The Blackbird in Northumberland

So disappointed for the second time here. A group of customers who think it’s ok to shout to one another and discuss football to the end degree they had the most horrible selfish attitude, saying if people don’t like it they can sit at the other end of the bar or commenting on other people’s clothes so we could all hear. Don’t think we will be back!

Just called in for lunch without booking. The pub was very full, but still room for us. The food seemed well above average and was delicious. The atmosphere was lively and the service attentive. The canned music was set very low, thank goodness, so not intrusive. We will definitely come again soon. Thank you all.

We met friends we had not seen for some time and had a lovely reunion we thoroughly enjoyed . We ordered food and it was excellent for the most . The staff were so helpful , attentive and patient as we took some time to order all adding up to a really enjoyable night. I love the ambience the pub has , it is a place I have been going to since the heady days of being an 18 year old in the Sixth Form at school and I will be continuing to return because everything you offer makes are really enjoyable time . Of the four meals three were excellent but for one with just warm mushy peas that did not detract from the enjoyment . Sadly my own meal whilst hot and flavoursome, sadly I have an issue with the Monkfish element . The piece I was served was the tip of the tail , served on the bone . I have to say it had flavour but the consistency was over firm and leaving the bone in [I am aware that chef's either leave it in for cooking to add flavour and remove post cooking or remove it before roasting ] created a huge issue with cutting and eating it . I don't know if it was a cost issue but to be honest I would have happily paid more for a piece that was cut further up the fish's body and preferably with the bone removed . If I were the proprietor I would be possibly be discussing the cuts of Monkfish they were supplying because the tip of the tail offers little flesh and must be extremely challenging to the chef's to cook to the right consistency and to remove the central bone pre and post cooking. The Monkfish aside thank you to the staff for a really nice evening out.

Last Tuesday evening my husband and I braved the elements for steak night at the Blackbird. Good value. Tasty steaks cooked exactly as we had requested. Friendly attentive service.

Amazing Sunday lunch. Best in area. Excellent service & food quality. Lovely ambiance & plenty of parking. We’ll done 5⭐️

The blackbird seems very laid back and staff are very polite and helpful nothing was too much trouble ...fish was canny chips seemed frozen chips but i could be wrong but they were still nice to be honest ,my wife's trio sunday lunch was nice she said with the beef being pink it melted in her mouth and was to her taste ..only downside gravy very thin watery and not much of it maybe should asked for some more ..pudding (sticky toffee )was amazing ...overall i think i would return . PLEASE NOTE ...put your car reg in at the bar or will get a fine !!

Sunday lunch was beautiful! One of the nicest we’ve had, the roasties and yorkshire puds were my favourite! Staff were great, service was fast and plenty of spaces in the car park too. Will definitely be back!

Excellent lunch. The quality of the food was really good and the quantity was excellent. A little expensive for pub Grub but worth the money. Staff were great. Beware of the car parking. You have to register your car in the pub and I didn’t notice the signs and received a fine through the post, since cancelled,

We stopped here on a recommendation! Food was absolutely amazing. This is such a lovely place in a beautiful setting. Staff are very polite & friendly. We will definitely come back.

Can’t fault it! Amazing Sunday roast! Everything cooked to perfection. Very welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff. Our server Adam was excellent, thank you! 😊 We will definitely be returning and recommending to our friends & family!

We had a large party and therefore tried virtually everything on the menu. Without exception the food was amazing! The staff were super helpful and attentive. Would highly recommend we will definitely go back next time we are in the vicinity. Thank you

I was expecting more as we have eaten here before and the food has been great in the past. Today's Sunday roast just wasn't that good. The giant Yorkshire puddings were burnt and tasteless, the bowl of 3 veg was basically just undercooked cauliflower with a few pieces of cabbage mixed in, the meat sat on top of the roast potatoes (only 3) so they weren't crispy, the few parsnips were completely dried out and hardly edible, on the plus side the lamb was delicious and plentiful and so was the gravy. The staff couldn't have been nicer and friendlier that is also a big plus as well as the great building.

