. The portions were generous and food absolutely delicious. It’s a real gem of a place. Don’t be put off by it’s unusual location 😃

If you like Parmo’s this is the place to be, they have 30+ parmos themed from around the world. Three different sizes; regular, Large and Double Decker. Plus a selection of five mini Parmo’s so you can find your favourites. We had the chicken Satay and a Sesame Chicken to start. Both very tasty and plenty of chicken. Mains were a small Pad Thai which had loads of chicken, it was very sweet and very spicy. A Regular “let the meat see the feast” Parmo; Pepperoni, Chorizo and sausage, Skin on fries and slaw. This is a premium Parmo and carries a £1.50 supplement which is displayed at the top of the menu in fine print. Just be sure to check the top of the menu as most Parmo’s have supplements ranging from £1 - £2.50. Also, there is a discretionary 10% tip which is already added to the bill when you pay. I would go again and I am going to recommend it to some friends and family who are Parmo lovers. It was at the top end of what I would pay for this type of restaurant and food. It was good quality and I would expect this for the price.

My first visit a few months previous were really good,I was impressed but then I went again a couple of weeks ago I was shocked by the portion sizes in a bad way! I even questioned if I'd accidentally ordered the mini/half parmos. 2 of the parmos were better described as a slice of paramo, god forbid if I would have ordered mini parts as a mouthfull would have turned up I'm sure. I won't be going again.

We went as a group, the food prices were confirmed by email as we were told to pre-order the food. . On the day, we cancelled one persons food because it was gluten free and we thought we were helping the restaurant out. On the...

We called up prior to arriving as we thought it would be busy with it being NYD, however the lady on the phone informed us that they have space so to come down! It really is a hidden gem. We were served quickly & the...

Went for a 50th birthday, a group of 15 people all the food was pre booked , the service was slow and sloppy, the food was not to a standard and not everyone got there meal before they had to leave for a pre booked...

Service was awful. Group of us arrived for a work Christmas lunch, all of us had pre ordered. It took 1 1/2 hours for some of our main courses to arrive, by which time most of our group had finished theirs and needed to leave....

Thank you again for another fantastic meal. Best pad Thai and partner loved his parmo platter. Looked after very well although busy night. Great cocktails 🍸 Thanks so much our 5th visit and perfect every time xx

Have been for lunch twice now. Didn't book but we were seated straight away and the service each time was really good. There is an extensive vegetarian menu and although I would never have one, the parmo menu is also extensive. Unlike the other reviewers,...

Arrived at 11.50 to be met by a rather unpleasant woman. She advised that there was a large booking in for 12.00 but if we ordered straight away we would get our food first. We knew what we wanted so no problem. At 12.30 the...

We had planned to go for my birthday meal. We used to visit regularly as they USED to do the best parmo's around. To say we were disappointed at this visit was an understatement. We were seated and menus given and ordered drinks straight away;...

We arrived for our booking at 7pm and we’re quickly seated. We then waited for around 10 minutes for our drinks order to be taken. The drinks then took around another 25 minutes to arrive, after we had to remind a waitress that we had...

We had our table booked for half 6 and were seated straight away and ordered drinks, it all went downhill after that. We waited 45 minutes for our starter, which arrived after we had to ask where it was. By the time it got to...

Food was lovely but …… I don’t no agree with the waitress tip extra £4.95 that was already on my bill I felt I had to pay it regardless !! Cost of living is already bad and you get made to feel like you can’t...

We came here as a family some of whom live away. Naturally we were keen to try the parmo menu and we felt two vegetarians in the party maybe we'll catered for too. However the waiter misheard the veggie paramo so presented one of our...

So much choice and fair prices. Never seen so many types of parmos. Great food the only down side was the service was very slow and we had to prompt them to even reorder a drink. It wasn't too busy and very relaxed definitely go...

This place is famous for its parmo’s and choices there of. I prefer a pork parmo so opted for the lamb gyros, and wow it was a flavour sensation! Easily the best meal I’ve eaten in Middlesbrough from anywhere! The parmo’s looked good too

Went for lunch with friends, do not look muck from the outside but once you are through the entrance there is a modern finish to the bistro. The staff were welcoming and friendly, no waiting around shown straight to our table. The menu has something...

If location, location is everything, then The Prickly Pear Bistro has a problem. Located in the TAD building it's an act of faith for a new customer to think 'Where is it', no outside signage and not much to indicate that one needs to seize...

We read about this restaurant on Facebook, as they currently have a lunchtime promo of 5 different Parmos for £10.00, and 4 of us thought “Well, why not give it a try” Driving into the TAD centre was a bit daunting, didn’t look like there...

This place is a hidden gem. Not in the most likely of places, but if you're after that special night out with good food and probably the best selection of parmos I have seen, then this place is a must visit! It may appear to...

Visited with a friend for some food, for the first time. Main course and dessert each, plus a couple of drinks was around £30 each, including service charge. Main course was good but desert was a little basic and mine was frozen solid through the...

Booking for 12 people, all arriving separately, drinks offered as soon as we arrived, never missed anyone arriving, once all seated starters were brought out all piping hot, plates cleared more drinks offered and then mains brought out, again piping hot, asked if everything was...

