Bowlams - County Durham

We recently dined at George Bolam's and had a delicious meal. The food was cooked perfectly and there was a wide variety to choose from. The dessert selection w... read more We recently dined at George Bolam's and had a delicious meal. The food was cooked perfectly and there was a wide variety to choose from. The dessert selection was generous and the seating was a bit tight, but extra chairs were brought out to accommodate us. This restaurant has been successful for many years and the quality of both the food and service is top-notch. We would like to thank all the staff for a wonderful experience. Cheers!

After indulging in Christmas feasts, we decided to stock up our freezer with a variety of meals. Despite the shelves being somewhat empty, we were able to find... read more After indulging in Christmas feasts, we decided to stock up our freezer with a variety of meals. Despite the shelves being somewhat empty, we were able to find some great deals on meat and even picked up an apple turnover for my husband.

I had previously sworn off this restaurant, but unfortunately found myself in need of braising steak at the last minute. This establishment used to be a well re... read more I had previously sworn off this restaurant, but unfortunately found myself in need of braising steak at the last minute. This establishment used to be a well respected butcher, owned by George Bolam and his family. However, it seems that things have changed for the worse. The focus now appears to be on profit rather than quality or customer service. The meat is expensive and of poor quality, and they also sell overpriced fish, vegetables, and bakery items. For better value and quality, I recommend heading a bit further to Sainsburys or visiting Taylors in Ferryhill or Coates in Coxhoe for a proper butcher experience. After cooking the braising steak for 10 hours in a slow cooker, it still wasn't tender, and I was unsure of the cut of meat. The overall experience was disappointing, and I suggest looking elsewhere for your grocery needs in Sedgefield.

Went shopping in George Bolams butchers shop and bought some lover joints of meat. Thought we'd try the restaurant for breakfast as friends of ours had said it... read more Went shopping in George Bolams butchers shop and bought some lover joints of meat. Thought we'd try the restaurant for breakfast as friends of ours had said it was lovely. OMG. I cannot believe how bad the breakfast was. Bacon over cooked and looked like some of it was from yesterday's menu. The sausage tasted horrible and it was just to say luke warm. The beans were cold. The black pudding tasted nasty, was as hard as rock and dry as sticks. The mushrooms were just to say luke warm and there were egg shells (more than one piece) in the scrambled eggs. The tea coffee are served in paper cups in the restaurant. The milk is served in open jugs on the counter next to the till and the serving area and the semi skimmed milk also had floaters in. I complained and ask to see the manager. She eventually came to the till and refunded me for both breakfasts without even talking to me or even finding out what the problems were. No refund on the tea though as we didn't complain about the tea. She walked straight out of the restaurant and left the food in that condition without ever checking anything . Unbelievable to be honest and I'll never eat in that restaurant again. Eat there at your own peril

Met mr bolams son today met mr bolam in the past traveled from central Scotland Falkirk for the last 15 years to fill my freezer as it is cheaper to do this tha... read more Met mr bolams son today met mr bolam in the past traveled from central Scotland Falkirk for the last 15 years to fill my freezer as it is cheaper to do this than up here each year today Saturday 22 October mr bolams son sorted out myself and my wife’s breakfast and a few free items very much appreciated from myself and my wife thanks again and we will see you next year