Things didn't start off well as when the website was checked for the Sunday Lunch Menu it wasn't what was available at the Blackbird - if you read all the way to the bottom of the listing it was for their sister pub miles away. Parking not a problem but just remember to input your car registration into the screen at the bar. We were seated immediately but on a small table just next to the entrance which normally wouldn't have been a problem except there were a number of dogs sat next to the table and I am allergic to dogs. We mentioned this to the person greeting diners and on request they moved us into the restaurant. I had a quick chat to the greeter to say thank you for moving us and to explain the reason why we needed to move and he said we should have mentioned the allergy over the phone when we booked. We had booked online and there was no indication that an allergy to dogs should be mentioned alongside food allergies. Our friendly server gave us menus which were completely different to the online menu both in choices and price and then took our/ drinks order. Our drinks came promptly and our meal choices were taken (1 Roast Lamb and 1 Roast Beef) - we didn't want starters. The mains arrived quickly along with the separate bowls with the mixed vegetables and swede. The main plate had a good portion of meat, some very impressive Yorkshire Puds and some roast/mashed potato. However, we found the bowls of vegetables were luke warm, the swede was a brown colour with no taste, the main plates weren't hot and the Yorkshire puddings had no real taste - the chefs really need to concentrate on seasonings. The pub has a very friendly local atmosphere and a really interesting history and is very dog friendly which I applaud (perhaps they can amend their website to give extended advice for allergy suffers wanting to eat in the restaurant).

What a great pub. Real history. Staff really good and on the ball. Great service... Only stopped in and had a drink, after Wallington, but what a find... Thanks for a great couple of hours...

Me, my mam & brother came here for my mams birthday. Sunday dinner was absolutely beautiful & lovely & hot. Staff were lovely & service was quick.

Five star everything was spot on food superb staff efficient and friendly would definitely return to this restaurant

Lovely historical building with cosy atmosphere. Friendly staff Our server was happy to chat for a bit. Plenty parking. Food was excellent , fish in chips and burgers ordered and enjoyed by adults and kids for a reasonable price. Would definitely go back if in...

Sunday lunch was exceptional we had the lamb which was delicious. The vegetables were fresh and cooked perfectly. We followed that with desserts of sticky toffee pudding and rhubarb and apple crumble both were served with ice cream and custard very indulgent. Staff were very...

Poor quality of food I ordered. Sunday roast ( father's day), Pork belly was basically a slab of fat, no meat at all. Yorkshires burned, didn't even look like Yorkshires, a heap of something baked and burned tasting of a yorkshire slapped on the plate,...

This is our first time eating at this gastro pub and wow! Lovely atmosphere. Amazing food, except the triple cooked chips. We both had a different 'pie of the day' and they were rustic and full of meat. Perfect pastry and really juicy filling. I...

I Recently held my baby shower here in the gallery room upstairs and I just wanted to say thank you for the brilliant service on the day and all the help from the staff. Everyone invited commented on how beautiful the blackbird is, the and...

Passed the pub many times but decided to pay a visit for the first time had a pint and decided to get fish and chips for dinner. The food was top notch the staff where first class and a very friendly manager I felt very...

We had pre-booked a table for three and had asked for a quiet spot which we were given in the tunnel room which is nicely laid out. The waitress was friendly and engaging and took our drinks and food orders promptly. When we asked for...

We used to come here a lot, virtually once a week because the food was amazing - really fabulous gastro pub food. However, really disappointed last night and whilst i appreciate a lot has had to change due to covid, the menu is just ordinary...

Thank you to all of the staff for great service & excellent food. (Thank you to chef) looking after us & my brother in a wheelchair. Great food cooked to perfection. Fantastic service all round. It’s a pleasure to come here.

