Rutherfords & Co Restaurant in Northumberland

We had an excellent lunch there today. The roast beef in the baguette was the thickest I have ever seen in a sandwich and the accompanying salad, potatoes and coleslaw were all gorgeous. The only slight disappointment was it was listed under the hot sandwich section but came cold. When I asked why they said the panini and ciabatta versions come hot but the baguette one doesn't. The waitress apologised. That didn't reduce my enjoyment of the meal though. We have always found the service really good too.

Rutherford's cafe is a favourite stopping off place for us when travelling north . The cheese scones are excellent and you can be assured of good wholesome food . My prawn salad was memorable ; plenty of prawns accompanied by slices of melon and avocado . It is housed in a long narrow room and could feel a bit crowded as it is obviously a popular place . Service was pleasant and prices very reasonable .

I used to always visit this cafe. I recently had a baby and last 3 times I've visited I've waited to be seated and waitress will remove chair for me to park pram there. After a few minutes a different waitress will come over and say I can not have the pram there where I've been told to put it. Its happened 3 times seated at 3 different tables. I'm always conscious of taking up space and will collapse pram handle to reduce space and not have it anywhere other than where I was told by staff to have the pram. Its made me feel very stressful and self conscious about ever visiting again

We called in for a spot of lunch on Saturday. Got a table immediately, not cramped in. Great selection of food. I had a tuna melt served with salad and lovely coleslaw, my wife had a prawn salad which had loads of prawns on. Really good value we thought. Decent Decaf coffee served too! Would recommend.

We cannot praise Rutherford’s restaurant its staff and food highly enough. Visiting from the big city of Berwick upon Tweed to shop, deeply saddened by being unable to find a skirt for my wife, not one dress shop sold skirts…”we get asked for them every day” staff would say “but we just get sent dresses and trousers”. …message there someone surely. Anyway, we needed cheering jump and entered Rutherford’s amazing old fashioned store and were tempted up to the restaurant. The staff were warm and welcoming and invited us to sit at a table. My photographs say it all, wonderfully presented food, huge portions and very fair prices….thank you Rutherford’s.

On our way to our holiday cottage after a 2 and a half hour journey we called in for breakfast. We took the only table available near the counter. I went to place the order to be told it was table service. If this was displayed anywhere, we didn’t see any notice. After about 10/15 minutes we were aware that later arrivals were being served but no one came to us. After observing a couple’s order being taken who had definitely arrived after us, we stopped the waitress who abruptly said that the people on that table had arrived before us. I stated that wasn’t the case and it had happened at least once prior to that. We were not impressed with her attitude, it wasn’t friendly in any way. We decided to leave and go elsewhere and informed the staff of this on our way out. Perhaps local and regular customers are made more welcome. We won’t be returning to any part of the store.

Interesting, we ordered a pot of tea for two and were totally forgotten about . A waitress slightly aggressively interrupted our conversation to ask if we were prepared to order anything. We replied we had but had been forgotten about.Eventually our tea came, after we both pured the water out of our cups we went to pour our tea only to see black specks floating in the milk.We pointed this out to the waitress who respnded "It is just coffee grounds, don't you want it:" incredulously as though we were being over fussy. Well no we didn't, new jug of milk was brought to the table along with a sarcastic comment This is not the coffee shop it was

We only had drinks but this is a nice department store cafe and the shop is worth a stroll as it has unusual brands in.

Called in at lunchtime and found quite a wide range of snacks. We decided on a Prawn and Avocado Jacket Potato and Salad and my wife had a Panini. Both meals were excellent and served by smiling staff.

I have been to this place so many times in so many years I felt it was about time I wrote a review. Rutherfords cafe is a safe haven, you know what you are going to get and you know the staff are really friendly. I always take mum here due to the accessibility of the tables and for the staff who seem to know we are regulars. A stable pitstop to recharge your batteries.

