Westminster Bar and Restaurant in Sunderland

came for a pre show meal with family. I ordered the lasagne which was clearly microwaved as the temperature was not consistent throughout. The salad dressing that came with it must have had a whole bottle of salad creamed tossed in with it, it was vile. One of the staff members, the young lad, seemed to be the only one who cared to be there as the others just stood around chatting doing nothing. One thing to consider is maybe put some salt and pepper on the table because that may have made my meal more bearable. To end on a positive is does seem like a lovely place and i’m sure it’s buzzing on a nighttime but just wasn’t the best this time :).

Mum & I called in here before going to the theatre. From the moment we walked in we received exceptional customer service from George. He was so helpful & made our vist really comfortable. We enjoyed the mixed platter plates. Definitely will be returning during our next theatre trip. Thanks George! 🙂

10 of us met up for lunch on a Friday wasn't open despite website saying it was. Very disappointing. Have tried to phone multiple times to clarify correct opening times. No one answers !

Visited early today. Very few people in it was approx 5.30ish. Bearing in mind their FB. States cocktails and the Windows of the place also states cocktails.. The Barman could do with a bit customer care training I asked for a cocktail menu to which he replied we don't do cocktails. His whole manor wasn't great so we just went elsewhere. Sadly won't recommend or return

Used to rate this place but today was totally disappointed. From having to rely on a fellow customer to assist us with wheelchair access having a young girl ignoring our difficulties with getting into the restaurant we found the service to be somewhat slapdash. Staff were rather offhand and curt and then sitting down with their own lunch obsessed with their own mobile phones left us feeling like unwanted guests. Made our own way out with our home made door wedges without any staff helping us out of the restaurant with our wheelchair. Would hesitate to revisit this establishment.

Sunday lunch was delicious, roast beef melted in your mouth and the Yorkshire puddings were huge. Would definitely return.

I’ve reviewed this place several times and it’s always got 5 out of 5. Did Sunday lunch last weekend and it was good. However the beef dinner we alway have had half as much beef as normal. Now if this is a cut back because of the financial!!! Crisis then please increase the price so we can get the same quality 👍on a massive plus side they now have Wi-Fi 🎉

We went for a pre theatre lunch by default as Let down by Aperitif. The staff were friendly, great customer service. Food was really good quality, fresh and generous portions. Can’t fault and was pleasantly surprised

Myself and my 81 year old mum found this little gem. After Riverdance was cancelled at short notice we were already en route from Scotland to Sunderland with an overnight stay booked. We didn't want to waste it and well, we sure didn't. We had a gorgeous meal in The Engine Room then moved along to the Rabbit bar. Best decision ever. As soon as we got in the music had us going. Mum particularly loved the 1960's remix mashed up with new music. Was absolutely brilliant we had an absolute blast and talking and dancing with so many lovely people. Fantastic crowd. Fun and friendly!! I probably asked the DJ for too many requests and he was very obliging and played every single one. We were in there for over 2 and a half hours of just pure much needed fun. Sunderland thankyou! We will be back!!!

We always visit here now due to the electrifying atmosphere and great range if music. It’s now been extended and has three floors with a beautiful roof top terrace. Drinks reasonably priced. Fairly quick service (it gets really busy after about 9pm) Food menu looked great but when we visited on a Friday night they were unfortunately not serving food but we’ll definitely pop in for food and drinks another time.

We Have called in here Several times since the relaxation on lockdown. Few times during the day for lunch but more importantly for Sunday lunch. Still the best Sunday lunch in the area and still the best customer service. Unfortunately still the worst wifi which I keep telling them. The social distancing procedures are excellent and we go nearly every Sunday for lunch.

Went for lunch today and the food was amazing, I honestly couldn't fault it. However, the bar itself STUNK to the high heavens of stale booze. It hits you like a tonne of bricks when you walk in. Furthermore, the staff members that served us had stern frowns and clear expressions that they did not want to be there. A young girl with brown eyes and black hair was the most miserable looking waitress I've ever seen. She also had a touch of an attitude. Just to finish off with a positive, I would say the food is amazingly priced. Affordable and delicious. Just the staff need some trining in customer service. At least TRY to smile in front of the customers.

Great value, great food, lovely atmosphere will definitely be returning! The lasagne was the best I have tasted anywhere.

