The Life of Riley in South Tyneside

I went to Life of Riley on Sunday/Monday morning 4th/5th August 2024. We used to call it Spiker Riley as in the past we have had attempts to spike our drinks. The other night we were there till 02:30 and the security in there were absolutely fantastic. One guy inside spotting any trouble and two guys on the door responding. The guys were professional polite and strong when required.My wife and myself felt totally safe as there is the usual mix of Bumpers on Hairy Mikers night. Excellent work guys.

Would not visit this place again absolutely doss house and a drug users heaven. Months later exactly the same

Got kicked out for no reason got.dodgy looks all evening and spoken down to by staff wasn't allowed in the toilets with me house keys for some strange reason never coming back

They just kick you out for no reason after askeing the reason they dont have any answers.. It happened thrice worst club ever

Great music and safe zone as doormen are fantastic here..thank you for directions also

Nice place, super quick and pleasant staff

Typical shields experience. Overpriced, too loud and full of divvies.

Mad mad Great music. Gets full.

Staff are horrible and bad attitude looking at me and my fiance and my mother like crap all because me and my fiance worked there waste of time in my opinion dont reccomend it at all bar staff need to leave and new bar staff is needed they are making my fiance feel like shes nothing happens again I'm gonna have that bar shut down that's a warning to the staff change your attitude wrong person your messing with be warned

Best place to spend your weekend at shields

It's one of the most popular clubs in South Shields, it's totally packed on Fridays & Saturdays till 2 when it's time to close & then the crowd shifts to other clubs nearby. Definitely recommend this club for weekends

Absolutely dead at 9pm on a Saturday. Staff seemed canny but the music was pretty dire

Good music.. Club vibe. If u like clubbing then this is the only place to go in South Shields.

Good night for the under 30s music and dance

Absolutely disgusting of a place staff attitude towards a disabled person absolutely disgusting has no respect for anyone I'd advise people to give a miss there's a lot more better places to go to this place has a name for it self !!!!!

What ever happened to a dress code? Many people entered wearing shorts/joggers/vests. Great to see they accommodated Santa Sunday tho!!

a good place to go and enjoy your self the drink prices are good .

Great atmosphere but it's for the younger generation

G R E A Time Not to busy Decent choice

TOOK AGES TO GET IN BUT THAT WAS DUE TO COVID RESTRICTIONS NOT REALLY PUBS FAULT. GOOD ATMOSPHERE

I arrived at this bar late on saturday night and witnessed a cowardly attack from behind outside the toilets by a member of the door staff on a drunken young man who did'nt know what had happened .as a regular party of 6 who comes to this bar we will not be returning as we dont feel safe after witnessing this incident .i hope the manager has reported this to the police and has seen the cctv as it's his duty as manager to report all attacks and assaults that happened in his premises by both staff and customers .

It's a decent bar but the people who go here are the very worst.

Never liked the place at all when u are leaning on the counter your stickinf to the bar read news that someone had covid19 etc the place needs a deep clean

I'd only go to Life of Rileys if I had literally no other options. Has a decent atmosphere if you go with the right people and you're already drunk, but you can say that about any bar. The music is rubbish, the place seems to be filled with kids and the drinks are awful - DONT get pints from here. Go for bottles or spirits.

Stinks in here, had the cleavland show on repeat constantly and made my voice change deeper, resembling johnny depp. ranglobop thought i was finshed eh? wrong me biggy 2 cleaveland show on nbc at 7 am north american times very funny hahahhahahahhaahhahahahahahahahhahahhahahahahhah *octopus emoji*

Full of wasted kids who dont look old enough to be in there

Full of young kids, fights inside and out.

Great place to enjoy a Saturday night, Cheap trebles

Love it in here when having a night out

Been in here loads of times but can't remember very many of them. Therefore 5 stars.

Great bar been coming here over 20 years.

Every time I am I'm life of Riley"s its such a good atmosphere it might take a little longer to get served but the atmosphere componsates for that.. 😊

Decent bar with good opening hours. For me i found the drinks very reasonably priced with a good selection. The music when I visited was really good and the atmosphere was nice with a very friendly crowd in the bar.

Dirty, dirty dive of a place. Avoid. People taking 2s, not washing hands to avoid tipping the concierge. Vile dump. Horrid, disgusting hole. I can't believe they employ our fellow people of colour to work in the places where people dispose of bodily functions. Anyone with a sense of humility should avoid this Petri dish.

It's much better than Roxanne's, which is btw is quite racist. Please don't go to Roxanne's guys.

