The Shoulder of Mutton

So disappointing!! The food was awful. Probably the worst meal I’ve ever eaten out. The chips were definitely re-cooked and almost tasteless. The potato on my partner’s plate was dry and grey. The seating was so uncomfortable and the tables sticky. I sadly can’t think of any redeeming features as I do remember the pub once being a vibrant place either excellent pub food.

Visited here a couple of weeks ago for Sunday lunch, and what a great experience. Great friendly staff and great food and drink. The Three Meat Sunday Roast was the best I have had for a long time as were the Cod Gujons. It was nice to see it busy and they have plenty of parking.

Stopped here on the off chance as we drove back from Cragside. After enquiring on whether food was being served they kindly offered to turn on the restaurant lights that had recently been switched off! Happily sat in the bar and ordered food and drink, when the food was served the portion sizes were fantastic and the quality of food was as excellent. We would highly recommend this location if you happen to be travelling through Longhorsley! 😀

Revisiting somewhere can sometimes be a disappointment, but The Shoulder of Mutton far exceeded our expectations. The welcome was warm and inviting, as if you were a regular, the drinks ice cold and very reasonably prices, and then there was the food. How anyone can call the meals served here as 'pub grub' puzzles me. Ordering from the 'The Specials' board, we opted, for starters, Chicken liver pate with onion jam and deep fried Halloumi with a spicy sauce. Both were amazing, the pate was home meade, rich and smooth with the jam adding a sweet tartness, the perfect accompaniment. The Sesame crusted Halloumi was perfectly fried with the spicy, peppery sauce giving a soft heat. Main was Pan Fried Chicken breast with mashed potatoes and peas, spinach and bacon. The chicken was perfectly cooked, the skin crispy with the meat being tender and juicy. The mash was smooth and buttery with the peas, spinach and bacon combo giving the perfect salty compliment to an amazing dish. If you're ever in the area, I would certainly recommend popping in for a warm welcome and outstanding food.