If you're a restaurant owner / chef and would like us to consider your inclusion in this guide, please email Sam@NorthEastFamilyFun.co.uk to arrange a review.
This post was first published in 2016 and has been regularly updated over the years. Please always check with venues direct for up to date menus, pricing and facilities before booking as some of the information in this post may have changed (especially with regards to current menus and pricing)
New Website Features
I'm really excited to share some new FREE features which have been added to my website recently. To access them, click the share button / heart in the bottom corner of this post.
NEW FEATURES INCLUDE:
To access all of these features, you do need to 'sign up' to my website which is quick and easy to do the first time you click the button. You should stay signed in once you have signed up. There will also be a prompt to sign up to my new monthly newsletter which will focus on key ideas for this to do in the upcoming school holidays. I really hope you sign up and make the most of these features.
NEW FEATURES INCLUDE:
- A Search Box - Quickly and easily search for posts using this button
- Save Posts - Click the heart to save a post to come back to at any time. To find your saved posts, simply click the heart again and select 'my bookmarks' and you can quickly find them all in one place
- Share Post - Easily share posts with friends and family at the click of a button
To access all of these features, you do need to 'sign up' to my website which is quick and easy to do the first time you click the button. You should stay signed in once you have signed up. There will also be a prompt to sign up to my new monthly newsletter which will focus on key ideas for this to do in the upcoming school holidays. I really hope you sign up and make the most of these features.
The Best Sunday Lunches in North East England - The White Swan, Dinnington
Our last visit was in 2024. This is an absolute gem of a pub with proper Sunday lunches at decent prices. I like that they offer alternatives like Mince and Dumplings and Fish and Chips and a kids menu too.
Booking in advance is definitely recommended. Sample menu from our last visit in 2024.
Find out more and book: https://www.thewhiteswaninn.com/
The Best Sunday Lunches in North East England - Sambuca Cramlington
Sambuca Cramlington is just a 10 minute walk from our house. They serve a carvery on a Sunday alongside their normal menu which pleased the kids as they could have pizza!
Priced at £11.95 for a carvery, I didn't have huge hopes for this one but it was actually really nice with well cooked (and non-soggy veg), lush cauliflower cheese, decent roasties and huge yorkshires you can help yourself to. Our last visit was in 2024.
Perfect for one of those days where you need a big roast in a low key setting and don't want to break the bank.
The Best Sunday Lunches in North East England - The Potting Shed Bistro South Shields
The Potting Shed Bistro is a bit of a hidden gem. Located inside Green Fingers Garden Centre with a free customer car park.Our last visit was in 2023.
Two courses are priced at £18.95 which is reasonable. I really enjoyed this lunch and the setting is fab too. Their homemade desserts look divine! They also offer a smaller portion and sandwich dips with a side of gravy! Lush.
Find out more and book: https://greenfingersgardencentre.co.uk/the-potting-shed/
The Best Sunday Lunches in North East England - St James' Park
Our last visit was in 2022.
St James' Park open their doors and invite you to enjoy Sunday lunch in their stadium on selected dates across the year - usually Mother's Day, Easter Sunday, Father's Day and Christmas. I've shared their current menu below.
We've done this three times now and it's a real treat for any NUFC fans. Our meals have always been lovely.
Find out more and book: https://www.nufc.co.uk/events/sunday-lunches-at-st-james-park/
The Best Sunday Lunches in North East England - Cafe Lutz, Whickham
Our last visit was in 2023.
Cafe Lutz in Whickham is around 7 miles from Beamish Museum and Sunday lunch will set you back £13. You can choose either Beef, Pork, Chicken or Nut Roast.
You also get Duck Fat Roast Potatoes, Honey Roast Carrots, Red and White Cabbage and a massive Yorkshire Pudding. You can also get smaler plates for £9.
I really want to try their French Onion Soup starter next time we're there and they also have some great looking desserts. You can see their full Sunday lunch menu here.
Read next - Sunday Lunches near Beamish Museum
.png "Our Guide to the Best Sunday Lunches in North East England")
The Delaval Arms, Seaton Sluice
Overlooking the coast, The Delaval Arms is a cracking pub serving good value and delicious homemade lunches.
Our last visit was in 2023.
Our last visit was in 2023.
The pub is divided into several rooms (some of which are dog friendly) and all are beautifully decorated. There is a large outdoor covered seating area and a microbrewery on site too.