Took the car for a zip! lovely view

Caitlin loves it when lads she knows try to chat her up

Amazing place good atmosphere decent music

Not the cheapest place for a drink and the music played on the weekends is more suited to the younger clients.

Good night out,went with family and friends,very interesting night.

Called in on a Thursday and the bar was about half full. Timed it well as it was happy hour and pints were £2. There was also live music, a good singer and guitarist. Think it was open Mike night.

We entered and it was quite empty although it did fill up. Like most town centres there seems to be a routine and times that people visit the pubs in South Shields, so some are busy some aren’t at differing times. The cocktails were varied and reasonably priced at 2 for £8. The music was a bit loud making chatting difficult though.

Quiet when I was there beer great and staff member very friendly

Good early night nightclub gets the party flowing

Seem nice but I was to drunk to remember.

Anyone who recognises the quote heading this review will understand how happy I was in my last visit to this bar. Our group (six) doubled the crowd in the room on a weekend evening - and that included bar staff. It all felt like we were in some sort of waiting room, between sessions of entertainment. Sorry, but dull, dull, dull.

Expensive and drinks are rubbish

Absolutely amazing place to go out, best night there are Friday and Saturday. Happy hour is unbelievable treble for £3 can't go wrong.

This is what is happening outside Life of Riley South Shields not good business at all and not a public house id choose to visit.

Beware of a Saturday night and bring your boxing gloves

Cheap beer, but lacking in atmosphere.

Great place night life was brilliant and I would go again

Called in at 1120pm Friday night expecting it to be busy but there were only about 25 people in so there was no atmosphere. Everyone must be out of town. Service was quick due to it being quiet.

Great priced drinks although often quiet until late on

Beat god damn DJ around on a Sunday night!

Great drink selection, live music

I'm 35 year old and I've just left here in utter disgust. Went out with my family to celebrate my cousin hopefully getting some light for here chrones disease. While I'm at the bar I place an order for 2 single vodka and 2 pints of fosters. A bar maid takes the money. I pass the vodka Diet Coke to my friends then the bar maid refuses to give me my pints. She says I haven't paid. The gent next to me confirms yes I have. She thinks I'm a liar until the bar maid who took the payment even confirms she took money from me. Now all of a sudden it's don't shout. So annoyed. I'm from South Shields with my wife who doesn't know this place but all of a sudden I'm a thief. Tell you what couldn't be further from the truth. Disgrace to shields this place

Canny atmosphere, good live singer let down by utter crap cocktails. If you are charging cocktail prices then offer cocktails not chemicals ..... Very disappointed

Sticky floors and generally unkempt appearance wouldn't have PT :-) or I returning again. The only reason we went in initially was due to Frankies Diner providing Sunday dinners. In short the only redeeming feature was the food which I believe is still run by Frankies but has changed now to be just a bar snack menu. Toilet were shocking and dangerous with the large tiles in the cubicle coming away from the wall.

I have used Frankie's at Life of Riley, their own cafe round the corner, and their new establishment at what was previously known as Kaylin Buffet on Ocean Road. Frankie's food is consistently excellent, at a great price, and the staff are always friendly and efficient. They offer a wide variety for every taste, but they excel in good old English fayre. I cannot agree with a previous reviewer who said that the food was over priced and the tables were sticky. I have never found this to be the case, and believe me, I am not easy to please! Well done Ian and Karen for all that you do for us weary shoppers. My daughter Jenny and I appreciate it so much. I rate you far ahead of Colman's. Your fish and chips beat theirs' hands down. You should be proud. Long may you prosper!

Stopped in here with the family after the Great North Run - found a table and seats although it was busy (everywhere was!) and had a few beers. Beer was good and the staff were very friendly even though we had kids with us. Music was ace, and even though the big screens were showing Songs Of Praise (?!) it was a really good atmosphere and the staff helped make a good afternoon better. Nice bar.

We visited here after the Great North Run, fab place! They were playing cheesy music which was brilliant and the staff were very friendly! We stayed for quite a few hours in the afternoon while we waited for the Metro queue after the run to die down.

i went for breakfast with my daughter i found it alittle expensive and food was average , an hour later felt hungry , there was noone else in bar on a friday morning. there was one member of staff who was cheerful but he did everything thnig in there i wont be going back

I have been to this restaurant several times in the past and although i enjoyed it, i have always thought the food and the service was on a mediocre level. However, after recently visiting this restaurant i found it has a completely new menu with new staff and i must say this place has gone up in my estimations massively! The food was quick and of very high quality, i spoke to the waitress at the end giving her and the chef commendation on the new food and the value for money at this place. I really would recommend paying this place a visit in the near future, i know i will be doing!

