EDDY’S LAST
THE last time Mrs E and myself ventured into The Blue Bells it was just weeks before the Brexit referendum.
Diners included a couple of tables of people sporting proleave badges who were talking to all they met and clearly pushing their cause.
Just under three years later it was a different story with a rather more civilised atmosphere – even from the children dining there.
We’ve always been fans of the pub at Newton Bewley near Hartlepool and were keen to return after enjoying our last venture back in May 2016.
Knowing it gets busy on a Sunday lunchtime we had booked and were quickly shown to our table in the corner of the room. The pub from the outside looks very much the traditional bar (always a draw for yours truly) and inside it has a clean decor with smartly dressed, and friendly staff. We had a quick perusal of the menu but after choosing different starters we both decided to go for the Sunday roast (£8.95) – I had beef and Mrs E lamb. I’d ordered chicken liver pate (£5.95) which came in a decent portion with a salad too large to be called a garnish plus tangy red onion chutney. I’d have liked a bit more melba toast as it was too little for the amount of pate and chutney but it was all delicious so I forgave them for that.
Mrs E had “amazing” cheese and bacon potato skin boats – two huge potato pieces, laden with melted cheese and crispy bacon (£5.95) served with a garlic dip and another salad garnish. She declared they were the best she’d ever had – and from the small taste she allowed me, I had to agree.
The mains were superb. The meat melted in our mouths, served up with mash and swede plus crisp roasties and a very good Yorkshire pudding with flavoursome gravy.
The vegetables were also delicious – perfectly cooked carrots, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower cheese.
Although the restaurant was busy there was plenty of room which meant we didn’t feel overcrowded and were also given time to enjoy our meals without feeling rushed.
However our efforts to attract the attention of the busy waitresses failed miserably when we wanted to order desserts and drinks.
In the end we managed to collar one by shouting across the room as she raced past – just a little too much of being left in peace.
We finally ordered a chocolate brownie for me and a chocolate fudge cake for Mrs E (both £4.25). Again they were delicious, extremely rich and very chocolatey. The icecream was a smooth vanilla which went well with both desserts, leaving us both happy with our choices.
All in all it was great scran in very pleasant surroundings and a place we will definitely be delighted to return to.