We'd once had a late-afternoon drink in the Slug and Lettuce, and I had thought it seemed like a place that might be worth returning to for a meal one day. However, it was usually early on Saturday afternoons when we'd gone there with that intention, only to find that the place was just too ... Read review
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Advantages: Very comfortable; varied menu Disadvantages: Food not perfect
...a late-afternoon drink in the Slug and Lettuce, and I had thought it seemed like a place that might be worth returning to for a meal one day. However, it was usually early on Saturday afternoons when we'd gone there with that intention, only to find that the place was just too crowded to consider staying. It was obviously popular which boded well, so one Saturday in July at around 11.30am we decided to see if it was quieter. Sure enough, there were ... ...and we had plenty of options to choose from. The sofas and armchairs near the front of the pub looked more comfortable than the higher seats further back, and we chose a low table with a sofa on either side.
There were several menus on the table already, so we began studying them. I was quite surprised when a waitress came to ask us if we would like to order drinks, as I had expected to have to go up to the bar to order. We each asked ... more
We'd once had a late-afternoon drink in the Slug and Lettuce, and I had thought it seemed like a place that might be worth returning to for a meal one day. However, it was usually early on Saturday afternoons when we'd gone there with that intention, only to find that the place was just too crowded to consider staying. It was obviously popular which boded well, so one Saturday in July at around 11.30am we decided to see if it was quieter. Sure enough, there were people at just one or two tables by the window, and we had plenty of options to choose from. The sofas and armchairs near the front of the pub looked more comfortable than the higher seats further back, and we chose a low table with a sofa on either side.
There were several menus on the table already, so we began studying them. I was quite surprised when a waitress came to ask us if we would like to order drinks, as I had expected to have to go up to the bar to order. We each asked for a fruit juice and then carried on looking at the food menu. There seemed to be plenty of choice, from sandwiches and wraps to burgers, salads (even one with fish cakes) and main courses. We considered chicken wraps or steak sandwiches, and a sausage sandwich with red onion for under £4 sounded quite interesting. Then I noticed the full English breakfasts, something I never cook for myself and hadn't had since I stayed in a guest house last summer. I'm not a vegetarian but I liked the sound of beans and sauteed potatoes in the vegetarian version rather than the sausages and bacon of the standard version. We ordered one of each, and asked for our eggs to be scrambled and for the toast to be made with brown bread. Tea or coffee is included in the price (£6.75 for the sausage-and-bacon version and £5.75 for the vegetarian version). As we already had our fruit juices, we asked if those could be substituted but the waitress could not apparently let us off paying the extra for the juices. I'll remember for next time. My son ordered coffee, and I decided an espresso would be quite enough for me.
The coffees came after about five minutes, along with a caramelised biscuit and two sachets of sugar each - I was a little surprised that the sugar was being rationed! I didn't actually want any in my espresso, but it just seemed rather mean not to allow customers to help themselves to sugar.
There was a wait of perhaps twenty minutes for the food, but the sofa was so comfortable that I wouldn't have minded if I'd had to wait half an hour. The music was pleasant, tasteful and not too loud, but it did seem to render the broadcasting of Sky News rather pointless, unless you wanted to read the headlines running along the bottom of the screen. The other tables towards the front of the pub (with sofas or armchairs) soon began filling up. There seemed to be quite a number of babies, some in highchairs whilst others were left in their buggies, but no small children. Delightful babies they were too - I hardly heard a peep out of them all the time we were there. Perhaps the music was just the sort that keeps babies calm and happy; they must be budding Damien Rice fans judging by what I heard.
Our breakfasts arrived, along with a bottle of Heinz Tomato Ketchup and two individual pots of butter. My son had said that he didn't want any mushroom but he got it anyway, so I swapped it for a couple of slices of sauteed potato. As far as I'm concerned that was a good deal, but he wasn't that impressed by the potato slices. At least they were nice and hot, which is more than I can say for the scrambled egg. According to the menu the tomatoes were roasted; they were pretty warm, but they didn't really look as if they had undergone much cooking. That didn't matter to me as I love tomatoes, cooked or uncooked. My son is a big bacon fan but was not impressed by the rashers he was served on this occasion. Sausages, thankfully, were given the thumbs up. I was quite happy with my vegetarian breakfast other than the temperature of the eggs.
The waitress came to ask if we would like any more drinks, but when we declined she soon brought the bill, probably thinking that our table would be occupied as soon as we vacated it. In total we paid £15.70, which doesn't seem bad for two big breakfasts, two generous glasses of fruit juice, a filter coffee and an espresso. I have to admit I don't have a huge appetite, but I didn't eat much else later that day.
My son was quite critical of the food, but I was fairly happy and would willingly go back one day for lunch or an evening meal. I might try the fish-cake salad next time; you can have one tuna and one salmon fish cake, or two of the same variety. I noticed that from Monday to Thursday you can have a sandwich-based meal and a cold drink from a certain selection (some of which are alcoholic) for just under £6. On Sundays there is a roast - which always includes beef and chicken - for around £7.50 - £8. Desserts are priced at around £4.25 except for ice cream, which I think is £3.50. Cappuccino is served in one size only at £2.30.