You won't want to miss their homemade cheesecakes. Find out more and book here.
The Best Sunday Lunches in North East England - The Nest Chillingham Road
Read our full review here: The Nest Review
Find out more and book: https://www.nestinthenorth.com/
Gusto, Newcastle
I absolutely love a sharing board for Sunday Lunch as it means you get more of what you like and less of what you don't like so much.
Our last visit was in 2023.
This version from Gusto Newcastle is fab and I especially love the Ragu Shepherd's Pie which is super moreish.
Kids are welcome to share or can order a plated Sunday Lunch or a meal from the kids menu and it's ideal before a walk along the Quayside to browse the Sunday market. Find out more & book here.
Kids are welcome to share or can order a plated Sunday Lunch or a meal from the kids menu and it's ideal before a walk along the Quayside to browse the Sunday market. Find out more & book here.
The Best Sunday Lunches in North East England - High Force Hotel, Teesdale
A walk to visit High Force Waterfall followed by Sunday Lunch at the High Force Hotel has to be one of the best ways to spend a Sunday Afternoon.
Our last visit was in 2021.
Our last visit was in 2021.
The dining area has recently been refurbished and there is a lovely outdoor terrace too. Dogs are welcome and the food is locally sourced and delicious (especially the crispy roast potatoes).
Find out more and book here.
Find out more and book here.
The Best Sunday Lunches in North East England - The Kings Head, Lanchester
Everything is homemade and there is a decent selection of meats available plus a fish and chips option for those looking for a roast alternative. Everything was delicious. Find out more here.
The Best Sunday Lunches in North East England - Walworth Castle, Darlington
 |
| Sunday Lunch at Walworth Castle - Review here |
Dining in a Castle doesn't need to break the bank. Sunday lunch at Walworth Castle is just £10.95 and includes a jug of proper homemade gravy.
The setting is grand, service perfect and children are more than welcome. The food is delicious too.
There's plenty to see and do in the castle grounds including a play park, nature trail and dungeon tours (please note there is no longer a birds of prey centre open to the public there).
The setting is grand, service perfect and children are more than welcome. The food is delicious too.
There's plenty to see and do in the castle grounds including a play park, nature trail and dungeon tours (please note there is no longer a birds of prey centre open to the public there).
The Best Sunday Lunches in North East England - The Coach House, Otterburn
 |
| The Coach House, Otterburn - Review here |
The setting is gorgeous and although slightly more formal, children are made to feel more than welcome here. The food is absolutely divine and the service is friendly.
The Best Sunday Lunches in North East England - The Cook House, Ouseburn
 |
| Sunday Lunch at The Cook House, Ouseburn - Review here |
Sunday lunches are made for sharing at the Cook House. We enjoyed a whole chicken with a couple of sides during our visit which was shared between the 5 of us. Lovely family atmosphere and local tasty food but a little pricey.
The Best Sunday Lunches in North East England - Wylam Brewery, Newcastle
 |
| Wylam Brewery - Review here |
The food is absolutely top-notch and obviously, there's a decent selection of beers on offer too. The dining room is in a large open space so it's quite loud so although this won't be a quiet and relaxing lunch, it's perfect if you're dining with noisy kids as no one will bat an eyelid!
The Best Sunday Lunches in North East England - The Woodsmans Arms, Whickham
 |
| The Woodsmans Arms - Review here |
The Woodsmans Arms is a large and homely pub near Gibside serving up some of the best roast beef dinners in the North. There's a large outdoor terrace and the pub has it's own pizza oven too.
The Best Sunday Lunches in North East England - The Sun Inn, Morpeth
 |
| The Sun Inn, Morpeth - Review here |
We popped into The Sun Inn on the off chance and were lucky enough to grab one of the last tables. This is a proper pub serving traditional hearty homemade lunches with lovely, welcoming staff.
The Best Sunday Lunches in North East England - The Badger, Ponteland
 |
| The Badger, Ponteland - Review here |
The Badger in Ponteland is Jack's favourite pub - he absolutely adores their sausages for some reason and is always asking when we can go back!
The Badger is a busy, family pub near the airport and one I'd definitely recommend if you're looking for a decent pub Sunday lunch with kids.
The Badger is a busy, family pub near the airport and one I'd definitely recommend if you're looking for a decent pub Sunday lunch with kids.