We visited the Blackbird for a meal with friends. The service is unfaultable! They were extremely attentive and fast at delivering food and drinks, sadly though, the positives end there. The food was very disappointing! Bland, tasteless and not even hot for the main courses....

Great food, really good value, and excellent service. Lovely salmon and pate to start, best steak pie in ages, and a proper burger. Delicious. Lovely attentive staff, nice wine, comfortable surroundings, really couldn't want any more. Lovely to go out and have exactly what you...

We booked a table for Saturday afternoon for a birthday and family get together that included a baby and a two year old. It was warm and welcoming as we ate in bar area. It was bustling but that added to it. The food menu...

Visited with a group of friends,was “ greeted” by a question…….. needless to say we left and a barman made a sarcastic remark which was very audible, obviously playing to an audience, regulars I would think. There are more friendlier pubs in the village but...

Excellent pub/restaurant & fabulous food cooked to perfection. Thank you to the chefs for preparing the food. Great & friendly service from the bar staff to. Lovely ambiance & well presented building. Dog friendly to which is another bonus for us. Can’t fault The Blackbird...

We have been twice before and food was good but this time was terrible. The "pate" starter was a block of rock hard frozen ham, with 1 slice of wafer thin hard cold bread, chutney I can only assume from a jar, nothing cooked fresh...

What an amazing birthday lunch here mid week. Halibut was outstanding, with fennel, brown crab fritters, vegetable and lobster bisque and potato wafer. Husband had the home made steak and ale pie with potatoes and vegetables, it was gorgeous. Starters were excellent too. Sea trout...

Atmosphere and drinks on point are always on point for the Blackbird. Was great to see an additional specials option to go alongside the main menu. We ordered the beef and pork specials, and both came out very quickly and presented very well. However, both...

Came with family for lunch, really tasty food, decent value & lovely atmosphere. Service good. Will be returning.

Visited the Blackbird tonight with my wife and friend. We had a warm welcome and a very attentive server named Gracie. Nothing too much trouble and everything explained. The food was top class. I had the king prawns followed by beef noodles. Tremendous. Both of...

Had a birthday meal here recently and as it was Sunday lunchtime thought that I would try the Roast turkey.What a mistake! It had certainly not been roasted any time recently or carved by anyone other than a machine..uuugh The stuffing was a "bullet" and...

Just had pork lunch, it was cold so was the veg, staff did not care and offered no apology or reason why. Cost £18 what a poor meal.

I love the blackbird but find the food mediocre. The children refused to eat the chicken nuggets and I agree they are pretty awful. I think improvements could be made with regards to food, but the pub overall has a nice atmosphere

We booked for lunch on a week day thinking it would be quiet but it was very busy when we arrived. However, we were quickly seated and the service was very good. The food especially the cod loin was fantastic would highly recommend. We will...

This was our second time here and we had another fab time. Food was beautiful and the staff are very polite and friendly. Lovely atmosphere and plenty of parking. We will be back.

Took family + friends for a meal in the restaurant but as it was a really hot day decided to sit outside under one of the parasols for some welcome shade and a cooling breeze. The friendly was efficient and friendly as usual. 3 of...

God I wish the food was better as it’s a nice pub but today enough is enough !!!! The only thing my husband orders is the “ Asian beef salad “ but I’ve pretty much had everything on the menu and it’s always either meh...

My son and I knew that the Sunday lunch was good here, having been a few months ago, and were pleased that the high standards still apply. Service, quality and quantity deserve 5/5. We will be returning more often.

We had a wonderful family dinner at the Blackbird and could not be more complimentary of the service and food. Very attentive polite staff. A really wonderful venue that I'd highly recommend.

Came here with our dad for Father’s Day, a last minute decision. Our drinks order was taken promptly but sadly the service went down hill from there. Upon finishing the starters, we had to wait a while for the plates to be cleared. The food...

staff are always friendly and helpful. cleanliness very good. food good quality and reasonably priced by modern standards. we have been here several times and the standard is always high.

