The Courtyard Restaurant And Bar in Sunderland

A friend and I turned up without a reservation but were able to get seated inside as it wasn’t too busy. The staff were lovely but unfortunately came out with the wrong food order for my friend, they later bought her the wrong drink too (hence the four star rating) it was all resolved, the young lady serving us was great and apologetic for the mix up. The food was really nice and plentiful, there were lots of vegetarian options, the place was clean and had a comfortable atmosphere. I would highly recommend and will be returning very soon as the jackfruit burger was really good!

Visited on the of chance with my dad & 2 daughters, the tables are well spaced out on the courtyard, some under a tent & the rest have umbrellas. To view the menu you scan the code on your table but unfortunately you still need to wait for your order to be taken, would be much easier to do it over the app.The drinks orders were taken & we waited 45 minutes, easy. The food followed about 10 minutes after that. We ordered 2 pizzas, a kids pasta & a burger & chips. The kids pasta was tomato & basil, my daughter said it was very warm. The pizzas were lovely, proper Italian stone baked, my dad enjoyed the burger but it wasn’t very big. I would definitely visit again, hopefully they might be more organised & have more staff to help

I’ll start with the positives:The food was lovely! Home made chips were niceGreat portion sizes Loads of gluten free optionsNegatives:Service was extremely slow. We waited 45 mins for our drinks & starters then a further 45 for our mains. Didn’t get a dessert as well couldn’t be bothered to wait. Tea was meant to come with the food but never came. The waitress cleared half the table but then left the rest so the other girl had to come and do it. Asked for an orange juice which didn’t come so the other girl got one, then the original waitress brought another one 15 mins after we asked. Felt like they didn’t really have any organisation at all and every table seemed to wait ages to be served and for their food!

Visited here on Tuesday 11th August and sat outside. The staff were extremely busy yet still very friendly and accommodating. The food was AMAZING and the burgers were the best we have had. We even got one to take out for our daughter in law. We will definitely be back and would highly recommend this place ❤️

Called in here after a spa at 2.20 starving.noticed they finished serving at 2.30 but nothing was a bother a 3 course meal was provided for £10.95 yes that was right £10.95. and my heavens it was lovely to look at and even better to taste.thanks staff and chef i cannot praise you enough.

We go here every Thursday after the ukulele session. I enjoy a nice espresso in pleasant surroundings. It is always busy which is a sign of a good eatery!

Always a lovely place to eat and drink, food is good quality at fab prices, good variety of drinks, staff are always a pleasure.

Light lunch, Sunday lunch or some real pub grub, the courtyard has it all. Been hear half a dozen times in the last 3 months and never disappoints. To top it off, always a good selection of ales.Oh and then there is the well price deserts, I am hungry again just writing this review.

Don’t rate it at all..dinner was served cold and not the best of presentation.. my advice is best Sunday lunches are the ox and plough..

We called in to the Courtyard for some lunch after visiting the crafts fair. We ordered a tuna sandwich and sausage and mash, We were both disappointed with what came. The first a large plate with mash and 3 sausages which were supposed to be Cumberland sausage, they were mealy and tasteless, more like a cheap generic make. There were no peas or anything with it just lots of gravy. The wholemeal bread was lovely but the contents were meagre, I would describe it as tuna flavoured mayonnaise, not much actual tuna. This should have been better, no excuse for not giving good quality simple food.

Visitamos regularmente la corte debido a la falta de lugares decentes para comer en Washington tbh. El patio tiene una excelente opción y un menú especial para el almuerzo.Visité hoy con mi papá, él tenía la sopa del día (sopa de burbujas y chirrido) tenía patatas fritas caseras y una envoltura pequeña con pollo añadido y mi padre tenía pollo y patatas fritas. No hubo espera para la comida en 5 minutos, mi padre dijo que la sopa era adorable, venía con pan caliente y tenía trozos grandes de morcilla. No esperamos mucho más para nuestros platos principales. El pollo de mis papás cazadores salió como un sándwich, con queso derretido y un pedido de patatas fritas. Ambos disfrutamos nuestros platos principales y las patatas fritas son las mejores y adecuadas patatas fritas caseras.Siempre parece popular durante el almuerzo, nunca hemos visitado en la noche. Nunca tuve ningún problema, siempre feliz con el servicio y la comida

Came as a family of 9, 3 meals came 20mins after order and 30mins later no more meals have been recieved! The bar was not busy and the service was absolutely shocking! No apology for the wait at all!

