The Engine Inn at Walbottle
259 reviews
#215 of 1,092 Restaurants in Newcastle upon Tyne££ - £££, Bar, British, Vegetarian friendly+44 191 267 5563+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
12:00 - 23:00
Mon
12:00 - 23:00
Tue
12:00 - 23:00
Wed
12:00 - 23:00
Thu
12:00 - 23:00
Fri
12:00 - 23:00
Sat
12:00 - 23:00
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.0
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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PRICE RANGE
£5.00 – £15.00
CUISINES
Bar, British, Pub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Is this restaurant good for large groups?
Details
PRICE RANGE
£5.00 – £15.00
CUISINES
Bar, British, Pub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Free off-street parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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4.0
259 reviews
Excellent
155
Very good
43
Average
23
Poor
12
Terrible
26
Lorna M
1 contribution
Jan 2025 • couples
Not been here for years so fancied giving it a go again on New Year’s Day my husband is a chef not often he has a day off. Starters was nice haggis and liver parfait although portions were small for being nearly £7. Each. Mains were disappointing my husbands sausage and mash was under seasoned and gravy which was supposed to be red wine gravy just tasted salty, bit of tenderstem broccoli should have been included too. My chicken Parmo tasted nice but was a bit dry could of done with more bbq sauce on , chips were undercooked, I asked for ketchup to finish eating them as they were dry , the waitress went to get me some but by the time she stood at the kitchen door with my pot of ketchup taking to the other waitresses I had nearly finished them, I’ve been a waitress in the past and it’s only polite to serve customers first before chatting to colleagues. Other food looked much better like the fish and chips and burgers wish I ordered that instead Usually would complain but we just paid the bill and left as staff probably had late night and credit to them for working New Year’s Day.
Written 3 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lesley H
7 contributions
Nov 2024 • friends
We decided to go out for Sunday Lunch, and a friend had told us how good they had found it here. We were shown to our table by a very friendly waitress, who took our drink order straight away. She gave us 5 minutes and then came back for our food order. We both went for the King Prawn Cocktail starter, which arrived beautifully presented, huge prawns with smoked salmon and a huge langoustine too. Seafood heaven on a plate, yum! We then had the Butter Basted Turkey Crown which arrived piping hot, with stuffing, pigs in blankets and beautiful thick tasty gravy. We got a side of cauliflower cheese, absolutely delicious, and along with mash, roast potatoes, carrots, swede and green beans and cabbage, made for a delicious, filling tasty Sunday lunch! Lots of meat, succulent and moist, it was truly a lovely meal. Very reasonable price for what we got, excellent service and we will definitely recommend to others. Go - you won’t regret it… can’t wait for a return visit! Well done to you all.
Written 10 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter Drummond
I remember speaking to you on Sunday.
I’m glad you enjoyed your visit with us.
Hope to see you again soon.
Best regards, Peter.
Written 12 November 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mark B
Newcastle upon Tyne22 contributions
Apr 2023 • couples
Went yesterday for Sunday lunch ,never been in the engine Inn for many years. Well impressed with decor and although very busy not overwhelming. I had slow cooked beef ,my partner had the turkey. Well done chef and staff ,perfect meats cooked to perfection, with delicious vegetables including tasty sausage and stuffing complimented by gorgeous gravy. Only small gripe was slightly oily roasties and yorkshire pudding. Pricing of meal ok but 200ml of prosseco for£9.80 a bit steep. Will definitely return.
Written 10 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter Drummond
Thanks for your review. Hope to see you again soon. Cheers, Peter.
Written 24 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Daniel_Hodgson1984
29 contributions
Nov 2024 • couples
I’ve been going to the Engine Inn for the last year and a half, the food has always been great as has the service, unfortunately my last couple of visits have not met their previously high standard.
The first visit was for a Sunday Roast, normally this is a bi weekly treat, unfortunately I think our order was lost, we saw tables getting served before us that arrived after us. After querying where our food was with the staff (who were helpful as ever) it arrived 15 minutes later, unfortunately the order was wrong and the veg was cold.
I chalked this up to a one off error, unfortunately the next visit was also sub par.
I ordered the chicken pie, rather than the steak option as it said it was a pie, not a pie crust top abomination.
I was disappointed as the menu very clearly says pie rather than pie top. The content was incredibly salty, so much so that I couldn’t finish it which happens once in a blue moon, I’m not a fussy eater.
I’ll be back again over Christmas, hopefully it was a couple of off days. Please can you serve actual pies rather than these pastry top monstrosity’s, what your currently serving is a stew with a hat!
