The Ridley Arms in Northumberland

We have been here and the food has been very good, but this time the food was below parr. I don't know if we hit a bad day, or picked the wrong things from the menu, but they were not what we have come to expect.

Took some friends to eat, love the warm friendly pub but unfortunately the food was very poor for the amount paid, I would go for a drink again but sadly not to eat.

Went for Sunday lunch as a group of four; table booked and came at a non-busy time slot. Food blinking horrible. Many items not home cooked but mass catering processed packed a la ping microwaved and covered in camouflaging gravy (like the ‘roast’ beef - machine cut beef processed roll - tasteless and mulch)! Undercooked and measly portions of veg, under roasted potatoes that were too hard to cut on the plate, etc. a real joke and rip off. Charged extra for more veg and gravy… both were needed as the servings were inadequate. Tried to give feedback, but there was no interest. Deserts were from a catering company and not of good quality; one cheesecake was still frozen in the centre. This place boasts a ‘traditional home cooked pub Sunday roast’, which it is most definitely not and I cannot understand how it still has custom. Bad food and rude staff. Awful food and attitude. Just a money making scam.. be warned. Very sad as we had been told this was a great place for Sunday lunch and had an enviable reputation. If it did, it does not deserve any worthy reputation now. Overpriced rubbish. Argh! Minus 5 stars! Management couldn’t wait to get us out, to resell table even though we were not finished. Bad, bad, bad!

Visited for Sunday Dinner, 14/1/24. Been in a few times for a drink, thought we'd try a meal. Ordered the Chicken Breast, ended up with a leg. I'm a breast man. Asked for gravy in a boat. That did'nt happen. The gravy was all over the plate, in fact the roasties were swimming for the safety of the Yorkshire Pudding... Since when has mashed pototo been an extra? Thats a side dish here at £4.00. The place was full, so thought it would be ok. On the whole it was, with pleasant staff, who were doing their best... Perhaps on reflection I should have sent it back. I was hungry, the meal was hot, so I ate it. The dinner was alright, but won't have another here. Visit, make your own decision... I hope the boat comes in for you, if you like your gravy in one....

Enjoyed a birthday lunch today . Outstanding food and surroundings . Everyone enjoyed their meals and all other tables that were served around us looked scrummy . First visit for us and it definitely won’t be the last .

Food is always decent at the Ridley arms! The chefs are absolutely amazing. I feel like the chefs get let down by the utter shocking service by the waiters. Mainly the waitresses. They are so poor. Firstly we arrived on the 7th January at approximately 1630 hours… We were kindly escorted to our table to which we started looking at the menu and were dribbling from the mouth ready for some beef……. 20 mins later we eventually had enough and went up to ask to order our food and drinks. The rude waitress with zero enthusiasm for her job returned to the table and said we have no beef? Thanks for letting me know when we sat down at our table love. We then asked for colouring stuff for the children and she just rudely said they are over there. After this we then got our drinks. 3 of the 6 drinks were wrong. The food then arrived and the kids plates were extremely hot so I had to tip the food on to a spar plate for them to eat their food. After they put the food down they just walked off so again 5 mins later I had to go up and ask for some sauces. Overall the food was lovely. Thank you to the chefs. If I could tip my money to the chefs I would of done but I left no tip due to the absolutely shocking service from mainly the female waitresses… please have a word with your staff and make sure they have a-bit of enthusiasm, compassion and love for their job or give them the boot. One of the main thing that makes customers come back is great friendly service. Thank you.

a busy busy pub just off the A1, we had a lunch for 4, which was good, however tow of our four first choices were unavailable, the substitutes were ok service was good, swift and polite despite how busy it was my biggest complaint was the number of dogs in the restaurant, and, not under control by the owners, so , if like us you are not happy with dogs, I would suggest look elsewhere

Had a large group at the Ridley last night and it was excellent! Great foord and service. Many thansk to the manager and staff fopr making it a great evening - all attending appreciated it.