Acabo de tomar una copa por la tarde y un niño para jugar afuera. Luego terminó teniendo algo de comida. Lozano. Cangrejo n gambas pizza. . . fabulosos aros de cebolla del tamaño de mi pierna. Luz batido exuberante . algunas pintas de diferentes cervezas Todo en punto como de costumbre. Punk ipa especialmente. La esposa tenía una botella de rosa. Bit crack con el camarero. Me aconsejó en algunas cervezas. Agradable y relajante tarde. . pequeño bar encantador

Supuse que este era solo un lugar para tomar café y pasteles y no tenía idea de que servían almuerzos. Conocí a un par de amigos, me alojé para el almuerzo y pasé una agradable tarde relajada poniéndome al día en este lindo y pequeño patio. El personal no nos dio prisa y la comida era deliciosa. El precio para el almuerzo era muy razonable y el café era bueno (con una galleta de cortesía).

A Nice little bar ,great food and really friendly staff well worth a visit for food or drink anytime of the week

Came here for lunch by recommendation of a friend. Delicious hot food. Large portions and very reasonably priced. Will definitely be back!

¡La gran noche comenzó con algo de buena comida! Bistec con vino y entrante para dos. ¡Ocho personas sirvieron a tiempo para asistir al espectáculo! ¡Alguna confusión con respecto a que una de nuestras compañías sea vegana antes de que asistiéramos pero resolvió su llegada y parecía que todos disfrutamos de la comida y el espectáculo! ! !

Visited with friends on a Monday night just on the off chance. What a treat was in store. It was Buskers night and all of the entertainment was free. There was a selection of at least 6 real ales to choose from and wines and coffees too. A really enjoyable night.

The food is always good here. However, it could not compensate for serving warm white wine and not keeping the table informed about the delay to service. After 45 minutes we asked about our food, to be told the chef was on their own and it would be soon.

This restaurant is just along the road from me, nice play to eat, great staff and no long waiting times, over all great place.

Mi novio y yo estuvimos aquí por la comida en un almuerzo. El ambiente es encantador y los asientos muy cómodos. Mi novio pidió el pan de ajo con queso y unas patatas fritas y pedí la handcut ensalada césar con pollo. Ambos disfrutamos mucho de la comida y el personal era genial. He comido en este restaurante varias veces y nunca he tenido una mala comida.

No me importa esperar cuando vale la pena. Siempre he sido un fan de las artes centro ya va a un sexto formulario local, el patio ha sido siempre popular. Me convencieron para visitar a la familia, después de visitar recientemente en Navidades. Hacen un...

Mi esposa y yo tuvimos una cena agradable y un par de bebidas cuando llamamos en mota. Personal amable, buen servicio y a un precio decente las comidas y el vino. Vale la pena una visita cualquier día

No es caro y completamente normal pero todavía comestible, buenas porciones y el personal es muy eficiente y agradable

Fuimos aquí esta noche con un amigo antes de ver la panto suggestibles. Velada. Excelente comida y vino a un precio muy razonable. Personal encantador - por desgracia no lo suficiente de ellos. El chico y chica que eran el bar y sirve waitressing se han tenido que ir a casa y tumbarse en una habitación oscura. Se les veía agotados y bendiga a ellos apuraron a sus pies. Colas en el bar estaban molestos y la cola luego respaldada en el restaurante donde la gente aún estábamos comiendo. Sin duda volveremos a visitar como disfrutamos de nuestra comida. Asesoramiento a la gestión - 2 personal no es suficiente! ! ! !

We arrived here at six on Saturday night the table was right next to an entrance every time anyone entered we got a blast of freezing air!and stinking cigarettes, This could have been avoided if someone on the maintenance team could be bothered to make a simple repair.We waited almost 45 mins for our food,this would have been ok had the food been up to scratch,I ordered a very simple dish braised liver and onions on a bed of mash,the liver had been braised to death it was like old rubber that had perished the gravy was devoid of onion and it came with a small spoon full of mash and a very small portion of overcooked veg.Obviously management don't pay any attention to the fact that at busy times they need more staff,there was only one young lady serving and she had to work her butt off,she never stopped not a nice experience or work environment for her so well done to her.Would we return here for food NOT LIKELY ! As for the atmosphere it was like a rugby scrum with people standing right over us it was so crammed.