Called in for pre theatre drinks. The place was pretty full probably because there had been a football match on . Lots of drunk people early on . We only had the one and left

Visited the Rabbit for a quick lunch, i had chilli cheese loaded fries. Really nice and i think they were about 5/6 pound. I also had a Long Island Iced Tea (£7/£8) and i have to say its the best one I've ever had. I'm normally hesitant to order them because i rarely get a nice one but I'll definitely be back here!

Good and unusual variety of menus. Atmosphere good and back ground music not too loud. love the booths which give privacy for groups

Called in before the theatre for drinks only, fairly quiet so served quickly, staff were really nice, lovely decor & food being served/consumed looked lovely.

Becoming quite the regular here! Beautiful Christmas decorations in the restaurant window which immediately caught our attention. I opted for the Chicken Curry and my brother went for the children’s nuggets and fries. Food was piping hot and very quick! Great conversation with staff, very polite and checked in with us throughout our time in the restaurant. Overall great food, drinks and attentive staff. Will definitely be returning!

I have never meet staff as rude as these they found us a table said they would be back in two minutes twenty minutes later we were still waiting I asked for a menu and was abruptly told we would have to wait so we got up and left would not go back

I went into The Rabbit first then realised I needed to be next door for food....It was quite busy being a Saturday lunch time but I could honestly find no fault with the staff or the food.Staff very helpful - I had tried to reserve a table online but never got a response so was a little wary - I was found a table upstairs and she brought my drink... food took a while as it was fresh and hot so all good there too! Portions are quite large and seemed to be busy with families as prices are reasonable.Thanks to the lady who served me - she made me feel accepted as a single diner :)

Visited on Sunday with my parents and 1 year old son, ordered 2 beef dinners and 1 pork, we also asked for an extra plate to give some of our dinner to my son. The beef was lovely and tender, the pork was a little dry so don’t think we would order that again but the rest of the food was lovely. The only criticism would be it needs more gravy so next time would ask for extra gravy.

On visiting this establishment we saw that it was busy. Tables were available so we took one and ordered some food. An empty table we tried to take was reserved prior to our order. 40 minutes later I went to the bar to ask when we would get our food and noticed the previously empty reserved table was now occupied and they were nearly finished eating. We decided to leave as plenty of others were waiting long before us. I’m pleased we left as the whole event left a bad taste. We will not be going back and have informed many people about the poor poor service

Visited this bar for drinks after seeing a show at the Empire. Extremely busy, but did not wait long to be served drinks. Overall it was a good experience.

Wow! So much food for such a reasonable price! Roast, pudding, potatoes several ways, and a dish of veggies. I wish I lived in Sunderland - I'd be at The Rabbit every Sunday after church!!

Good selection of food. well cooked and presented. Surprised at amount on plate. The only shortfall was the quality of the scampi. Waitresses very helpful and pleasant.

We visited the Rabbit for a quick bite to eat before heading to the cinema. The menu is very basic but from our experience at least it was executed perfectly. Burgers were spot on. Staff were attentive and responsive. generous portions. good price. spot on.

Travelled to Sunderland for spice girls and had anticipated the town being busy! Couldn’t get a table anywhere else for food but found this place was serving so we went in. Set ‘spice girls’ menu which pleased so we found a table and was told someone would be over to take a drink and food order. No one showed. 10 minutes passed I asked at the bar where we order food. Was told at the table. Went back. Nobody. At least 10+ staff working - the bar was fairly busy but with that amount of staff you’d expect at least 1 to be there for taking orders and running food orders. So after a good 20-25 minutes I queued at the bar and ordered drinks - four cocktails. Well two cocktails came, had to wait what felt like forever for the other two as they were made with no rush - but they looked like what could only be described as ‘curdled’ - a barman - the only one who looked remotely like he knew what he was doing noticed this and redid these. Eventually while I was queuing at the bar for drinks my friend had grabbed a ‘waitress’ and asked if we could order. Can I point out I am in no way saying it was quiet but for the staff to customer ratio there was ample staff! And the only other people we could see eating was a table of 6! On ordering my friend asked if she could have chips not rice with her curry - to be told rudely ‘no the chef won’t do that, it’s a set menu’ - it’s hardly a huge ask but no the curry came with rice! Two chilli burgers and a korma order. On the only plus side (hence the 1 star!) food arrived quickly and actually wasn’t bad however no one checked on us, cleared plates once we had finished - simply no service. Having ran a busy hotel and restaurant myself I know it is basic knowledge and a sign of good service in a good establishment to do a check back! Doubt we will be back in Sunderland and definitely not back to this bar! Didn’t report to staff as when we went to pay the member of staff we asked didn’t even know how to put food through the till! I must add and this is echoed in other reviews - the music quality is shocking!!