Went here last week when shopping in Morpeth. Had coffees and cheese scones which were very nice indeed. Staff pleasant as well.

always read reviews before i set out, and mostly the reviews were ok so I was looking forward to somewhere new for lunch, but sadly It was a real let down...I think the sourness of a few of the floor staff tainted the experience as there is no place in my eyes for snooty assistants in customer service...non at all wont return

We have eaten here many times over several decades. The service, choice quality had always been reliable. We have twice been in the last couple of months & have been disappointed. Service was patchy (despite not being busy & with plenty of staff). Several couples gave up waiting for their order to be taken & left. The prices have gone up & the quality has deteriorated. I ordered a brie salad (~£8) got a cold hard cheese with a massive pile of cold, wet & tasteless grated carrot & beetroot. I had to ask for chutney. The bacon in my wife's baguette was fatty. Gone are the sides e.g. a few crisps. On paying... We were charged >£17 (Incl a tea & glass of milk). This was wrong & we were refunded the difference (£2). In all dissapointing experience- high prices & poorer quality- gone are the home made quiches & generous garnish. There are plenty of good alternatives in Morpeth & we will be going elsewhere from now on.... shame

Hidden away in a beautiful quaint country town department store, hides this lovely cafe. Staff excel in service, so friendly and helpful. Food all cooked in store, cheese scones to die for, hot tea, warm and friendly.

Market Day, 4:30pm, and all the tea shops were closed or closing! We didn't want a 'chain' experience so went into Rutherfords. The tea was hot and freshly brewed, the teacakes perfectly toasted, the service polite and friendly. Hit the spot!

Been here many times before, once again the service was good, the environment clean and the scones delicious, freshly mad with jam and butter. Lovely.

Part of an old department store this restaurant offers pleasant staff and service, reasonable choice of food and is somewhere my wife and I have a light lunch frequently.

Often have lunch here when in Morpeth as I prefer waitress service. The food is always good. I particularly like the quiche which comes with salad and a choice of potatoes or crust bread. The cakes and scones look good too.

It’s easy to miss this cafe from the street, but once you find it you’ll want to keep coming back. A modern version of a tea room, the coronation chicken sandwich was delicious and so was the lemon cheesecake. I’d like to eat here everyday for a week to work my way through the menu.

Love coming in here ,staff and food are sooo good ,had the scones with cream and jam and hubby had a panini .The food both came quickly with hot tea .We also tried the meals too and was not disappointed .Will definitely be calling here more often ....

Popped in by chance for a bite to eat.Had the Hot bacon and mushroom salad and a cheeky mocha. Outstanding food and service. Highly recommend

Always had lovely food whenever we visited. Excellent service and food prepared to order. Lovely sandwiches, soups and cakes. A welcoming place to eat.

Called again on my own this time for a light lunch. It was quietening down after the main lunchtime rush and I was served immediately. I had coffee and a most delicious freshly-made toastie. I didn't have to wait very long before the food was in front of me. I had a refill of coffee; the only slight negative feeling was that the coffees could have been hotter.

Over the years we have often visited for the sunday lunch only to find that they no longer serve them. Ordered jacket potatoes to be told they had none left at 1.00pm, not very good so we left and wont return, somebody needs to get a grip on this previously very good venue for Sunday lunch

Fuimos para el almuerzo con un amigo de County Durham que estaba de visita en Morpeth en un día soleado de hidromasaje. Ambos tuvimos ensaladas: gambas, salmón ahumado y aguacate, melón y tocino y queso brie y ambos eran preciosas y muy buena relación calidad-precio. El servicio también fue excelente. Hay una variedad limitada de comida de calidad y refrescos a precios razonables. Fue la guinda del pastel para exhibir en Morpeth en su mejor a un visitante desde fuera del condado. Si yo estaba siendo muy delicado el ambiente es un poco "cafetería en un almacén", pero eso es lo que es. Nunca he tenido una comida decepcionante aquí en más de treinta años.

No es nuestra primera visita y como de costumbre la agradable cafetería en el primer piso de esta tienda tradicional departamental no nos decepcionó. Servicio rápido y agradable una buena selección de comida a mediodía. Teníamos ensalada de queso de cabra del de la junta especiales y una de gambas con aguacate patata chaqueta seguido de deliciosa tarta de merengue de limón. Todos regados con recargables café de filtro. Muchas gracias.

Sandwich de queso brie y tenía la uva, servido con un montón de ensaladas y col. Un montón de comer, un bocadillo riquísimo lleno. Acabado con Apple cayera y helado, y de nuevo mucho y estaba delicioso. El personal estaba ocupado, sin embargo, era agradable y atento, si acaso era necesario. Un ajetreado ambiente agradable, disfrutamos.

