Ad - We were invited along to their pre-opening launch
The Mill House in Birtley has re-opened! Their new owners are the team behind The Woodsman's Arms which features as one of our best Sunday Lunches in the North East so we were very much looking forward to taking a peek inside.
I had not heard of this pub before but it seems to have a bit of a reputation - lots of you got in touch over Instagram when I shared a few photos on stories to say that you loved the pub and were so pleased to hear that it had re-opened.
The Mill House does have a similar vibe to The Woodsman's Arms but it is nowhere near as OTT when it comes to being designed for Instagram - there is the odd flower wall but they don't take over the pub and with the fireplaces, bookcases, candles and stripped back wooden furniture, the pub has a cosy, modern & traditional vibe - it is really tastefully done and nice and welcoming.
There is a bar area, dining room and conservatory with the bar being dog-friendly. The pub is very child-friendly too and I just loved this chest of games in the bar to keep the kids happy.
They played Jenga in the bar as we caught up with our friends and as we waited for dinner, they turned to UNO. Unfortunately, this did result in a temper tantrum by child #3 - please tell me I am not the only one this happens to!
Expect Gin Trees, a selection of beers & lagers (Amstel and Heinekkin on draught) plus some non-alcoholic beers and ciders too which is a thoughtful touch.
It is worth noting that we dined before the pub had opened and it is these kinds of events where staff get to iron out any issues before they properly open. The menus we enjoyed may change over time as the pub finds its feet again.
There were several mistakes during service but the staff could not have been nicer about it. Errors were quickly rectified and apologies made - they definitely had opening night nerves and this is understandable.
I could tell that they were a strong team though - they were really on the ball and trying hard to please, I am sure after a few weeks, service will be super slick. Our food was served nice and quickly with not too much waiting around (always a plus point when dining with kids).
We dined from the Sunday menu (see below). I highly recommend the Slow Roasted Beef Brisket. It is SO good. Children can order half portions from the Sunday menu or Chicken Nuggets, Chips & Beans.
I will say that the Sunday menu is limited when it comes to vegetarian and vegan options - the only Vegetarian main is nut roast which Heidi isn't too keen on so she ordered a bowl of chips. I also couldn't see a Vegan option. I am sure as time goes on, more Vegetarian options will become standard.
The roast dinners here are soooo good and well worth the money. Everything is homemade and tastes like a proper pub lunch should. The roast potatoes were especially delicious and I love how you get an extra jug of gravy as standard.
The meat is beautifully tender and literally melts in your mouth and the side vegetables are plentiful and perfectly cooked. We ordered extra cabbage which probably wasn't needed as the portions are hearty.
Harry ordered chicken nuggets, fries and beans from the children's menu. It is only when I was writing the review that I realised the beans had been missed off - I am sure this is an oversight though as it is on their menu and this was their first service.
Jack ordered the fish, chips and peas (adult portion) which he thoroughly enjoyed. The chips are hiding under the paper but there were loads of them - they were homemade and chunky and definitely a reason I would return.
He wolfed the fish down and I have to say, it was a really decent portion for the price.
They only had chocolate cake on offer for dessert on the night of our visit and the kids happily obliged. If their sticky toffee pudding is anything like the Woodsman's Arms version, it will be fantastic and I would recommend you give it a try.
The Mill House is just off the A1 near Gateshead. It's a lovely pub and definitely one to try if you are traveling that way. It is a 20 minute drive from the Metrocentre , 5 minutes from the Angel of the North, 8 minutes from WWT Washington and 12 minutes from Beamish.
The Mill House is open on Christmas Day this year and offering a Christmas Fayre menu throughout the festive period. I wish the team every success and I am sure they are going to do extremely well.
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Such a lovely night! I can't wait to go back and try it all properly once they've settled down after reopening, I think we'll probably plan a return trip for January time
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