About This Pub
Ah, King Johns Tavern, it's one of those local spots in Hartlepool that you might stumble upon for a relaxed pint or a bite to eat – and at first glance, with a solid 3.9 rating from plenty of folks, it seems like a winner. I reckon it's brilliant for those budget-friendly evenings; the food can be really tasty, like a proper breakfast that leaves you satisfied, and it's great value for money. Plus, if you're out with your dog, the beer garden is a welcoming touch. The atmosphere often buzzes with that classic pub charm, making it easy to settle in for a chat. But, let's be honest, it's not all roses – service can be a mixed bag, with some tales of grumpy staff or times when they're stretched thin, which might leave you feeling a bit short-changed. There have been gripes about dodgy food that doesn't live up to expectations or even run-ins with management that rub people the wrong way. Overall, if you're up for a no-fuss spot with potential for a great time, give it a go, but maybe keep your expectations in check and pop in on a quieter day for the best experience.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The food can be spot on, like that hearty breakfast or some excellent dishes that really hit the spot.
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It's easy on the wallet, with inexpensive prices making it a great choice for a casual night out.
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Staff pull through when they're short-handed, showing real effort to keep things running smoothly.
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They welcome dogs in the beer garden, which is brilliant if you're popping in with your furry mate.
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The atmosphere is often lively and cheerful, especially when everything's clicking.
Cons
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Service can be inconsistent, with some reports of staff being a bit miserable or unhelpful, which puts a dampener on things.
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Food quality isn't always reliable – sometimes it's disappointing or needs sending back, which is a shame.
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Issues with management, like poor attitudes from the team in charge, might make regulars feel overlooked.
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It can get short-staffed and busy, leading to a less than ideal experience if you're not prepared.
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Occasional unwanted guests or vibes that make you want to head elsewhere, as mentioned in a few visits.
Contact Information
1 South Rd, Hartlepool TS24 7RZ
+441429451452
Pub
Closed today
Opening Hours
| Monday | 09:00 - 22:00 |
| Tuesday | 09:00 - 22:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:00 - 22:00 |
| Thursday | 09:00 - 22:00 |
| Friday | 09:00 - 23:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00 - 23:00 |
| Sunday (Today) | 09:00 - 22:00 |
Recent Reviews
Was pretty busy when we visited and was told it was short staffed. Considering this, the staff did great. Had a breakfast couldn't fault it at all.
Allow dogs in the beer garden.
An okay atmosphere but we had to leave due to "unwanted guests".
Fantastic food and drink great staff and atmosphere
The staff in this place need to give their head a wobble. Never seen such a miserable bunch of sad acts in all my days. Seems like a perfect place if your disabled or something like that but normal people will be scorned upon simply for being happy.
Food is terrible aswel . Wouldn't feed it to my dog..
Been going here most Sundays teatime for a few years, but it's the first time ever had to send the food back , they did replace it but it was worse ,Attitude of the manager was terrible, did not look after the local people who are regulars. Seems to be under new management.
Cheap and cheerful bar with some ales and reasonable priced food, some of which is excellent.
Edit. My silly mistake, didn't register the New Era as I have had it and I was focused on looking for new beers. Definitely worth popping back in to check out the beers and I will again soon. Ye, back in today and three new beers in. Great rotation of beer selection. Doh.
Back in today and had food for the first time. Great value and very tasty. Also I have had some excellent beers in here, lots of Vaux and Rudgate lately.
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