The Red Chilli Birtley in Gateshead

1st time and lovely pizza. After a very long train journey I needed food on the way home. Drove into Birtley and noticed this place was open. Never been before but passed it plenty times. I asked the lass behind the counter what she'd recommend and she said the pizzas are good. I opted for a mushroom and sweetcorn pizza (I know!!) and chips. Tried to pay by card, but guy came and said its cash only. I had no coins so he said just pay the next day. Very trusting. Pizza was great too, really good, and yes I did go back and pay. Next time I'll be more adventurous but definitely will be back.

A disastrous memory lapse made me think I was trying somewhere new. It was only after I had placed my order and paid for it, that I discovered I had been here before and that event wasn't great. This time it was even worse. We were given a one hour delivery time. Our food eventually arrived after one hour and forty six minutes. It was all cold. We microwaved the burger and chips but didn't want to reheat the chicken kebabs, so we ate them cold. The chicken was hard and over cooked. It was dry and tasteless as it seemed like it was unmarinated. Our extra portion of salad was missing from the order. What can I say? It was absolutely disgusting. Food quality appalling, service abysmal, value for money - nil. The only improvement was the social distancing of the delivery man. If this was the only takeaway left on the planet, I would rather starve than use them again. I have been kicking since, myself for my absent mindedness.

All food was handed out separately at our front door from the warmer bag, by the driver, who spoke little English. Do they not know there is a killer virus out there? The delivery instructions stated contact free delivery. Our chicken kebabs consisted of dry pieces of unmarinated chicken, a miniscule salad, one pitta bread and a pot of chilli sauce. We have tried many places recently and this was by far the worst. Certainly not worth the £7.30 price. The burger meal consisted of a half pound cheeseburger, chips and a can of pop. We paid an extra 50p to go large. Whilst the burger and chips were fine, I couldn't see anything large about it. It stated on the menu that if you spend more than £20, you get a free 10" garlic bread. We spent a total of £27 and stated on the order notes "free garlic bread please." I am still waiting to see any sign of it. This whole debacle spoilt our Saturday night and The Red Chilli can rest assured, that they won't be having any more business from us.