I sent an email to the owner upon leaving this hotel this is what I said… We were in a rush to catch a bus upon checkout so unable to express our dissatisfaction with your hotel at the time. I would rather not leave a scathing review, especially in these trying times, but feel very aggrieved at being charged £158 for a room we have stayed in better accommodation over the past 10 days at half that price. I am therefore writing to you first in the hope that we can come to some agreement. We were looking forward to our stay at the Frenchgate expecting a beautifully appointed room furnished with every comfort. However we were very disappointed with the careworn appearance of the hotel furnishing...
Don 't believe the hype! Reading the website and social media this restaurant sold itself extremely well, but did not deliver. The young staff were fantastic although it certainly felt well scripted and a little robotic, very impersonal, David was knowledgeable and polite. Generally the food was very average. Amuse bouche of chilled pea veloute was bland, and the starter of wild mushroom risotto was greatly overpowered by the cheese. Biggest issue was the large piece of grit my partner found in her main course, of Goats Cheese Creamed Leek Pastry, the mash overpowered by garlic. Both starter and main were topped with fresh pea shoots, but unfortunately these were a little long in the tooth a...
Was ok but not great for the price. The location was great. Easy walk into town. The room smelled very damp. On checking in we were told, without prompting, that it was definitely NOT 2 beds pushed together, which it clearly was. Curious as to why this was made a focal point. It was 2 beds. That wasn’t an issue for us but the lecture was. Also given instructions about soft close toilet seats as if we had never encountered them before. Told that apparently people from Whitley Bay don’t know how to use them. Disappointed that the restaurant wasn’t open. Breakfast was ok.
It 's not billed as a gastronomic menu, but it probably should be. International rugby forwards might find the portions underwhelming, but I struggled to rise from the table after what were effectively five courses. Apart from an 'amuse-bouche ' and a pre-dessert offering, there are three conventional courses, all not just adequate in size but inspired in construction. My wife and I can speak in glowing terms for two seafood starters, for the venison and lamb main courses and for the house tiramisu. And the service is both charming and efficient.
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This is comfortable hotel, extremely well run by the owner who is present for most of the time serving the guests. If he isn’t there his long term staff are, and they too are excellent. It is very conveniently located on a beautiful quiet street.It has private parking at the rear or on street parking at the front, although this can be full. Breakfasts are freshly prepared and tasty. There is a lounge and a well stocked bar. We were delighted by our stay and recommend it.
A very warm and pleasant atmosphere. The owner is very friendly and nice to chat with. The food is outstanding. All very fresh and cooked to perfection. The menu is seasonal and a great choice on offer. My main course was the Venison. Absolutely delicious, the meat just melted in my mouth. If you like fine dining the Frenchgate gets a high recommendation from me.
An awful experience with the extremely pompous and arrogant 'David ' who was, quite simply, the rudest and uncaring person who I have ever had the misfortune of meeting. A horrible experience at a horrible little hotel. Best avoided.
Really disappointing response when we needed to cancel the day before we had booked due to illness. Full payment taken despite the discretion to waive or reduce the charge. Very poor.
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very good quality all round, clean and confortable rooms and all very nice and well served meals. So nice to stay in a room dated at around 1610.
Owner overbearing. Always defensive and quickly belittles customers. Covid meant top chef left and now living on its reputation.