We had a very enjoyable lunch , the restaurant, typifies the Traditional Country Store image. The meals were well presented and served by very friendly and attentive staff, we've been before and we will be back!

Un lugar encantador, pequeño pero encantador para comer, charlar y disfrutar de un café y pastel o bollo. Hoy comimos pollo patata chaqueta, con manzana y ensalada de col, con 6 libras por una muy relajante, tranquilos, almuerzo a un precio muy razonable. Mucha variedad...

We went to Rutherfords for lunch on Saturday. It has an old fashioned charm. The waitress service was first class and my avocado and bacon sandwich with salad was delicious. It was value for money and attracted a more 'mature' clientele. Great place for a bite to eat with a varied menu.

This is the second visit by my wife and I. We were met on our arrival and given menus and told to select a table. We ordered jacket potatoes, one with Brie and bacon and the other chilli con carne. The food arrived very quickly and of a high standard. Staff very friendly. We will be going back again for sure.

What a great place to sculk off to when your missus is shopping for England. At least she/he knows where you are ha ha!

Whenever my wife and I visit Morpeth we always have a look around this small private department store which in many ways is like a time warp and also make use of their facilities which are always clean and well-maintained. The restaurant is upstairs on the first floor and tucked away at the side; it is split level with a small flight of steps. The service is always efficient and cheerful and the food freshly made and served on nice china. They always do good quiches with salad and a range of toasties or paninis. This is a small no-frills restaurant which I am happy to recommend; it gets very busy at peak times.

First time in this store and while browsing saw they had a cafe, you need to look hard as it's tucked away at the side of the first floor. Nice cosy room and there was a lovely selection of fresh scones and cakes on show . We both went for scones, cheese was very tasty and cherry scone was packed with cherries, very fresh to. Would come back and checkout lunch menu.

Delicious cheese scones. The date and walnut ones are great too. Excellent friendly hard working staff and delcious tea. A lovely tea shop in one of the best small department stores in the UK. A must visit in Morpeth.

Excellent lunch - wide variety of fresh food options.Pleasant service. Relaxing atmosphere. I am pleased to recommend it.

Rutherfords is a traditional country store, the layout of the store and the quality and selection of goods is excellent.The coffee shop menu and choice of food was very good, we had a very enjoyable lunch with a glass of wine and full marks for presentation. The staff could not have been nicer or more efficient. This was the second time we have shopped and had lunch there, we will be back!

This is an old-fashioned store with a lovely old-fashioned cafe - serving tea, coffee, scones, cakes, sandwiches, salads and more (specials each day). If you're in Morpeth, or passing through, I recommend it.

We went in for a coffee, but I saw one of the lunches being delivered to the table next to us, and that was that. Its such a simple pleasure, a smiling waitress took our order, and remained smiling as I took far too long to order ( too much choice!) A simple quiche, served with new potatoes, and a side salad. Its frequently undercooked (rubbery) microwaved ( slimey ) or overcooked ( dry ). Now it should served light, fluffy, with a superb buttery pasty and not a soggy bottom in sight. Rutherfords have got it right. Perfectly right. They have taken a simple quiche and turned it into a delicious experience, a real treat for the palate. On reading this back, I can see that it sounds a bit O.T.T. for a quiche and salad. But its worth every word. I loved their quiche. Best I have ever tasted, 11/10.

Often go here when in Morpeth. Must say the last time we were there for some reason the coffee wasn't as good.!!! Love this old shop though

We called here for tea and coffee but couldnt resist the scones. They looked and tasted wonderful. Tea and coffe all good and not expensive. We will be back!

Caught in a downpour we took shelter in the store but with no sign of any change, we opted for coffee and scones. Service was friendly and efficient and a good supply of newspapers helped pass time.

Very below standard. We arrived shortly after 4pm. It looked very quiet so I checked that they were still open. The initial lady said she was but the girl taking our order said 'No food, and the coffee machine's off'. No niceties. We didn't stay. It doesn't seen unusual reading some of the other reviews. I have had a nice lunch here in the past. Customer facing members of the team should be tutored in offering the last visitor the same level of attentiveness that they give the first of the day, presuming they do offer good customer care at some time during the day.We went to Costa instead and got the usual good humour and friendliness and attention to detail. Their decor may not be as stylish but that is eclipsed by their desire to do their best.

