Fregate - South Tyneside

There was no wine list available, and we had the choice between a special course menu or a la carte. Although we initially thought we couldn't eat multiple courses, there were dishes on the special menu that we preferred. We asked the waiter if we could have courses from the special menu, and he agreed but mentioned they would be priced as separate meals, which was fair. When the meals arrived, they were served with a small portion of skinny chips and no vegetables. The manageress assisted in bringing out the meals and when we inquired about the vegetables, she indicated that the dishes only came with chips. The presentation of the meal was disappointing. Two of us ordered Eton Mess for dessert, which consisted of a small individual meringue with a small amount of cream and a couple of strawberries. We were surprised that we were charged for this dessert. During our meal, the manageress mentioned she was leaving, and when the bill arrived, we were charged for three courses, even though the waiter had initially stated it would be the price of two courses. The combination of Hunter's chicken and Eton Mess seemed mismatched. In terms of customer service, it would have been appreciated if the manageress had brought us some vegetables upon request or offered a discount on the bill. The waiter was polite and seemed uncomfortable with the situation, offering a free cup of coffee in anticipation of a complaint. Overall, the meal was mediocre and it seems the restaurant prioritized saving money over providing a satisfactory experience for their guests. Even the most budget-friendly establishments typically serve vegetables or salad with meals, adding to the disappointment of our dining experience. Regrettably, we will not be returning to this restaurant and will not be recommending it to others.

We made a reservation at the restaurant for a Saturday night treat and were extremely let down. The lack of other diners should have been a warning sign. The service was unfriendly and the food was not good. There was nothing about the experience that I would suggest or want to do again.

This restaurant offers great value for the price. The seafood is particularly delicious. While their beer selection is limited, they have a good variety of wines. The staff is extremely courteous and the service is quick. I would recommend this restaurant after a day at the beach or fishing.

We took ourselves off to the Sea Hotel Restaurant for a roast dinner and felt sorely disappointed and over charged. The meal was well below par in every respect. Where to start? After having eaten some fabulous roast dinners at the many carvery options around...the region, we were annoyed with ourselves that we had decided to give this place a chance. Two small slices of meat that tasted more like they had been steamed than roasted were topped with a pathetic solo yorkshire pudding. The vegetables that accompanied the meal left much to be desired. The roast potatoes had the texture of having been reheated in a microwave, the new potatoes appeared to be out of a tin and pretty tasteless, the peas were out of a tin, the carrots were cold, the cubed swede left you feeling cold, the cauliflower and broccoli were almost visible. The most disappointing roast' dinner I've ever had to pay for. In our party someone ordered the Strawberry Flambe, with tinned strawberries! The Profiteroles were shop bought and the cheese board takes the prize for the most profit made on the least outlay with small crackers pieces of cheddar and piece of stilton with grapes and a small pot of chutney at If you want fresh, seasonal, well cooked and value for money, I would not recommend this as an option.

The restaurant is excellent and not expensive or pretentious. All of the food is well cooked to order including breakfast. Be careful about the size of the portions the people around here are known to be generous.