Ruskins Bistro in Hartlepool

I recently stayed at the hotel here and the restaurant was closed for the entirety of my visit. The chairs were all stacked on the tables and the bar was closed and shuttered.

Friendly atmosphere, helpful staff. Delicious Sunday lunch.Amazing gravy.Lots of choice of meat and vegetables.

If you looking for a rubbish hotel with dry food this is the place and the owner is rude don't go 🤮😡😡🤮

Had Sunday carvery last week the beef was over cook and the vegetables under cook complaint to the staff but nothing was done about it won't go back

Always enjoy a carvery at Ruskins. Can't comment on their other menus, as we've only been on a Sunday. The food is always piping hot with a great range of meat and vegetables. Will be back

Beautiful carvery, good atmosphere and lovely food cooked to near perfection and at a reasonable price what's not to like

First visit at the carvery and found it to be excellent, lots off choice and freshly replaced, all food was of very good quality and with 4 different meats on offer which were all cooked beautifully. Will definitely visit again.

Had busy day so couldn’t get there till 3.30, booked table and when we arrived there were no more customers, service was almost over for the day but staff hung back as they knew we were arriving, very friendly and couldn’t do enough for us, we both chose beef and weren’t disappointed, absolutely delicious, melted in your mouth, veg and Yorkshire pudding also top notch, maybe a little bit pricey for Sunday lunch but it was worth every penny, rather pay more for first class service and delicious food, I will certainly return to this lovely place.

Had a lovely lunch young girls serving were really nice, would have been nice if they could of done some thing for the mams , flower ? Chocolate ? Just some thing small would have been nice touch !

Went for Sunday lunch plenty of choice the only thing wrong was it wasn’t very hot. And a bit pricey

We went for the carvery on Sunday. The meal was delicious and plentiful. The meat melted in the mouth!! The staff were very helpful and we'll certainly return! moley 359

The accommodation was clean warm and friendly and the food was wonderful so much so that on other occasions I took friends ther fully recommend both to stay or dine

My Dad and his wife went to Ruskin’s in 2017 for Christmas lunch and had a fantastic meal with great service. This year was an absolute shambles. The service was poor. Served soup to start with no bread roll. No Christmas decorations up in the restaurant nor a cracker on the table. Following their starter they waited over 40 mins for their main course which was a carvery. The veg was dry and had clearly been sat under the heat lamps for a while. The lunch was ruined by the overall lack of organisation and unhelpful staff. Appreciate people are working in Christmas Day but people paid a fair amount for a lunch which should have been perfect seeing as this restaurant is not a bad one.

My favourite restaurant food is amazing. Staff are really friendly and welcoming can not fault. Sunday lunches are lovely. Traditional sunday lunch is the best i have come across anywhere. I would recomend to anyone.

Sunday 23rd Sept 2018 We have been to Ruskins now on 2 occasions for a family Sunday lunch. We thought after the first time was really good we would try again as sometimes you get a one off good meal. Gladly we were just as satisfied with our 2nd visit. The bistro is small and not lavishly decorated but makes up for this with good service with friendly staff and in our opinion the best Sunday lunch in Hartlepool. My wife is of the view a Sunday roast is a must and here the choice and quality is excellent. Beef, lamb, turkey, gammon and pork. You can one or a mix of all and the portion size is very good. The array of vegetables from mash, roast potatoes and parsnips, cauliflower cheese, carrots, cabbage, mushy peas (to die for) and others means there is definitely something for everyone. As the meat is so plentiful plus the veg is help yourself so you can have as much or as little of one as you like so a real bonus for roast dinner lovers or picky eaters or even hungry hangover cures....... Gravy is so full of flavour one ladle is not enough... Well worth booking and giving a go we will be back. MH

Food was fabulous and good variety of veg - meAt melted in mouth and would recommend. Disappointed as most drinks we asked for (coffee and cold) they didn’t have otherbyhan that staff very good and apologetic and food highly recommended We will definitely go again

Staff were all very nice and friendly Food was presented well but Unfortunately steak was over cooked for our liking but tasty

Perfectly cooked steak with salad and chips. Steak seasoned with Black pepper and home made rustic chips. A great meal.

