Eat, drink and laugh
2023 Restaurants
Well, here we are at the start of another banquet season with the Order of Gentlemen. We will take you along with us as we journey across the eating establishments of good old Teesside. What follows is an impartial account of each visit from our perspective, the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth!
If you enjoy going out for a meal with your loved one, or even with somebody else's loved one and think, where shall we eat tonight? The Order of Gentlemen have probably already been there and we can help you out with your decision making.
Stan Wells
It is with great sadness we report the death of one of the founder members of the ‘Order of Gentlemen’ – Mr Stan Wells.
Stan was a breath of sanity in a mad world, he was a proud vegetarian and had been long before it became fashionable. Stan had a unique sense of humour and was ultra loyal to his friends, he will be sorely missed.
Thank you for everything Stan – honk, honk.
The Winner for 2023 is.....
The Raby Arms!!!!
As a new ‘Feasting Season’ begins it is time to reflect on the ‘highs and lows’ of last year. In April we ‘lost’ a truly special friend, Mr Stan Wells. Stan was a founder member of the ‘Order of Gentlemen’ and was a levelheaded, calming voice in a world that is increasingly loud and lacking in any empathy. Stan was a proud vegetarian long before it became fashionable, he often ‘honked’ his horn at Simon and Smigfy especially if their comments got out of hand.
We love you and miss you Stan. As a mark of respect April is now the Club’s vegetarian month and this year we will be going to one of Stan’s favorite venues, Carpaccio’s in Stockton. Cheers Mate
2023 was a year of mixed culinary adventures. It’s fair to say some of our evenings were disappointing. Either spoilt by poor service, a lack or choice of Ales or simply uninspiring food.
Some venues were excellent in the dining experience but failed to deliver the whole package. One place that certainly ticked all the boxes was this year’s winner, ‘The Raby Arms’ at Hart Village (a venue chosen by Chris Knowlson)
The choice of Ales was extensive, the starters were prompt and very well presented, Club members went for the BBQ pork belly tacos, the salt and pepper chicken, the pork and stilton sausage roll and the Thai fish cakes.
The most popular main was the large mixed grill (a word of warning, don’t order the salt and pepper chicken as a starter as you get another one with your main meal !!!)
Other main meals included the chicken fajitas, the lamb flat bread and the wild boar sausages with mashed potatoes. All main courses were generous in size and delicious. The whole dining experience was excellent.
We returned to the winning venue in December to present the ‘Order of Gentlemen’ annual Trophy.
Shelby Turner the Manager was unavailable so Ben Davis the assistant Manager accepted it on her behalf.
We thank Ben for his enthusiasm and professionalism and who knows if 2024 might bring a return visit ?
October 2023
Venue: Raby Arms - Hart Village, Hartlepool
Chosen by: Chris Knowlson
We met as usual in the Merlin for a little palate cleanser, before we made the journey across to Hart Village just outside Hartlepool. This month’s visit felt a little different. Firstly, it was not the last Thursday of the month (we changed from October due to scheduling differences) and also, we were missing our glorious leader who - rather selfishly decided to get a new knee the same day! Good luck Don. I am sure a separate review of his hospital breakfast will follow.
We were welcomed to the Raby Arms with a roaring fire and a good selection of drinks. While most had chosen the large mixed grill, the big question was if a starter could also be squeezed in. The answer was simple – yes it can. In fact, some even went the whole nine yards with a desert as well.
The starters were served quick and went for a mixture of the pork and stilton sausage roll with pickled onions, the BBQ tacos and also the Thai fish cakes. All were delicious!
The most popular main amongst the group was the large mixed grill, but the other selections included the Chicken fajitas, the lamb flat bread and the wild boar sausage with mash potato. All main courses were very generous in size and delicious. The lamb flat bread was slightly cold and we asked for it to be reheated. The staff took it away and replaced the dish completely with a freshly prepared replacement!
While most of us were full after two courses, a couple of the group couldn’t resist a desert and as with the previous courses, the sticky toffee pudding was generous in portion size. One member also went back to the 1970’s with a banana split!
Overall, the experience of the Raby Arms was a positive one. The food was priced reasonably, plentiful in portion size and the staff were chatty and helpful.
The Raby Arms is certainly a contender, and we will find out soon as the voting night is the 30 November!
British ££
September 2023
Venue: Borge Restaurant - Stockton
Chosen by: Ian Sullivan
We met at the Storytellers for pre-drinks then had a pleasant walk down to Borges. We were all there on time except for Sully!!!
