The Havelock in Sunderland

Our first time here, very impressed. Friendly and helpful people working here, we had pate then cottage pie finishing off with the apple and raspberry crumble. All delicious, presented perfectly and the single portions of cottage pie in square cast iron skillets was areally nice touch. We will definitely be back.

The food overall was really tasty and high quality. The burger was really good. The only issue is the portion size of the "sharing platter" the menu states it's for 2 to 3 people I would say it's at best a starter for 2 people but the quality of the food is really good and super tasty.

Really enjoyed Sunday lunch here today, everything was cooked to perfection and very tasty. Staff are really friendly, if you're in the area I highly recommend a visit.

Popped in for a quick bite with friends. Lovely atmosphere and excellent service with a smile from Poppie

We were here to celebrate my son’s birthday and the guys made sure we had a lush night. Despite it being a busy Friday evening the service wasn’t affected, we were seated nice and quickly and brought our first round of drinks whilst we browsed the food menu. Our food was served at a reasonable pace, especially as we were a large table. Everyone ordered different items and all commented on how good the quality of their food was. The sharing platter and halloumi fries were unreal! Perfect if you aren’t looking for a main meal and so tasty! It’s been a while since we have eaten at The Havelock and we were all well impressed. We most certainly will be back again soon.

Lovely catch up with friends for lunch. Poppie explained menu choices and continued to serve with a friendly smile and a helpful manner. Portion size was just right and tasty. Would highly recommend.

Quinn was amazing!! Very attentive and served us with a smile. Lovely food, decent portions and would come again!!

Went today first time, what a lovely cosy pub with excellent staff, will be back thank you

Fuimos aquí para un poco de té a mitad de semana con nuestro perro Cebada y tan contentos que lo hicimos, es un pub local para nosotros que no hemos estado en demasiado después de las malas experiencias anteriores hace años (propiedad anterior), pero volveremos más a menudo después de esta noche que es seguro. El pub en sí es moderno, acogedor pero al mismo tiempo lo suficientemente espacioso. El ambiente era acogedor y se admiten perros. Nos atendieron por Poppie, un crédito al pub que era muy servicial, muy agradable y realmente mejoró nuestra visita con su enfoque amable. La comida era de primera clase y se notaba que estaba cocinado en casa - tenía patatas fritas de halloumi, que eran enormes, el eschnitzel de pollo con una masa increíble y ENORME tamaño de porción y un desmenuzamiento para terminar - los tres platos eran de un nivel muy alto y delicioso. Después de unos años de no venir aquí, definitivamente vamos a venir aquí más a menudo a partir de ahora, bien hecho Poppie y el equipo Havelock, volveremos!

Poppie was very courteous, with amazing service. The food was delicious. The pub is lovely, and we will be back. 5 star service without a doubt!

Lovely meal yesterday as a walk in great service too

Tuve un excelente almuerzo de Navidad sin gluten. Salmón ahumado en tostadas GF, filete principal cocinado maravillosamente (pregunté por cómo el chef desearía que se cocinara) , brownie de chocolate GF. Tenía vino Prosecco. En general, sentí que la comida, el servicio y el ambiente eran exactamente lo que quería. La gerente del restaurante es muy organizada, conocedora de las reservas de sus huéspedes y se aseguró de que todo estuviera listo cuando se sirve. Tuve un gran almuerzo, iré de nuevo y recomendaré para otros también.

Acabo de volver de tener nuestro almuerzo de Navidad que era absolutamente encantador no podía fallar. No solo era la comida encantadora, sino que el personal era agradable y servicial y no podía hacer lo suficiente para hacer nuestro día especial. Recomiendo encarecidamente The Havelock

Great service. Food tasty and prepared freshly. A good selection of food for all tastes.

Very friendly service from the new management and good tasty food. Recommended 👍

Tuvimos una noche de crack con amigos viendo cantar a Callum Harbottle. El personal era fabuloso y el ambiente eléctrico. Guinness perfecto también, pub encantador sin duda volverá a probar la comida. Gracias por una gran noche x

Lovely food, varied menus, good value, clean comfortable surroundings, nice atmosphere

We just called in for a drink with friends. Good choice of drinks in comfortable surroundings.

Nice meal in nice surroundings tonight. Cherry sundae was delightful and I loved the coffee. Joanne was fantastic all night and won't be long before I return.

