The Skiff Inn in Gateshead

We had food here two nights running and not only was the food excellent, the service was also superb with all staff super friendly and knowledgeable

My first time in The Skiff since the 1970s when it was well known as a rough pub! Four of us had a lovely lunch. Fish and chips, Gammon steak, Chicken Kiev and a chicken salad. The fish was massive and really tasty, the gammon was lovely and tasty with delicious home made onion rings, the chicken Kiev breast was massive! Must have been a giant hen! We'll be back!

Simply great food at great prices

The portents were good when we arrived for our meal. The restaurant was very busy but we only had to wait a couple of minutes to get a table. We skipped starters and went straight for main courses. My partner opted for an omelette while I went for the pasta carbonara. While my partner's omelette was adequate, my pasta was terrible. The pasta was limp and had no bite and the 'sauce' though plentiful looked and tasted as if it had come out of a supermarket bottle. To be fair, the people around us who had opted for burgers and steaks all looked reasonably happy. This would be a one star review, but the staff were friendly and efficient so it gets two. Although I personally wouldn't return, anyone who reads this would be well advised to stick to the burgers/steaks/chips in order to avoid disappointment.

First time here. Runs like a well oiled machine. Friendly staff. I had the jack daniels ribs from the specials menu. They tasted amazing and the portion was massive. I would highly recommend the Skiff Inn. Well done.

Really nice place to go if your staying in the hotels near by service is brilliant and the food is amazing

Will never come back to here, horrible food and found this in my cheese ham toasty am very un happy about this, made me feel ill

Never again on a Sunday. Been twice on a Sunday over the past couple of months and the owner the older gentlemen can’t do enough for you, but the rest of the staff every 2 minutes asking if we’re done I understand it’s busy but some people are slower eaters. £16.50 for a dinner and the veg comes out to ‘share’ which isn’t enough

I felt for an Italian run business the pizza was below average. Too much sauce and the cheese was odd and burned.

Have came here for years, consistently good food and atmosphere with reasonable prices. Hard to beat!

Nice meal had to ask staff to be served they had served 2 other couples who came in after us we all sat in conservatory bit can't understand why we weren't asked we were there first then I ordered a extra Yorkshire pudding it didn't arrive still waiting for it come after reminding staff so checked we weren't charged for it meal was nice though guess we just were invisible probably won't be back staff need to treat all customers the same gave 4 stars for atmosphere only because a lovely couple with a baby were so friendly and helpful 😀

AS ALWAYS EXCELLENT SUNDAY LUNCH

Order took along time to arrive. Menu didn't give full description of recipe content. No allergies discussed. Waitress didn't relay the order correctly. Portion size seemed small. Glad my Sister Paid !!!!

I visited the Skiff Inn while I was in Newcastle for work. The Skiff Inn is a good mix of Italian/English cousin. Also, it is a proper family run pub, which it's always a plus. I was served by Pietro, lovely gentleman from Sardinia, who kindly looked after me. Great food, excellent service.

I am working away currently and popped here as it's next to the hotel I am staying at. I was only going in for a couple of drinks. I looked at the menu and opted for the steak pie. Well I'm glad I did. Home cooked chips, mushy peas and the pie, a generous wedge of pie with a short crust pastry and what must have been 4oz of the most tender steak in a rich gravy. I'll be going back soon to try something else on the menu. All home cooked

This is great restraunt, very cosy. The service is very good and the food is fab. Have the steak pie, amazing. Nice handy for the hotels as well.

When going for a pub lunch. You don't expect to be given a can of coke with dirty glasses. When asked what I'd like to drink with no menu and given a dirty look like I should know what they sell. The can of coke is part of multipack and clearly states not to be sold separately. The gluten free options are absolutely diabolical. Then to be charged £4.50 for 2 cans of coke. Will not be returning.

Popped in while local without a reservation, greeted warmly, seated promptly and food/drink/service was top drawer. Kids treated well, Joe bringing my daughter a doll to play with a nice touch. Wouldn’t hesitate to return if in the area.