Waiting 10 minutes after the kids meals for the rest everything is laced with cheese which doesnt stste on the menu the waitress was really nice she wss well embarssed the kitchen really need to get a grip and learn to do the job properly

my partner and I spent time here while drinking in south shields. lovely bar. friendly staff. good priced drinks. didn't eat but food was going out fast n furiously. take away sunday lunches were very popular . looked lovely. maybe have lunch on next visit.

Drinks not badly priced, friendly staff and great music. Atmosphere was good too. My boyfriends never been out in shields and I've not been out there in a good 3 years so luckily we weren't let down :)

Only went to life of Riley as Yates was closed and I was really impressed service was lovely and friendly and the meals are home cooked meals and very large portions had a lovely experience will defo be going back there xx

I was in here today and had the best Sunday lunch ever it was beautiful. Had a wide range of choice in meats and veg for only £6.95 and you get a free dessert. The whole meal was fantastic. Staff were lovely noticed it's frankies diner serving the food and they have a cafe round the corner too so will defo give that a try aswell.

I have to say this place is disgusting the tables are sticky and when u walk in its dark. I visited life of rileys/frankies diner to day with the kids my children had burgers each me and my wife i had mince and dumpling my wife had the wrap the prices of the food is outragous 5.50 for a meal the chips look vile the drinks are flat the owner of frankies wants to be ashamed sering bacteria on a plate 5.50 for my wifes wrap is disgusting if your visitng shields dont go to this dump

I went in here because my husband loves it ,I have to say It is the smelliest pub I have been in it smells of stale pee we complained and the staff went around with an air freshener which did improve for a short time .It needs something done with the plumbing sorry I wont be back in a hurry

Visited this venue as 'frankies diner' in life of Riley today and I can say I will not be returning. Food was below standard and not very warm to even compensate. However the show that was put by the two staff was entertaining to say the least. Shouting, swearing and hurling abuse at each other in the bar for all to see and hear was not an ideal atmosphere for us customers to be part of, never mind the other staff. I can say this is not the kind of place will return to as I'm sure many would feel the same! Shocking!

shocking meal paying money for a ham salad & receiving thin cut ham & very sticky slimey NOT FRESH shocking won't b goin back

I love this place I come here all the time the music is always good and the drinks are pretty good for the prices . But last night I was out of and not happy me and my friend we had just turned up and we're dancing in the corner when two lads came up to us and one of them played joke on me in front of the one bar staff which I think now is manager as he was wearing different uniform from the rest of the staff he thought it was hilarious and looked like he had egged him on to do it when went after to try and approach the lad who played the joke . Totally ruined my time in there made me feel very uncomfortable. I then decided I would make complaint about it and the manager was no where to be seen when I spoke to the two lovely bar staff. Who one of them said she was sought it and said she understood how I felt. I told her I was gonna make complaint online which leads me to here and trip advisor seen as they don't have website and only Facebook. Seen as I know how valuable costumer service as I work in customer service myself and I know customer feedback is important and also keeping your regulars happy as they are bond to spend more than just a punter. I doubt I will be spending anymore money in this place x

I went in with my friend a few days ago for food through the day. We decided to get starters and a main (off the very minimalistic menu- no point in the raving reviews on it). We both chose a potato skins start, which was beautiful and came with our sauces in shot glasses, which was kind of cute. We both got mains that were delicious and had a lot of food on, but our deserts were appalling!it was only £1 extra for a dessert so we opted to share a chocolate cake. 1. Were not informed that it came with custard, which I do not like2. It was in fact cheese sauce and not custard!!! I was traumatised! I didn't inform the staff and briskly left the premises, deciding never to return for food. However I now wish that I had said something, as it was disgusting and that mistaken should not have been made!!!What a disaster.

Went on Friday and it's full.. I believe this place is the most decent bar in shields. Love it and can't wait for next week.

