The Sundial, Sea Rd, South Shields NE33 2LD

About This Pub

Ah, The New Sundial, it's one of those places in South Shields that I've heard mixed things about from mates, and after looking into it, I can see why. On the upside, it's got that welcoming feel with staff who greet you with a smile and make ordering a breeze, plus the food can be genuinely lovely when it's fresh and well-prepared – perfect for popping in with the family for a bite. The atmosphere really shines too, like during the holidays with those impressive lights that get everyone in the spirit. But, let's be honest, it's not all smooth sailing; some folks have had a tough time with food that's undercooked or not available at all, which is a bit of a letdown for a spot that's meant to be a go-to for drinks and meals. Overall, with a solid 3.8 rating from plenty of reviews, I'd say it's worth a try if you're in the area, but maybe go in with realistic expectations and check what's on the menu first – that way, you can enjoy the good bits without the surprises.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • The staff are really welcoming and friendly, making you feel right at home as soon as you walk in – it's that warm vibe that keeps folks coming back.
  • When the food hits the mark, it's spot on; think tasty pizzas and fresh options that go down a treat, especially for families looking for a quick and satisfying meal.
  • It's got a great atmosphere, with things like festive lights that add a fun touch, making it a lovely spot for a casual get-together or a family outing.
Cons
  • Food availability can be a bit hit or miss, with some visits ending in disappointment when simple dishes aren't on offer, which is a real shame.
  • Quality isn't always consistent; for instance, pizzas might have a good crust but end up undercooked and soggy, leaving you wishing for better preparation.
  • Recent feedback shows a dip in experiences, with a few folks having rough times getting served or finding the options limited, so it might not be the most reliable choice lately.

Contact Information

The Sundial, Sea Rd, South Shields NE33 2LD
+441914326432
Bar
Open Now

Opening Hours

Monday (Today)11:00 - 22:00
Tuesday11:00 - 22:00
Wednesday11:00 - 22:00
Thursday11:00 - 22:00
Friday11:00 - 23:00
Saturday11:00 - 23:00
Sunday11:30 - 22:00

Location

Recent Reviews

Came in randomly on a saturday afternoon. We decided we would get something to eat. Just a simple pizza would be enough. It's cheap enough at just £9.95 but we can really tell when we received the pizza. The crust was good, but the base was undercooked and soggy, not helped by the weight of the amount of cheese that was on this pizza slice, which fell off when picked up so resulted in using a fork to eat the rest of the topping. It wasn't particularly tasty either, and the cheapness of the pizza was obvious. We got the Hawaiian pizza, and the ham was just disgusting. The bar/restaurant area of this place is just dark, tired, and dated. The name The New Sundial suggests that it would be nice inside. We arrived at about half 3 in the afternoon on a saturday, and the place was practically empty. This didn't mean it was quiet, however. I think they may have been prepping for evening entertainment as there was a lady with a pink sequened jacket at a DJ booth...... The table we selected was off in a corner where we anticipated it would be quiet enough for us to have a nice bit of chill out time. The table was fairly sticky and not very clean. It was not obvious as to where we should sit as nobody was there to greet you at the door, nor did any tables have a menu or cutlery set out. This was very confusing for first time customer. The food was brought out quickly, which was a worry for a 'fresh made pizza'. This next thing really is a problem for the restaurant, and such issues should really be dealt with by the management. The rear door was open to allow people to enter from the promenade. However, this entranceway looks particularly sad and dated and not very welcoming at all. The next issue which is something I feel staff should have bene on top of, there was a family there eating and they had four or five young children with them, the children were dancing in the empty spaces which isn't the issue, the noise and screaming they were making was an issue, the parents or guardians of these kids should have dealt with this, but also the staff of the establishment should have had a quiet word really. My first visit here, I won't come back. I will not recommend it either. In fact, I would instruct people to avoid The New Sundial to avoid abject disappointment. Very, very poor.
CH
Christopher Harrison
Was really excited to try the food. I’ve heard good things. Took my family here. Went up to the bar three times to order food only to be told each time that the food wasn’t available. I mean we tried to help by just ordering jacket potato’s and tuna in the end. But apparently potato’s, salad and tinned tuna was too much of an ask and it was only 12 (midday). We just got up and left. It’s pretty poor really. Although we went to the sand dancer and apparently they’ve really upped their food game so that was nice. But just like this scenario, customers will vote with their feet in the end.
JT
J T
Lovely pub with great food. Went all out with the Christmas lights. Very impressive and the kids loved them
LC
Lucy Cairns
An absolutely amazing experience! I took the kids out for tea, and we were all thoroughly impressed. The service was incredibly quick and efficient, making it perfect for families with little ones. The food was not only delicious but also fresh and satisfying, exceeding all our expectations. The best part? All of this came at an unbeatable price of just £5! Exceptional value for such quality. It’s rare to find a place that combines great food, excellent service, and affordability so perfectly. Highly recommend, and we’ll definitely be coming back!
JR
Jenna Rogers
We popped in today for some late lunch and mini Celebration. It was lovely to have an immediate warm friendly welcome from the staff. The ordering process was easy, menus were provided at the bar and we were told about the specials which were also available. We ordered the tomato, mozzarella and pesto wrap from the main menu (will definitely order again) as well as potato skins and the beef dip from the specials. The portion sizes were great, reasonably priced and the good old fashioned real chips were a delight! So nice to have such a family orientated business on our doorstep. Thanks Rachel, Omar and team!
SP
Stephy Parker

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