Magnesia Bank, North Shieldsback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Has been shut for a while now. Last time I looked through the window there was a massive hole in the floor of the bar.
|
Post pandemic, they seem to have gotten out of the real ale business. I've popped my head round the door a few times in the past few weeks to be greeted by empty wickets.
|
Got stranded unexpectedly in North Shields, so paid a visit to this place as it sounded the more interesting of the two entries in my (old) GBG. Started off on the wrong foot by going through the first open doors I came to. This landed me up in the conservatory, so I had to negotiate some steps down and through a heavy door marked “Public Bar” in order to find any beer.
There were 4 beers on tap, but they were all of the pale ale type. So I went for the “house beer” Cullercoats Maggie Bank, which was nice enough.
The whole place was pleasant, without being remarkable, with an olde worlde feel and victorian style furnishings. However, it seemed to be geared up to being a music venue with large numbers of posters advertising forthcoming gigs. Thus during the afternoon, there appeared to be only one person besides me in the place. When I came to say goodbye, even the barman had disappeared !
6/10 – reasonable for a quick visit
|
Re-opens tonight after a minor refurbishment under the ownership of Jarrow Brewery. The Maggie goes from strength to strength!
|
Good beer range a popular place, well worth a visit.
|
Opened again just before Christmas under new management. Been in a couple of times. The beer selection is fine and kept well, mainly local breweries with a few guests. Kitchen to re-open soon.
|
Shut at the moment. Hopefully re-opening soon.
|
During my visit to Newcastle I had heard that the pub had improved its image, had regular band/folk nights and was the place to visit. Not disappointed as it was clean, welcoming and full of character. Fantastic range of well kept beers with many nostalgic memorabilia on the walls. Food menu was basic and although the service was good the value-for-money was poor. Without any hesitation I would return but would be reluctant to order any food.
|
Another North Shields pub that appears to back to its best. Only one critisism - It still claims to be the 'Mordue Tap' but on my last 2 visits - no Mordue beers available
|
I was in the Maggie Bank last night. Very quiet, but then it was 10.30 on a Tuesday. Beer range is more varied with some unusual beers on.
|
With the demise (AGAIN) of the WOODEN DOLL I thought that trade would have escalated for the Mag, alas it does not appear so, we have visited a few times at various times of the day and it appears to have stagnated, with the same old, same old.
Previous comments have been aired about the state of the place I can only agree. I hope the MAG can continue in the current climate of financial hardship. Do the Pub Chains NEVER listen to the Licensees they are suffering and could do with a lot more financial help. Some pubs do deserve going to the wall in this case The MAG is not one of them.
|
I heard that things had changed so I called into the pub at the weekend. What a difference, new mangement, new staff (and some old hands have returned), better food and top music. Decor still needs a bit of sprucing up, but at least the place is cleaner.
Great atmosphere over the weekend, good to see familiar faces returning and the place being busy.
Hope this management team keeps up the effort.
FANTASTIC
|
I used to visit this pub every time I was in the area, I've been away a for a while and I can't believe how run down it is. Years back, when it was a really busy place, it was clean and the staff were well presented and attentive. Now it looks (and smells) like a brewery managed back street boozer struggling to keep up with the bills. Can't name anything about the place that is attractive, even the msuic has gone down market and I wouldn't risk eating in the place. The big beer prices won't help attract people either.
|
Oops, got it wrong. I had been told that the pub was boarded up, it may have been, but it is still open.
My sources tell me the dissapearence of the guy who took over is real and he has dissapeared from the George Stephenson as well.
|
The Mag Bank is boarded up, anyone know whats going on?
I heard that the guy who took over has also closed down his other pub the George Stephenson.