Great meal for our small wedding party .Great day thank you so much for our special day Great food , lovely atmosphere and service superb thanks again.

Excellent Father’s Day carvery with my wife and daughter couldn’t fault it👍. The only thing I will give as a negative is fix the lock on the gents toilet door!!

Was put off Sunday lunch when I spotted a worker in kitchen with long blond hair hanging loosely, not what you want to see around the making of food! Did not mention to family members as did not want to spoil their lunch too

Returning from Holiday we managed to book in our favourite restaurant, everyone was so welcoming as we are regular patrons and we just relish every meal. We had gone for a Sunday carvery and there is so many meats to choose from Gammon,Beef,Lamb,Turkey and because I have trouble eating meat Lee the Chef and owner poaches me chicken, absolutely delectable it suites my palate a variety of veg and vegetarian if asked, today we had mouth watering sweets I had cheesecake with strawberries my husband had a dark chocolate cake with strawberries, such a treat, it's know wonder we keep going back.

Best in town for Sunday carvery, everything about the dinner is faultless been on numerous occasions and never disappoints

We all enjoyed ourselves and the staff friendly food was beautiful we worth a return call staff to care of our disabled child

Not somewhere I would normally go as not very local but a friend recommended it and I wasn't disappointed.

Had a great little lunch here. Staff were friendly and helpful. Food very good. Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves

We had a very tasty meal here , very generous portions and considering there was also a large party of 20 people we were served promptly by two helpful,polite young men and we will definitely return.

The carvery is nice and hot as it is served every hour, however it does get rather busy, some what cramped, can be sat waiting for quite a while waiting for a table.staff are ok. slightly over priced.

Went with a friend for first time following trip adviser recommendations.

Party of 14 for 80th birthday party. What an absolute success. This was the best quality food we have had for quite a while. The pulled pork Parmesan was incredible in both taste and portion size. Far too much and the other meals of bed...

We often call in for a Sunday Carvery at this Restaurant as we know he will go the extra mile if needed. Health wise we'de hit a rough patch I had trouble eating on top of other problems, Lee cooked me a light chicken I was able to digest this is not on the Carvery Menu, so unbelievably thoughtful and after our lovely Sunday Carvery we had a dark chocolate mousse to follow with cherry liqueurs it was positively decadent both of us in raptures over this rather sensual sweet was something to see. Must have it again when we take our friends.

Lovely restaurant and food is excellent Staff are very friendly the best Sunday lunch in Hartlepool definitely value for money

Excellent place for a drink in the evening, slightly expensive but it is a hotel and a good breakfast served the next morning

I ate here today for Sunday lunch with my extended family (5 adults 2 children) and we left absolutely stuffed to the gills. The portions are so generous and the meats are cooked to perfection. I had the beef and it was a struggle to finish it all! There was practically half a cow on my plate. The food here is extremely good value for money as well as delicious. We managed to find some room for dessert which was also exquisite. Most of us choosing either Nutella cheesecake or good old fashioned corn flake cake and custard!! It was perfect.

This place is a little hidden gem .. the food is absolutely amazing , all homemade , good taste and still value for money , usually have the steak and muscles or Parmesan and it's hard to decide what to choose as always on point .

Sometimes come here to eat when they have specials on, Lobster Night is exceptionally good if you are a seafood lover. Clean place well presented, nice staff and service with a smile, a bit off the beaten track but worth a visit.

Treated to a Father's Day lunch by my wife and kids. Sunday 2p.m. Sitting. The good; the food, especially the meat. I had beef and roast pork, my daughter had the turkey. Generous portions and really tasty. The indifferent; large, but disappointing Yorkshire puds. The not so good; no real ale on draught, but the lager was cold and ok. Would go again for the lunch, much better than the Toby.