Give this a miss asked staff what the soup was they didn't know a man shouted veg sort of a broth ordered 2 soup waited bar staff brough bread bun my hushband asked about a spoon "over there in the corner which he got there were no napkins we waited quite a while to be given a bowl of ????? Cold clear ???? Looked like they had half blended part of the days carvery I left the full bowl full and bread felt I might be ill if I had eaten it. The lady behind the bar could see I wasn't eatting but never came over. The couple next to us had ordered the carvery and they both left about half a plate full each and noone had come over to ask them either. The table was sticky and dirty wasted our money just happy we hadn't ordered a meal as well. Never again keep clear

I used to frequent this establishment on a weekend but personal reasons made me choose else where. In all fairness to the bar and the staff they do a good job at what they do. i mean if it is a couple of pints there will be no issue here although i would not go during peak times as it is often 5 dee to the bar. If it ia haut cuisine you are looking for then you will be disappointed. Having said that the manager Chris is a nice guy that will go out of his way to make you feel welcome.

I had food in here the other day before my trip back home! The food was delicious, fantastic home made mince and dumplings! I've never once been to Frankie's Diner Cafe; but i will sure make an appearance! Staff were amazing, food and drinks were reasonably priced!

The workers being your food in 10 minutes and the Frankie's dinner moving there was a great Idea because it makes people go there and makes it more popular and busy. The food tastes great the drinks are all non alcaholic and the service is great.

I used to like a cafe called Frankie on king street.but now there is a sign directing its business to this pub.on walking in the first thing you see are the customer,mainly lone diners and heavy drinkers.the tables are dirty and you stick to the carpet.the food looked OK.but I would not eat here.

I really wanted to like this place because I used to enjoy going to Frankies Diner, which does delicious home-cooked dinners and used to be based in a place around the corner.Unfortunately, even though I like their food I can't bring myself to go to the Life of Riley... it really is ingrained-dirty.The tables are sticky, the chairs are matted and soiled and its just not a place you would want to eat in. What completely finished me off is that on my last visit there were a number of children's high chairs stacked in the disabled toilets (see pics), right next to the toilet - yuk! They would obviously be contaminated with potentially dangerous germs. High chairs were against the sink, where you would have to lean over them to wash your hands, and wedged against the bin too. I occassionally visit with the kids and I am not prepared to risk their health. Very disgusting.The clientele are a very uncomfortable mix of lunchtime boozers and people trying to eat thier lunch - which makes for a not-very-relaxing place to visit for a meal.Overall a disgusting environment and one that cannot be remedied with a clean; it needs ripping out and starting again.Personally, I wish that Frankies Diner would relocate back to their old home on King St which, although up some stairs, was at least cared for and clean. Until then, I will have to give up my mince and dumplings because I won't be going back to this scruffy, smelly pub.

With any establishment, I strongly believe it's the people who make it good or bad. This place used to be a dumping ground for undesirables, however since it's regeneration and name change it's actually quite nice. On a Saturday evening there was live music, a well stocked bar and good service, with an airy fun feel. It was busy but not crammed and I got served quickly. The door staff could do with looking a bit smarter and interested, not leaning on the door and texting every five seconds! The bar staff were great, it's clean and well decorated and well stocked. I've eaten here before and to be honest the food was awful, so I'd never eat here again, but for a drink it's nice.

I thoroughly enjoy going to Frankie's Diner for lunch. I hadn't been there for a while so I decided to have my lunch there last month. I ordered a brunch meal which is a Full English Breakfast with chips. It was very tasty and I would recommend it. I did not have to wait long for my meal either. The staff are always polite and friendly.

First time we have been to South Shields in a long time. We looked for Frankies on the main shopping street. It was shut but a notice on the door said they had moved round the corner to Rileys. What a nice meal we had.. A very good menu to choose from. We went for the steak pie. A huge slice of it, home cooked!. The meat was tender large chunks no fat.. Mashed and roast potato plus three veg. There was a choice of five veg to choose from plus plenty gravy.just £4.50p very good value. . The staff were very friendly and quick to serve the meal i was very content with the meal and service. The chairs were all miss matched but it worked very well. I liked it. I can say we will be back again for more.

Didn't enjoy my meal at all, very cheap quality and frozen. I got nachos and salad with a curry which was weird.

Good value for Money.. Decor a bit "tacky".. staff friendly and helpful.. Enjoyed my food. plenty of it aswell

I have been cook in the merchant navy 36 yearsI had lunch here yesterday mince and dumplings fresh veg and potatoes homemade chocaolate sponge with hot chocolate fudge sauce and icecreamabsolutely delicious and only£5.50It is a restaraunt bar family friendiy helpfull smiling staffthey also have good live entertainers at weekendsI highly recommend anyone visiting south shields to try it

Had a meal at life of Riley and won't be going back. Hawaiian burger was over cooked in outside and little in the middle, chips were cold, small bit of lettuce on the side and no garnish or anything in the burger....steak was ok-ish but not sure what they think Diane sauce is but we got a tub of mush that was basically mustard. It was quite disgusting. Disappointing to say the least. Should have went to Yates across the road!