Five years ago I wrote a scathing review on this boring and tired pub, saying that I would never eat here again. However, following the funeral of my nephew who lived nearby, I was disappointed to find that his widow had booked a room in this place for lunch afterwards. Fourteen of us were fed from a decent-looking menu, but the general feeling was of heavy disappointment. My beef casserole was nothing short of rubbish: it cost £18 and consisted of a small portion of mashed potatoes and vegetables, with the worst beef I've ever had. Almost every small piece contained fat or gristle. The Ridley Arms was an old coaching inn, and I bet that the 18th C diners would have been far better fed than I was. Apart from the always-poor food the ambience is dead, and there needs to be a complete refurbishment because this is a wasted building. It is owned by the bloke who took over the Fitzgerald's franchise, and he has done a decent job on some of his establishments - so why not this one? The people who are satisfied enough to give ratings over two must be very easily pleased.

Wonderful Christmas fayre. The soup was delicious, and the Christmas Dinner was wonderful. finished off by Christmas pudding. Everything cooked to perfection.

We booked with only 30mins notice for Sunday lunch and they kindly squeezed us in on the provisio we quit the table at a certain time (no problem at all), We were quickly served our drinks and orders taken. Many staff were buzzing around in a quiet and efficient manner. After only a short wait our meals arrived. We had both ordered loin of pork. Our plates were nice and hot, several slices of succulent pork, roasts and several veg, all well cooked and topped with a large crispy yorkshire pud and a very tasty gravy with a bit of crackling. Needles to say it was all polished off. Sadly our appetites dont go to a pud. There was also a very nice ambience all around. Great value for money, we have spent much more on poorer quality food and service. Will return.

Our first visit for Sunday Roast. The food was exceptional. The service was brilliant. The staff were polite, friendly and professional. We will certainly be returning to the Ridley Arms. We give good recommendations.

I have been here many times over the last 25 years or so. It is a very nice pub, but miles from anywhere, so they know that they need to offer good service to get people to visit, particularly if they need to travel. I visited recently in the evening with a friend, for a few pints and a catch-up and the service was variable. To start it was OK but later, although we were stood at the bar, nobody could see that we had finished our drinks and worse, were more interested in talking among themselves than responding to our requests. Eventually, when we got the girl's attention, and politely asked if we could have a drink, she looked like she had no idea what she was being asked! Then she poured one pint and presented it politely enough but missed the other one! It's not a big deal, but it felt like our drinks were an inconvenience to their evening. If our patronage is not appreciated, we will likely drink in more convenient places, where the service may be no better, but travel is easier. Also the choice of real ale was not as good as it has been - but this may be just the date we visited. Would be great to improve the staff training and get them to treat guests as if they are important to the business - I used to enjoy going to the Ridley Arms and hope that they identify the issues and make more of an effort.

The evening poor from start to finish. Restaurant was busy and looks like they're short of staff. The staff that were working were clueless, which appeared to be through lack of training. Took ages to even place a drinks order, they don't have a wine list, you ask for a wine you would like and they will go away and see if they have it OR you leave your table and go to the bar and look at a wine list on a blackboard behind the bar - unbelievable!! Eventually ordered our food, when it arrived plates and food was barely warm - suspect our order had been awaiting a server for some time but due to lack of staff it had been standing a long time. All in all not a pleasant experience.

Stunning food and a great selection of beers at the bar. Service is exceptional. Whats not to like? Well done. Steve

First impressions count , car park was heaving , inside was very busy , that said our visit went like clockwork , seated quickly , menus and drinks quickly thereafter , ordered Sunday roast , 2 chicken , 1 beef and 1 pork all were...

Gutted. We have been visiting the Ridley Arms for years, we always found the food lovely and the service good, but today was poor from start to finish. Serving staff were clueless, asked for a high chair which we ended up getting ourselves, asked for...

Amazing Sunday lunch!!! 8 hours later I'm still full. The veg, mash, Yorkshire nut roast, gravy...perfection. A lovely lunch and plenty of it.