Arrived at restaurant at 10.55 asking if we could still order breakfast, the waitress assured us this wasn't a problem and took our breakfast order. Five minutes later the waitress returned advising breakfast was finished could we therefore choose a sandwich off the lunch menu! Complained but were not willing to serve us breakfast, promptly left to visit Weatherspoons instead who we're only happy to serve us, pity a local business can be so choosy they must be doing well!!!

I Visited this popular restaurant on Friday afternoon with my sister. We were immediately greeted by friendly staff that said a if we took a seat, a table would be available very soon. The restaurant is very spacious and light with tasteful decor. I was pleasantly surprised to have the owner Mr Rutherford, show us to our seat. The menu was very good, making it quite difficult to choose. We both ordered jacket potatoes with different toppings. The portions were perfect in size as was the presentation. We both very much enjoyed our meal. All of the waitresses were attentive and seemed happy in their jobs. One waitress in particular Sian Brooke Taylor waited on our table making this visit a pleasant experience. We would definitely return

Requested a table for two, there was one available, but that was in a very cramped area, and as two customers were just leaving a table for two I stated that we would rather sit at that one. The waitress was obviously seriously displeased that I had dared to choose a table other than that which she wanted us to use as she grunted "oh, okay then" walked off and we were then ignored for over ten minutes until my husband asked a young waitress who had just come on duty to take our order. We only had toasted teacakes and drinks, which were very nice and the young staff all seemed very pleasant. However, if you encounter the older waitress, (early to mid forties, blonde hair tied back, severe face) do as she tells you, or you will be made to suffer!She was at the till as I was paying the bill, and strangely enough, she didn't look me in the eye once, which perhaps was just as well!

Visited here with my husband for lunch and it was really good. We had to queue for a few minutes to get a seat but it was worth it. A little bit tight for space but the tables were clean and the food was better than average. Jacket potato with salad was very nice indeed.

A convenient shopper's lunchtime snack restaurant without too much to commend it. Service was friendly if slow. Food very average.

my sisters and I and my nephew visited lunchtime on the 16th may, we ordered from the waitress and she got the order totally wrong with 2 of us having half! the order and the other half 10 minutes later< the whole ambience of Rutherfords is a very well run department store, but the restaurant staff are clueless with no direction. I will not be visiting again. It needs direction.

Called in for a light lunch. My husband and I ordered the open sandwiches with side salad. I asked for salad dressing, twice I reminded the waitress as she was passing I hadn't received it. Still didn't get any dressing, had to leave the salad, which was leaves with two pieces of tomatoe and really needed a dressing. When we came to pay the bill the waitress avoided looking at us. Overpriced food and poor service, we won't be going back.

We visited at 2.30. Were told to collect pur own menus and find a seat. We ordered only to be told at 2.40 that lunch stopped at 2.30 and we would have to select from another menu. Staff were disinterested Wont be coming back

Whenever we come to Morpeth which is quite a lot we come to Rutherfords for coffee or our lunch. Always excellent service and attention even when the cafe is busy. Today we had the Ham and pineapple sandwich with salad. Scrumptious and very filling. I would ask a question Have you changed the coffee?? Have tried other places but Rutherfords wins. Mr & Mrs Hoole.

Our first visit to Morpeth and Rutherfords. My husband went to have a coffee while I shopped. After about 10 minutes I went to meet him to find he was still waiting to be served. He had waited at the counter and been ignored and when he asked if he could be served was told that it was table service. I joined him at his table and waited for someone to, at least, give us a menu. After 5 minutes I just gave up. Husband getting more irritated me just cross re the bad service. Walked out. Other people who had ordered wished us luck as we left!! Can't comment on the food or drinks. There did not seem to be anyone in charge directing the staff and keeping things moving. Perhaps we were unlucky and it was just a busy day....

My husband and I often pop to Morpeth for a browse and we usually go into the small Rutherfords cafe for a bite. We are always satisfied with the food, whatever we choose to eat, and the staff there are lovely and very obliging. As its usually lunchtime we have either soup or a sandwich, so havent eaten a substantial meal. However the soup is always delicious and the choice of bread for sandwiches very good. Everything is fresh and home cooked, and if you choose bacon you get a few rashers too!! They also do cakes and scones which are equally nice, so I would definitely recommend visiting this little gem of a place on the 1st floor of the store. The shop itself has been there for many decades and offers a wide range of goods to browse.