Lovely meal on the £16 for 2 course offer. Had halloumi and prawn starters, then pie and scampi mains. Got a dessert each too - sticky toffee pudding and cherry sundae. Great service, nice surroundings, clean and welcoming. We will be back.

Went for Sunday lunch. For a start Friday disappointed with the port and size and no mashed potato. Parcel was rockhard, carrots were cold and overcooked and gravy was bland and tasteless. Beef was very chewy and full of fat so complained about it at the time. Was told there was no beef left so they said they will bring some chicken to replace it. Waited for 15 minutes and nothing had happened so I left with half my dinner on the plate as it was horrible. Thought it might’ve been better after the refurbishment but extremely disappointed . I think they need to change Suppliers and maybe some staff in kitchen.

Joanne was a great host. Honestly the food was exceptional, great service A**** WILL 100% BE BACK This place was recommended and did not disappoint

We were looking forward to visiting after the refurb we loved the Sunday lunch and hot beef sarnie, beef would melt in your mouth. Ordered beef dinner and was so disappointed firstly everything came on your plate so no extra veg and the beef was really chewy! It was also cold! So disappointed, we won’t be rushing back

Quinn (I hope I spelt her name right!) was lovely and friendly and the food was gorgeous

Joanne was marvellous. Food top notch

My first visit since your refurb and everything was great. Booked a table for my Mam's Birthday. The table was dressed with banners and balloons etc. Surroundings are really lovely, new menu and food was fantastic but to top it all the service from Lucas was outstanding. Thanks so much for a great evening 😊.

We were celebrating a birthday and what a great time we had. Lucas was amazing and took all our banter in her stride. Thanks for a great evening

We had a birthday meal. The service was 5 star, Lucas couldn't do enough for us. Her service wasn't forced and was genuine. The food was hot and tasty. Thank you, we will be back.

Lucas was brill and made our night

Had a lovely meal today. Thanks Poppie was lovely and service was excellent as usual. Will be back

Thanks so much to poppie, absolutely fabulous service. Very knowledgeable regarding the menu and upcoming offers. We will be back .

Food medicore and nearly £8 for a glass of wine 🍷 is ridiculous.

I've visited here many times when I'm in the area, walking my dog. Popped in for food with a friend last night. Love the new look and decor. The food was delicious too. I had the fishcake and my friend had the veggie burger. We both thoroughly enjoyed our food and the dog loved the treats and fuss. We'll definitely be back. Staff we're great, very attentive

Great service and food, visited as a family four mid week and we were seated quickly, the girls were all really friendly, we chose starter & mains on the special menu and it was great value. Huge portions we couldn’t finish it all & quickly delivered to the table, lovely fresh cooked food, we had chicken strips and crispy prawns to start and mains were steak pie, scampi, chicken burger & fish and chips they were all really tasty. Will definitely return.

Went for lunch today and was very disappointed. Ordered 3 x £11 lunches, all opted for fish finger sandwiches; two were at best average and one had no fish, only batter. Complained and got more fish gougons which were nothing like the fish fingers in the sandwiches. The chips were nice. The humous starter was best part of the meal.

Beautiful food great local pud served by harrier she was a pleasure couldn't do enough...highly recommend

We went yesterday 25th August for my retirement with my family party of 12 the food was absolutely lovely and the staff was very friendly and helpful so massive thank you from us

Popped into this delightful pub/restaurant. We had the Rump Steak Sandwich it was delicious, will certainly be returning. Our waitress, I think was a lovely young girl called Harriet, looked after us throughout our visit and had a lovely welcoming smile.

I was so pleased to see The Havelock had been refurbished and had new managers, so we were looking forward to visiting this pub again. We were sadly disappointed. For starters we had pork belly bites which were bland. For main my partner had the mixed grill which was small and disappointing for the price. I had a burger which was nothing special and we both wished we had stayed at home and saved our money. Service was very slow. I understand they hadn't been open long and their are always teething problems. But the quality of the food needs to improve before we will return.

Came in today and ordered the fish and chips and a steak pie. Food was lovely but the fish was quite small. The waitress Quinn was very lovely and kind to our daughter ! x

Food excellent staff lovely ,waitress quinn was lovely

Went for lunch here and the food was gorgeous, I had the chicken and garlic wrap, service was great and our waitress Harriet was excellent, friendly and efficient. I’d definitely recommend visiting this fabulous restaurant tucked well away in Washington.

