Bondgate Restaurant at The White Swan in Northumberland

We stayed here last June and I originally composed a giant war and peace about the White Swan but never posted it. I’ve recomposed it so as not to bore anyone. It was not so much about the hotel, more so one member of staff who will know who she is.Apparently she is/ was the Restaurant manager, a blonde haired woman. She was so rude and hostile that it could have ruined the two night stay but we chose to laugh at her stupid Iron Maiden antics instead. Suffice to say that she should look for another job as the hospitality trade obviously does not suit her. Two small examples of her attitude, apparently it is not possible to have an extra portion of potato on the table at the White Swan because “all potatoes are accounted for”! They have no Ice Cream (ever) either. We didn’t want them for free by the way, we offered to pay. We noticed she was rude to other people as well.When reading the other reviews about the lovely, helpful and polite staff, I can only assume that she was not on duty on those occasions or in a better mood. I recognised her in at least one person’s review though “ A militant maitre d' who was inflexible and who was a cold as the croissants on the breakfast bar”The location is brilliant, the Olympic lounge is amazing but the room was overpriced, it was tired and in need of a refresh to be able to command these prices. The food was forgettable and 10 months later, looking back I still can’t believe how we were treated in this “fine establishment” by one person in particular, I needed to write it down for others to see. I’d have given 0 stars if possible and I don’t usually leave bad reviews.

Popped in for a coffee, ended up having cream tea £6.55 for warm scone, jam, clotted cream, cappuccino, and a coke for Mrs W. Bargain it was lovely and the staff were great.

Great restaurant and lovely friendly staff and really good prices. The restaurant is actually all fitted out with the dining area from the Olympic the sister ship to the Titanic. The entrance doors to the hotel and the stairs are also from the Olympic. Fabulous atmosphere makes you feel really comfortable and special.

Very welcoming and informative upon arrival. Staff warm friendly and professional.Dinner menu was very basic with very few choices but well cooked and tasty.Sketchy Wi-Fi and the rooms extremely cold to the extent we asked and received another room which wasn’t that warm either.Although clean throughout the entire hotel needs a total revamp

Lovely hotel. Just spent a few days here over the New Year.Stayed in the Bamburgh Suite which was roomy and comfortable. The staff were professional and very approachable. Lovely food. I am gluten free and they catered well got my condition. Recommend to all.

The staff were very helpful and friendly during our four night stay. Our room was large and comfortable. Food was mostly excellent and we wouldn’t hesitate to stay at the White Swan again.

I've stayed twice here, both times had the same issues.First time I was there was for two weeks and for the whole time I had issues with the shower. Some nights you don't get hot water, some nights you get low pressure and other nights I got NO WATER.Complained to reception but they where at 95% capacity and couldn't move me. The beds are two single beds push together (even in their high end suites).Decor was poor, floor was faling apart and the place looked tired. The only thing going for it is the dinner hall and it's claim to fame.Second time I was there I had shower issues again. The pipes made loud noises keeping me awake, they moved me to one of the luxury rooms for the last two nights of my stay which I'm thanful for. They're short staffed at this time so food wasn't great and I canceled breakfast on my third night (was still charged regardless for the full stay anyway and refused to refund me).Most staff were very polite but one or two rude ones and on my second visit, I did meet the manager who was very polite.This hotel is resting on it's claim to fame. It's in desperate need of refurbing and it's plumming looked at. It's not worth twice the rate of the hogs head which is by far nicer to stay at.

We had dinner here to experience the Olympia dining room. This is the interior from the sister ship to the Titanic bought in the 1930's when it was broken up and auctioned off. Fabulous place! An excellent 3 course dinner for £25 - very good value. And the staff were superb. The surroundings couldn't have been better. It was copied by James Cameron for the film Titanic. Bet he couldn't believe his luck!

The reason I have given 5 stars is because the white Swan was very short staffed. The 4 days I stayed here they only had 1 chef on and boy did he do an amazing job he produced excellent food for 3 coach parties both breakfast and evening meals as well as any guests special requests. All the staff were very friendly and helpful especially the waiter and waitresses. I would definitely recommend you visit this 300 year old coaching Inn . The room was roomy and comfortable I had a great break here.

The room was great but could do with some sprucing up. The staff are amazing at being able to keep the hotel open and running covering several roles each. Having to ask to have the room refreshed at reception in the morning is demeaning for a hotel of this quality and price. The food was outstanding and the service was fantastic.