We went to the Havelock for a date-night and had a reasonably enjoyable time. Based on this…read moreexperience, we would describe this as a cheap and cheerful type of place. The pub itself is fairly small if you exclude the outdoor area. The decor is attractive, if slightly worn in places, and the only thing about it that I really didn't like was the two massive widescreen TVs positioned in the dining area. The sound was just audible enough to be annoying and football matches were screened for the first hour or so that we were there followed by some BBC drama. I though these were unnecessary in the dining area and significantly detracted from the overall atmosphere. Later in the evening, the TV sound was drowned out by some disco music which again wasn't what I would have chosen for a dining area at all. We came on on a specials day (Mondays and Thursdays currently have 2 starters and 2 pizzas/pastas for £12) and found the bar and restaurant to be fairly crowded at 19:15 but by 21:00 when we left it had quietened right down. The a la carte menu was a shortish list of fairly basic pub fare aside from the steaks (of this more below), and we decided to go with the £12 special. We chose the dough balls and potato skins for our starters. The skins were greasy but tasty, and came with chilli and sour cream sauces, clearly from a bottle but which went well with them. The dense but fresh home-made dough balls were let down by their garlic butter which was basically a large chunk of butter in a little paper cup covered with a spoonful of garlic paste. We enjoyed our pizzas (which arrived rather late but we had an apology for that). The cheese on them was decent and the bases were very tasty, and although they weren't huge, we found them the perfect size after the starters. (Cautionary note: we do not have large appetites.) The pub also offer an unusual steak experience that is a little at odds with the rest of their very basic pub menu, and these are Steakstones. If you go for one of these expensive numbers, you get your choice of fillet or sirloin delivered to your table on a sizzling hot stone tablet so that you can finish cooking it as much or as little as you like. (We saw one at the next table.) Personally, as a rather particular steak-eater, I'd much rather have a chef cook my expensive steak than do it myself, and with the rest of the place being so cheap and cheerful, I was reluctant to commit £16 to discover how good or bad their choice of meat (and my cooking skills) could be. Overall, good value for a cheap meal out if you go on a specials night and probably about average the rest of the time. Unless you choose the steak!

Nice pub, last time I was there it was quiet. The food was lovely but the thing that put me off was…read morethe dog... yes a dog... Think it belonged to a member of staff and unfortunately kept weeing on the floor when it got excited. Apart from that I enjoyed the experience, watched a bit tv, had comfy chairs, reasonable prices.

I really want to recommend this pub! Me and my friend had a lovely, warm welcome from the couple…read morewho run it. We sat beside the log fire and had an lunchtime sandwich which was HUGE!! Going back this week for a works Christmas lunch! 2 meals for £10 can't go wrong! Easy to park etc.

Went here for a colleagues 50th birthday and Christmas lunch. Owners are lovely and very welcoming…read more Would recommend this place to anyone wanting lovely food in a relaxed quiet atmosphere

Been to Mill house a few times over the years for Christmas lunch with work etc and always thought…read moreit was ok. But, went recently on a Sunday as heard good things about it. What an experience! Bad one at that, really bad. Got hearded into the front bar and left squashed in the entry for about 5 minutes. Finally got our names put down then got drinks from the bar. Waited around 45 minutes to be seated. When eventually seated we were ignored for around 15 minutes more while a pair of waitresses banged and crashed tables and chairs next to us, really wanted to walk out but we had waited so long was afraid no where else would be open. I asked if we were going to be served drinks and I was told someone will be sent over. Another 10 minutes passed and I had to ask again. Food order was took and this came out with drinks another 10 minutes later. Medium sized yorkshire pudding that is like a crisp that probably got made the night before, mashed potato that tasted ok but no seasoning, bland over boiled vegetables that all tasted of each other, and a cold slice of beef. Thin gravy that was probably the best part of the dinner as had some taste. I wasas disgusted with my experience and will never go back - if you like being treated like cattle and are happy with bland, small portions, partly cold food with rubbish service then this is for you! If on the other hand you dont want your sunday ruined by being stressed and un appreciated, try somewhere else!

Been under new management for a while now good reports about the place.read more

Very friendly and helpful staff, cant do enough for you, nothings ever a bother. Great food esp…read moreSunday Carvary, plenty choice of meats, veg and lush Yorkshire puds, the chef is fantastic, lovely meaty gravy, plenty veg to choose from, other choices if not wanting carvary i.e. mince and dumplings, Steak Pie etc, Excellent value for money, only £2.95 for O.A.P.'s and kids and £5.95 for adults. Well worth a visit. Mr C Mason (and parents)

I love the Ox and Plough, staff are friendly. I used to spend all my money on the jukebox playing…read moreZeppelin and playing pool. Do nice cheese toasties. I have been to many events there, such as engagement parties and it has always been lovely.

This is quite a decent bar in a nice setting by the river, hence the name…read more It has been newly refurbished in a modern style, with nice outdoor areas. Above the River Bar is an Italian restaraunt which is also worth a visit called Fiume. Although I live in Washington I tend not to drink here much as the bars really leave a lot to be desired but to be honest this bar is quite good and if I'm starting a night in Washington I will usually start here before heading into Newcastle. Overall I think if you are having a night in Washington I would recommend this bar.

Riverbar is ok for a couple of drinks before heading in to town but I wouldn't like to spend all…read morenight there. I think the drinks are expensive and the atmosphere isn't particularly friendly. I think it doesn't attract the nicest of punters and one of my mates came in to a bit of trouble there with an undesirable.

Superb selection of real ales and they change regularly. The bar menu is not too adventurous, if…read moreyou don't like chips or cheese there is not a great choice.Pleasant atmosphere attentive staff and very clean and tidy.

The pub always has a good selection of drinks. The food is fantastic and the staff are really…read morefriendly. It is a nice laidback pub. All round a good night (or day).

Fantastic country pub n dog friendly, when weather is nice can sit with the dog out the back big…read moregarden with plenty of table n chairs

Excellent country pub serving first class cask ale and hearty meals. Our party of 5 visited on a…read morebusy Friday night and really enjoyed everything. I had a lamb kofta starter and for entree had the chicken breast stuffed with haggis. The plum porter was also excellent accompaniment and replaced pudding course!

the three horse shoes is situated in the hamlet of leamside which is very near to the A60 durham to…read moresunderland road and houghton le spring. I have recently visited here for lunch and was very impressed with the hospitality and warmth of the place. the menu was varied and portions were plentiful. the desserts were wide ranging and although i was somewhat full i was tempted to indulge in a pudding. value and quality was excellent and i will not hesitate to return again. The public bar is somewhat dated and i suggest that you enter the restaurant if it is food that you are after, by the rear entrance.