Lovely staff, great food and not badly priced. Lots of choice of food which is always a positive. Next to the Metrocentre which is perfect after a day of shopping.

No kidding…the best mixed grill I have had. Flavorful and with the black pepper sauce….perfection! Friendly staff and nice environment

I've been staying at the holiday inn and have been the skiff every night the pub is well run , all the staff are courteous and helpful and the food is amazing but beware the chicken wing challenge is hot and spicey. all in all a great pub great staff, great food and reasonably priced.

Lovely pub for English or Italian food or just a drink . Special menu's sometimes available - tasty! The posset was especially tasty. Old Papa Joe (owner) often wanders about chatting with customers.

Been here many times food been good but tonight 6 September 24 the food was awful .we had calzone and chicken Kiev the Kiev was burnt the chips were all little bits the garlic was sauce on the top not inside the kiev the calzone was tasteless we won't be going bk

Food was back to being amazing this visit. 5/9/24. Yes the prices have gone up again, just like everywhere else. Portion sizes seem to be back to normal (after they downsized them) Definitely worth a visit.

Make sure you are really hungry because portions are huge. On 2nd night going we had kids meals and still could not manage a dessert. Fantastic food at good prices. The staff were all so friendly. Cannot give any negatives, it was excellent.

Love this place Great for families lots of choice really reasonably priced food delicious

My favourite place to eat when working in Gateshead, the place does get busy and sometimes there is a waits, but it's so worth it. The food is plentiful and so tasty. The service is really friendly and all staff are attractive. The Price is the best part as it's so value for money. Also a great pint of Guinness.

Cannot believe I have never been here before!! Staff were so friendly and atmosphere great... Food unreal, however eyes bigger than belly so ended up taking some home ... Will definitely be back.

Restaurant quality food in a local pub setting. Plenty of options from home cooked style stuff like pie and mince and dumplings, pub grub like burgers and pizza, grill and gastro/restaurant meals and everything that came out the kitchen (we were sat by the kitchen door!) looked amazing. Friendly and welcoming and great value.

5* all round. Been going here for years. We go most sundays for lunch and sometimes for tea on a week day. Definitely recommend this place.

Third visit last week previously I posted excellent ordered the fillet steak with Diane sauce 30quid portion was tiny wouldn’t have fed a child not sure what’s happened very disappointing

One of bar staff was a little sort we will be back to get numbers lol

Just visited. Firstly, the food was great. What was the let down was the FOH staff. They all look so miserable. After our meal, we were asked by the waiter if we wanted to order desserts. Not seen the board yet. We kept trying to make eye contact with the team and in the end we gave up and paid the bill. The diver tip should really go to the kitchen only. Sort the FOH out and it's fine. Unhappy staff = poor service and most likely terrible managers

I’m not usually the type to leave reviews but the outstanding first class service and delicious food at The Skiff compelled me to do so. My family and I are staying in The Holiday Inn over the road and were just looking for a convenient spot to eat. We weren’t expecting such a lovely place at all! Smashing friendly staff and a really enjoyable meal. They accommodated our diets (veggie) in such a nice way too. If you miss a trip to this place you’re missing out!

Unfortunately feel like the standards of this place have deteriorated. We ordered steak pie , pasta arabiatta and two flatbread all of which are around £15. The flat reads were huge with alot of salad but very little chicken. The arabiatta is delicious as always however again only about five small pieces chicken. The pie was recommended however although steak was tender there was very little in it more gravy than anything and the chips were obviously frozen. Best thing about it was mushy peas. Now the service. The girl who served us ,although quite polite had the longest nails and eyelashes which seems very inappropriate for someone handling food. She was also very 'slapdash' dropping a dirty knife onto my friends trousers and not even seeming bothered at all. The very young lad serving drinks I must say was lovely and very pleasant. Just disappointed and won't be rushing back or recommending to friends anymore.. Needs improvement in standards for value or money

Great staff. Food & drink are average prices. The old man who owns the pub could not be any more friendly & always makes sure your food is made the way you want. You can have your meal as a carry out. I will be back if in the area again. The pub is between 2 hotels the Travel Lodge & THE Holiday Inn. The pub is only 10 min walk from the Metrocentre or a 2 to 3 min drive away with it's own free car park.