Little fish in a big pond springs to mind.
|
Had lunch with my wife in here recently. Food was top notch, served quickly and reasonably priced. Beer was a bit over-priced, and the bottled cider was extortionate.
|
Quiz Nite here is the best in the region, Quiz Master puts on a good night, support it and GO !!!!!
|
What has happened? This was our favourite spot for lunch with the parents, it has easy access as they have limited mobility, and the food was always superb. Where was the Northumbrian lamb,and traditional leek pudding? My MIL's lamb shank was more like a heat and serve version and wasn't hot.My FIL's Thai curry wasn;t spicy, and my boeuf bourgignon was nothing like the real thing, the meat was very dry. A great disappointment. We'll be finding somewhere else. Bring back the traditional menu please!!!!
|
This used to be the best pub in the North East it had everything - good food, great music and beer with staff who cared about customers. Since the previuos owners moved on last year and S and N took over it has gone rapidly downhill with the music the only good thing about the place. The first manager Sand N put in was a disaster and the guy at the moment is at least making an effort but he has 2 pubs to manage. The food is so bad that the restaurant has virtually shut down. Urgently in need of new tenants and a good chef.
|
Gone to the dogs.
|
my fiance and I decided to celebrate our recent engagement at the Maggy Bank on Sat 3rd March 2007, our intentions were to have a meal then to watch a band called Blue Diamond starting at 9:30pm.
Our table was booked weeks in advance for 7:30pm - however, I arrived at 7:25 and checked with the waitress if it was ok to wait at the bar for 10mins until the rest of the family arrived 'she said yes thats fine and your table is ready for you when you are'. We sat down at 7:45 and ordered our food at 8pm. By 9pm we were given several excuses that our food wouldnt be long, we didnt get our meals until 9:35, by this time the band had already started..
As it was our first visit at the pub we were not informed by the waitress when ordering our meals that we would have to order side dishes seperately, therefore the meals came basic e.g. chicken and chips with nothing else, not even veg! The food was very dry and cold as if it had been standing for ages-everyone of us were not satisfied with what we were given, we even had to ask for knives and forks! My father ordered an omelette which didnt arrive until after everyone else was finished their meals, the waitress told us that they didnt have enough hobs on the oven so had to do the omelette last 'disgusting'
by the time we finished our meals we had already missed the first half of the band.
we didnt get any apology what so ever so decided to ring the next morning, unbelievably they didnt accept any blame nor did we get an apology.
All we wanted was a decent meal to celebrate our special evening and of course to see a great band 'which they were thankfully'
I will never recommend The Maggy Bank for food 'ever' and we are not fussy people either !
Christine & Darren
|
ANON 17 DECEMBER
Why, like all the other positive reviewers of the Maggie's previous manager, are you anon?
Is it possible that you are the former manager? I know Mimosa was definately an insider. I have been using the Maggie for many years and have seen the changes in management of the pub. The pub has not won any awards or accolades since the 'daughter' took over, in fact trade seemed to be on the decline since she took over. Ellie was the manager before the 'Daugther' and under her conmtrol the pub seemed to be a fairly happy place with resonable service etc. It started going down hill when the 'Daughter' took over.
Come on all you anon's, identify yourselves either as customers or staff (both formner and current) if you want to wash your dirty linen in public do it properly. The former owner, Richard was usually open and was always a friendly frontman, obviosuly the talent wasn't passed fully down the line.
The new owner, I think she's called jackie seems pleasant enough and has decided not make any significant changes, good for her. The most obvious change has been the atmosphere in the pub, its actually more relaxed and friendly than it has been for a while.
To all the anaon's and their puit downs, Sour Grapes leave a bitter taste, its time to let sleeping dogs lie and stop the petty backstabbing.
|
Re ANON 13 Dec. Judgeing by your comments it seems as though you have been on the receiving end of "THE SHARP TONGUED DAUGHTER OF THE FORMER OWNER" however, I think that the aforementioned DAUGHTER has a lot to be personally proud of due to the running of the daily business duties at the MAGGIE and its success and accolades over the years it was at the top, I personally on my rare visits for functions etc. found her to be both willing and eager to accomodate her customers.Anyone reading these comments please pass to **** as it may be a while before I return.
anonymous - 17 Dec 2006 11:41 |
Anon 1st November... I am one of those music fans who use the Maggie, I wouldn't be tempted to go tot he Doll as its mainly rock bands and jam sessions. The Maggie has always prided itself on the quality of music, its the only pub in the North of England to get a national award as a music venue.