The Best Sunday Lunches in North East England - William de Percy, Otterburn
 |
| William de Percy, Otterburn - review here |
William de Percy is a quaint shabby-chic style pub joined onto a popular wedding venue in Otterburn. It's perfect for those days that you fancy a drive out into the country.
The inn is also a creperie if you'd like to treat yourself to pancakes for dessert and the children's menu is really good too.
The inn is also a creperie if you'd like to treat yourself to pancakes for dessert and the children's menu is really good too.
The Best Sunday Lunches in North East England - Whitworth Hall, Durham
Whitworth Hall, Durham - review here
2024 update - no longer open to the public
Whitworth Hall in Durham is a formal setting with linen tablecloths in a traditional setting. There is no children's menu as such but little ones can order half portions from the main menu.
Sunday lunch for grown-ups is £14.95 for 2 courses which is fantastic value and the food is all superb. Service was a little slow on the day of our visit. Make sure you leave time to feed the deer in the hall's gardens.
Whitworth Hall in Durham is a formal setting with linen tablecloths in a traditional setting. There is no children's menu as such but little ones can order half portions from the main menu.
Sunday lunch for grown-ups is £14.95 for 2 courses which is fantastic value and the food is all superb. Service was a little slow on the day of our visit. Make sure you leave time to feed the deer in the hall's gardens.
The Best Sunday Lunches in North East England - Liberty Brown, Sunderland
Liberty Brown, Sunderland - review here
2024 update - no longer open to the public
We were pleasantly surprised with Liberty Brown. The food was tasty (although I'd skip the soup) and I love how there are usually lots of activities/character visits/face painting to keep the kids entertained at no additional cost.
Sunday lunch is priced at around £10 for adults and there are usually lots of options and £7.95 for kids which is fantastic as this covers 3 courses, a drink and bambinocino.
The Best Sunday Lunches in North East England - The Fox Hole, Piercebridge
The Fox Hole, Piercebridge - review here
Sunday lunches are served as huge sharing platters at The Fox Hole and priced at £18.95 for 2 courses (kids are half price).
This way of sharing lunch is fab for families as you can pick and choose what you'd like. We opted for all the meat when we visited.
This was served with jugs of homemade gravy and plenty of veg. I often recommend the Fox Hole as my favourite Sunday lunch in the North East.
This way of sharing lunch is fab for families as you can pick and choose what you'd like. We opted for all the meat when we visited.
This was served with jugs of homemade gravy and plenty of veg. I often recommend the Fox Hole as my favourite Sunday lunch in the North East.
The Best Sunday Lunches in North East England - The Cook and Barker, Northumberland
The Cook and Barker is a beautiful inn located in the quaint village of Newton by the Moor near Felton in Northumberland. It's everything you'd expect from a country pub and more.
Sunday lunch is priced at £17.95 for 3 courses (discounted for children) and I like how everything is brought out in dishes to your table.
It feels as if you could be sitting around your mum's kitchen table when you dine here. Everything is homemade and yummy.
Sunday lunch is priced at £17.95 for 3 courses (discounted for children) and I like how everything is brought out in dishes to your table.
It feels as if you could be sitting around your mum's kitchen table when you dine here. Everything is homemade and yummy.
The Best Sunday Lunches in North East England - The Botanist, Newcastle
The Botanist, Newcastle - review here
A lot of people are a bit snobby when it comes to the Botanist and their Sunday lunches but I think they offer fantastic value for money.
You won't get a more magical setting in the city centre and there is often live music to add to the atmosphere. Sunday roasts start at £11.95 for grown-ups and are just £6.95 for kids including a special seaside ice cream dessert.
The roast beef is served nice and pink, the veg and yorkshires have always been perfectly cooked for us and the kids adore visiting here. Oh there's a very good cocktail menu to work your way too.
You won't get a more magical setting in the city centre and there is often live music to add to the atmosphere. Sunday roasts start at £11.95 for grown-ups and are just £6.95 for kids including a special seaside ice cream dessert.
The roast beef is served nice and pink, the veg and yorkshires have always been perfectly cooked for us and the kids adore visiting here. Oh there's a very good cocktail menu to work your way too.
The Best Sunday Lunches in North East England - Jesmond Dene House
Dining at Jesmond Dene House offers a real sense of occasion. The elegant dining room is beautiful and although it may feel fancy, children are welcomed with open arms.
