came across this pub /restaurant/ hotel and brewery last year whilst cycling, my brother and i had a spot of lunch and a pint of their own brewed beer and so decided last saturday to try it again. i had a burger and chips with side salad, one of the best burgers i've ever had, my daughter had a trio of fish cakes and she raved about them, great setting right next to the river good food and lovely tasting ales, all in all a very good place to drop into if your on a drive out for the day

I've never stayed here, but I've been for a few lunches. The staff are all nice and friendly, and they serve good beer (including Prince Bishop) for a fair price. Inside it is very pleasant, with a lovely big conservatory if you want to dine in there. There are lots of tables outside in a very large area, which includes a playground for kids.

However, if you want a good meal, forget it. The menu has a decent selection, but the quality of the food is very poor. There were 3 of us there recently and we all had different meals. I had a trio of fishcakes with (unnecessary) potato wedges and a dried up salad. The fishcakes had a very thick coating of breadcrumbs, and seemed to have been deep fried. My son had a stottie cake with beef which was covered (and spoilt) with loads of "gravy". The 3rd meal was scampi with poor quality chips.

I would only return for a couple of pints, but definitely no more food. It's a pity, because the food is it's only failing.

A lovely clean hotel room with all the basics. While on the same site the rooms are in a separate building to the Big Lamp Brewery which means that you can get some sleep even when the Brewery is busy. Meals can eaten at the Big Lamp Brewery which is a very popular pub and eating house. The food and ales were very good and the staff very helpful. It is also right on the Hadrian's Wall route.

We tried eating here a few years back and found it less then average. We decided to give it another go a couple of days ago and once again we were very disappointed. I had steak and ale pie which was average at best, mashed potatoes totally bland tasted like they had not included any butter, cream or seasoning. Also it was served in little round balls like I used to get at school. Veg was over cooked and again no seasoning. In fact thinking about it the whole thing was like a poor school dinner. I really think this chef does not care about the standard of his/her food. This is a real shame as it’s a really nice pub and has massive potential, but is sadly not living up to that potential.

If you are in the area and would like a nice pub meal I’d recommend The Original Masons in Walbottle. We have been on many occasions and always found the food to be lovely. And no before you ask I don’t work there!

On a brighter note, it is a really nice place to enjoy a real ale on a sunny day in the beer garden!