Popped in for a light lunch and a pint after a walk along the river on a lovely morning. £11 for a pint and a sandwich with chips. Decent value for money and great service. Catered for our dog with a bowl of water. We had the rump steak sandwich £12 and grilled chicken wrap £11, which both came with lovely handmade chips and a drink of your choice (see lunch menu). The place looks like it’s just been refurbished. Lovely atmosphere with plenty of people popping in and out during our time there. Sat in the beer garden out the front in the sun. Will pop in again next time we’re in the area. (Was having my car serviced up the road at NL Autos, which also gave great value for money and very friendly service)

I have been a loyal customer of this establishment for some time and have always enjoyed the experience. However, following a recent change in ownership, I have noticed a significant decline in the quality of service. The atmosphere has changed, and unfortunately, the staff no longer exhibit the same level of hospitality that I had come to appreciate. During my last visit, I could overhear staff conversations about our party from across the bar, which felt quite unprofessional. Despite giving the place a second chance, hoping the first visit was just an off day, the experience was still disappointing. While the food remains decent, the overall experience was marred by the staff's poor attitude and lack of attentiveness. It's a shame, as the establishment has been newly renovated and looks fantastic. Additionally, the new menu lacks some of the popular items that I used to enjoy, such as the steak stone and the pizzas, which were exceptional. On a positive note, the young manager was very understanding and approachable, which was appreciated. I hope that with some adjustments, particularly in staff training and perhaps reconsidering the menu changes, this place can return to its former glory. Will try again in 3-6 months and adjust the review accordingly.

Called in on Friday with a group of 6 friends. As we walked through the door the waitress asked if we had booked a table, to which we said no. She replied that as we were just a ‘walk in’, we could only order off the light bites menu! After a while we asked a different waitress for the full menu, and she said no problem! So if you book a table I guess they must ask which menu you want to order from!! The first waitress continued to be stroppy the whole time we were there, banging things down on the table and never saying please or thank you.

The pub was very clean. The staff were efficient and friendly, the food was of excellent quality and well served, I have no essitation in saying I would return again for the food and the experience,

Overall rating was debated between our party of 6 between a 1 and a 2. The service was terrible and we lost count of the visits to the table just to take the order. The staff didn’t have the tools to do the job. How much is a pen! We couldn’t help but laugh when the food arrived. The fish was slightly larger than a goujon and was well battered. None of us have ever seen a fish so small. The other meals followed in the same vein. A complaint elicited the information that it was down to the brewery who set the menu. Further research identified that Punch Enterprises were the culprit which had been taken over by Fortress Investment Group a couple of years ago and that I assume is the rub. All they are interested in is the money. In my opinion there is no customer focus on provision of value for money, or focus on quality for the customer. One would assume that the reputation they will get is not going to achieve their objective. Obviously they will not get any further money from us and we will avoid Punch pubs in future.

Stopped by for a drink today, and the new management are lovely and very good 😊

Lovely Sunday lunch as newly renovated... A tad overpriced but the chicken dinner and creamed leeks were very tasty, hubby had Belly pork both very tasty. Finished with two apple and raspberry crumbles served with custard or ice cream both very appealing to the eye and taste buds. Well done staff especially the chef, even though slightly expensive the food was wonderful.

Tried for Sunday Lunch after the recent refurbishment. Not too busy and went straight to our seats. Sunday lunch a little pricey at £14.95 and if you're wanting a piled up plate like one of these self service places, you'll be disappointed. However, the quality of the food was first class. Perfectly cooked and seasoned. Creamed leeks were incredible. We will definitely be back as you can tell that the new team are working hard to iron out little issues and it will go from strength to strength.

Always enjoyed a walk to the havelock and enjoyed lunch and a couple of drinks we were looking forward to it reopening after being refurbished and a new menu, sadly the menu is not as good as it was we did enjoy our meal but were still left Hungary when we got home, so had cheese and crackers usually if I go out for lunch I don’t need anything else sadly I don’t think we will go back for a meal .

Writing this on behalf of my mam who visited earlier today Sat down and was given a menu at 14:50 to be told food wasnt going to be served between 3 & 5 so chefs could have a break..took it on the chin even though it was not 3..but then saw another couple come in at 15:10 who proceeded to order food and the staff could only say its because they had “booked a table” however i dont see how this is relevant… if the chefs are on a break theyre on a break? They wont be going back despite going for many years. Disappointing new start.

Food is amazing!! Blue cheese dipping sauce is to die for. Great service, food was hot and decent portion sizes, all in all a very good place to eat 😊. Will be back for certain.