Sunday lunch at Jesmond Dene House is honestly an absolute steal at £22 for 2 courses (children's meals are priced at £9.50 for 2 courses). The food served here is some of the best the North East has to offer.
A word of warning though, watch out for all the extras - extra side dishes, bottled water for the table, service charge.......it can all add up and if you're on a budget it's something to be mindful of.
Sunday lunch at Jesmond Dene House is honestly an absolute steal at £22 for 2 courses (children's meals are priced at £9.50 for 2 courses). The food served here is some of the best the North East has to offer.
A word of warning though, watch out for all the extras - extra side dishes, bottled water for the table, service charge.......it can all add up and if you're on a budget it's something to be mindful of.
The Best Sunday Lunches in North East England - The Broad Chare, Newcastle
The Broad Chare Newcastle - review here
Although we didn't dine with kids on this occasion, there were plenty of families in the restaurant during our visit and I would certainly return with our three.
Expect high-quality meat, homemade yorkshires and roasties, a decent wine and beer list plus very good service.
The only thing I would improve on is the gravy which is always on the watery side! The pub is warm and welcoming with a good atmosphere.
Obviously I can't make it to every single place in the North East (although I would love it if I could) so I've asked my readers to share their favourites.
If you have a photo or recommendation to share, please email sam@northeastfamilyfun.co.uk for inclusion.
Expect high-quality meat, homemade yorkshires and roasties, a decent wine and beer list plus very good service.
The only thing I would improve on is the gravy which is always on the watery side! The pub is warm and welcoming with a good atmosphere.
Reader Recommendations
Obviously I can't make it to every single place in the North East (although I would love it if I could) so I've asked my readers to share their favourites.
If you have a photo or recommendation to share, please email sam@northeastfamilyfun.co.uk for inclusion.
 |
| Chloe recommends the Lord Crewe Arms |
 |
| Claire recommends The Joiner's Arms, Newton-by-the-Sea |
 |
| Donna recommends Seahouses Golf Club |
 |
| Rachel recommends Dobson & Parnell in Newcastle |
 |
| Debbie recommends The Smeltery, Middlesbrough |
 |
| Debbie recommends The Stables, Beamish |
 |
| Proper Scrumptious recommends The Vane Arms in Thorpe Thewles |
 |
| Highlighting the North East recommends The Northumberland Arms, Felton |
 |
| Go Eat Do recommends the Riverview Brasserie, Sunderland |
 |
| Tasha recommends Wynyard Hall |
 |
| Chloe recommends The Earl of Pitt Street, Newcastle |
 |
| Chloe recommends The Blackbird, Ponteland |
 |
| Abbie recommends The Bonded Warehouse, Sunderland |
 |
| Katie Jane Online recommends Babucho |
 |
| Katie Jane Online recommends The Townhouse, Durham |
 |
| Katie Jane Online recommends Seaham Hall |
Let me know if you have a favourite place to visit for Sunday Lunch in the North East.
Pin Me For Later
Ohh! I really fancy a roast dinner now! I like the look of the The Fox Hole one. What a great idea x
ReplyDeleteCrikey!!!! There are so many places on here im so excited to try them all..its amazing how many places i didnt know considering i live in the north east!!! Thank god for blogger haha
ReplyDeleteApparently there's a misconception by some people in the USA that the Yorkshire pudding is a fluffy dessert.
ReplyDeleteI have never seen such an amazing collection of Sunday Roast photographs before! Looking forward to trying every single one .. and OMG I AM NOW SO HUNGRY!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteDavantis at Tynemouth station do the best Sunday dinner I've ever had at a restaurant, I would hugely recommend them
ReplyDeleteSweetharts at Blackhill near Consett is awesome for Sunday lunch.
ReplyDeleteOh man this is making me so hungry right now haha! They all look so delicious! This is making me want to try them all :p I had no idea that Liberty Browns and The Botanist did Sunday dinner either, definitely keeping that in mind ;)
ReplyDeletewww.violetdaffodils.com
xx
All of these Sunday dinners look absolutely amazing, thank you for sharing. I have eaten at some of these but will defiantly be putting them on my list. My favourite place for Sunday dinner is the Low Lights in North Shields and they also do a pie option if Sunday dinner isn't you thing!!
ReplyDelete