Meal out for 11. Food and service excellent. Value for money.

Sunday dinners are bloody heavenly here 😋

Hadn’t been for a while went with my son and his partner, was very disappointed in the food tbh for what we paid, I don’t no if it’s changed management as it used to be lovely. The best thing about it was the people who served us won’t be back in a hurry.

We have been for a couple of days for a break and have eaten both nights here. Can honestly say we have both enjoyed all the meals we have had and we have been made to feel so welcome, almost like family but it is Newcastle so I'm not not surprised. The staff are brilliant and the food is so good. Cannot recommend this place enough honestly. Thank you for everything.

A cost-effective restaurant with a lot of portions and above-average taste. It’s worth visiting again.

Absolutely delicious food . It was packed and we had to wait for a table, but even that was fun. Happily sat people watching and chatting to others waiting. There’s such a friendly and welcoming atmosphere that it’s a joy. The staff were funny and kind even though they must have been exhausted. The food is all cooked fresh and is wonderful.

Great food and friendly staff.love how they treat my grand children, too

I cant really review the food as we didn't actually get any, we called yesterday to ask if we needed to reserve a table for this evening, the lady replied no not at all just turn and they would sort us a table, we arrived and the guy on the door asked if we had reserved, we said no, he says very abruptly sorry we're fully booked turned and walked away extremely rudely!

Early tea for birthday, can't comment of the steaks as I had pasta but others in the group enjoyed theirs. It did get busy towards 7.00pm recommend booking. Traditional set up with owner in his 80's checking the guests were having a good time, lovely touch and family atmosphere. (no chain feel) Food cooked to order and great service.

We just decided to dine here on our way home definitely no regrets meals were fantastic and the desserts mmmmm lovely staff very friendly and has a lovely atmosphere will definitely be back

It's been a while since I was here and the food was delicious. All three of us enjoyed it. The staff are so friendly and helpful. Will be my go-to when I'm in this area

Best ever place in Gateshead and Newcastle family run staff are always friendly we love pa. food excellent atmosphere beautiful definitely recommend to everyone

It is a spectacular place decorated with old things that give you a feeling that you are centuries before, the service is spectacular, and the food is delicious. The prices, even though we are in England in an old and historic city, are more than acceptable. We had lunch and dinner several times and the presentation of the meals is really worth it. A highly recommended place.

Great service excellent food. Some of the best customer service I've received even with a full house

Great food and service. Plenty car park places. Not crowded . Perfect afternoon.

Was here yesterday with my family food was excellent lots of it staff were brilliant will definitely be going back again

Excellent food, with massive portions and very good staff. Would highly recommend, providing you have a big appetite. 😉

Great food Great service felt sorry for young lad who spilled our drinks, did not spoil our Father's day 👏

After a very long journey we had an enjoyable meal in lovely surroundings. The staff were all very friendly and welcoming. It was lovely to be able to relax and enjoy our meal!

Where do I start... We went to the Skiff Inn and had the warmest welcome ever. The food was absolutely delicious, it was proper home cooked food with generous portions. If we weren't just passing through, we would be there on a regular basis. Papa Joe was such a lovely host, and a very charming and interesting man. All the staff made us feel at home and were so helpful, warm and friendly. We would definitely be visiting again if we are visiting the north! You guys are great!!!

Birthday day treat for the hubby. Very small piece of steak, but he enjoyed it, so that's the main thing.

Great service good chat with Papa Joe about the old country. The tomahawk pork was sublime.

Here last year so booked up for our anniversary meal what a disappointment average meal disappointment all round

This is a difficult review to write as its very clear that the older guy is really trying to give everyone a top experience and great service, the problem he has is he's not the only staff member. It's not often that the food is just put at one end of the table and you pass them around to the others. It was the same with the drinks. The food was alright. We had various dishes from Guinness and steak pie, hoisin beef, lasagne, Chicken and Halloumi burger and Giant filled Yorkshire pudding. Nothing was bad it just wasn't amazing either. We really liked the atmosphere. This was made much better by the really helpful nice older guy that we assume is the owner. I really do hope his staff step up and try as hard as he is.

