The Joiners Arms

Really disappointing visit, unfortunately. When we arrived, the bar staff were wandering around avoiding eye contact, so after waiting a while we ended up flagging down a passing waiter ourselves. Once seated, the table was wobbly (fixed by folding up one of their wine lists) and the leather bench next to us was ripped. The lad who took our order was pleasant. We had tomato and mozzarella arancini, chicken liver parfait, beer battered haddock and chips, and a chicken shawarma. The arancini was deep fried to a crisp, essentially just tasting of oil, with barely any mozzarella and no sign of the chutney that was meant to come with the parfait. The parfait itself came with what tasted like stale breadsticks. Our table was cleared and we were told we'd get new cutlery, but it never arrived with the food, so we sorted ourselves out. The fish was fine but unremarkable, nothing that suggested it was actually beer battered, and the shawarma was tepid and bland. We didn't finish it, and at no point did anyone ask how the food was. By the time the bill came, I'd decided that if someone asked how everything was, I'd have told them honestly. Instead, the bill was dropped on the table without a word as the waitress walked past, and when paying, still no one asked. On the way out, none of the three staff standing at the bar said goodbye or thanked us for coming. On top of that, the women's toilets had overflowing bins and no toilet roll. Overall, both the food and the customer service fell well short. I won't be returning.

2 weeks ago · via Google

Return vist after a great experience last year.. 5 of us and pooch walked from Beadnell (excellent walk) sat down in the beer garden, handed a menu and made our choices (sandwiches) to be told this menu was no longer available but we could order from the specials menu. We opted for the soup... server went away then came back to say none left.. The only options were now fish and chips or a 19 quid pizza. We ended up with 5 bowls of chips and a bowl of onion rings. Whilst waiting for the food we ordered a couple of rounds of drinks. We could see others being served the food which was on the "no longer serving" menu and the server apologising for the "long wait" ... the harassed looking server then brought our chips and told us cutlery was inside.. so we had to get up and go back in to get it ourselves. Chips were half cooked and rock hard. Im think the chef must have gone home. There was water for the dog and still a lovely location. It does feel like there has been a change in management or some major cutbacks. Maybe it was just a bad day for them but just felt like we were not wanted.

a month ago · via Google

On arrival we discovered that our room, Sandwood Bay, was upstairs. As I am on crutches awaiting a hip replacement, Danny immediately changed us over to The Tweed. It was absolutely perfect. Our dog loved the freedom of the patio and his bag of treats!! Thank you Danny, you are a star! As we were dinner, bed and breakfast, we were so looking forward to trying the food. It did not dissapoint. Having been born and bred in Aberdeen to a father who was a marine engineer on the trawlers, I have always had fish as a staple in my diet, so wherever I go, I have to sample the fish and chips. Oh wow! It was like having my dad's special beer battered haddock again. It was so fresh, so chunky and perfectly cooked and we added in some slaw too. Compliments to the chef. The starters and the pudding were just as tasty. It was busy and our servers were very attentive and sociable. They took it all in their stride and kept it all flowing along nicely. After a good nights sleep, we had a hearty breakfast with plenty of options. Again, a lovely plate of food. We loved our stay and we are already making plans to come back again.

a month ago · via Google

Plenty of gluten free main dishes available including fish and chips or burgers. The gluten free burger bun was not crumbly and didn't instantly fall apart as they often do so this was a bonus! Would like to see more gf options for dessert as there was just ice cream or sorbet available. The staff were very welcoming and the decor for the restaurant is nice. Outdoor seating available too and it is dog friendly inside and outside!

2 months ago · via Google