The Highfield Hotel

We’ve stayed here twice now and would happily come back. Everyone was so cheerful and helpful, from reception and the restaurant to the cleaners. On our second morning, the breakfast lady had our table set up just like the day before, high chair ready too. Such a small thing, but it made for great service. Thank you.

The restaurant’s been renovated nicely and feels comfortable. It’s known for Thai food, which I forgot, so I ordered a burger. The beef patty wasn’t nice, and the chips didn’t taste like potatoes. My room was clean and basic. It’s a 12-minute drive into town, which wasn’t ideal for me, though it may suit other travellers. Reception was unattended most of the time. The sign says to ring the bell for help, but after I rang it at 7:30am, nobody came. The hair dryer looked about 30 years old, but it still worked.

The meal was fantastic, and the staff were brilliant. We met some lovely people here too, and it’s a good pub. But New Year’s Eve used to be something we loved, then it became full of children. Karaoke was for kids, and it felt like you had to hold on to your drinks. We’ve decided not to come back. We’ll meet up somewhere else, without the kids.

The hotel is about 15 minutes from Sunderland. Staff were pleasant, the room was clean though a bit rough around the edges, and I found the bed comfortable. There are plenty of sockets in the bedroom, but no USB outlet, so bring a plug or use the TV socket. There’s a choice of traditional English or Thai food. I had Thai on the first night, a great choice that tasted good and was presented well. The second night I had steak and ale pie. It was okay, just average pub grub, nothing special. The takeaway seemed popular with locals, and the restaurant was busy. The breakfast menu looked confusing at first, but it works for the hotel. It’s great for contractors and people staying for work. For leisure stays, though, breakfast finishes too early at 8:45 sharp. I saw someone arrive at 8:40 and get rushed to order hot food before they’d properly read the menu or even made a brew.