The ambiance here is very pleasant - a very nice bar area to sit and have a casual meal and there is a restaurant area also for more formal dining. The menu is very extensive and we were very impressed that they have several vegetarian...

This was our first time visiting the Ridley and sadly it will be the last. We went for a meal to round off our Wedding anniversary celebrations and although my meal of Scampi and chips was nice my wife's meal of Roast Chicken was anything...

We were looking for a nice country pub with good food and relaxing atmosphere and Ridley Arms did not disappoint fantastic in every aspect already booked for our next meal. I have to say that all the staff from the moment we arrived to end...

Took my Mam for Sunday dinner as it was her birthday, the food was fantastic and service was brilliant. We will definitely be going back again and again.

Attended with family today ,the majority of the guests chose beef for their lunch ,it was advertised as topside of beef on the menu sadly this is not what was served . We actually received very fatty meat which we think was sirloin not topside...

Went with partner, son and 3 year old grandchild on spec. Taken to quiet area. Our main server, Karen, was very attentive and pandered to the 3 year old. His food was served quite quickly so as to maintain his interest. Food tasty and hot....

thankyou very much to the lovely owner who offered me a coffee and use of the toilets while I awaited breakdown recovery. Our holiday was cancelled but this gesture helped when we were feeling very stressed. they were not even open yet. what a lovely...

Great food. I had the lambs liver and my husband had the gammon, both were lovely. The staff were all lovely, very attentive and very knowledge of the menu. Would highly recommend

I visited this place with my wife for lunch midweek whilst staying in a local Airbnb and it was superb. The decor was nicely done, the staff all friendly and the food just perfect. As I was deciding where to take my father for his...

Popped in here on off chance they had vegan options as we were passing that way and was glad we did. They have a few vegan options and even though it was Sunday and the nut roast was only vegetarian they gave me several other...

We decided to try this place for a change and we’re certainly not disappointed at all from the warmth of every member of staff to the lovely feeling flowing through the entire place and yes to top it off great meal ,but the staff actually...

Food was delicious - I had pan fried liver with the trimmings. My husband had scampi and chips (although he did not rate the chips - he thought they were to pale and not crispy (his personal preference.) I wanted to have a pudding but...

Thank you to all at the Ridley Arms especially Jan and the gentleman whose name I sadly missed. Our reservation was mixed up due to our fault as we'd not specified we needed a dog friendly table. Despite this and being fully booked after a...

Had Sunday lunch today , first class I would recommend this place to anyone.Value for money nice staff!!!

We had a large booking last week and were informed before our arrival that there may be an issue in the kitchen, but they hoped to have it resolved quickly - we turned up anyway and were looked after amazingly by Jan and her team...

Excellent place to go. Lovely ambiance, great service, lovely staff both front and back of house. The food was fabulous and reasonably priced. Definitely one to go back to.

The food was fantastic. I had the chin of beef and it was sensational. My wife had Northumbrian pork chop and it’s the best she has ever had

Called in for a light bite at lunchtime and had the roast meat of the day bun, with a small jug of gravy and fries and the open roast chicken sandwich on sourdough bread again with fries. Both were tasty and acceptable in size for...

My wife has been in hospital for the past 10 days and Jonathan (Manager) and his team have looked after me fantastically. The food is excellent, as is the Ridley generally, and I cannot fault both their service and caring attitude. Thank you.

Visited for fathers day with family - faultless. Even though the restaurant was extremely busy we were served promptly and politely with Sunday lunches that were the best we have has for some time. Sweets were excellent too. Well done we will be back for...

My wife and I had lunch here on Wednesday 14th with two friends. From arrival to departure, the staff could not do enough for us. This is our second visit as we live in Scotland and only visit Morpeth a few times a year. The...

The staff were really helpful when our extended family called for lunch recently. Good sandwiches arrived fairly quickly. Would definitely call again if nearby.