Came here before seeing Fame the Musical. Lovely quick and easy meal, very well priced too. Would go again for some quick lunch. No complaints, very simple and easy. Although did pop in on a night out once and it looked VERY different. Far too crowded and smelly

Visited this bar for number of years. But over last year it’s deteriorating badly. Firstly, door staff all think there something special, the head one called Steve (aged around 70) is a control freak. He picks and chooses as he likes in bar!!! The rest of door staff look like there straight out of jail. Get passed them, your met with a dirty, smelly bar. Overpriced watered down drinks. Toilets are unusable. Only good point is the dj. Better, cleaner, friendlier bars in Sunderland city centre than this “dump”. Would not be surprised if closed down by end of summer.

Didn't eat here but it was a great place for a few beers for a group of fellas from out of town. The locals were really friendly, the DJ played great tunes for us oldies and we even met Lee the owner and he bought us a round of jagerbombs. Proper gent!!

I have visited here several times and always have beautiful food. The staff are friendly and the Yorkshire pudding wraps are to die for!

Visited this bar on Friday night and can't believe how terrible the sound quality was.

Was here on Saturday night for friends 60th birthday they played really good music and we had a good laugh and a dance the dj was good fun too

Visited here for the first time for food and it certainly won’t be the last. Sunday lunch was amazing. They have a normal menu available as well as Sunday lunch. Prices were very reasonable. Would definitely recommend 😁

Great selection of tasty food all reasonably priced. Service was excellent and pleasant polite staff. Perfect location for lunch with friends.

Going to The Sunderland EMpire we always have a meal beforehand. Our usual restaurant was full so we decided to just have a drink and go hungry. However on crossing over the road we noticed a sign advertising food and decided to give it a go. So glad we did!

We were going as acfamilyngroup to see Miss Saigon at Sunderland' magnificent EmpirebThestre, and had searched for an eating place, with our preference being for an establishment near to the theatre. ThecRabbit, practically next door to thevEmpire, was in a perfect location, so, not having eaten in Sunderland, or even visited the City in years, we booked a table for four, as a luncheon spot prior to thevshow.

Visited here last night with the girls and had a dance and class night really good atmosphere and really good music and carling cider is delicious would love to try the food as the Yorkshire pudding wraps look amazing

The barman took my drink away, I still some left, my husband complained at the bar & was asked did I just have a bit left he would have thought I was finished!! & then she continued to stare at me. Absolutely shocking. I used to love this pub but tonight as totally spoiled it for me

Visited here last night with the girls and had a dance and class night really good music and carling cider is delicious would love to try the food as the Yorkshire pudding wraps look amazing

Didn’t plan on popping in here late Friday night but as we passed the music was too good just to walk past!

Stumbled into this place as it was over the road to our hotel. Nice bar, good selection of reasonably priced drinks. DJ was banging out tunes from all decades and soon got the place rocking. Clientele was the most varied I have ever seenand all were having a good time #chicorytip

Formerly The Westminster/Dead Rabbit its now another name cgange. Called in yesterday fir our sunday dinners. Wife had roast beef dinner and i had pie and chunky chips. Still reasonably priced and good value for money but think the standard of food slightly not as good. On saying that we both enjoyed our meals and would go back again.

I visited here on the 28th May with my husband and our 2 friends on our way to a local restaurant. While there I fell over having a dance which resulted in a very serious nasty break in my leg and ankle.

This bar is a real party place on Fridays and Saturdays, with a great DJ playing party music.

The Yorkshire pudding wrap was dry, sadly no amount of gravy could fix that. The burgers were also dry and when the waitress took it away, I had a comment of "what a waste". Not a waste when it's dry. Not coming back.

Went with extended family, staff very friendly, clean place, nice main meals and drinks at very reasonable prices. Would have had pudding, but when staff have to go to the chiller, then write a list, made us think, how long have they been in the chiller !! So we passed on those.

