The Dun Cow - Gateshead

I have not been here for many years even though I live locally but will not visit again. To start at the beginning the menus are confusing, 3 of them; the main menu, the specials board and the two tier 2 courses for set price(s) . The set price menus list starters and mains (pudding can be added for extra £4.50) but staff not sure if you could have pudding instead starter for the same price. None of the menus listed what came with with the main item eg Classic Chicken Kiev but had to ask what came with it and was told chips , it actually came with some salad which was already soggy with buttery sauce. I saw one exception to this the scampi came with mushy peas. I ordered the baked salmon which apparently came with chips as well so I requested vegetables instead which were provided but it also came with salad (again soggy under the sauce). The salmon was tasty and well cooked but the Kiev was a bit dry as all the butter was on the outside not the inside. We had waited a good deal of time and just as I was about to ask we were told the electricity had been off in the kitchen and the food was being finished off now and would be another 10 or so minutes the hot drinks were left off the bill to compensate but earlier notification of this would have been a better idea! In an adjoining room a baby shower was taking place not a problem for me but small children were allowed by some attendees to be in the bar area (and literally) hanging off the front of the bar counter unsupervised and asking questions of the staff at no point did the manager or staff address this. And finally, the ladies toilets must be breaking some hygiene/safety laws. Not very clean, empty paper towel dispenser but no hand drier, broken and cracked mirror with sharp edges up against a baby changing table(which itself was a old fashioned drop leaf dining table). The other cubicle had cracked/broken/loose tiles on the floor. Go if you must but you have been warned!

There with britstops in motorhome, very kid and dog friendly , good play area nice food lovely staff.

We visited today after hearing good things and it was the complete opposite. The place is really run down and dirty for a start, and secondly the food was terrible. We had Sunday lunch and it was firstly served freezing with burnt Yorkshire’s. We then sent it back and it come out just as cold, told the plates were scolding hot they weren’t at all, and second time they forgot Yorkshire’s, stuffing and crackling, with veg that was mushy and looked disgusting, no sauces were offered either. The male I assume “manager” come over with a half hearted apology and couldn’t get the plates off the table quick enough, we were trying to explain the issue and he wanted nothing to do with it just kept saying “well you clearly didn’t enjoy the food”. He made a sarky comment when he lifted the pork crackling saying “there it is” clearly not knowing we actually had to ask for that after the food was brought in which he said nothing. He was so abrupt and rude which is a clear trend reading the comments. We would never visit here again. Also the garden part at the back is so filthy and disgusting, dirty unsafe trampolines, a dirty bouncy castle just left on the ground and tyre swings which also don’t look safe, this place ought to be embarrassed.

Had beautiful Sunday lunch today, roast beef was thick and melted in the mouth. Lovely side vegetables and all served with perfect gravy. Also had apple crumble and custard which was also very nice Highly recommend, nicest lunch out for a long time.

My partner, daughter, and I visited the restaurant on Mother's Day in the hopes of getting some food. Despite the busy atmosphere, the boss Steph was able to accommodate us with a smile. The food was fantastic - the prawn cocktail starter was fresh and delicious, and the Sunday roast beef and vegetables were of good quality and piping hot. We also enjoyed the apple crumble with custard and brownie for dessert. We will definitely be returning and recommending this place to others. It is very family friendly and allows dogs in the bar area.