I went to this restaurant about 5 weeks ago, I used to go often and the food was good but this time forget the place. The food was poor beyond a joke and the tables were dirty.There seems to be new staff around and they were not much help what so ever.I would not recomend it to any one service was slow but we remained hopeful that the food would be top notch..... that was a mistake. it was poor quality and served Luke warm with not a lot of flavor at all. Go else were if you have the option.,

Have been to life of riley before and really enjoyed the food as did our children!Put 2 hours on our parking ticket on a saturday lunchtime to allow us time to shop afterwards.Ordered our food for starters nacho's to share, this came as a cold bowl of nacho's sprinkled with cold mozarella cheese, large dollop of salsa and a few jalapeno's, all cold for a main my partner opted for a chilli burger and fries which was presented as a plain burger of poor quality, ontop was a dollop of chilli con carne!I ordered a steak sandwich accompanied by sauteed red onions! I was delivered a dry ciabatta roll with several small pieces of meat which had been fried! No sauteed onions or relish on the roll! Both meals were returned and one was refunded, we were asked did we want something else from theMenu but declined as we made it back to our car with 2 minutes to spare before we got a parking ticket!! Lots of meals getting returned that afternoon and the waiting staff were very red faced and embarrassed!We both left feeling very deflated and hungry!

Came for dinner for the first time since new management and found it great. Orders were taken straight away. Food came fast. Ordered the cheeseburger and chips and it was delicious. I demolished it in record time. Burger was perfect size and chips were spot on, just how I like them. It's lovely and clean and bright. Staff were very friendly and caring of my 11 month old daughter. Would definitely recommend to friends and come again!

Food didn't take too long and was lovely when it arrived, the staff were very friendly and were very attentive to their customers, I would definitely recommend to others.

my grandson and I went in not knowing about the food service etc ,But were well pleased with everything even down to how reasonable the prices were ,will definitely visit again

Me and my friends and family often used to eat at Life of Riley and the staff, food and management were always spot on, but lately everything seems to have changed. The staff are all new, and look ridiculous in a lime green apron, and the managers attitude is far from convincing. The food is still decent and the prices are very reasonable, but the service has suffered. Standing at the bar waiting to be served whilst all of the staff took food out, or were all doing the same of something else rather than someone actually serving. The lady before myself on this occasion eventually got served only for them to take her order, then simply walked away without giving her her drinks and went on to serve someone else.All in all, not a place I would recommend anymore.

Arrived at 12 noon and ordered one starter and 5 main courses after a half an hour wait the started came out at the same time as 3 of the main courses, the food was literally oozing in grease we peeled the batter off the chicken burger and cleaned the pool of grease off the plate then found the chicken was overlooked and rock hard and the bun was stale , and the chips where cold , the starter was also disgustingly greasy , two of the party finished their starter then had to wait another half an hour for there main course which eventually arrived , over an hour later we cleared out own plates from our table despite the staff walking past them continuously, all in all the service was slow and the food was disgusting not one of us would eat there again.

Sometimes come here for lunch! Very let down for birthday lunch with girls from work! Didn't order anything special just jackets and wraps, nobody else in but one table? 45 minutes later food arrived! Two of us weren't returning to work but for the others it was eat it quickly. I did feel sorry for the girl behind the bar as it wasn't her fault ! If you have time to spare and want average food???

Visited life of Riley on 8.7.13 for a quick lunch with my partner. We took advantage of the two for £6.95 deal which is on from Monday to Thursday.. Needless to say the food was beautiful and we received service with a smile. The waitress was very friendly and had great knowledge of the menu and drinks selection which is hard to find these days. After asking if the food was okay and asking us if we would like anymore drinks and desserts she took our plates away with a smile on her face. When we were leaving we were thanked which was nice as it made us feel welcome. Would defenatly return sometime soon.. If you haven't been then go :)

Life of Riley is in a side street near to Metro & main shopping area. It has a friendly cosy feel with sofas & a mix of shabby chic trendy dining tables. A good selection of food at very reasonable prices. The staff couldn`t be more helpful & pleasant so whenever we are in South Shields we shall definately go back.

Better than the rest in the loop down Mile End Road. At least a good attempt at an informal bar-kitchen and definitely better than the corporates in the same Quarter