I have the tricky scenario of my mum being very specifically cow’s dairy free but also gluten free. If somewhere can provide more than gammon or steak they’re on to a winner. Thank you to Emily and the head chef for putting their heads together...

We were recommended to try this pub for a Sunday lunch. It was very much like any other pub meal but a lot more expensive! Just because establishments put a huge amount of food on your plate does not warrant a high star rating or...

We had the most amazing Sunday lunch, one lamb and one nut roast. The food was piping hot which is a rarity as so many restaurants these days are not capable of serving food hot to the table. The portions were huge and everything was...

A Sunday lunch visit on a fairly busy day. Great food & lovely friendly staff. Waiting time was minimal. Will definitely be back.

Lovely family sunday lunch to celebrate my nieces birthday. Our staff member today was Anna and she looked after is very well indeed. Our meals were spot on. The Yorkshires, veg and gravy was perfect. My only minor gripe is I asked for pink topside...

Popped in Thursday 21 April about 6pm. Very busy and had second thoughts about staying. However, staff engaged quickly, we got a drink, found a table in the bar, ordered at the bar and the food came out quite promptly and it was superb. A...

Went for sunday lunch with the family about 5 weeks ago, chicken was good and moist but the lamb was terrible. Also the parsnips were burnt. We told the member of staff who served us and she said she would let her manager know. We...

Love the blackbird and the food, however visited today Easter Sunday ordered two leg of lamb dinners we were really disappointed the lamb was so fatty chewy definitely not what we expected, we removed lamb from our plates ate the rest of dinner which was...

With a party of 9 including a 6 & 3 year the staff were attentive towards all of our needs to keeping the kids and us adults sorted

It’s been our local for a number of years but more recently we’ve been eating and drinking elsewhere in ponteland mainly because the blackbird has lost its friendly family village appeal. It is impossible to get any kind of a smile from the staff, inc...

We have eaten here over the last few years and have always raved over the quality and the exceptional high standard of the meals we have had. The last two times we have eaten here have been very nice but just not as good as...

Firstly just to start with the many positives. Lovely staff. Excellent food. Big portions. Lovely atmosphere. However, we were visiting on a Sunday for our parents 60th anniversary. We booked for 1pm and we’re there promptly. One of our parents is frailer and takes longer...

Excellent meal in a nice buzzing atmosphere. Good menu choice. Would certainly recommend this pub and we’ll re-visit later this year.

I met some friends on Thursday for lunch. The staff were so friendly and helpful and the service was really good. Thank you to Anne who served our delicious food and drinks. She was an absolute star.

Another perfect visit to this amazing pub. Great welcome when you arrive, staff super friendly. Lovely environment, crackling log fire in the corner and some great decor. Super choice of food, definitely something for everyone, reasonably priced too.We opted for a snack, so went for a posh fish finger sandwich each, delicious and a good sized portion. Sticky toffee pudding for dessert, and I can honestly say one of the best I have ever tasted.Pleasing selection of drinks available, with over 60 gins on offer. Overall a smashing lunch out, highly recommend.

What an excellent night for our wedding anniversary. The food was Michelin restaurant standard. A fixed 5 course Burns menu, which I loved the look of but was not my wife’s ideal choice. However the food was delicious with every course being exceptional. Service from Mark and his team was as usual ‘excellent’ from Emilie swapping us to a better table, when a cancellation came in , to excellent table service from all staff . The upstairs private room is always decorated to a very high standard for all occasions and it was perfectly dressed for a Burns Night . Thoroughly recommend a visit to one of the Blackbirds many functions . Donald and Annie

Booked at short notice ......as the day had not unfolded as planned. Service was excellent. Both opted for pie of the day as steak with red wine and mushroom sounded delicious.Was disappointed as soon as it arrived.... as it looked positively overcooked. Husband commented that on the "Bake Off" they would have ripped the chef apart. Told the waiter ( when asked) that it was overdone... He said he would inform the chef. The base was actually ⁷inedible. I value my teeth and it was rock hard... impossible to cut with a knife! Had hope for at least an apology .... or explanation .None was forthcoming . We definitely will not be back.