We went to the dead rabbit with my family for mother's day.the food was really good and enjoyable.the staff were very polite and they were really good considering we had a few rowdy children with us.would be going back as the meals were lovely and affordable.

Had lovely fish and chips on Good Friday before seeing the Jersey Boys. Staff were excellent. my only complaint was air conditioning was very cold. But second visit didnt disappoint. Love it here,

Called in one Tuesday evening before the match. Service was friendly and quick and prices were fair and reasonable.

This venue has had an overhaul and is now called The Rabbit.

We went into this bar last night and the music was so loud we left our drinks and came out. The DJ had no idea about sound quality it was so loud all you could hear was the bass thumping. Everyone around us said the same thing the music was good but if you don't want ear damage I would give this bar a wide birth

"Young people aged 16 or 17 can drink beer, wine or cider with a meal if it is bought by an adult and they are accompanied by an adult.

i was in hear for my friends birthday having drinks. the music was good (different types of music) The pub was busy but you could still dance and have a good time.

Went here twice now, ordered the 3 meat Yorkshire wrap and it was brilliant, the portion size is briiliant. We also got the corned beef. Brilliant service and great place. Would recommend.

One of the best lunches for the price and quality I've had in a long time. We had the fish and chips lovely and fresh. Also had the chicken curry rice and chips really nice . pleasant staff would definitely GI back

I honestly don't know how this place isn't packed every day. The food is always perfect, it's reasonably priced and the service is fantastic.

Been a few times now food is so tasty and home cooked.... also very cheap. Staff very attentive . Worth a visit

If visiting on a tight time-frame, book your order in, in advance. Half hour wait, had ran out of a quite a few basic staple menu items (chips for crying out loud!) at lunchtime (12.30) when you consider that they serve food until early evening it doesnt say a lot for the place. They mixed up an order and it took 15 minutes and two reminders to resolve by which time the rest of the party was nearing finish. One of the party asked for their coffee with the meal and it didnt arrive until later despite being asked for ehrn the food arrived so she had to eat without her drink. Dont get me wrong the decor is nice (dead rabbit pictures aside) but the slowness of the service lets this badly down.

Food is Fantastic, menu and daily specials are Fantastic Service really good, Prices really good. I won't be going anywhere ells for food in Sunderland.

First time me and my husband have eaten here. We will defiantly be returning. The Sunday lunch we had was beautiful. Everything was homemade.there was a choice of meats, we chose beef,it was so lean and you got plenty. The staff were friendly, and the...

I visit Westminster and the dead rabbit every SAFC home game and a the odd night out which are both part of the same established. These offer great larger/beer deals at a fair price and the food is always amazing, it's also child friendly which...

I have had poor experience with the food twice I've been now. The only reason I have marked average is because it is merely my opinion and others may have liked this...also, I could not fault the staff that served me both times. On this...

Feel like this kind of place is what the town has been missing, perfect to call in mid shopping or whatever, service is nice and friendly, the food is very nice aswell. Been twice up to now and if these standards remain the same we'll...

We went to the Dead Rabbit Sunderland which is part of the Westminster staff very friendly pleasant and helpful food was quick hot and really good will definitely be back

WESTMINSTER SUNDERLAND After having my xmas treat for my family with a meal and the panto and after having previously eaten at the Westminster with 19 of my family i will not be going back again i booked early in advance as i had the...

Visited here for lunch with my partner.I had the gammon which came with all fresh veg and Yorkshire pudding my partner had the roast beef absolutely beautiful.Staff friendly and helpful,didn't wait long for our meal really good price we couldn't ask fior more.see you all...

We visit here often for meals during the day so decided we would have our engagement party here.Wow we were not dissapointed.Lee and the other staff made sure we had a night to remember from sorting the catering which was 1st class (everybody commented on...

Increíble calidad a un gran precio! ! ! 5. 95 por panini y patatas fritas y ensalada de mano preparado al lado hermosa nueva renovación

Visited for lunch with my partner.Ordered 2 meals off the specials board.We both decided too have mince and dumplings which you can have with chips or veg.we har the veg mash potatoes roast potatoes,carrots ,cabbage.Could not fault anything it was absolutely lovely.Staff go out of there way too help if you need anything.With drinks it came too less than £12.This isn't the first time we ve been we liked it so much we had our engagement party here.Once again outstanding everyone commented on the food and how fab the staff are, and it was a fab night.it certainly is a credit to sunderland.