Written 17 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter Drummond
Daniel, firstly I’m sorry about your Sunday lunch. Should have been the right order with hot vegetables. No excuses. Glad you continue to visit us on a regular basis.
With regards to your comment about pies, well that’s pretty subjective. Perhaps we should have called it a pot pie? However the stew with a lid argument is lost when you consider shepherds pie or cottage pie? No pastry but still a pie.
I’m more interested in how it actually tastes and the portion size.
Thanks for your review, perhaps we can have the pie debate over a pint that I’d like to buy you to say sorry for your Sunday lunch experience.
Merry Christmas.
Cheers, Peter.
Written 25 December 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Christine C
2 contributions
Jul 2023 • family
Absolute disgrace from start to finish! Our bums had not touched the seat before the waitress came over to ask for our order, she then came back again two minutes later and seemed annoyed we had not decided! Starters were below average and then my partners steak which should have been medium rare was extra well done and tough, which was sent back and nothing else ordered due to the quality of the food! my child’s fish and chips had huge bones in it and was majorly overcooked! The ambience of the restaurant was overrun by very loud drunk people in the bar, overly priced for the quality of food and service was an absolute disgrace! Never again! Spoilt our weekend!
Written 2 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter Drummond
Firstly sorry you were disappointed, avoid at all costs? A bit harsh especially for a small independent family run business. If you wish to email me direct to discuss my email address is enginewalbottle1@outlook.com. I would love the opportunity to discuss your review. I believe the review below is also from your party? Why would you feel the need to do a separate review for the same visit? Please get in touch.
Best regards, Peter.
Written 6 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
pookierara
112 contributions
Feb 2024 • family
Poor night at The Engine last night.
Birthday party booked three weeks ago for 12 people. Arrived to find only 10 places set for dinner.
Pre dinner drinks—two main drinks at the bar were not available as they had “run out”.(?? on a Saturday night with the football on the telly and a restaurant to run ???)
The young waitress that took our order was reasonably good but we seem to wait a long time for the food. When it came it was greeted well by some but not all. There were 12 meals ordered but only 10 turned up—most of which were nearly finished by the time the last two were served. Poor service.
Some guests were told they could have certain types of chips only to be told they were no longer available and they had to have what was given. The gammon was lukewarm and a bit tough (didn't send it back—didn't want to risk another wait)
The burgers ordered by two people were not very warm but eaten all the same
(same reason as above )
When it was made clear to staff that all was not well, there suddenly appeared three or four “extra” bowls of chips along with two bottles of wine all apparently “free of charge”.
Unfortunately the gesture didn’t really offset what turned out to be a really poor night (food and service wise) for someone who is a regular at the pub, but thankfully we didn't allow it to spoil the whole of her birthday evening.
Could do better
Written 25 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter Drummond
You raise some fair points. Discussed your table on Monday at our meeting. Really sorry.
We shouldn’t be running out of key items on a Saturday. The manager on duty apologised and tried to make up for your disappointment by giving you some free wine and extra chips.
As a regular you’ll understand this is not our usual standard. Why don’t you give me a call or email me direct at engineinnwalbottle@outlook.com.
Best regards, Peter
Written 26 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John G
1 contribution
Aug 2022 • couples
Visited the pub yesterday, no reservation, my partner and I never miss a Sunday lunch here it’s our go to. Unfortunately we had a longer wait than usual, but with the amount of tables in, this is expected. You cannot fault the staff in the slightest, always happy and willing to look after you on your visit even when extremely busy. Heard a complaint from the table next to me, did not put me off my delicious meal.
A long wait doesn’t hurt no one when the value and taste of the meal is exceptional. Well done and thank you to the staff 👍
Written 1 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paula B
4 contributions
Nov 2023 • family
Been here several times for lunch and food always fabulous so booked a table for 8 for family occasion. Firstly was dismayed at how packed and rowdy it was due to a football match, having assumed we were in for a quiet family evening. Granted
It did quieten down once the match ended.
2 of the party asked for steak, to be told at 7.30 that there were none left (prime time on a Saturday evening!, obviously a stock issue!)
3 of us then plummed for gammon and 2 for liver, the rest a mixture of other off the menu.
Unfortunately the gammon was extremely tough, difficult to cut through and even more difficult to chew, the liver was also overcooked. I am also assured the 2 prawn cocktail starters were poor and noones meal was particularly hot.
I cannot, however fault the service we received from a very young gentleman who was professional through and through
Will we back? Very unlikely which is such a shame as previous lunch dates/food were perfect .