Excellent service. Excellent food. Excellent atmosphere. Good sized portions and never disappoints. Highly recommended.

Lovely food and wonderful staff well done the skiff

Me and my partner came here for a last-minute bank holiday weekend carvery, as expected the pub was packed and we were told there would be an hour wait for a seat for two. Surprisingly we were seated within 10-15 minutes, and received our food within another 15-20 minutes. The quality of the food was outstanding. We didn't think it was too unreasonably priced either. Overall, a successful visit, and would definitely come again.

Not to be dramatic when I say I’d sell my Nan for this food! It’s so delicious. When we walked in we told it would be an hour wait but got sat down within around 15 minutes and food arrived about 15 minutes later. So don’t be deterred by the wait. The food was well priced and worth every penny! Can’t wait to be dreaming about this for the next few weeks.

Excellent food, friendly service and good atmosphere

Our table was booked for 2:00pm we arrived 13:15 as we thought a couple of drinks beforehand would be nice. We were met by the manager who said we were too early and could not stand in the bar area. We ordered a round of drinks that took ages to do as there didn’t seem to be any designated bar staff. We were being continually being told we could not stand in the bar area and after we eventually got our drinks we were told told we had to go outside in the rain, there was no protection from the rain! Had we not pad a deposit we would have left, I have travelled from Norfolk and met family members to scatter my sisters ashes on her birthday and agreed to frequent The Skiff for Sunday lunch. The manager didn’t ruin the day but, he didn’t deserve our business and he didn’t get the he full amount from us he could have. As a party of ten 3 decided not to eat the rest of us had one course and no more drinks. Once the bill was paid in total just under £180-00 we were asked to leave as the table was needed. No tip was left, silly silly rude man he could have had about £500-00 out of us for better service and attitude. He will never see us again, I hope his attitude and rudeness get their just deserves I feel sorry for his staff he is rude and probably robs them of tips.

Very good food, nice and warm atmosphere. Thanks for the great stay

Good honest, home cooked food and great service

My partner and I took his mam for birthday tea after not being here for years. We weren't disappointed. From arriving the staff were incredibly friendly and went out of their way . Myself and his mam had pasta arrabiata and Roma and they were both delicious and huge portions. My partner had steak and ale pie and it was full of huge pieces of tender steak. Desserts were sticky toffee pudding and cheesecake which again went down very well. Highly recommend . Prices also very reasonable. Will definitely be back soon

first time here,,, excellent service,, very good choice menu .... very good meal,, definitely will come back again very soon My friend had the seafood platter,, and I had a sirloin steak,, both lovely

We came to the skiff for a family meal tonight for a birthday, friendly service as we arrived but that's when the good service stopped. We ordered meals which were lovely but no one came to check how the food was, no one came over to see if we wanted more drinks. When we finished we waited for about 20 minutes and no one came to clear the table or offer desserts even tho staff had looked over a number of times, it was like we were invisible. We ended up going to the bar to ask for the bill before we left. We have been here before and loved it and the previous service was always great. It was a quiet wednesday night with not many tables full. We did mention to the staff member who gave us the bill that the service wasn't good enough and she apologised but it wasn't her fault it was the other staff members who had ignored us. Really disappointed tonight and we won't be back.

Visited this evening for a belated birthday celebration and although the food was good the service was appalling. No one came to check that our food was ok or to ask if we wanted anymore drinks. we then sat for 30 minutes and no one cleared the table or asked if we would like a dessert. The waitresses looked our way on numerous occasions but totally ignored us. Rest assured we will not be returning.

Let's be honest the pub doesn't look too good from the outside, but go in and it's fine. We were staying in the hotel next door and we ate in there every night of the three we stayed. You just can't fault the staff, they were so friendly and attentive, I just wish I knew there names to thank them. The food was exceptional, I had the best carbonara I've ever had, the garlic prawns were delicious, if you stay in a hotel nearby, go there and you won't be dissapointed.

