The Freemasons Arms, Consett

A first class establishment that is ran properly and legally. Very seldom do neanderthals crawl in from their peat-bog, but when they do Janet the landlady is quick to hoy them out! Great jukebox, good beer, nice atmosphere, the Masons doesn't pretend to be a trendy wine bar, and that's one of the things that has a loyal fan base return time after time, year after year. Only downside is theres no alcohol free larger!

28 Mar 2010 12:57

Company Row, Consett

Lots of previous reviews resonate with me regarding ABYSMAL level of service. I abandoned this place in 2005, having gave its management the benefit of my '3 strikes and your out' policy regarding pub service. Obviously the SAME issues exist now as did back then, ignorant staff, stupid managers, oppressive doormen, all of which result in ABYSMAL SERVICE! I, foolishly may I say, once stood for over 20 minutes for a drink as I was ignored and 'passed over in favour of bar staff's friends and family, when I complained I was ignored. This continued to be the presentation whenever I went in the pub. On more than one occasion we were told to ' do our talking as I was walking' by the doormen 20 minutes BEFORE last orders on a quiet evening during the week, our assumption was they had other places to be, eg working at a nightclub, and were keen to get rid of us to facilitate same! This happened on two occasions and there were no other reason why they would want us out, as we were NOT drunk, quarrelsome or disorderly! The straw that broke the proverbial was when one evening during the week I went in and approached the bar, two barstaff were standing unoccupied, there was only one other person at the bar, so quiet was it. I was asked by one of the barstaff for my order and pint of Stela was my reply. The barman said 'no bother' and appeared to search for a glass, he then disappeared into the back of the bar service area. Approximately 4 minutes elapsed during which time I assumed he had went to change the barrel or something, where upon my supposed 'servee' emerged from the back room with a clot and a container of surface cleaner and proceeded to start cleaning the tops of dirty tables. I approached the same 'servee' and asked him where my pint of Stella was, to which he replied 'sorry mate, I forgot'...I truly wish this was fiction, but alas not! I have numerous other examples of 'fun' experienced in that place, too many to go into here...BEWARE of that place, by ALL accounts it hasn't changed, I am just pleased I elected not to wear the Whetherspoon's Victim Bandana at an early stage!

28 Mar 2010 12:45