The Forge

Featured reviews

• G

  Google user

  ·3 months ago

  “I don't normally write a review unless its a positive one but feel the need to after our recent visit. When we arrived it was pretty quiet. We were taken to a table next to the till where all the staff stood around even though there were more suitable tables. In hindsight we should have asked for another table. We were promptly approached by a member of staff to take our order, we requested a few more minutes, then seconds later were asked by another member of staff. We gave our order and our starter arrived. We were enjoying the starter and wine even though it was uncomfortable being watched by lingering staff. Then a waitress brought out our main meal while we were still eating our starter. We were taken a back. She explained that the kitchen was really quiet and promptly put the mains down. We felt rushed and uncomfortable and related this to a member of staff at the end of the meal. Who apologised but did nothing else. The bill was almost £80 for a meal that would have been enjoyable if we had not been rushed and watched by staff. We were in and out in less than 30 minutes. I suggest maybe you critique staff training. This restaurant is not cheap but we are prepared to pay for a great food and great service, unfortunately this was lacking on our visit. Its a beautiful restaurant but don't think we will be visiting again anytime soon. *In response to the owners response* Thank you for your quick reply. The table was initially fine and we had no issue with it otherwisewe would have asked for a different table before being seated. However the the staff located themselves in a group, as the restaurant was very quiet, close to our table whilst we were eating which created an uncomfortable atmosphere for us. The main issue however was the fact that our main meal was served whilst we were still eating our starter. We should have refused to accept the main meal but didn't want to cause a scene and to be honest it would have just sat in the kitchen waiting. How the server thought this was acceptable is beyond me. We finished our starter over the top of our main on a small 2 person table being watched over by staff waiting for something to do close to our table. We told the server of our concern when asked if everything was okay at the time of payment. The server apologised. This was not a relaxed dining experience! We felt rushed and left the restaurant after only 30 mins to finish our drinks outside. This is not the service we have been accustomed to on previous visits which have all been first class.. my complaint is that if we had wanted fast food we would have gone to McDonalds.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·5 months ago

  “Fantastic Sunday lunch. Kid friendly. Nice outdoor eating area overlooking the village green.”

• G

  Google user

  ·5 months ago

  “The best food we have had in a while, the pie was next level and the beer battered fish and chips were delicious. We would definitely recommend coming here!!!”

• G

  Google user

  ·6 months ago

  “Absolutely delicious food!!! We got the crab and king prawns starters, and the steak sharing platter for main. Superb.”

• G

  Google user

  ·6 months ago

  “Gorgeous place and staff and food. Will be back. Quality products and friendly attentive service! Prices good. Didn’t use the toilet. Small place but decor v pleasant!”

• G

  Google user

  ·6 months ago

  “Beautiful food. Excellent offering on steak night. High quality food at reasonable prices. The staff are friendly and warm. The location in the Washington village and the building itself is beautiful and steeped in history. A must do for anyone in the north east or anyone passing through.”

• G

  Google user

  ·6 months ago

  “I've been coming here with my partner every now and then ever since we had their Full English, and it's by far the nicest tasting breakfast I've had - the black pudding is excellent, eggs always perfect, beautiful and flavourful. The coffee is great, I always get the same vanilla latte and the syrup isn't chemically like others I've tried and the coffee itself is decent. The staff are always welcoming and professional, the interior is rustic and modern - we've also tried their dinner menu which again was excellent. Would highly recommend this place, we've been coming here for just over a year now and will continue to do so!”

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• G

  Google user

  ·6 months ago

  “Hidden gem of a place, cosy, relaxed atmosphere. Food was outstanding. Served by a friendly young man called Harry who made our experience special. Thoroughly recommended.”

• G

  Google user

  ·6 months ago

  “I recently visited The Forge in Washington, and it was an absolute delight from start to finish. If you’re looking for a spot that perfectly balances a cosy, welcoming atmosphere with top-tier food, this is it. The standout for me was the lamb and mint pie special. The pastry was perfectly golden and crisp, and the lamb was incredibly tender, paired with a rich gravy that had just the right hint of mint. It’s exactly the kind of elevated comfort food you hope for. To accompany the meal, I tried a Pinot Noir from Romania. It was a brilliant recommendation, smooth, elegant, and it complemented the richness of the lamb beautifully. It’s great to see such interesting and high-quality options on the wine list. The setting is wonderful, very intimate and warm, making it the perfect place to settle in for a long dinner. What really ties it all together, though, is the friendly, attentive service. The staff made us feel right at home from the moment we walked through the door. Highly recommended for anyone in the Washington area!”

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• G

  Google user

  ·11 months ago

  “Unreal food and service. This restaurant has the most warm, welcoming and cosy vibes. Loved our meal here. The hummus with warm pita was super creamy and full of flavour to start. I had the crispy fried buttermilk chicken which was perfectly seasoned and extra crunchy and made even better with the hot honey and waffle. The steak was cooked to perfection. Cocktails were decent too”

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