Faultless. The food was first class, the cocktails - amazing. Our servers, Grace and another young lady were both brilliant. A thoroughly enjoyable experience.

We were a p;arty of 11, not all arriving at the same time , drinks were offered just after each few sat down. The food came out altogether, all food was delcious. Staff were very attentative , checking that our food was ok and if...

We visited this restaurant last year and it was really lovely. We decided to revisit for my sons birthday and we were very disappointed this visit. After ordering a meal for 4 this took over 40 mins to arrive, we had already had 1 drink...

Went for lunch today, overall a good experience. The portions for the price are good - we ordered the sharing Sunday roast, quality of the food was also good. 1 criticism would be the food wasn’t that hot so by the time we got close...

Enjoyed by all. Family lunch for 8 of us. Plenty to choose from including gluten free options from the dedicated menu. Relaxing atmosphere and great service. Despite being busy we didn’t have to wait too long and all our food was fresh, hot and tasty.

Booked for 22 people to celebrate my sons 18th birthday and I couldn’t be any happier with the good and service. Not slow as previous reviews suggest so I’m sure this business has improved in this area and the food was delicious. Very very impressed...

A group of us had a wonderful evening. The service was friendly and helpful. Food very tasty and served on time. Really good value. Nice surroundings.

We went for my daughters birthday family of 5 , service was slow soft drinks were totally flat , the cocktails were lovely and the food was great ,presentation was 10/10 but it was way over priced for what you got , £150 bill felt...

This is a difficult one cause although the food was exceptional and the place was beautiful the service was shoddy We arrived with a toddler and were seated at a high table with no back No highchair either I personally was not comfortable as my...

Went to the Prickly Pear on Saturday, never been before so didn’t know what to expect with it been in the TAD centre. What an amazing place, the added bonus was the variation on the gluten free menu. Really enjoyed the gf Parmo I had...

We booked a table for 2 special birthdays that we had missed during lockdown. Finally we got the family together for what we had thought would be a lovely meal because of there being 20 we were asked to preorder which was understandable but we...

If we didn't know this restaurant was here, we would never have guessed it. We were taken to this lovely little find. It looked like we were going into an office block. But once you enter & turn the corner you find this beauty. Lovely...

We arrived around 7:30pm we didn’t book a table so when we asked for a table for two and the waitress said I’ll just get one cleaned up for you that was fine. A few minutes later the waitress returned with menus and took a...

Travelled from NE37 down to Middlesbrough as I have been recommended this by several friends. Let me just start by saying the journey was so worth it! Teesside is parmo heaven but the prickly pear took parmos to next level ! They have over 30...

My family and I visited the bistro for dinner. We had visited on numerous occasions prior and had always been very impressed with the high standard of food and overall service. However, on this particular occasion a couple of our party arrived early and waited...

Visited here on a monday afternoon after reading up about the parmo platter offer that runs in the day. You get to choose 5 of 35 parmo options for £9.95 which seemed too good to miss out on! We'd already studied the menu a bit...

Over the moon to discover you can now order the parmo platters . This means i can get through the 35 different types of parmo much quicker now and find my favourites. I cant keep away from this gorgeous hidden gem, the food is amazing...

So decided to get a take out from here on the 15/10/2020 and it was the best decision I made. I had a burger and curried chips I thoroughly enjoyed it but the curried chips where on the next level. My partner got the bacon...

We have been to the Prickly Pear several times and it's one of my favourite places to eat! The options on parmos is unbelievable, the offer of five mini different parmos gets the last buds spinning. The hash browns with cheese are a must for...

I’ve visited this restaurant 5 times now and had a takeaway too . I’ve taken friends and recommend to my friends because it’s really quite amazing . The food is very good , I’ve tried quite a few Parmos ! Fresh and well cooked ,...

We went to the prickly pear on Sunday night for my partners birthday, we previously spoke to them about bringing gluten free breadcrumbs in to make a gluten free parmo they said they would happily make one. When we went to the restaurant on Sunday...

The location for this bistro is a little unusual as it is off the beaten track and within a bigger centre. It specialises in parmo from all round the world and you can even try mini parmos to make sure you get the full experience....

Two of us visited on the recommendation of friends and we were not disappointed. The choice of parmo variations is vast, along with burgers and wraps. There are a number of platters available (5 small parmos), but as there was at least one on each...

We had booked a table for 3 but on arrival were shown to a small table for 2 and advised they would bring another chair, when we requested a bigger table we were advised they were all booked!!!! Eventually a larger table was found but...

Excellent service... Fantastic food A massive selection of parmo's Nice cocktails and very fast service We will definitely have to go back..

Visited with my partner to sample their Sunday lunch. We opted for two courses and found there to be a wide range of choices available. The food was fantastic. So tasty and filling with all the accompaniments and more. It was beautifully presented and thoroughly...

Firstly, I never write reviews but felt I had to on this occasion, such was the service and food quality. So I'm lactose intolerant but rarely disclose at restaurants choosing to simply order appropriate meals which look low in lactose. I thought I'd ordered a...