I visited today - early evening - as I’d been in the area enjoying the countryside which is stunning. The Ridley Arms is somewhere I visited quite regularly around ten years ago and this was, pretty much, my first visit in many years. It was...

First time we have to the Ridley for food , table booked for 7.30p.staod for ages before someone came to see us , we were shown to a table stuck in the corner and basically left. We sat more than a half hour before I...

Very dissapointed today. The meals were just not up to any standard. Is it just me or are these places just trying too hard to be clever and exclusive and just missing the basic principles of well cooked food. The fish and chips that I...

We use the Ridley Arms quite often but since the end of Covid had noticed the service and food no longer lived up to what we had come to expect. Today we gave it another try for a late Sunday lunch at 5.15. Our expectations...

Perfect. Quick service and amazing food. We arrived at 5pm on a Sunday. Food and service both perfect

This pub has come through a lot of different organisational changes and managed the process, whilst endeavouring to provide an acceptable service level to customers. We enjoyed a good experience. Our family were welcomed and shown to our table, by very friendly staff who couldn’t...

We normally love the Ridley but we have arrived at 1.50pm for some lunch and the kitchen has been closed. I have seen the pub a lot busier than this and never experienced it. Very disappointed on a bank holiday Monday.

We took our family out for a meal around 4.30 pm Easter Saturday afternoon. Our son and daughter in law chose Risotto as a starter and i was astounded at the size of the portion they had at the exorbitant price of £8.50 each. no...

Went for Sunday lunch at 3.30 pm, ate in the bar as the restaurant was full which is fine with us. We had a chicken, beef and nut roast dinner. We had to wait a while, food was lukewarm and if it had not been...

Great for a pint, not so great for food. Friendly locals, nice bar staff, but typical SJF fayre and not well cooked. We gave the food a wide birth after a not so great experience a couple of years back. Tried again, and it’s still...

We've lived in the area for many years but amazingly this was the first time we've had a meal here. There were three of us and we all had starter, main and coffee/tea. The food was beautiful in every respect and, as I don't have...

Came here on a Thursday night for the first time for a meal. The food was delicious and well presented. Waitresses were friendly and attentive, couldn’t fault anything really. Would definitely return. One minor suggestion for improvement might be to add maybe another vegan option...

This place isn’t what it was. I had poor fish and chips, poor batter and chips. Small price of fish and hardly any chips. Partner had vegetarian lasagne and it was tiny. Thy will have to do better than this. I have been going for...

The Ridley arms must be under new management I always rave about this pub and have been numerous times and always give it top marks went yesterday 13/2/23 what a let down no mashed potato on my plate but on others we were a party...

We visit the pub for late Sunday lunch quite often and without fail we always find the service is very good. The staff are friendly and polite. The food is good, well presented and served hot in good time even when the restaurant is busy....

Every year the family all meet up for lunch at the Ridley Arms and always enjoy the atmosphere and good food, however having read some of the recent reviews of late I must admit I was a little apprehensive this year. We were greeted on...

Firstly can I say despite my poor mark the food was very very good. The chicken tikka skewer was amazing and the fish and chips great. My poor review is based simply on absolutely shocking service levels. We waited at least 15 minutes to get...

We were meeting family on 31st December at the Ridley Arms, we were booked for an early sitting at 16.30. The place was very warm and welcoming, the staff were very friendly and couldn't do enough for us. I can honestly say the food was...

We went for Sunday Dinner for a group of 8 plus dog. My mother in law had booked in advance but the table wasn't ready when we arrived. Ok sometimes that happens. So we ordered drinks from bar and waited in bar area. Once table...

Absolutely terrible service, the manager wants sacked, completely and utterly disinterested in serving customers or ensuring they’re happy. We had to wait 30 mins for our table even though we had pre-booked online. We had a dog and nothing was said until we sat at...

The service was excellent, staff were very attentive. A varied selection from sandwiches to Christmas menu ,even smaller plates for those who can't eat a full meal. My husband had chicken tikka kebab, which came with pitta bread , side salad, 2 sauces and chips...