The staff are fantastic and the food is really good and reasonable. Best place to go before going to the Theater.

Went here on Sunday & the Sunday dinner was amazing one of the best we've had! On par with The Wolsey, Signatures & The Barnes. Couldn't fault it! Lots of meat & fresh vegetables. Desserts were fab too. Staff very friendly & obliging. Comes highly recommended

Disabled toilet really filthy you can see it as you walk into the toilet the staff are very friendly

Visited at lunch time & went for the two main courses for £9.95 menu. I chose the gammon roast & my daughter chose the roast beef. Both meals came with roast & mashed potates, swede, white cabbage, carrots & yorkshire pudding. The food was lovely & we both cleared our plates.

We called in here on default really as Fitzgerald's have crossed Sunday lunch and all the other best things off the menu. Service excellent and the lunch was the best have had in the town centre.All food was fresh not frozen and top class.Give this place a try you wont be disappointed.

Called in here today after disappointment at the change of menu at our chosen venue. That proved to be an excellent decision, the service was great and the food even better. We all had beef which melted in your mouth and the vegetables, which were all fresh, were cooked as they should be not boiled away soft and soggy. We will definitely be back for more.

My family are regular visitors here, the food is delicious and they don't scrimp on portions. The food is fresh and homemade and i particularly like the homemade pie and the mince and dumplings. The desserts are yummy and rather large. Staff here are friendly and happy to help in any way

Had a nice meal here on Friday prior to going to the Empire to see a show selected the venue as close to the theatre. Food was lovely and very reasonably priced. Service was quick and staff were very pleasant. Shall cerainly be visiting again

Love the food here.Good choice and good portion size and always well prepared and cooked.drinks not badly priced.

Visited a few times whilst in Sunderalnd as a bar. Its nothing spectacular, the usual brand of draught beers and bottled beers (no alc-free options) and soft drinks. Not bad, friendly service, not a 'destination' venue, somewhere to meet up or nip into. Okay.

I've had Sunday Lunch here on many occasions and it's always delicious. This was my first time for weekday lunch, we both had homemade steak pie with veggies for £8.95 (that was for both meals), best steak pie we've ever had. Friendly but not over the top staff, very clean, amazing grub. Tempting to go every day as the menu is so varied!

Cannot recommend their gravy enough, worth a visit just for this! Their lunch menu is fantastic value, plenty of really tasty options for everyone! Returned for dinner another day but was not keen on their dinner options available in comparison!

Friendly place food is homemade and really nice. Great prices during the week and the Sunday lunches are excellent. Would recommend for food

Just visited for Mother's Day lunch and it was beautiful. Great value for the price. Definitely worth a try. Have also been midweek and the meals are just as good.

Come here often for food and love it .Friendly staff never packed out food is cheap but very nice 2 meals for less than ten pound.You can choose from daily specials and normal menu.Never had desserts as full off dinner but seen them come out and looked very tasty.Right next to Empire so ideal to go here have food and drink if your going to see a show or panto.

We don't know Sunderland very well, so came across this place on our way to the theatre. On the plus side, it's cheap, most of the staff were very friendly, and the service was good. It was busy, equal mix of regulars and theatre goers. However the food was rather disappointing, over cooked, and bland. This place could be really good as its in a very good position near the theatre, although it would need a complete overhaul. Don't think we will be going back, sorry!

5* Came here at it was local and heard previous comments, I arrived for Sunday lunch... it's extremely clean great helpful friendly staff, reasonably priced food was well worth waiting for I would recommend this to anyone and especially fussy eaters as the vegetables came out separately with extra gravy it was a pleasure to eat here and will definitely return!! Well done to all the staff they work extremely hard! 5*

Before the Food Fighters gig at the Stadium of Light we came here for food and a few and drinks and we were not disappointed. We managed to get the last table and we all had a burger from the special Foo Fighter's inspired menu. The food was very tasty and great value for money. The staff were very friendly and couldn't do more for you.