Once again we booked the Blackbird this time for my 70th Birthday ….it was only my immediate family and Stuart & Susan didn’t let me down again the table …the food and the staff were just brilliant and to have a 3ft diameter balloon with your name on above your table was a fantastic touch to round a really nice evening thanks to all at the Blackbird …see you at our next visit

Christmas lunch for two friends which couldn't have been better. A table in the bar area as requested, prompt and very courteous service throughout the meal, excellent food for both main courses and desserts, and a wonderful Christmas atmosphere in the bar/restaurant. We were able to chat easily and Covid guidance was followed by staff and visitors. Truly delighted! Highly and unreservedly recommended.

We visit here on Sunday haven’t been for a few years and thought we would try Sunday lunch, we ordered tempura prawns and prawn cocktail to start, tempura prawns were ok but maybe a nice homemade chilli jam would give the dish a bit of a lift with a nice Asian salad rather than a few leaves, prawn cocktail was very bland with a couple of brown finger bread on the side nothing special, we both had pink topside of beef for mains which was very disappointing, beef was really tough and chewy, mash had no seasoning and potatoes had no taste what so ever, veg was ok but cabbage was not cooked, it was just a really disappointing meal which can be done a lot better at home, being in the industry I was really disappointed with what was served as it was nowhere near a decent level and the waiting staff never came over to check if we were ok and seemed very out of sorts, basic protocol of a restaurant as it could of been rectified but couldn’t get anyones attention, maybe the service is different in the dining area but to me the food is way behind what’s on offer in the area and just lacks that attention to detail, it’s a lovely place but can do way better than what’s on offer

It's been a few years since I last visited this pub. The last time we were seated in the main lounge area. This time we were put in "The Restaurant" which looked like a tunnel. No social distancing & very cramped for space. Service was slow but staff were friendly. Food was OK. The pie of the day was quite small & not worth the money however the fish & chips were lovely.

We’ve been to the Blackbird a few times and always enjoyed it so we were happy to invite our friends on our most recent visit for Sunday lunch.We’d checked the menu online and noticed there was a nut roast option. We even checked with the restaurant that the nut roast was on every week and were told it was. But when we got there it had magically changed to ‘vegetable roast’. When we asked what exactly this was we were told ”it’s like a nut roast but without the nuts”. So I decided on the salmon only to be told it wasn’t available. When I asked why we weren’t told this when we were seated, the reply was “I thought someone else had told you”.I went for fish and chips and others chose the turkey roast and lamb roast. No complaints on the quality of the main course food.When it came to dessert, we noticed that ALL of the desserts had a cold element to them - served with ice cream or sorbet etc. We asked if the apple crumble could be served with custard instead of ice cream. After checking with the kitchen we were told this wasn’t possible as they didn’t have any. How difficult is it to make some custard? It’s autumn and I think asking for custard instead of ice cream is more that a reasonable request.Two of us did have a dessert - sticky toffee pudding and apple crumble, both with a dollop of ice cream. They were nothing special.So while I’m sure we’ll visit again, based on today’s experience I see no reason to recommend it to anyone else.

Visited The Blackbird many times over the last few years. Always very pleased with the meal but last evening it was appalling. Gazpacho missing from my starter and main meal of fish and chips very poor quality. Also object to children in the bar area. There is a restaurant they should be seated there.

