Castlegate Cafe - County Durham

Our visit for a late lunch today was disappointing. We ordered two full English breakfasts which took 30 minutes to arrive. The baked beans were barely warm and... read more Our visit for a late lunch today was disappointing. We ordered two full English breakfasts which took 30 minutes to arrive. The baked beans were barely warm and when we informed the waitress, she offered to bring us new breakfasts. We declined and asked for just hot beans. After over 5 minutes, our breakfasts returned but the beans were still not hot and the rest of the meal had cooled further. I ate mine quickly due to limited parking time, but my companion was put off by the lukewarm food. None of the three waiting staff came to check on the quality of our food, they were too busy chatting around the till area. When we went to pay, no one asked if everything was satisfactory. I expressed my disappointment and the response was simply, "Oh, sorry." For almost £26, the experience was subpar. The restaurant was not busy, with only one other couple dining, but the service clearly suffered. I would recommend avoiding this place until the owners return from their holiday. It's a shame.

Firstly, the food at this restaurant is truly exceptional. The French Toast is absolutely delicious, and they offer generously portioned paninis, homemade soup,... read more Firstly, the food at this restaurant is truly exceptional. The French Toast is absolutely delicious, and they offer generously portioned paninis, homemade soup, and their own freshly baked bread and brownies. I would recommend avoiding the cakes that are not made in-house, as they do not compare to the quality of the homemade ones (don't hesitate to ask if you're unsure). The seating is not very comfortable, with tables close together, hard chairs, and a noisy atmosphere. During busy times, it can feel like they are rushing to accommodate more guests. However, it is a great spot for a satisfying lunch or to grab a take-out meal.

My partner enjoyed their omelette, which was served with salad and coleslaw. Unfortunately, I was disappointed with my vegetarian breakfast order, which came wi... read more My partner enjoyed their omelette, which was served with salad and coleslaw. Unfortunately, I was disappointed with my vegetarian breakfast order, which came with crushed avocado, two poached eggs, beans, tinned tomato, bread, and mushrooms (which I had to ask for). It was not visually appealing and seemed like a mush on a plate. Priced at over £10, it was not a good value for money compared to other dining options in the area. Adding fresh tomatoes could have improved the breakfast. In the future, I will stick to ordering an omelette as I left the restaurant still feeling quite hungry.

Excellent breakfast at this small cafe. Decent coffee, crispy bacon, sausages had browns, beans tomatoes and lots of mushrooms- hot and tasty. We received a ple... read more Excellent breakfast at this small cafe. Decent coffee, crispy bacon, sausages had browns, beans tomatoes and lots of mushrooms- hot and tasty. We received a pleasant greeting when we arrived and cheerful and prompt service. Lovely. We didn't try the cakes but they looked delicious.

Finally made the 1.5-hour trip from Scarborough to Bishop to sample breaking bread and it certainly didn 't disappoint. I ordered a ham salad (enough to feed an... read more Finally made the 1.5-hour trip from Scarborough to Bishop to sample breaking bread and it certainly didn 't disappoint. I ordered a ham salad (enough to feed an army) with some surprise added extras like ploughman relish and pickles. Delicious! My daughter had a ham and cheese paninni 'the best shes ever had. ' She usually leaves some behind her, but this was just too good not to finish. The sourdough bread was also really soft and went down easy. When I was talking to the owner i mentioned i had a sore throat he recommended ice cream, it was just what the doctor ordered. The staff were very friendly and efficient. All in all, it was a lovely experience. Will not leave it so long next time. Thanks guys.