I haven't noticed any mass exodus to the Doll, but so what if there has been one, so long the styles of music remain significantly different both venues can co-exist. As far as SxxT stirrers (as you call them) I reckon most of the Sxxt has been flung by former staff, its pretty obvious its an inside job when you read betwen the lines. Hopefully the new manager will lift the pub back to top where it had sat for long. Its already a happier pub now that that sharp tongued daughter of the former owner has gone.
anonymous - 13 Dec 2006 13:16 |
Re anonymous 31st October I think the RESURRECTION of the WOODEN DOLL and its new restaurant LA-CASALINGA has had a profound effect on the OLD MAGs reputation non less than the Mass exodus of Music Fans to the "DOLL" (Hope the SxxT stirrers stay put and bore the next licencee!!!!!
anonymous - 1 Nov 2006 13:07 |
I hear the Maggie has been sold to a brewery. No one seems to know what the future might bring. It would be shame to see things change too much. The food and music made this pub successful, lets hope the new owners apprciate this and keep things going.
anonymous - 31 Oct 2006 13:13 |
I think the ANONYMOUS person who has RUN the MAGGY for years(anon 16 sept 2006 1629 hrs)needs to take on board some of the comments of the visitors to the MAGGY, such as customer awareness, I have visited with friends on numerous occasions and have been ignored by staff who are intent on talking to each other or other members of staff gathered either leaving work, or getting ready to start work.Some remarks may STING a little some might be untrue but most are from your ordinary run of the mill CUSTOMERS who have made the management of the MAGGY (ANONYMOUS) by name very rich..You do add that your pub has faults but I am sure they can be rectified by a word in the ear of the slackers or a swift kick in the you know where.Having pieces of paper with courses attended does not make good staff but an awareness of customer requirements whilst serving in the bar does. I think your last paragraph in your comments should be heeded by yourself replacing MY STAFF with MY CUSTOMERS and also take heed of your further comment of people leaving comments on sites such as this, POT/KETTLE spring to mind.
anonymous - 29 Sep 2006 13:43 |
If you have run the Maggy for years, which one of the staff are you? I only go in a few times a month so I don't know the staff's names, and have no idea who is in charge.
I work in the service industry, and agree that often we are looked upon as second class citizens who are incapable of getting a �decent� job. This industry is one of the hardest to work in because of ignorant people who think this way.
Most of the Maggy staff seem pleasant enough, but a couple are a bit unobservant. They either have Tunnel vision suffers or more interested in talking to other staff than serving customers.
I think I know what is meant by �unless your face is known�, several times I have been ignored and others who came to the bar after me are served first, and I don�t wave bank notes, whistle or snap my fingers, I wait like a civilised person for my turn to be served, but sometimes it does look as though known faces get served first, but that happens every where.
Good for you that the staff are being encouraged to develop in their chosen career, but don�t forget the basics. Acknowledge customers when they come to the bar, so at least they know you have seen them and they won�t mind waiting a few minutes to be served.
A real bug bare with me is the handling of glasses by the rim when serving drinks. Tell the staff that the top of the glass belongs to the customer, when staff hold the glass by the top its just as bad as putting their finger in the drink itself, not very hygienic. Again this is a problem in many pubs.
I think the Maggy is a pretty good pub and the faults it has are common in most pubs.
anonymous - 28 Sep 2006 14:34 |
Well the previous comments are all interesting and have valid points.
I run the 'Maggy' and have done for many years now, yes staff do change but the industry is known for having a fast turnover of staff and until the general public regard any people working in the 'service industry' as more than second class citizens then people won't be encouraged to make careers in this trade. However in Continental Europe working as a waiter or bar person is regarded highly by europeans.
I do feel the comment made about the staff changing faster than the guest beers is a little unfair.
The comment that service is slow unless your face is known - well if you wave a note in our faces and are rude then you will get ignored - behaving as if you are the only person needing a drink and upset at waiting a minute or so to be served just gets our backs up.
Yes my pub has faults but a hell of a lot less than any other in the area.
There is a board in the bar with a multitude of letters, comments and cards from previous customers about how much they have enjoyed their visit, food, beer, service, friendly staff - I suggest the next time you all come in you read them, that to all of us is worth much more than people leaving comments on sites such as this.
Both Barfly-007 and anonymous seem to have pretty good knowledge about the 'Maggy' well why don't you come in and tell my staff that they are'nt up to much when it comes to service and let us all see who you really are? - for the record two of them are undertaking the BII Hospitality Management Diploma ( not an easy course to undertake ) - one is due to complete by end of October as well as doing NVQ Supervisory L3. Four others are undertaking their NVQ L2, three have their National Licensees Certificate and two have Personal Licenses.