We went for Sunday Lunch and had the Roast Dinner ( one chicken, one roast beef and a triple roast of chicken, pork & beef) Decent food,but very slow service( they even forgot our desserts & had to be reminded!!)

We wanted somewhere to have a meal early on a Sunday evening. When booking we were advised the kitchen closed at 19.00. Therefore we booked a table for 18.30 to give us time to order. We were welcomed and shown our table with an attentive...

Awful from start to finish. It took three hours from ordering until finishing our desserts, we only ordered Sunday lunch and dessert. We waiting over an hour And fifteen for our Sunday lunch which came lukewarm . We asked 4 times for our sides which...

The whole meal was unfortunately terrible. We had to wait for an hour between courses (and that was only because we chased, plates piled up, other table's courses delivered to our table instead. The food itself was ok but not too hot. Staff seemed clueless....

Poor service, poor food from a pub that used to serve good quality food with a smile. Won’t be back anytime soon.

Visited for a family Sunday lunch, food was okay but only got 2 small roast potatoes so asked for some mashed potato. 1 small quenelle came on a small dish and I was charged an extra £3.50, totally overpriced for an inadequate amount of mash....

Had table booked for Sunday lunch for three people, staff didn’t seem to switched on, ordered our food & drinks by the manager, still waiting 35 minutes later, a couple came in 15 minutes after us they had there food served to them within 10...

alang. Birthday Lunch for 4 adults and two small children 4 Sept. Although the main course food quality is generally good, the pricing and staff knowledge is unacceptable and, in some ways unbelievable. Taken to table very quickly and order requested for drinks, however when...

Visited for Sunday lunch with our two pups as the pub is now dog friendly . From the start we should have left : Tables were dirty, unwiped and the carpet disgustly full of dog hair . Two Sunday lunches a chicken and a beef...

Me and the hubs went for Sunday lunch today 4/9/22 been here loads of times as usual absolutely fabulous Sunday dinner great starters and fabulous dessert service was spot on will be continuing to come back in fact enquired about a table for 10 in...

Nice starters but otherwise the food was average. Children's meals were good. Had four different main courses, none of which were outstanding. We had booked for a family birthday knowing that we had to have a table in the bar because we had a small...

We enjoyed pints of well kept locally brewed ale. Disappointed to find that the specials board was no longer available - at 5pm. We chose steak and ale pies and smoked haddock fish cake. The latter got a thumbs up but the pie was almost...

Random finds on way to Whalton. Stopped for food. Lovely Sunday roast. Does have other options which looked good . Very spacious so if car park looks busy don't be put off Dog and child areas and quiet area at rear. Would recommend to friends...

Visited on the 8th July 2022 Our first visit since covid. We had a mixture of brie wedges and tempura prawns to start. Mussels fish and chips steak burger and lamb rump for main course. to finish cheese cake chocolate brownie and ice cream. .very...

Been years since I’ve been in The Ridley Arms and thought it an ideal place for a quick lunch while out and about with work colleagues. A hot day so we chose to sit inside. Despite the car park looking a little busy, inside there...

Visited on a busy Friday evening and was very impressed. Have had Sunday lunch on a few occasions but not eaten off the main menu. I had pâté which was amazing, only feedback is it should come with another piece of bread. Partner had Brie...

Eaten a lot there in the past but a recent trip was very disappointing due to the look of neglect. There were dead hanging baskets outside and the paved eating area at the back was covered with weeds in between the slabs. Not very nice...

Went yesterday late in the afternoon. There were signs of a very busy Sunday lunch service - dirty carpets and our table hadn’t been wiped down properly. First Sunday lunch here although we’ve eaten here maybe 6/7 times before and it had always been good....

This used to be a regular Sunday lunch destination for us but the last few visits have been disappointing compared to the excellent quality we had become accustomed to. Yesterday both my wife’s beef and my lamb were extremely dry and unappetising, one of my...