Had a wonderful get together with friends. The menu has a good range to choose from. The staff are friendly and welcoming. The food is good and served piping hot on hot plates! The Jam Roly served with homemade custard was fabulous!

I ordered a pasta plate. It was huge, much too big for one meal. The source had a certain taste but there was something quite wrong, wouldn't order it again. RonMacD

Sunday lunch a joke, Yorkshire puddings were flat, burnt and disgusting, swede so watered down you could pour it,veggies frozen. And £14.

Had Sunday lunch x 3 we had beef lamb x 2, all meat was melt in the mouth good vert tasty veg and to be honest couldn't falt it

Steak stones were beautiful as always, not been to The Havelock in a while, and tonight was a bit of a disappointment. Staff were uninterested to even ask if food was OK or ,did we need another drink as we sat with nearly empty glasses, we were asked if we wanted dessert menu as they cleared the dishes away and we answered, ' not just yet thanks ' we were never asked again! We had to approach the bar to order more drinks in the end, just the little touches that could have enticed us back

First time at the Havelock..food is lovely and the staff are brilliant... definitely be going back

Went for a quick lunch. My partner ordered a burger and was asked if he would like sauce. They brought of the sachets on sauce and he went on to put brown sauce on his burger which looked like brown running water. He looked at the date on the pack and the sauce went out of date in 2022! That is 2 years out of date. He went to the bar with burger in hand to explain that the sauce he put on his burger was out of date and that he wouldn’t be eating it to get the response of “ IT WILL STILL BE FINE TO EAT” He obviously refused and the did make a new burger after pulling a face at him. There was no apologies or anything. We looked at the rest of the sauce in the box and 4 more were 2 years out of date with all different dates on. I understand that these thing can happen but to be told that it would still be fine to eat and no apology then found staff to be rude.

Had lovely meal. Staff very friendly. Certainly be going back for food.

A fantastic lunch for 4. All agreed the food and service was brilliant well done Havelock.

Food was really good and service

A most pleasurable dinning experience

Ordered trio of yorkies which sounded lovely . Beef wasnt great & chicken was pink .. was told it was cooked , well I dont think I would have taken my chances to be fair & glad I didnt . Roasties were nice but apart from that it was a 3/10 . One staff member was really friendly .

Wheelchair accessible which was good. Staff very friendly and polite. Big food portions and tasty. We had blue cheese burger and chicken ceasar salad. Couldn't finish as so big. Car park good and right next to the river.

a cosy family friendly pub on the river wear in Washington. nice food selection and good drink menu. The roast chicken was quite underwhelming the chicken was dry and wasn’t served with much gravy, only given 2 roast potatoes and small dry portion of mash on the bottom with very rock solid stuffing. the Yorkshire puddings, chips and cauliflower cheese were nice. The garlic mushrooms were fantastic perfect amount of garlic cooked very well, it was very filling. The service and atmosphere was peaceful and friendly it was rather quiet but as it’s a week or so leading up to Christmas it’s expected. the service was rapid and quick and very attentive. Our server said she was new but she couldn’t look more comfortable, will return again.

Was at Havelock tonight with freinds for a meal absolutely beautiful food 10 out of 10, staff 10 out 10 and atmosphere friendly 10 out of 10 defo go back again .Perfect .

Good pub, canny atmosphere and decent food especially burgers. Cheesecake was awesome! Dog friendly pub.

Visited between Christmas and New Year with my daughter. It was very busy and we hadn't booked but we were given a table within a few minutes. I'm a good eater but I still struggled to finish off my curry, and my daughter left with half of her carbonara in a doggy bag. The staff were absolutely lovely and couldn't do enough.

The food is very tasty, very large portions, rustic atmosphere, everything is decorated for Christmas, the service is kind

Absolutely outstanding , service was excellent, food was really tasty and affordable, staff were all superb I didn't catch the names of all staff ( sorry) however Alex was excellent, so friendly and welcoming. Well done to all, you's are a fab team 👍

Lovely welcome here every time I've been also dogs welcome which I love. Staff so friendly and chatty especially the young barman who was such a breath of fresh air.

Only had a drink but great pub with excellent food reputation

Ordered food, within 2 mins food arrived. Veg luke warm, meat not the best. Service was good but overall first experience not the best , another table ordered the steak, which looked amazing. May try again but not a Sunday.