The restaurant took ambience to the extreme. It was difficult to see where you were walking when we made our way to our table. We were seated next to a high open window which didn’t go down too well, but once it was shut, we were able to warm up and wait for Sully!!!
The first order of the day was for drinks, we were all very happy with the Moretti (except for the drivers!) The Starters and Mains had been ordered when Sully arrived. At least I think it was Sully it was hard to tell in the ‘ambience’!!!
The choice of starters was varied, ranging from authentic Minestrone soup, barbecued spare ribs, stuffed mushrooms (which were excellent) pizza and potato skins. After another Moretti the evening progressed very nicely. When the mains arrived the presentation and service was second to none. Some had chosen the mixed kebabs with either roast potatoes or chips. The chicken Parmo and chicken fajitas were also very well presented and had generous portions, other dishes that were well received were the beef stroganoff and the Lasagna Alforno. Unfortunately, the Penne Carbonara was less than satisfactory and had to be sent back as it had a ‘strange taste’ – to be fair it was removed from the bill immediately.
The ‘ambience’ was a bit of a problem as it is always nice to be able to see what you are eating and who you are talking to too. As for the food (apart from the Penne Carbonara) was excellent, the roast potatoes were the best I have tasted.
Has it done enough to win the coveted trophy, only time will tell...
Italian ££
August 2023
Venue: Portofino - Hartlepool
Chosen by: Don Briggs
We met at the Merlin Pub as usual for pre-drinks then made the short journey from Billingham to Hartlepool Marina. As we entered the Restaurant, we were told they were not ready for us and would we mind waiting or go next door to Jackson’s Wharf for a drink and give them half an hour !!!!
Well, this was a first, wonder what their reaction would have been if we had turned up 30 minutes late? When we were eventually seated the draught lager chosen by seven of the party was Birra Murano, an exquisite premium Italian pilsner (unless you were one of the drivers) – box ticked.
We all chose from the Dinner-Specialties menu, very reasonably priced at £17.45 – it had a great selection of starters and main courses.
The spicy Lamb Koftas with a Greek salad and yoghurt dressing, and the Algerian Merguez sausages in a spicy tomato sauce with rice were two of the chosen starters for several people. They arrived without a fuss and were all extremely tasty and well presented. Another round of drinks followed and although the ambiance of the Restaurant seemed rather flat, and the service very hit or miss the dining experience was ticking along nicely.
The majority of the main meals chosen were Parmo’s, the meat feast, the Kiev-Mushroom and garlic, La Brie-Bacon, with caramelised red onion and the Nduja-Nduja pepperoni, all were cooked very well and had very generous portions.
There was an issue with the Lamb Tagine which was far too salty and a big disappointment.
All in all, the consensus was good, a pleasant meal, excellent lager, it remains to be seen where it will come once the voting begins.
Italian/
Mediterranean ££
July 2023
Venue: The Peppermill Bistro - Billingham
Chosen by: Mark Blackmore
The Club has visited the Peppermill Bistro several times in the past and there was a genuine air of anticipation as we met for drinks in the Crossing. Previous visits had sometimes failed to live up to expectations, would tonight be different? There was a large turnout with eight Club members attending, the atmosphere when we entered the Bistro was charged and very positive.
Our table was in a great location and we didn’t have to wait long for our drinks order to be taken. Draught San Miguel for six (the drivers abstained). The specials board was very full and very inviting, in no time at all our food orders were taken and after another round of drinks the starters arrived.
Two choices were the cajon spiced coley fritters with sour cream and chive dip; and the king prawn and chicken skewers with a beautiful honey and garlic glaze. By far the most popular starter was the spare ribs from the special board. All the starters were very well presented and full of flavour.
The main course meals continued the high standard, all were excellent and the choice was largely split between the lamb trio, and the picanha rump steak.
It was the desert which caused the biggest debate. The sticky toffee pudding sundae was a ‘sundae’ and not sticky toffee pudding as was misread by one of our party. The cheese and biscuits were another popular selection but the overall opinion was that it was overpriced for the amount of cheese served.
As a dining experience the night was a great success, the food was very well presented and delicious, although some meals were in our opinion a little over priced; but we all enjoyed the friendly ambiance of the restaurant.
The Peppermill Bistro is certainly up there with the best!