Can't praise the meals enough we had 2 for £8.95 meals I had the roast of the day and my friend had the steak pie there was half a cow on my plate n the other half a cow was in my friends pie! All with fresh veg n proper gravy will be back again

We have now visited Westminster twice and each time we have recieved incredible food and star quality service.This restaurant is large, clean and very well presented inside.The staff are very friendly and feel totally at ease with all of their customers regardless of how busy they are.The food is what really makes this place sing for me. My partner and I along with his grandma have all ordered Fish and Chips which so far has to be the best meal available. The portions are large the food is very fresh and you get so much for your money you wonder how they do it. They even offer cheaper meals with their 2 for £8.95 (roughly I cant remember exactly) which is stunningly good value. They have an excellent menu and a great bar with all you could need.This place is totally worth trying out. Certainly another regular place for us, maybe it will be for you too?

This was my first visit to Sunderland as I had come to see a performance at The Empire. I arrived about 1230 and saw this establishment just a few steps away from the theatre.There is a wide range of excellent British food, served with a warm smile and at fantastic prices.My special of the day was roast gammon, vegetables and potatoes, enough to feed an army, but was gratefully received and a clean plate was returned!What is there not to like? I can't think of a single bad thing to say.Coming from London, friendly service is like a breath of fresh air, and when the prices are so good an food is fantastic, you've got yourself a convert!I'd recommend this place to anyone and will be back again in the future.Well done to everyone!

Was first time I had been in the Westminster very friendly staff great place would recommend to my friends if there was ever up in suderland

We frequently visit this bar on a weekend and always have a good time. The music is good old fashioned fun and there are a trio of guys who sing popular songs for everyone to dance to and enjoy. The drinks are reasonably priced and the atmosphere is good. Interspersed with the DJ and the Singers they have karaoke and there are usually some very good singers.For a change to the normal offerings in Sunderland this is a good pub for the slightly older crowd

Popped in for Sunday lunch and found a seat quite easily, but then had to wait for some time before our order was taken.But there was a nice choice of 4 meats and we opted for the chicken. Our food arrived and we were given our plate with potato, pudding and massive chicken breast but then had a little wait for the vegetables but when they arrived they were piping hot and were a really good portion for the two of us. It was all beautifully cooked and very tasty, veg was excellent as it was nice and crunchy not soggy. The sweets looked lovely but by then we were stuffed and could not manage any. Would highly recommend this for lunch as it was really good portions and perfectly cooked. The only downside was the wait to place our order but food made up for it.

My wife and i like the westminster for a weekday lunch. Food is well prepared and plentiful ,staff very pleasant and efficient and surroundings clean and comfortable ..worth a try

lovely bar and good drinks central for shopping and the theatre good friendly staff and prices good overall worth a visit

There is a restaurant and a bar area here. I ate in the restaurant which had special offers available. Went for the roast of the day which was a good sized plateful. Varied menu, service fast, reasonable prices. Would visit again and conveniently situated for theatre and shops.

Had Sunday dinner here today, I am a local living in Sunderland, came for Sunday dinner today, what can I say, It was absolutely delicious, spot on, the vegetables were just as I like them not hard and not soggy, just right, lots of lovely meat, best dinner I have has in a long long time, well done Westminster and thank you.

The sunday lunch is delightfula dn if you liked the old queen vic pub in seaburn then you will like it here. I have never been on a day other than a sunday.

We went to the Westminster for Sunday lunch while up visiting family as they had been a number of times before and had enjoyed it.The decor was interesting and not to our tastes... a bit of a mix of different styles and the seating areas were very open so definitely not a cosy/intimate place to eat.The staff were friendly and the service was very quick.We were there on a Sunday so had the Sunday lunch menu to choose from which was fairly limited but not so much that you wouldn't be able to find something you wanted. My partner had the egg mayonnaise salad which was very 70's. My Mum and I had the chicken goujons which looked to be home made in a light batter and were very good. For main we had Roast Pork which was very good with plenty of veg/trimmings... mash was a little watery and partner felt the veg was a little overcooked although it was good for myself. For dessert we had lemon meringue pie and toffee crunch pie; the former being a little disappointing. Overall the food was ok.For a 3 course Sunday lunch; £11 each is very cheap which makes it very good value.I must admit that I doubt we would go back as it wasn't really our thing, but overall if you're looking somewhere that does a reliable good value Sunday lunch then it's probably a good bet.