The Cavalier in Sunderland

This was a first time order for a special anniversary. We were meant to be going out but I wasn't feeling too good (I have Fibromyalgia) so we decided to order a posh meal instead of the usual takeaway fare. The Bruschetta starter tasted strongly of basil and had melted cheese overpowering the tomatoes. I have never had Bruschetta cooked like that and I've eaten in many Italian restaurants including real ones in Venice and Rome. It's usually small diced tomatoes mixed with diced red onion, extra virgin olice oil and basil. Sometimes there will be a little drizzle of balsamic. I couldn't even detect the garlic rubbed on the bread. The tomato was whacking great chunks which had turned to mush under the huge smothering of cheese. The salad garnish was nice at least. My husband enjoyed his Smothered Potato Skins but did comment on the very large portion! Not a bad thing, I know lol. The mains - My steak was cooked to perfection (not lean though, as promised on the menu - I cut off quite a large chunk of gristly fat) and the chips were lovely. However, the Diane sauce just tasted of cream - the mushrooms had no flavour and there was absolutely no hint of Brandy at all. It was very disappointing. My husband didn't enjoy his Chicken Parmo as he felt that there was far too much cheese and that's all he could taste. The Sticky Toffee Puddings were amazing though - generous and moist with a lovely toffee soaked airy texture. The portion of cream that accompanied mine was laughable, however. It was the size of a dip pot and quickly soaked into the pudding so was undetectable anyway. I had to add ice cream from my own freezer to enjoy it. My hubby had custard with his - wish I'd had the same. Service was good and on time, everything was packed well and portions were very generous (apart from the cream, lol!) Based on everything not having much flavour though, and the weird starter, I don't think I'd order again. It's a real shame as it did put a dampener on what should have been a perfect evening. I really wished we'd gone out instead.

Ordered Sunday lunch takeout to collect. Best tasting Sunday lunch I’ve had in a long time. So hot when collected that I didn’t need to heat it up at home. Five meals for less than £50, great value too.

We ordered garlic bread with cheese, seafood spaghetti, and a chicken with prawn dish. Spot on. Arrived hot and in the same condition you get it in a restaurant. Flavours were great. We’re stuffed , date night indoors turned out great. Can’t wait to try something else from the menu.

Ordered a take out meal. £40 for arabiatta, lobster risotto, potato skins and tomato garlic bread. Absolutely disgusting!! Tomato garlic bread turned out to be cheesey garlic bread. Pasta and risotto dry and no flavour. Chips were stale. Definitely won’t be returning.

Possibly the worst lunch experience I’ve ever had. We ordered months in advance, but still waited over an hour after being shown to the table for the totally disgrace of a lunch to arrive. After paying £50 each, a feast was expected, but it reminded me of a working mans club dinner in the 70s!!!!!!!

We went a few weeks ago, it's always been a good place to go when the weather's nice with the kids. It took forever to get served at the bar and we had to tell them several times what we had actually ordered. When we ordered food it didn't all come and we had to chase several times for it. It was really nice, just a shame it took forever to come.

we arrived at 9 and there were 4 other people in. The bar guy said i have took my pen or peg off so you will have to go. You have people in you serve surely. I was hugely disappointed.