Very disappointed.Arrived at the arts centre and went round to the courtyard to sit out as it was a bright and sunny morning.The door to the restaurant was locked and we were told to go round to the main entrance. Once in it was very dark and not particularly appealing.It turned out the fire exit door was locked and the manager had the key but was on his way in.Health and Safety issuesWe ordered coffee and a two sandwiches.It was approx 11.30.Coffee was served through a window for us in the courtyard seating area as the staff could not get out to deliver to the table due to the locked door.At 12.10pm still no sign of the sandwiches and our coffee was now cold.I went in to ask where our food was to be told They don't serve food until 12 noon and the waitress stated she hadn't taken the order and the other girl should have told us about not serving food until 12noon.The food eventually arrived at 12.20 and we were given free coffees. The waitress apologised about the mix up but again blamed the other waitress.The quality of my Sausage sandwich was excellent and the coffee ok.The outside seating area was very poor and a lot of the seats were damaged and dangerous.The outside tables were all unbalanced and we ended up on the benches so the coffee would not spill.This is a location that should be excellent but I feel it has lost it's way and the management needs to have strong review of what is on offer.

Lovely bar/restaurant tucked away within the Arts Centre grounds. Stopped off for lunch as we needed somewhere close to the Wildlife Centre. Two well presented beef and blue cheese sandwiches proved scrumptious and just the ticket. Modern and relaxed ambience impressed us greatly and we would definitely return again for lunch or a fuller evening menu.

Been With The Family A Number Of Times, Every Time 5 Star Service and Food And Real Ales to boot ! A Excellent Setting In The Arts Centre .

Pleasant surroundings, friendly welcome by bar staff and excellent real ale (Titanic Plum Porter). I got a pleasant shock after ordering two meals which were first class and with two drinks came to about £20. A bargain and my wife and I will go again.

We came here to get something to eat before we went to the theatre and the food is lovely. The staff are friendly and the interior is very authentic. I highly recommend coming here, you get high quality for a great price!!

-lovely bar area - great atmosphere- nice food- love the summer days sitting in the courtyard...nice

We have eaten here many times over the years, so I am reluctantly writing this review. Our party of 4 went on a Saturday night, having booked our table in advance. We were presented with their "new" menus and ordered our food and drink. Our first round of drinks arrived timely, as did our food. Three of the meals arrived on what appeared to be wooden chopping boards, now these would've been fine if their tables were bigger, but they're not. The fourth, mine, was jumbo fish and chips. It came with very soggy batter and the fish inside was tasteless. It was the most disappointing food I have eaten here, but worse was to come. We had finished our meal and wanted to order another round of drinks, but the waitress was nowhere to be found. The couple on the next table eventually got their food, but when they pointed out that they had not received their drinks, the waitress turned on them saying "well I didn't take your order" in a very curt way. She did return shortly with the drinks and said they would be taken off the bill and apologised for the delay.We were eventually able to get our waitress to serve us, but when we pointed out that we had waited so long for more drinks that we just wanted our bill instead, also pointing out that they needed more staff, as there was a very long queue at the bar, her response was "I should've finished at 7.00pm". There was an offer of a free drink at this point, but we just wanted out.I believe the queue at the bar might have been down to a show going on in another part of the Arts Centre, but it does not excuse employing rude or poorly trained staff or serving up mediocre food. Will give this a wide birth for a while.

art centre is our local, ate here many times and food is always delicious never had one bad meal. staff are very friendly, good service good food menu especially when its steak or fish night. highly recommend it, also a good bar if you just want a drink

Had a 3 course meal here with a large group of people from our yoga group. Couldn't fault the food although service was slow. Three course meal was only £14.95 which was great value. I had the turkey which was perfect and served with the usual accompaniments. Whatever you chose to eat here is always perfect so well worth a visit.

Drink selection is the best in Washington, I wouldn't say the prices were. However I'd rather pay the extra as the staff are friendly and they know how to serve a good pint of ale.

Good Menu selection & service & Great Food, for all the family & friendly staff, book is best as can get busy.