We were travelling home to the Scottish Borders and had visited the Blackbird several years ago, remembering that it was a very good experience. We stopped for lunch and thankfully the restaurant is as good as ever. Very busy considering it was early lunchtime but there was ample tables within this large pub/restaurant. Service excellent and they catered well for coeliacs. Prices acceptable and the premises are lovely furnished with a nice ambiance. There appears to be many locals who visit which is an encouraging sign. Would happily recommend

Smashing pub in the beautiful village of Ponteland. Delightful decor throughout, with a lovely atmosphere. Decent menu, good choice of dishes with some good veggie choices too. Steak was cooked to perfection, and chicken burger hit the spot, a bit spicey, but tasty all the same. Super friendly staff, a credit to the place. Lots of seating outside, in a lovely environment. Plenty of parking, but remember to log your registration to avoid a possible fine.Overall a great early evening visit, definitely worth a visit.

Called here on the off-chance and found it packed but with a table to spare for us! Staff were very friendly and helpful and we were served quickly with a very good meal. Good value for money and delicious food combined with nice staff - it gets our vote

The Blackbird is a well known historic pub in the rather upmarket village of Ponteland. We’ve passed it many times but today was the first time we’ve stopped off for a beer and some lunch. It’s a nice setting and has plenty of outdoor seating. The building itself has a long history and is fairly tastefully decorated inside with a country pub vibe. The choice of real ales was decent and the food menu has some more unusual dishes - if you’ve tired of the typical pub grub. On the day we went, service wasn’t perfect but it wasn’t slow either. The food wasn’t cheap but it was very good. The beer was as you’d expect - pretty good. Bottom line - despite the location, it is just a pub. However, it’s a pretty decent one and seems to have a large loyal customer base. Give it a try. It’s worth a detour.

My husband Tim and I visited today, we had the Asian salad followed by a beef and lamb Sunday lunch. Beautiful food served promptly by pleasant and attentive young staff. We will definitely return.

Great food and very good staff. A very relaxed atmosphere will definitely return soon! Try it you won’t be disappointed

Two of us arrived for a pre-booked inside table. We (discreetly) asked to be moved because of large party of older people who were a little loud. My friend wears a hearing aid so is quite sensitive to noise. We were moved to another table with no problem. We both ordered the Aisian beef salad for starter followed by the Moroccan Lamb flatbread for main. Had I realised the starter was going to be so large, I think I would have gone straight to dessert! It was extremely tasty and full of different textures and flavours. I struggled to finish the lamb flatbread but it was also delicious. The lady and young man who served us were very attentive and made sure everything was OK for us. I'm looking forward to my next visit

Me and my friends visited yesterday as our final university meal together, we had the most amazing roast dinner & the lovely lady that served us (Sue) went above and beyond for us! The best service we have all had in a long time, the food was fantastic & the pub is absolutely lovely. 10/10 couldn’t have been better!

Only popped in for a beer whilst in the locality and found the staff really friendly and welcoming. Great seating outdoors and the table service was prompt and courteous👌

Went in on 17th May as soon as restrictions lifting. We had a wonderful lunch in an excellent setting. We had missed our lunches here so much and returned, had Pie of the day and the Haddock. The food was very tasty and the gin and tonics were the icing on the cake. We had reserved this back in February .The staff were excellent and I could not praise this place enough, always innovative and long May it remain so. Thank you, thank you

Not a very nice welcome. The person who was either the manager or publican couldn’t of been colder. I would have thought in these troubled times he would have welcomed us with open arms. However that wasn’t the case. I know this is a pub, but boy did they badgered us for an order of drinks before we were ready to order food and drinks together. Really annoying. The food arrived in good time but the burger was over cooked and spread across it was something like cooked hay! It wasn’t very nice. When the table clearer took the plates away I told him. He said he would tell the kitchen. Well it’s official they couldn’t care less as no one came to talk to us. In general an ok sort of place. But let’s remember in these troubled times there are loads of places crying out for revival and business so in my humble opinion go and try another place who wants your business and welcomes you into their establishment and who can cook food.