I'm a local and have been coming for years. Arrived last Sunday for lunch and because we hadn;t booked were told we could only eat in the bar even though the restaurant was quite got through some scrag end and frozen white roast pots.

I’ve always been a customer of the Ridley and we’ve increasingly been disappointed recently, not sure if it has changed hands or kitchen or something but it is certainly a far cry of what it used to be. Having many Sunday lunches here this one...

Went for Sunday lunch and it was appalling. Pre-sliced over cooked beef frozen dry roast potatoes, and passed their best vegetables. The beef was as tough as old boots and had no taste. Not cheap either. Won't be going back.

Visited the Ridley Arms for an evening meal while away on business. The pub was clean tidy and friendly, with a warm feel. The menu clearly shows that the food is prepared fresh for each customer and a nice selection of food. The service was...

Decided to try The Ridley Arms again - it has been a little while. Booked up for the restaurant and on arrival were given a table next to the bar - not a great start, particularly when the bar staff kept throwing empty bottles into...

Was looking forward to meeting friends for lunch. Lovely place and lovely setting but that’s where the good ends. Brought out incorrect order for me initially, then brought out correct order (hot roast (pork) stottie with fries. To be fair stotties didn’t look fresh and...

Visit to pub for a drink and lunch.Premises clean and tidy. Service excellent, food well presented and tasty. will call again

This is a traditional village pub with additional rooms forming a restaurant area. Great wood fire smell as you walk into the old fashioned bar from the large car park at the side. The bar, by the way is a very nice place to eat...

So sad. We've been going for decades so didn't even look at the reviews, not realising that things had changed. We hadn't been for a while, because of Covid, but it was still a surprise to realise we knew none of the staff. Not one....

We visited for a Sunday dinner. Friendly, helpful staff. Delicious, hot, filling food. Best roast dinner I've had in a while. Cosy decor. Make sure you request restaurant seating otherwise you'll be seated in the pub area near to the doors. We were amused by...

Over the years been here a few times and reviewed it favourably as fully deserved,this time however it was disappointing. Arriving we were told as we had not booked we may have to wait, there were lots of empty tables that were reserved that stayed...

Went for Sunday lunch with my wife and 2 kids aged 8 and 4. Too many supplements on the menu for the three course special. E.g. £1 supplement to have a beef dinner which I would have thought was pretty standard. Ended up having pork...

Always loved the Ridley but recent visit was the first since the chain was taken over. Food OK but not up to the usual high standard. Ambiance chaotic. Overall disappointing.

Really disappointed with our recent visit, it seems the pub has unfortunately gone seriously down hill. We arrived before the rest of our party and we’re shown to our table, my partner ordered coffees at the bar while we waited for the rest of our...

I was a bit apprehensive about having dinner here (the venue was chosen by the friends we were going with, for its location) because of the poor recent reviews, but in fact we had a great evening: delicious food and good service and a nice...

We came for Sunday Lunch with a party of 9. Sunday lunch was very nice. Cauliflower slightly underdone, but otherwise tasty food and good service. I’ll admit I was worried when my family member said they had booked a table here as the recent reviews...

Took our grandchildren for lunch today…. Lovely restaurant, lovely staff…. But very disappointed with the service. Waited 35 minutes for our drinks, even after asking twice from when we first ordered them. Infact our lunch came before the drinks. As if that wasn’t bad enough...

Returned to the Ridley arms for the 3rd time for fish & chips on a Friday, great offer two for twenty pounds and probably the best quality fish & chips I’ve ever had. What’s happened? Fish a third the size, over cooked, chips poor quality...

Came for a lunchtime meal. The smell from the wood fire was welcoming and the staff were attentive, and concerned we enjoyed our time at The Ridley Arms. The food was very tasty and served with minimum delay however ..... I had a main of...

Awful craft beer, flat, badly kept, service non existent. Food worse. Christmas Fayre, shocking. This pub has fallen so far down it’s unbelievable. Taken over following the sale of SJF and now owned by the PTMY group. It seems as though they have given up...