Oh and the Head Chef is doing a Training Qualification, the Second Chef is undertaking her NVQ Supervisory L3, and two trainee chefs are on NVQ L2.
Everyone is furthering their career development as well as working 48 hr week and in one case a single parent.
I think my staff are the best around, loyal, committed, hard working without a doubt, honest, and for me thats all that matters, and if the service is a bit slow then perhaps smile at them and be patient rather then critisise them for it.
anonymous - 16 Sep 2006 16:29 |
We like it here, so what if the staff change? they aren't perfect but they are better then anywhere else in the town. So what if someone thinks �7.25 is extortinate for a Sunday Roast - we don't and thats why we go almost every week. For us we like the staff here and they are always friendly to us and our family and friends when we bring them along too.
And we've been coming here for over 5 years now - we sit in our favourtie seat by the fire or up in the window by the stage.
anonymous - 3 Sep 2006 13:41 |
Is there a battle of wits going on here... The 'Maggie' is the best music venue in the North East without any doubt. It is usually busy when there is some sort of entertainment on, but can a bit quiet other times. There has been a recent change of staff, but that happens in most pubs when the students go back to 'school' and some staff are better than others.
I suspect Mimosa works here as his/her comments are just to perfect, and read just like an advert.
The pub has its faults but is definatelty worth a visit if you prefer your pubs to be safe, clean, busy and particularly if your into decent music and good food.
anonymous - 29 Aug 2006 13:02 |
I think anon has it about right. I've been drinking in Shields for years, and the Maggie is without doubt the busiest pub in town. The music does a lot for this pub, the food is good too. But the staff seem to change more often than the guest beers in this place. Few of them can serve a decent pint, but most can swipe your glass before you finish with it if you take your eyes off it for a second. I was in the pub the same weekend as mimosa, it was not as busy as usual for the band that wqas playing, but the place was still clammy with heat and smoke. If mimosa thinks �7.25 is the right price for a sunday lunch in a bar, they have more money than sense if you ask me. This bar used to have some of the best staff i had come across in a long time, but they have all moved on except the tall dark haired bloke, I think he might be head barman or something, he seems to be the only with any sort of clue.
|
Well I don't know what the above review was on but when we went to the Magnesia Bank last week for a friends daughters wedding we had the best weekend ever. First we thought hmmmmmm a wedding in a room above a pub - yes one thinks sticky carpets, smelly room, dark atmosphere, dingy crappy toilets. BOY were we shown wrong, the bar downstairs is immaculate, clean, light, airy even at 10.45 in the evening !! The staff had to have been the most pleasant, helpful, accomodating, happy we have ever come accross and you don't find staff like that even in the 5* hotels. The function room is better then we have been to in a long long time ( and we've been to loads all over the North East over the years ). We first went in on the Friday night before the wedding, we had a fantastic night, had dinner int eh non smoking restaurant, the menu so varied and interesting it was proving difficult to chose what we were going to have, the restaurant staff were charming efficient and knowlegeable about the wines and beers. Afterwards we ventured into the bar at first seeing how busy it was we were unsure, but within minutes we found a spot to stand next to the bar and were served each and every time within moments by happy staff enjoying their evening's work. We had such a good time that night we had no qualms about the wedding the nest day, we had such a great day and night following we had to return one last time for Sunday Roast at � 7.25, four of us turned up on spec without booking, we were found a table in the bar by a lovely french student and had possible the best Sunday Roast ever, followed by home-made puddings - that in itself a rare find in any.
THANK YOU Magnesia Bank for giving us a fabulous weekend and we will return from Cornwall soon !!!!
|
Great for live music at weekends and it can get very busy. When a realy popular band is on, get a seat by booking for a meal in the bar first. Bar service can be slow when the pub is busy, it can even be slow when its not busy, guess service is just slow (unless your face is known). The staff seems to change a lot as well. There are plenty of characters in the place, some more interesting than others. On balance this seesm to be the busiest pub in the town.
anonymous - 3 Aug 2006 13:31 |
|