Second time being here. Service is generally ok, friendly enough place and the outside area is amazing. The food last time was ok. This time had to ask for cutlery and condiments, returned with cutlery no condiments. I put this down to my Yorkshire twang. So I asked the guy for some salt and ketchup. He returned a short time later with two ketchups and some salt. I dig into my meal (food was good again) and look over to my partner and stated I couldn’t believe she had polished a ketchup already. She stated she hadn’t. Appears me laddie had cleared these from the last patrons plate. Now I’m all for recycling, and partial to being frivolous. But my only concern was I don’t know how I’d explain to work that I’m isolating due to second hand ketchup. Would be a 4 normally but got to take marks off for the blatant plate clearing nature of me laddie.

Had our first meal out in a year and The Blackbird didn’t disappoint. Despite the awful weather. It was great sitting in the tipi and the staff were absolutely wonderful.Our burgers were beautiful and we followed it up with a sticky toffee pudding that couldn’t be faulted.Great to be back!!

Here I tell u what, just been with my beloved wife to this absolute beautiful beautiful place in ponteland and ordered a fillet steak. Well words can’t describe I mean fair dews 29 pound but it is worth it absolutely banging. Hands down recommend very good very nice I like it.

Just been for lunch, lovely food. Great service, undercover in the teepee, if only we could sort out the great British weather! Would definitely go back enjoyed it very much.

Went with a friend for a pint and some food, I order a chicken burger with fries, burger was wonderful, crispy chicken, fesh salad with a zingy sauce on a good bun, skinny fries and a couple of crispy onion rings, really enjoyed washed down with a pint of shipyard, Outside seating, if not in teepee it's freezing, luckily I had a jacket on.

We booked a table for 6 here inside the teepee at the end of lockdown and went really looking forward to celebrating our daughter’s birthday. We arrived by taxi as pubs had been closed since 2020 and we wanted to have a lovely relaxed evening, we booked the taxi home for 9.30pm. The visit started well we were given a table to the rear of the teepee which looked pretty and served our drinks, this was at 7pm. The main courses were finally served at 9pm after we had asked many times where our food was or was there a problem. The food was lacklustre to say the least . The onion rings were freezing and rejected immediately. The meals fish and chips , beef and chicken burgers were ok but nothing to wait 2 hours for. We said we were disappointed so they took the onion rings off the bill and brought fresh ones, they offered us free coffee but we had to leave by then for the taxi so we agreed on them knocking a bottle of wine off the bill. It was a small gesture but too little too late, we were really looking forward to eating here and feel totally let down. What we planned as a pleasant birthday dinner was beset with waiting, cold food and negotiating over the bill, this is absolutely the last experience we wanted. Be careful if you trust the Blackbird with your celebration meals, as they are very cavalier in disappointing you and thinking offering you a free bottle of wine means it fine - it isn’t.

Came for Sunday lunch on a bit of a whim and we were not disappointed. Great food, great service and a lovely setting.

Yummy Sunday lunch , staff were very attentive and polite. My only reason for 4 instead of 5 is the table I was on wasn’t very comfy by the door, as they’ve distanced them I was sat on the edge of the window seat, but other than that it was great.

We had a lovely light lunch which felt wonderful during these Covid’ times.Posh fish finger sandwiches with all the trimmings including lovely salad and dressing.Very safe and well organised pub, and always a lovely welcome.The chunky chips were gorgeous and the staff were very caring and efficient.It is also clear they are innovative with the tepee tent at the front of the pub and clear signs for all.

we booked here which i recommend as we had never been before and as we were tucking in people were trying to walk in and being sadly turned away even the tables outside were full even though it was a bit chilly so that tells you how popular it must be . we cant fault and had a great sunday lunch .thanks again blackbird see you very soon

Ate here the evening before flying from Newcastle Airport. The building is beautiful, very old and quirky. Usual covid rules were in place and the food was delicious. When in the area again would not hesitate to return.

