I don’t know about you but I love a trip out for a good Sunday roast.

Last week we were invited down to Bella’s, located in the wonderful Customs House, to check out their Sunday lunch menu. A perfect treat for January!

The Customs House is an iconic arts and entertainment hub and registered charity in the Mill Dam area of South Shields. As a proud Sand Dancer, I’ve frequented The Customs House since I was a bairn for either the panto or the cinema, but I’ve never actually been for food!

Bella’s Bistro has beautiful views of the the River Tyne and a lovely atmosphere. Staff are so welcoming and happy to help, especially with recommendations from the menu!

Speaking of the menu… they boast an impressive Sunday lunch menu with plenty of options and various prices:

1 Course – £10.95
2 Courses – £13.95
3 Courses – £16.95

Starters and desserts often change, with a few staples staying on the menu. They also offer gluten free options for Sunday lunch – it’s best to give them the heads up for this at the time of booking, and I’d definitely recommend booking in advance as it gets busy!

Bella’s offers something for all the family with children’s portions and a dog menu as the restaurant is dog friendly. There are vegan and veggie options too.

Starter

I went for a classic and a personal favourite – Potato Skins with Confit Garlic Mayo and Adam went for the Halloumi Fries with Tomato Salsa. A lovely start to our 3 courses.

Main

Adam went for the Slow Roasted Beef Brisket and I went for the Sea Salt & Fennel Belly Pork.

Mains are all served with mashed potato, roast potato, carrot and swede mash, savoy cabbage, maple roasted parsnip, tenderstem broccoli, Yorkshire pudding and gravy!

When I tell you this was one of the biggest and best roasts I’ve ever had, I’m not lying. Every single mouthful was divine! The veg was all cooked lovely, the Yorkie pud was an excellent size and delicious, there was a generous amount of gravy (I hate when you don’t get enough!) and the meat was cooked to perfection.

Dessert

I really didn’t think we’d actually manage a dessert but one of the staff reminded me that desserts go to your second stomach, so…

Adam ordered the Chocolate Brownie with cream and I went for their Apple Crumble with custard. Both were tasty and a lovely way to finish our meal.

We loved each course and couldn’t fault anything that we ate. The value for money is excellent considering the hearty portions of delicious food that you get. After perusing the daily menu, I definitely fancy heading down to try some other scran too!

The restaurant is open Tuesday – Sunday 9am til 3pm, with Sunday lunch served 11.30am – 3pm (bookings advised). There is also free parking at The Customs House.

Huge thank you to all the team for looking after us, we can’t wait to return!

Address:
Bella’s
The Customs House
Mill Dam, South Shields
NE33 1ES

AD – We were gifted our meal in exchange for this honest review.