It's always a joy to visit the arts centre. Small but relaxing bar area , with a great range of beers. The food is spot on. My only wish as summer looms is improved seating outside, but all in all a great venue in Washington for a chilled out drink,thanks

Don't get the chance to visit here as often as we'd like but when we do we always enjoy the atmosphere, food, company and my hubby would highly recommend the beers! Well worth a visit.

A good variety of beers, well chilled wines and a reasonable choice of food on offer. Although a little small and can be quite noisy it is a comfortable place to meet up and have a good meal with excellent quality drinks.

Often visit here for lunch and I am never disappointed. There is always a nice atmosphere and the staff are very friendly. The food is always good and very reasonable. A good varied choice on the menu. I have visited here as a couple and with the family and I have never heard anyone complain. I would strongly recommend trying this place.

Great food at resonable prices from a varied menu, which should suit any pocket. Great range of ales from the bar.

I have eaten here several times now, lunch times and early evening before a performance at the small theatre, which is part of the complex, and have never been disappointed yet. Pub Grub at it's best, Do not miss out on the chips they are fab. The staff are really friendly and cannot do enough to help you. The cost of the food is very reasonable too. Actually thinking about it I'm a bit reluctant to share this little gem of a place and want to keep it all to myself !!!

Visited with three friends for a light lunch. The food was very tasty and we weren't waiting long for it.Would definitely go back to try the 3 course set menu. Would have been 5 stars, but unfortunately I felt it was quite crammed inside (despite not being full of people) the tables were very close together and the overall atmosphere wasn't really there.

Nice little place a bit off the beaten track in a small arts centre complex. Cosy relaxed bistro style offering excellent food and a wide selection of real ales on hand pulls. Check opening times, always excellent value for money. Nice size portions, friendly attentive staff. Lovely chips!!

This bar/restaurant is a little gem and is tucked away at the Arts centre. Brilliant choice of real ale and the food is good value for money.

Can't beat the courtyard for a cheap good value meal of a high quality - the chips are some of the best I've ever had

I booked for mother's day and will not be returning.We were a party of 4 and were out on the smallest table. Barely big enough for 2 people. We expressed our concern and asked to be moved but was told basically no.The plates didn't fit on the table and we had to put the veg and gravy on the windowsill.we were also right next to the door, it was very draughty so sat with our coats on.The food was mediocre. The chicken was dry. Yorkshire puddings chewy and the veg looked like the day befores leftovers.I must say about the positioning of our table. Right t the end of a scruffy looking bar. (See photo)One positive thing they boxed our desserts to take home with us.

Called in for a hot chocolate on an afternoon late December with my Daughter. A couple of locals at the bar but apart from that no other customers. Having looked at the menu we decided to have a bite to eat. I ordered the steak pie served with chips whilst my Daughter decided on fish and chips. Our meals arrived and I was quite disappointed to see the pie was actually a dish with a puff pastry lid. The steak was quite tough and rather tasteless but the chips were the saving grace. The fish and chips got the thumbs up. Staff seemed rather bored and the constant change of music after a few seconds was quite annoying.

Visited recently for drinks and was more than impressed by this lovely little cafe bar which I had walked past on numerous occasions previously. Stopped only for a quick drink but were very impressed with the quality and atmosphere. While we didn't have time to sample the food, the couple on the next table sung its praises (as did my parents who visited there the following week). Looking forward to a return visit.

This restaurant has grown in popularity as a result of its excellent Sunday roasts. The meat is very tender,gravy tasty,Yorkshires acceptable( no one makes them like your Mum!) and vegetables are well cooked and plentiful..the carrots are a specialty and mushy peas are also served.Deserts are available but we did not have room for one after very substantial main course.The only downside of this venue is the positioning of tables for two which tend to be in draughty areas despite request for warmer seating on booking.

We visit here regularly and have never had a bad meal. We usually come on Thursdays for the pub quiz (a written sheet with lots of hard questions!) and this time we had minute steak with pepper sauce and chunky chips. The food is always tasty, hot and well-presented so we think it's excellent value for just under £8 each. There's a decent selection of food on the main menu and there's a new pizza and pasta menu which gives you more options. The restaurant is small but well laid-out and has windows out into the courtyard so is lovely in the summer. There's a small seating area outside for when the weather is nicer. The barman is very friendly and they do an interesting selection of beers and real ales. It can be noisy as it's quite a high ceiling (especially when there's a performance in the theatre and there are a lot of people at the bar) and last orders for food is 7pm which is why we don't give it 5 stars but otherwise everything is very good. We also enjoy the Sunday lunches here and are happy to have such a nice place to visit close to the centre of Washington.