We booked not knowing if this place was any good, but wow we were blown away by food. The place itself was totally different to what we expected. More old world meets modern. Very nice though, with great big fires and plenty of safety measures in place. You had to scan in , sanitizer hands and leave car registration. All very simple. Tables were spread out so all good. Staff very attentive. Our waitress Abbey, was super. She got drinks very quickly and gave us time to order. Menu is extensive without being overwhelming. I had prawns in broth , he had pork terrine. Quick to come , and oh my word just beautiful. I had 4 huge prawns in coconut broth. Delicious. Then we had sea bream for me, him, featherblade if beef. Equally delightful. All the time staff checked constantly to ensure everything was ok. One thing I rarely have is dessert, but we both had it. Me poached lemon pear, him, bread and butter pud. Mmmm. Bill came , and with 4 pots of ale and double gin ,and a half coke, was £88 . We would definitely return here, food great ambiance lovely, and staff, especially Abbie all friendly, polite and lovely. Give it a try, you won't regret it

We visited the Blackbird today, first visit since lockdown so we were a bit nervous. No need,all precautions taken which made us feel very safe. The food was again outstanding I really applaud the chef here. It was a Monday afternoon and the food and service were both outstanding.

We dined outside in the sunshine, the wine was delicious and not badly priced. The food that was recommended by the waitress was fantastic and we loved the tipi it! The staff were very nice and friendly with the dog.

Booked for Sunday lunch, greeted by a lovely gentleman showed us to our table. Ordered 2 starters and mains, the trio of meats was sensational. I asked for my beef well done but was recommended by the waitress to have it pink and I wasn't disappointed.Nice to see staff having the confidence to recommend food and drink, shows there knowledge and confidence.This was our first visit since lockdown, was lovely to see all staff wearing face masks and hygiene stations around the building.As it's very easy to right negative reviews, I wanted the blackbird to know we had a great time.

We have been regular customers for a while now but the Blackbird has went spectacularly downhill the last two visits. Sunday lunch now consists of burnt Yorkshires and undercooked veg all served luke warm eventually. Prices are high which l don't mind for good quality but this place is now mediocre including the beer which used to be first class. I can only imagine there must have been a change of chef but no idea what's happened to the beer. Last visit the staff had no knowledge of the menu and had to go ask everything. I've also noted that any critical reviews, and there are quite a few now, are met with quite a rude and defensive reply. Any criticism is rejected and the customer is actually blamed for the Blackbird's shortcomings. Respect your customers, they pay your wages and the customer is indeed always right. Don't get above your station. No need for your usual unpleasant reply.

Great food 4 of us all had different starters and main courses and all perfect. The management have got it right. WELL DONE. I would recommend to anyone. Thanks

Had an excellent fish and chip meal at the Blackbird this lunchtime. Firm white haddock in a crispy batter with great chips and proper mushy peas. Stunning tartare sauce with plenty of capers and a side order of crispy home made onion rings to share with my wife. She kept it light with a very good cheese and onion toasted sandwich. Usual collection of real ales and a nice glass of Chilean Sauvignon Blanc for her.It was lovely to sit outside in the sunshine; cleanliness and social distancing were professionally organised which is what we have to put up with these days. Pubs like this really deserve our continued support during these hard times and we will soon be back again for what is an excellent and varied menu.

We had been here a few times. However last time service was shocking and we were there hours as it was all slow. Tables after us got served before us. We gave them one last chance and went today. I told them by phone that it was my sons 18th and they said they would put a candle in his dessert and make a fuss. However they didn't do nothing. I spoke to a man about it and my disappointment, it was written in booking about birthday but he said nothing about candle to which I said that's what they said on phone you do. He didnt say very much except sorry. Too late. Other than that food was cold mediorce, under cooked veg, burnt cauliflower cheese and yorkshire. Lamb over done and hard to cut. They have had last chance. We had to be asked quite a few times about gluten free items and seemed quite clueless about menu and I think they should know about their own menu. Wasnt very nice lunch. We won't be returning now.

Great food and drink. Menu is varied so lots on offer to a great standard. Great variety of drinks alongside good service, helpful staff and nice seating. Family favourite and definitely becoming a regular.