Sunday lunch absolutely lush best one around

Love this place used to work at sister company

This was a great find, within a few steps of the hotel we were stayed at, The Skiff Inn staff were friendly, prompt service and very good food, would thoroughly recommend and use again.

Loved The Skiff. Convenient walking distance from a major hotel chain, excellent friendly service. The food was delicious and no one rushed us on trying to flip the table. Highly recommend this restaurant.

Working in Newcastle for 3 weeks. Came across this place on day one and we have been back 6 times. Sandy finished the job tomorrow but I'm sure we will fit one for night in. Top quality 👍

Best food ever! The photos speak for themself. You wont find better pub food anywhere else!

Delicious! You can get some Italy inspired or Asia inspired plates but also some classics. Try the desserts too. The beer and ciders were very good too. Friendly staff will help you decide on food and drinks.

Me and my Mam often visit the Skiff on a Monday night. Neither of us have had a bad meal here. The staff are all absolutely brilliant so friendly and nothing is ever a problem. The odd time we go with my sister and her 3 little ones the staff always have time for the kids. 10/10 Skiff will be visiting again soon 😀

Waiters where lovely couldn't do enough for you will definitely be back

Poor customer service food okay

Don't be fooled by the building exterior the inside was lovely. My wife had a pizza and myself a calzone, both fabulous and for a great price. Staff were very helpful and polite. I would recommend to others.

Travelled all the way from Reading to Newcastle, staying in the nearby Holiday Inn and wanted a bite to eat …. this place exceeded all expectations. Really friendly staff, sensible prices and most importantly awesome food - we had a spread of things (starters, pasta and pizzas) but the star of the show for me was the bolognese pizza … just yum!

Pleasant staff, clean enviroment, varied menu. Filled up really quickly. Meal was hot and and a fair portion. I had fajitas chose steak. It was slightly over cooked, a couple of pieces grisly. My friend had the Mexican burger and enjoyed.

Great food and service and very handy location.

Could not have made you feel more welcome! Great bunch of staff,girls and Louis. Great menu and drinks selection. I rec ommend the peppero1ni pizza and mussels in tomato & chilli.

Been tonight good Friday 4 adults 2 teenagers amazing food staff lovely service excellent prices very good its lovely to find such a friendly place

Fantastic. Food, service and staff absolutely brilliant. Welcoming friendly very helpful.

Excellent Sunday lunch, home cooked and plenty of it, highly recommended

Great food with lots of choices on the menu and always busy!

Ate here last year whilst staying at holiday express nearby,forgot to leave review,staff were excellent food was really good, honestly can't fault owt if ever in area again would definitely eat here again

Excellent food and service.... popular venue and rightly so.... ate here 2 nights and greatly enjoyed both meals.... well worth a visit!!

I took my family for a meal today 16/3/2024. What a wonderful experience it was. I had visited before, a long time ago. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Food was a delight. I couldn't have had a better night. Will make a return visit very soon.

Popped in for a late lunch at 2.00pm on a Wednesday afternoon and it was still busy which was a good sign. I had the Mexican chicken burger which I wouldn’t normally order but it was a whole chargrilled chicken breast with all the usual trimmings and it was delicious! The little pot of hot chilli sauce was amazing. Great food, good prices and super friendly staff. 10/10 ⭐️

Food was fantastic and generous portion sizes. Would definitely recommend and visit again if in the area. Staff helpful and friendly.

The food was wonderful. Home cooked and delicious. Great for vegetarians and meat eaters. Very good value. The service was spot on. Amazed that we were served such obviously fresh food so quickly in such a packed restaurant. I would recommend that you book.

First visit in a long while all spot on 👍will be back

Convenient from the Holiday Inn, though unattractive from outside. A New Drainpipe plus some Soap 'n Water might add to Your Staff's Pride. The interior is Cleanly Rustic and the Menu fairly Extensive. Staff are more than Efficient , whilst priceing is NOT Expensive.