It is just over three years since editor Leanne Facwett visited The Royal George in Old Shotton (in an official capacity at least). This time around there’s a new team at the helm and the popular restaurant and pub is going great guns – not only attracting locals but people who are travelling from around the region to try the food and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
And with a new spring/summer menu on offer, Leanne was keen to find out more…
I have been coming to The Royal George in Old Shotton for many years, so have seen it go from a fairly traditional pub and bar to a contemporary eatery that is building a reputation for its quality food and welcoming and friendly atmosphere.
And not only is the pub a firm favourite with people in East Durham, it is now attracting visitors from all over the North East who have heard great things about the pub and want to try it for themselves.
So, what’s the key to this sudden resurgence?
Last year the pub was placed under new ownership, with businesswoman Nicola Evans Park, owner of the hugely successful Seaside Travel, and her husband Barry taking it on.
As a local Nicola was only too familiar with The Royal George’s history – good and bad – and was determined to re-establish the pub in the heart of the community. A bit like the ethos of Seaside Travel – the success of the business is determined by the place it has within the town or village it is based.
Nicola took the time to find out what was missing – what did the locals want to see brought back, what food would get them through the doors, what drinks do they want on the menu (New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc for me all day long) and what events would they like to see.
As Nicola would say, it’s not her pub, it’s just her name above the door.
One of the big things for me was that I felt that in the past the food served was heavy, with huge portions that I know might seem great to some. But on a lunchtime, I want lovely light dishes, salads, sandwiches, fish – dishes that aren’t going to put me in a food coma.
So, when pub manager Kirsty Kitson told me about their new spring/summer menu, I was keen to put it to the test. Because for me spring and summer screams salads, lovely sandwiches, dishes with vibrant pops of colour.
I took my mam along for company – she is no stranger to the George herself, often going there with the girls, so knew she was in for a treat.
And as it was Friday, I ordered myself a large glass of wine while my mam opted for a coke.
After perusing the food choices, I chose two dishes from the new menu – hummus with sundried tomatoes and garlic flatbreads for starter, and salmon fillet with herby crushed potatoes, asparagus, and a pesto oil.
My mam went for two dishes from the specials board – Szechuan rump beef strips with noodles, and Lee’s Brownie.
My starter came and it was a lovely bowl of comforting hummus with six garlic flatbreads. The hummus itself was smooth but with whole chickpeas for texture, while there were also sundried tomatoes for a bit of acidity and sweetness and a green salad to cut through the dish. As a hummus lover this was the perfect starter for me – super tasty but light too, so I had plenty of room for my main.
When the main courses came, my mam was given a generous bowl of Szechuan beef, with peppers, onions and chillies (my mam avoided them as she’s not one for too much spice), and a separate bowl of noodles.
My salmon was rested on a bed of buttery herby crushed potatoes, with asparagus tips and a pesto oil. There was also a lemon for squeezing.
Whilst my mam’s dish was hearty, comforting and packed with steak strips, mine was so light – summer on a plate. The salmon was beautifully cooked, meaty in texture, while the crushed potatoes were perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of mash to chunky potato ratio.
My glass of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc was the perfect accompaniment to wash down the delicious food.
That was me done but my mam still had her brownie to come and goodness me, it was good. Kirsty described it as a brownie bottom with a thick chocolate ganache topping and said it was heaven on a plate. She was not wrong. It also came with fresh cherries and ice cream/cream, so was giving off a bit of black forest gateau vibes. Now my mam has a sweet tooth but even for her this was quite a large dessert – however, I had more than enough room to help her out. The things you have to do…
The food was all reasonably priced, with the starters and desserts from £7 upwards.
Our mains came in at £15.95, while a large glass of wine will set you back around £7.
I really do feel like The Royal George has stepped up – the food is much more appealing, with more choices, and the refurbishments internally and externally (including the creation of a new beer garden) have completely transformed the pub.
So, would I recommend it and would I go back?
Yes and yes – in fact, I was back just two later for Sunday lunch with family and friends and that did not disappoint either. Every single plate was cleaned and we all finished off with desserts.
I have to say well done to Nicola, Barry, Kirsty, and the whole team – they have brought the life and soul back to the pub but also significantly improved the quality of food served. The Royal George is firmly on the regional map and that’s great for our area!