Is usually lovely with good food with great service. I think the food is over priced for what it is but you're guaranteed to get a good cup of coffee.

Nice, clean with friendly staff. Very rustic. Good selection of food with an alcohol licence too if that's what you fancy.

I love Rutherfords shop and often call in to the cafe while shopping there. Today I visited the cafe with my mother we just had hot drinks and cake the hot chocolate was lovely as was the mince pie my mother enjoyed her tea and cake. The service was friendly the only down side was that the table had crumbs on it from the previous occupants and had not been cleaned. Overall we found the cafe pleasant and would visit again.

Shop assistants in the nearby arcade recommended this shop and its cafe to us, and we were in need of a decent lunch so all ordered paninis/jacket potatoes. They were all tremendous portions with exceptionally good quality ingredients. The brie and ham in the paninis were of great quality - not the usual plastic cheese and meat you get in cafes. Service was nothing special but they were efficient enough. The place itself could do with a bit of sprucing up as it lets down the food and the wonderful job being done in the kitchen.

We tried this coffee shop for the first time today. We were shown to a dirty table that needed cleaning but it was 'sort of' cleaned by the waitress when I asked her to do this. Food was ok but expensive for what it was. Service was unfriendly. There are a lot better and friendlier coffee shops to visit in Morpeth.

Great food and always quick and cheerful service, always a lunchtime stop.If its a quick snack or full lunch, it us served by good and humorous staff, the owner is nearly always on hand with a cheerful greeting and conversation

This cafe has had some recent negative reviews but in my experience it has a pleasant atmosphere with friendly staff. It is very conveniently located in Rutherford's store which is always interesting to browse around. The cafe serves perfectly reasonable coffee and teas and a range of basic foods including soup of the day, salads, and other daily specials. It has fair prices and prompt service which is good for those popping in during a lunch break. I would certainly return.

joined the girls for lunch. Had a short wait for a table as there was five of us to sit. The waitress who served us was charming and very efficient. Our food arrived promptly and all agreed, delicious.

I frequently visit Morpeth and always pop into Rutherford's for the lovely items on sake - and normally a lovely lunch. However on a recent visit, I was disappointed to find their salad dishes were just that - a lot of lettuce & token topping. Hopefully this is a one off as all other visits have been fine. On a more mundane point, why oh why do they neglect the 'facilities' ....... Adequate but badly in need of upgrading.

We used Rutherford's for years. Not once did Colonel Peacock, the present owner speak to us. Of late, the service has been atrocious. I suffer from arthritis and find standing in one spot for very long, difficult. As we stood in the disorderly queue, my wife asked if we could go to the uncleared table and explained my situation. A very high velocity, truculent reply came from a young girl, with exactly zero experience of anything. We decided there and then that we would no longer fund Colonel Peacock and his wonderful staff. The food is awful anyway. It's been going back for a few years now. Do yourself a favour and walk up Newgate Street to Cafe Des Amis, (I have no investment in this). Real grub, smiles and great Americano coffee.

We popped in for lunch on a recommendation. My cheese and pineapple Panini was OK but my wife's roast vegetable Panini was awful. The vegetables were not roasted but were soggy and appeared to be merely boiled. The vinaigrette dressing was a creamy concoction obviously from a jar. When we complained, the response was ‘I’ll tell them’ and that was the last we saw of her. When we were asked at the pay desk if everything was OK we said no and explained again and the reply was ‘I’m sorry about that; that’s £15.40 please’. For a poor quality lunch at a high quality price in a department store restaurant stuck in the fifties – this is the place.

Popped into Rutherfords for something to eat. Came out still hungry. The portions were small, quiche with three tiny new potatoes and quiche with a tiny piece of crusty bread. My chocolate fudge dessert was half inch thick and the tea was insipid despite being house brand. As you get no receipt you just pay up. A substantial amount for so little. The store elsewhere was lovely for a browse around though and the staff were very pleasant and helpful.

Fab restaurant. We always pop in for lunch when in Morpeth. Comfortable restaurant with delicious food and a good cup of tea.