If my son had been writing this review, I don't think he would have awarded more than three stars, but I am awarding four. Three and a half might have been fairer, but I'm basing my rating on the fact that there was waitress service, I enjoyed the food and I felt that the menu offered plenty of choice at reasonable prices. The sofas were very comfortable and relaxing; the music wasn't intrusive so you could easily have a conversation. It may of course be a much noisier place when it is very crowded.
I would recommend a visit, but try to pick a time when it's not likely to be too busy. Even if you don't want to eat, it's a comfortable place to go for a drink. If you have a baby, definitely don't be put off going as the little cherubs seem to enjoy spending an hour or so here.
Advantages: Good food, comfortable, stylish and friendly. Disadvantages: It is a chain when all is said and done.
...for any chain establishments the Slug and Lettuce is simply one of my favourite places to eat and drink. This goes for the one in my home town of Cheltenham and also the one up here in Newcastle, both of which I have I have spent many a happy house inside. I have also been to the Slug in York and in Cardiff and both were just as good. I love the Slug in Newcastle because it never gets too busy at the weekends (although this cannot be said for the ... ...the description on Ciao, the Slug is described as a Cafe. this is misleading. It is definitely more of a bar. Hers a little more detail. ****The Decour****
The Slug in Newcastle is modern and spacious. There are huge windows which let in lots of light and reveal the fabulous views across the quayside. There isn't a specific bar or restaurant area. It all just merges into one, although the back is primarily kept separate for functions/parties. The ...
nickyturnill 30.06.2005 (25.07.2005)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Slug and Lettuce
Advantages: Good food, spacious Disadvantages: long wait
...I have been into two Slug and Lettuce. One in Cheltenham and the other in Banbury. There are nearly 100 slug and lettuce pubs though.
The slug and lettuce have been around since 1985 when Hugh Corbett wanted to create a bar where wine and good food were as important as beer and known as Gastro pubs.
On nearing the pub you will first see some seats outside. Entering you will find spacously spread out seating suitable for couples, 4s and multi parties ... ...They say we dont complain enough in this country and I agree to that but sometimes it is difficult to complain but luckily Slug and Lettuce listened and took note of our complaint and sorted it out.
Oddly enough though I would go back to both these places again. ...
MAllen400 30.08.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Slug and Lettuce
Advantages: Great Place in all aspects Disadvantages: Should Mordernize a bit
AAAH the joy of relaxation after a hard day at work, mellowing in the company of your loved ones is really all you can ask for, besides a Ferrari. Good snack, great Music, loads of drinks, very comfortable seating arrangements, great service and loads of drinks is what you can expect from this place. It’s a traditional looking British bar with a lot of seating arrangements outside and inside, the food is pretty delicious and the prices are very reasonable ... ...a grilled chicken burger, so as long as variety is concerned you don’t have to worry. Finding this place is like finding Burger King I mean this chain is pretty spread out over Manchester and im not from Manchester but I could find a bar in this chain pretty easily. There’s a man with as piano and he does take requests!! So whether its fiddler on the roof or my heart will go on, hell play it, the people around are pretty friendly too. I liked this ...
tedseamer 05.05.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Slug and Lettuce
Advantages: Great Food, Drinks, Ambience Service Disadvantages: ----------
...are certainly what make The Slug and Lettuce a great place.
I’d actually gone their for a sort off date and my date suggested this place, I was amused by the name but gave it a try, the beer was chilled and was available in any form, black, draft, light, extra light etc, the snacks were plenty and the quality top drawer. Now the prices of this place are the Slug and Lettuce’s greatest asset and it really relaxes you when you think of how little ... ...friendly, I usually have a particular person I call for when I go to a restaurant of my choice and if he/she isn’t there I’m put off, here I’ve got 5 friends I made in juts a week’s time and one of them is always available, they’re always there when you need them and always ready to suggest, amuse and serve. The light is just perfect, not to dim, not too bright for a romantic occasion or a friendly night.
Go here if you haven’t and ill bet you’ll ...
downinglad 04.05.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Slug and Lettuce
Value for Money
Standard of Menu
Atmosphere
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Advantages: Comfortable bar for bite to eat Disadvantages: Can get very busy
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Situated on Newcastle's quayside, and opposite the Sage, this is ideal for lunchtime meals and evening drinks.
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The restaurant/bar is accessed via some stone steps, so not really possible for disabled guests unless I have missed some other opening.
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Advantages: Good Food and plenty of room Disadvantages: Not one close to North Wales
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We spent ages deliberating over the different venues for a girl?s night out recently. We wanted somewhere that would be quiet enough to have a bite to eat, a general chat and catch-up, but would liven up as the evening progressed. In the end we plumped for The Slug and Lettuce in Chichester. A Monday night in Chichester is never going to be a hive of activity, but the Slug always seems to be buzzing after 9pm whatever day of the week it is.
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