Nice to stop off after a walk for a drink outside when the weather is nice

Popped in with our little dog for lunch, staff extremely friendly & service 2nd to none. The food was amazing & even brought out a water bowl for the dog & a little treat. Highly recommend a visit.

The lady with the grey short hair was very helpful . When leaving I said she is brilliant she really acoomadated our needs with having a infant. She was very welcoming . Very rare tou come across that

We both got the havelock burger, I really enjoyed it, chips were lovely too. Only complaint is ideally I'd like a bigger plate, with all those chips, sauce, and a juicy burger, it was a battle not to get it everywhere 🤣. Would go back.

I saw a recent comment and thought I'd come out about what I saw with a lass on the younger side. She served us not long back having tears in her eyes. My wife asked if she was ok and she put on a smile and said yes everything is fine. After seeing past reviews I'm starting to think this employee was mistreated

This place is to die for. Literally if my wife took me here I'd rather die

It's the second time I've had a burger from here it was cold and hard complained they weren't bothered I will never go back

Lovely food and service but the way they treat their staff is absolutely horrible. Have too many managers shouting at young girls if they work just a little too slow, has waiters turn into cleaners to clean sick in male toilets when they are female, send staff home if they feel a little bit tired over the ones that are actually feeling sick. They need a massive look at their staff, their is a lovely blond girl there with a nose ring who is lovely and I saw her get shouted at for being slow. Horrible to their young and vulnerable staff

Staff brilliant, service excellent, food delicious

We visit the Havelock for food regularly, and it never disappoints, always spot on, with great service from friendly / patient staff. Highly recommended.

Reading a few reviews had to try the Sunday roast, pleased we did, seated near the bar as fully booked (squeezed us in) service was super quick, from taking order to food on the table took less than 5 minuets, I had the 2 meats roast with extra roast potatoes, beautiful food, will be back again.

Always order half pizza and half pasta and it is always nice. Staff are always friendly, there is tables and chairs for a drink outside on a nice day plus free parking on site.

We were turned away from a busy fiume so decided to try the Havelock. I didn't really enjoy the experience. Food was okay at least, but could have been alot better. Pizza was too overladen with not the best quality cheese and some form of processed beef as a topping put me off, too big and mis-shapen for the plate making it impractical to cut. Pasta was ok. Service was very rushed from walking in and getting seated to our last plates taken away. Felt far too rushed especially for how empty the place was. Atmosphere was alright, just some loud obnoxious family next to us, couldn't help that though. As a side note please, if this place is going to have a display fridge with cake & creams on the service floor. Ensure that the temperature of the fridge is correct.

Running club Summer get together. 5 stars all the way. Just had pizza and some drinks

Really nice staff. Huge portions of delicious food and very reasonably priced. We'll definitely be back 👍

very busy pub, dropped inbfor a quick drink and a bowl of chips.lovely staff member found us a table that was going to be used later but fine as we werent stopping long.chips came out for my son straight away, homemade and piping hot.delicious! no chardonnay by the glass ( typical everywhere now) but house wine was nice.the bill was a little on the pricey side, but i suppose everywhere is now.clean, buzzing, very pleasent pub with plenty of really nice staff.

Beautiful food and nice atmosphere

We always get the stone steaks here and it always goes down well. Sadly last time I went there was no gluten free chips. It's still a 5 star place but if they just catered for gluten free a bit more it be 5*plus!! On the night we went they didn't have any gluten free desert left too! Shows a need for it. The gluten free cheese garlic bread was lovely mind. It's the same bases all the restaurants get, but the added fresh garlic on top is what made it a winner. Just a separate frier for gluten free products guys!! You can use one of those mini ones and keep it for everything gluten free including onion rings and kids nuggets if you have too! Just give us our chips back!!

Very nice Restaurant with really nice staff! We enjoyed our dinner very much!

Great food, we were well looked after by the staff, had a great time there.

Food was lovely and reasonably priced. Would go again.

Great value lunch today. Steak wrap

Disappointed with beef bap and homemade chips and gravy, however bun was cold so it must have been defrosted no baguette, also meat was sliced as if bought in not a cooked joint also extra gravy was cold, however chips were scraps, totally unaceptable as a meal

Excellent food . Steak fantastic. Pizza out of this world. Great chef. All staff helpful and friendly. Celan

Good pint of Timothy Taylors, friendly service too. Only 2 choices of white wine by glass, house or Sauvignon Blanc no Pinot Grigio. Maybe expand it a little. Will be back to try the food.