Sambucas in County Durham

Cheap £6,95 three course meal for takeaway, I got calzone pizza as main. It was lush. Got there early for a sit in cheeky pint before it was ready. 12 of my colleagues got food. Nit one issue. Very nice

After reading reviews on gluten free options which said it was included in 2 course offer visited the Durham one with a friend.She ordered 2 course offer and I was going to order 2 course offer, but they do not do any gluten free starters!!!!Have to say though the pizza was one of the best gluten free ones I've had.That is the only good point!!!Waiter was chewing gum all the time!Asked for a peppermint tea but they only do ordinary tea, asked for a decaf but they don't do decaff tea or coffee.Asked for bill and had charged full price instead of offer on friends meal.They hand altered price on receipt but then went on to charge full when putting price in card reader, then changed it!!Won't be eating in again but would get gluten free pizza as take away

Oh My God, I’m very genuinely disappointed and disgusted at the same time. I don’t need to be told that the management is different or that the franchise is different because the atmosphere itself, the food, the customer service was horrific to say the least, very unprofessional, no regard to customers whatsoever. No disrespect to the current management, but as we have known this franchise from time before, this has definitely dropped its standards.The salad had a stench of raw meet.The spag Bol was cold on some parts and some steaming hot like it was a frozen microwave meal. The tempura prawns tasted raw uncooked and chewy.The Pizza was good, that’s what I ended up sharing with my partner.Over all I was disappointed considering this ‘was’ and always ‘had’ been my Go To restaurant for simple special celebrations for time and time.

>40 minute food wait time, ear-piercingly loud music, tiny portions, no parking reserved despite reserving a table, filthy conditions (dust, food on seats, smeared mirrors etc...) Just an awful experience. I'd much prefer to spend the money on store bought food and make a much nicer feast at home than go to this cramp box again

Food was quick and fresh muscles woukd definitely recommend for starter food cane all at sane time as had 5 which was good. Only thing was the batter couod have been cooked for longer very good value for money venue was very clean. Felt very covid safe aswell

Awful.Doubled in price and halved in taste since the last visit.White shop sliced bread used for the bruschetta, no evidence of olive oil or garlic. You what?Risotto made with basmati rice? Certainly not arborio.My sister in law and I jokingly discussed whether the supposed linguine was Heinz or Campbell’s tinned spaghetti - it could have passed as either. The “spicy sausage” was a poor processed salami.We couldn’t face a massacre of Italian deserts or a decent coffee so left after the main.We won’t be back.

Went as part of a group for a post Christmas family get together. To say we were disappointed would be quite an understatement.For starter a simple Bruschetta. That turned out to be some chopped up tomato on basic white bread toasted. The tomatoes seemed like they attempted to add seasoning but in truth it wasn’t really anything of note. The random breadsticks didn’t really add anything to save the misery of this dish coming out to start your meal.Most people went for pasta or risotto for their main. Those that had pasta were treated to a discussion from wether the tomato based sauce came from Heinz or Campbells tins. The pasta itself was not what was ordered with whatever was nearest seemingly used.For those that had risotto the selection was great in that other than risotto rice they were given either pilau, basmati or long grain. Anything other than what they were hoping for. Again nothing seemed seasoned and overwhelmingly underwhelming. Being kind the seafood that came was what was to be expected, unpeeled mostly and a basic as it comes.Myself I had pizza as I thought an Italian should at least do a pizza well. The toppings were there and it was full. But again it was bland. Nothing that would make me want to go back.The staff seemed fine, for effectively the only people there for the whole time we were there it felt our group was more an inconvenience than anything. Left to serve ourselves any additional other parts like Parmesan or black pepper.On the whole the experience was not worth the money. It would have been a complete disappointment but for the laughs we were able to muster at the disappointment of the meal we were having.If I can offer anything to anyone reading this. Don’t go here. There are much better options in Durham for the same price.

Absolutely amazing and I love a pizza this is up there with some of the best I’ve had. Staff was really friendly, the place is lovely and designed well. Prices are great for the quality of food you get. Couldn’t recommend this place enough.2nd night here. Had lasagna and spaghetti with meatballs. Once again staff was so friendly and welcoming. Food was presented well and very hot. Tasted very good.

Lovely restaurant. Friendly welcoming staff. Good prices especially with the daytime offer. Nice setting and very clean. They also brought out a complimentary garlic bread for our table when we first arrived which was a nice touch. The only reason I have given 4 stars and not 5 is that the music lets it down. Pop music playing which spoils the atmosphere somewhat, would have been nice for some calmer more chilled music or better still some Italian music.

Fantastic meal with amazing service from the team!Food was full of flavour, fresh and visually appealing. Would happily return in the near future.Personally I recommend the chicken goujons starter, meat feast pizza and a chocolate fudge cake to finish.With regards to drinks there is a vast selection though I would recommend introducing a few cocktails to the menu.Service team were outstanding wouldn't be fair to give credit to a single team member.