Written 12 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter Drummond
Thanks for your review. You make a couple of fair points which we take on board and apologise for. Yes we were extremely busy for the tea time NUFC fixture. The balance of offering a great dining experience vs catering for a live match can be challenging to try and cater for everyone. Running out of steaks is poor, however this was down to unpredicted volume of diners, usually on a match day the sales mix is very different but we sold twice as many as we normally would.
I’m glad you felt our service was very good however I would counter that by saying if you left feeling you would choose not to visit us again because of your latest experience then our service let you down.
Please email me direct at engineinnwalbottle1@outlook.com.
Let me try and sort something out with you.
Best regards, Peter.
Written 14 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Petersun55
Newcastle upon Tyne354 contributions
Feb 2022 • none
Booked a Table for the Thursday steak special served all day from 12 pm-9 pm, Two ribeye steaks, and a bottle of house wine for under £40.00 .
Had to compliment the new young chef as the food was just perfect.
Good quantity ribeye cooked exactly how we requested them all with
Triple cooked chips Battered onion rings tomato & mushroom.
Not a bad house wine as well.
We will be back very soon.
Written 18 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John A
1 contribution
May 2021 • couples
It was always very good but a change in management upped the quality. I had the takeaway pizza which at £10 99 for a takeaway represented really good value for money. The wine list includes my favourite Malbec, but I found it a a bit expensive so ordered to house Merlot, which was perfectly acceptable.
Written 5 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paula l
3 contributions
Jan 2024 • couples
Not a good night. Lots of kids running around where we were sitting. Moved to the restaurant at 7ish which was practically empty this should of warned us. Ordered our food which was supposed to be panco chicken burger (no way was it panco) absolutely no taste! Chips must of been cooked several times as rock hard and burnt. Good onion rings. Service totally unfriendly sat waiting to order a drink for ages. Never again!
Written 21 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter Drummond
When did you visit Paula? Sorry you were not happy with your food or service.
I can assure you it is Panko, did you speak to anyone about your dissatisfaction?
I’m really surprised. Not our usual review/ standard. Please contact me direct at engineinnwalbottle1@outlook.com.
Written 22 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ann-Marie
Newcastle upon Tyne1 contribution
Nov 2021 • couples
Finally decided to try the engine after hearing very good reviews about the place. We were sat by a lovely, smart young lady who was very attentive and looked after us for the duration of our visit. As for the Sunday dinners.. WOW! The slow cooked beef was delicious and the lamb shank fell off the bone perfectly, my partner and I cannot wait to return. Thank you :)
Written 29 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luke D
Newcastle upon Tyne4 contributions
May 2021 • couples
Dined at the Engine Inn tonight after their refurbishment and, all I can say is wow! What an amazing transformation, decor is so homely and modern. Peter the manager and all the team were so welcoming and friendly. We ordered the pork t-bone which was so juicy and succulent, fish and chips which had well seasoned crispy batter and sticky toffee pudding which was huge!! We are so so impressed and cannot wait to come back! Thank you all, so much :)
Written 25 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Drummstick
Sorry for late reply, just managed to get ownership of the page,
Thanks for your review, Hope to see you again soon.
Cheers, Peter
Written 5 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
M200297
Newcastle upon Tyne11 contributions
Apr 2021 • friends
We visited The Engine Inn on Bank holiday Monday after a boozy weekend in the sun.
I ordered the fish finger sandwich off their lunchtime menu and my partner ordered a burger. We shared both and the food was amazing. We have eaten here previously over the years and since the pub has been refurbed you can really tell the difference. We found that you could see how much effort has gone into updating the menu and to the quality of the food. This was reflected by the staff as they had obvious pride in everything they were serving.
We will definitely be back soon... The salted caramel fondant has my name all over it.
Written 4 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Drummstick
Sorry for late reply, just managed to get ownership of the page!!
thanks for your great review. Hope to see you again soon.
Cheers, Peter
Written 5 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lynn W
26 contributions
Feb 2024 • family
Hearty Sunday lunch which was enjoyable although could have been a bit warmer. Delicious Yorkshire pudding. Service very good and waitress very helpful. Only downside was the number of dogs .. we were sat in an area of four tables where the other three tables all had dogs with the party. Now don't mind dogs but not when having Sunday lunch and don't really want to listen to barking when enjoying a family dinner.
Although food was very good it would put me off from returning. Maybe the management could consider one area for those with dogs ... then it is customer choice if want to sit in that area.
Written 26 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter Drummond
Fair point, glad you enjoyed your food. Did you book a table? We do have a designated dog friendly area which is the bar and the area you were sat in. The rest of the pub dogs are not allowed. I hope you visit again and if you book please specify that you want to be in the main dining area and I’ll buy you a drink for your disappointment. Best regards, Peter.
Written 26 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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