British, Pub ££-£££
June 2023
Venue: Little Sicily at the Black Lion - Sedgefield
Chosen by: Steve Williams
This was our first club night since the sad loss of one of our founder members; Stan Wells. We miss you Stan!
We were met immediately as we entered the door, escorted to our seats and made to feel very welcome.
A wide range of draught ales were available and most of us chose Coors (except for the drivers!!) The menu was uncomplicated and a favourite starter was the Garlic Mushrooms - they were well presented and very tasty.
Three of the party decided on the Tomahawk Steak which was from the specials board and priced at a very reasonable £37. To be honest it was a very impressive piece of meat when it arrived, well prepared and excellent presentation. Drinks flowed freely and the interaction with the between ourselves and the staff was very cordial and enhanced the dining experaince.
In a nutshell, the menu was typical Italian and adequate, the service was very good, the food (choice and quality) was also very good. Value for money? Yes without a doubt. A very pleasant evening was had by all and the Black Lion is certainly in with a shout of the annual award.
Italian ££
April 2023
Venue: The Bluebells Inn - Newton Bewley
Chosen by: Simon Pooley
It was great to be back at the ‘Blue Bells’ again, the ‘Order of Gentlemen’ annual trophy was proudly displayed in a prominent position and gleamed from the lights around the bar.
The night started with a slight hiccup as we were told there was no draught Coors lager and the other lager, Carling was due to run out as well!!
We were made to feel very welcome and the atmosphere was of high expectation. Meal orders were taken and to be honest the time taken for the starters to arrive was excessively long.
That aside, when the food came it was of the highest quality, the choice was varied and as good as the starters were, the Main meals were at another level. Apart from one minor problem with an overcooked rack of lamb everything else was cooked and presented to near perfection.
As for value for money, you will be hard-pushed to find better anywhere. This is only the fourth month of this year’s culinary expeditions but the ‘Bluebells’ is already showing the previous venue’s a ‘clean set of heels’.
British, Pub ££-£££
March 2023
Venue: Soul Curry - Yarm
Chosen by: Tim Mallon
We met for pre drinks at the Ketton Ox and from there it was a short walk to this month's venue - Soul Curry. Known as the best Indian restaurant in Yarm.
We were on time but were asked to wait while our table was prepared (in an almost empty restaurant???)
The maître d' was prompt, lively and very amusing. He quickly served us with draught Cobra and we all immediately felt at home. He gave us a good insight in to the menu and after very little deliberation we all decided on the 'Party Menu' and he even managed to find Don a party hat!
The 'Party Menu' consisted of poppadums and pickles, sizzling mixed kebab starters and any main choice plus rice and naan bread. All for £26.90 per person.
The food and service was excellent and the staff very friendly. All expertly orchestrated by the talented maître d'.
Fair to say it was as good, if not better than any Indian restaurant we have ever visited. Also - Tim stayed out beyond 11.00pm!
Indian ££
February 2023
Venue: The Smith's Arms - Carlton
Chosen by: John Flynn
We had almost a full complement of Club members present. There was only Simon missing as he was busy practicing the art of walking and dancing in high heel boots, but that is a different story for a different day!
Sully was late, but that comes as standard. To have him there is always a bonus. We were escorted to our seats and were made to feel welcome, the choice of drinks was what you would expect from a quality public house, the selection across the bar was very good. Everyone had smiles on their faces except the designated drivers!
There was an issue with a 'starter' that was not up to standard and had to be returned. But the choice of main meals and in particular the grill menu was excellent. We all agreed we had value for money and had enjoyed the dining experience.
British, Pub ££-£££
January 2023
Venue: Julia & Sofia's Italian - Sedgefield.
Chosen by: Mark MacDonald
As Mark had chosen the venue which won last years award, the Committee agreed that it was only fair that he should begin the new campaign.
Marks choice of Julia & Sofia's Italian Restaurant at Sedgefield was mainly due to insider information gleamed from a work colleague who lives in Sedgefield.
We met as normal for a premeal aperitif then once the roll call had been made and the booking time reached, we made our way safely across the road to the restaurant.
Once inside we were seated and made to feel comfortable with very pleasant and prompt service. The ambience was warm and inviting. But then we encounted a major problem, no draught lager or beer. Only bottled drinks! Mark was immediately on the back foot as the Committee expressed their dissatisfaction.
The meal was very nice but not exceptional. The menu choice was good but not great. We had an enjoyable dining experience but many of us will not return.
Pizza, Italian ££-£££
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