Local eatery (The Bridle Path (Whickham))

Member Name: juicy_lucy

Product:	The Bridle Path (Whickham)
Date:	01/05/09 (194 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good value

Disadvantages: Only if it's close

The Bridle Path

Being close to our house, this is a pub we go to quite frequently either for a drink, or as in a couple of weeks ago, Sunday lunch.
The pub is situated in Whickham which is about 5 miles from Newcastle on the Gateshead side of the river and having been around for about 150 years, has a long tradition as a public house.
THE PUB...

Directly outside the pub are a few parking spaces, but if you can't get parked in one of these spaces, there are plenty of parking bays (free) close by.
Entry to the pub is via one of two doors either at the front or the side, and once inside, it is on two levels so for those wanting wheel chair access the front door is best.

The centre of the pub is dominated by a large bar which is circular so wherever you are standing you don't have far to go for a drink. This is necessary because it does get very busy especially on weekend nights including Sundays. The bar is well stocked and there are plenty of drinks to be seen so I think you could have your choice of most things including cask ales and graught lagers and beers as well as spirits.

At the side of the pub are tables and cosy sofas and by the windows there are large wooden scrubbed tables and high stools, with the eating area being at the back- the tables and chairs are moved on a Saturday night to make way for the dance area or band as necessary. There are also chairs close to the dance/eating area so of you get there early enough at the weekend you are assured a seat.

The whole place is light and airy with scrubbed wooden floors and tables and plenty of standing space around the bar. The dance/eating area is I believe, the only area which is carpetted, which I find a tad bizarre because I would have had this area wooden.

THE FOOD...

There are several special offers on food including Great British Pub night every Tuesday from 5pm, where you get a meal and drink for £5.95 and Sunday lunch for £6,95. It was the Sunday lunch we opted for and we both chose beef. The lunch was as expected- big serving of beef roast and mashed potatoes, carrots, beans and cauliflower. The food order was taken quickly and efficiently and cutlery and place mats are brought to us before the food is brought.

There is no fancy stuff in the lunch and whilst the beef isn't the best it was tender and tasty and the vegetables were thankfully not over cooked. All in all a tasty hearty lunch.

OTHER INFORMATION...
101 Front Street, Whickham,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
NE16 4JJ

tel: 0191 421 7676

website: bridlepathwhickham.co.uk‎. The website has lots of information including the history and details of recent offers and menus

VERDICT...

The pub is very popular for weekend drinks and has a lively atmoshere although I think that when the band is playing, it's a bit too loud. There are plenty of seating areas so it's quite a pleasant place mid week for a coffe or something stronger and when the weather is nicer, there is a small but not unpleasant outside seating area with heaters.

The food is plain but hearty and the service is good, with everything being clean. For a good value Sunday lunch in pleasant surroundings, this is a good place.

Thanks for reading.

Daniela x

Summary: Pub serving food