I genuinely get excited to eat here. The chips are particularly amazing. I order the fish and chips regularly and would recommend them to anyone.

We went to the. Courtyard yesterday for the second time and I loved the laid back atmosphere and friendly service... Had a pint of beer and was wonderful.. The waitress was first class, friendly.. The food was fantastic.. Can't wait to go back..

I have been to this restaurant a few times and staff are usually quite friendly and helpful but this time they were rude and abrupt. Our food was poor, just warm and pretty tasteless but as on a tight schedule couldn't send it back. When I paid the barman just snatched my card away whilst carrying on his conversion with his colleague and didn't even acknowledge me apart from almost throwing the receipt at me. Sadly I would not return here, their Sunday lunch has always been very good and it is often busy so I hope, for their sake, that the staff and chef were having an off day!

Great atmosphere, excellent food and real ale, this well established Bar/ restaurant is consistent and good value, highly recommended

Pleasant surroundings and good menu choices. Had the Sunday lunch and was not disappointed ! Lots of meat and a side order of 6 different veg with a family sized gravy boat for just me, deliciousThe other selections looked just as tasty and all plates cleared in record time. Desserts looked good but we were all too full from main course.The staff were polite and accommodating especially as we initially were sat next to a very hot heaterThe selection of real ales also tempted the beer drinkers as well

We frequently eat here very nice lunchtime menu Monday to Saturday and good value Sunday lunch. The licenced bar serves a variety of real ales and the staff are always very friendly.

Sunday lunch 4th with 10 friends.Probably the smallest portion of meat I have ever had for a Sunday lunch.No air con so boiling hot. No one ever asked any of us if our lunch was ok or if we needed anything. Friend asked for more roast potatoes, which we never received, even though we were given only a modest amount.Food was cooked well, but too many negative points rule out this venue for future gatherings on any day!Sorry, but not good enough.

I have been there twice recently, with friends. At lunchtime on the first occasion and early evening the second time. The food is good and very reasonably priced and the Jennings beer is very drinkable. The Early Diner Menu includes Deep Fried Cod and Glasgow salad as one of the main courses. Glasgow salad comprises chips and mushy peas.

Iv been to the court yard many times, people always helpful and meals are lovely.My only problem is they finish serving at 7.00 far too early it could be Changed to 8.30

Have eaten here for several years - food is prepared on the premises to a good standard especially for 'pub' food. Our favourite is Friday Steak night - 2 rib eye steak and chips with bottle of wine £25. Reasonably varied menu which changes occassionally. Real ale bar for many years and in Good Beer guide - freehouse so beers change regularly and the owner has recently started own micro brewery which produces 4 different ales. If you like this try the main pub/restaurant at Leamside - The Three Horseshoes

One of the best places to eat in Washington....have tried to keep this a secret as its small and cosy and will be very disappointed if I go and couldn't get a table. Food is delicious the best Sunday lunch in Washington by far. Special nights also excellent value. cant wait to go in finer/warmer weather and be able to sit in the courtyard. Keep up good work

The Courtyard Cafe and Bar understates the Restaurant at the Arts Centre venue. The restaurant is open from lunchtime to 7pm with last orders for food at 6.30pm. The lunchtime menu is slightly different to the evening menu, with sandwiches and panini's being included. The evening menu offers a good selection of home cooked food, starters, mains and sweets; all of which are well presented. There is also an early diner menu from 12.00pm -6.00pm from which you can have 2 courses for £7.95 and 3 courses for £9.95. This is seperate to the A La Carte menu and offers extremely good value. Sunday lunch is available between 12.00pm and 5.00 pm.The restaurant and bar provide a small intimate setting in comfortable surroundings and the bar provides a well stocked back-up to the restaurant, with a good selection of wines and spirits and a very impressive range of hand-pulled real ales. There is a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and there is no rush to eat your food. The only down side is the early finishing time for food although the bar is open normal hours. In addition to the restaurant and bar, the Arts Centre has an extensive range of events throughout the year.