The Joiners Arms

Booked a last minute stay at the Castle View Cottage. Firstly, the cottage (actually a bungalow) is behind the pub in a cul de sac which isn’t an issue but first impressions of the property are not good. Narrow, worn out driveway, broken guttering, lawn that looks as though it has not been cut this year, mole hills in the garden, a run down garden shed. Inside, the property is clean but signs of general wear and tear, although the old bird poo on the kitchen window could have been cleaned off! Beds are clean but not the comfiest beds in the world, every creek is heard! Most of the internal doors don’t shut, the bathroom lock doesn’t work, all the furniture seems to be a mish-mash, uncomfortable main sofa. Only one coat hanger in main bedroom. Mould in second bedroom and a dusty lamp shade. A spacious property for a family stay but won’t be returning unless the property is given some TLC.

Called in for drinks sat at the bar asked if I could order a hot snack in which I did but was told couldn’t eat the bar only at a table which wasn’t a problem, but then I noticed a couple sat at the bar who had ordered food which was delivered to the bar were they ate it, no consistency One rule for one one rule for another. They obviously knew the Barman?

We went here to do a wedding menu tasting for a Newton Hall wedding later in the year, and the food was excellent, great portion sizes, speedy servings and above & beyond service by the wonderful Kevin. Would certainly recommend to anyone in the area! :)

We have stayed here before and love the pub and location. Sadly this time we were placed in the ‘Coquet’ room in the joiner’s den. There was a terrible and putrid smell coming from the drain in the shower. I had to close the bathroom door but as soon as it was opened it came into the room. I appreciate this is an old building and had been beautifully restored…but you can’t leave this drainage like this. It really spoiled our stay. I wouldn’t stay in a ground floor room again.

We stayed in “the aln” room in the adjacent joiners den. Unfortunately this room is tired and not cleaned to a five star standard. There was great big chips coming off the bath, areas of wall missing plaster need patching and painting, the sink had toothpaste in it from a previous guest and it was dusty. For the price, I would have expected perfection in cleanliness and any wear and tear addressed. Pub itself the food was nice but it was understaffed and breakfast was chaotic. As this was our first night away after having our daughter I did expect slightly more. Must be said all staff were pleasant despite been rushed off their feet and the food was good, just a bit gutted the room didn’t match.

We stayed in Sandwood Bay room for one night. The plan was to enjoy the beach walks, have a celebration dinner and stay over in a cosy pub and this is exactly what we got. The service from Tom, Maz and the rest of the team was faultless and we were made to feel very welcome. The pub,has a lovely atmosphere so it was a really enjoyable evening with delicious food and cocktails. Sandwood Bay is a lovely room above the bar with views in the distance to the sea. It picks up some noise from the bar so it could trouble a light sleeper. Free wifi and a free off site car park just a short stroll away. We are looking forward to coming back

When I booked the 2 night stay at Joiners Arms the recent reviews were all 5/5. Joiners Arms is advertised as a "5☆, boasting beautiful styled boutique suites, and an experience that will stay with you for years to come" unfortunately not for the right reasons. The room we had 'The Coquet' was definitely not 5☆. When we arrived the room door was propped open & I wondered why. Once we were in the room & unpacked we thought there seemed to be a smell coming from the bathroom drains. We went for dinner & there were 5 dogs accompanying owners for dinner, which is a great if you are ok with dogs but unfortunately I am hugely allergic & struggled to breathe during dinner. We had hoped to spend some time in the bar but knew I wouldn't be able too so we headed back to the room. When we returned to the room the smell was unbearable & both my husband & I were unable to sleep even with the windows opened. Whilst desperately waiting for the breakfast opening at 8am, to get up & out of the room & away from the smell, an alarm started & we soon realised we & the Inn had no power, therefore, no breakfast which totally appreciate could not be helped, however, this was the final straw & my husband & I checked out early & will not be returning or recommending. So disappointed & will be reporting this to the booking site I used, this is NOT 5☆ in anyone's world!

Not 5 star unfortunately and VisitEngland have confirmed this property does not hold 5* accreditation from them despite the property still displaying the VisitEngland rose on the website and a billboard outside. I have emailed The Apartment Group about this but had no response. These are pleasant rooms above a pub but a little tired with lack of attention to detail. Wall lights not working, lovely array of teas/coffee in room but a kettle with a broken lid that also doesn't fit beneath the tap to fill, loose tap in the bathroom, unclean sink, dusty lamps and furniture, a noisy gravel carpark directly outside my room (not for guests...ours is 100m or so walk away) and a morning member of staff that felt the urge to share the music from his car there for 20 minutes at 7am. The panoramic view unfortunately didn't exist. If it were described as 3 star I would have been happy with my stay. Breakfast was good however.

I contacted the restaurant today to speak to someone in regards to a meal me and my family had on Monday 31st July at you restaurant but after speaking to a member of your team they said I would expect a phone call back but I never received one? My wife had booked a table last Monday to celebrate my 40th birthday and I had heard great things so was excited to try. We entered the restaurant only to be blanked by the bar and floor team and as they walked past us again and again only until approached a member of your team and mentioned we had booked a table and we were a little early and the team member said ok could we sit outside till our table would be ready, this was not a problem as I understand we were 10 minutes early. On coming back into the restaurant I once again got blanked until I caught eye contact of a young ladie and told her we had a table booked and looking a little flustered she took us to a table with dirty menus and bits of food ect from the previous table before us which I had to brush onto the floor. After the young girl came back 10 minutes later after finishing my drink (no fault of her own as I could tell she was busy) my wife asked for the chicken dish which was OOS then we asked for fries only to be told that you had ran out. We opted for the fish and chips and I do see on your menu you have a wide varity of options but working along side a la carte meals all day my self sometimes you just like a old classic. We opted for the North Shields fish and chips which felt like a good option on a rainy day. The fish arrived brown and burnt with black batter bits stuck all over it and the chips had what I only can describe as if they'd been sitting in there own starch for a very long time as they were rock hard and sharp with no potatoes inside. As it was my 40th and my wife had took me and the children out to celebrate i did not want to cause a fuss as I new my wife wound be embarrassed and she does not know im writing this now as I don't want her to know as I know she will feel upset. We left most the fish and took the rest home for the dog. I have thought all week should I contact you and it's been playing.on my mind but sometime things need to be addressed. I did take some photos of my meal as I was that surprised it has even left the kitchen in the state it was. Brett Walker.