We came on fathers day. So we knew it would be busy but our table was delayed by half an hour. Nobody apologised or explained why. After seating in the bar we heard a staff member complain that the manager/supervisor had taken too many walk ins, when another staff member questioned her she said 'you know what shes like'. We were then seated huredly on a table for 2, there was 3 of us. It was very tight for us, at this point we were hungry and just wanted to leave so we got our food ( which was beautiful) and left ( after having to chase the bill up twice) After being told so much about Ruskins I am very dissapointed in experiance.

Ruskins is a very good restaurant. Had Sunday lunch here. It was my first visit. I cannot believe I had not got here until recently. It is a hidden Jem of a place and since had 2 evening meals, both of which have been quality.

We decided to call in on my favourite restaurant and hope it was open, even though they had a large party and tables reserved they made us welcome, we both had chicken and king prawns in a light tomato sauce with vegetables and chips as usual every thing was beautiful and we really enjoyed it. On the sunday was Father's day and our grandaughter had made a booking for 9 of us at their Sunday carvery, with various joints of meat to choose from we were all content plenty of vegetables everyone of us have nothing but praise for this Restaurant we've never been let down and our family enjoyed it as well.

Very homely atmosphere and lovely food. Well worth coming back! Truly recommended. Will be coming back.

I had a wonderful Christmas lunch here. Everything was cooked perfectly and tasted delicious and service was really good. I have also dined since then and had the carvery, once again it was so tasty, unfortunately I ate too much and did not have room for the sticky toffee pudding but one of my colleagues did and said it was lovely. Service again was really good. I have no complaints and am looking forward to going back soon.

The carvery here is the best we have ever had. Everything fresh and home cooked. Meat beautiful and gravy to die for!! The staff are very friendly and the service is exceptional, making the overall experience relaxed and enjoyable. Would definitely recommend this place to anybody that wants a good old fashioned Sunday dinner. Good value. Well worth the money.

I thought I would re-visit and have a Sunday lunch. I class myself as a good cook, but I really could not of cooked any of the Sunday lunch better. All the products used were fresh. An absolute must for foodies.

We've eaten here before and enjoyed it and tonight was no exception! This time, we were also staying for a couple of nights in a very comfortable room. As usual, the food was clearly home made and very tasty - lots of it too! The waiter made us feel very welcome and relaxed, which helped us settle in too after a long and stressful day. Hartlepool should be proud of this little hidden gem!

Myself and daughter went for the Sunday carvery and it was one of the best I've had. Choice of 5 different meats and plenty of fresh veg. Roasted parsnips, sweet potato, mashed potato, roast potato, turnip, cabbage, mushy peas, etc etc. Gravy was beautiful with the meaty bits in. Will definetly be visiting again. The only downside is that there is no parking.

Food was amazing and very reasonably priced. I expected the bill to be a lot more than it was.Room itself is vey cosy. Staff really helpful and friendly.

Booked a table for my Nan's birthday we have been before and have always enjoyed it. It lived up to our expectations and ones again couldn't fault it. Lovely food and great service

Absolutely love this place. The food is second to none. The parmos are the best around (i've had a few) and i can't find a better carvery. Thanks again for a truly outstanding meal.

We won a free meal for 2 and went for the sunday carvery. It was the first time that we had visited the Douglas and were very pleased with the reception. I had telephoned to book a table and was given 4 different times as they have 'sittings' for the lunches. I had roast lamb and hubby had beef. Accompanied by delicious , well cooked vegetables and gravy. There was a choice of sauces to go with the meats too. We decided not to have a desert as they main meal was substantial enough. Hubby had a glass of house red that was a bit pricy and 'ordinary' and my half glass of lime and soda was just that, no ice or lemon. On the whole, a good meal and will consider going again for a special occasion as quite costly for a sunday meal on a weekly basis.

Booked a table for Easter sunday as we were visiting my parents and had read good things about the place. We were promptly shown to our table and could go immediately to the carvery. I myself had gammon but the rest of our party also tried the beef and the turkey. The portions were enormous and the food was extremely tasty. After our meal we were offered desert which was also very nicely presented and tasty. Up to then everything was perfect. Before the last person was finished with her desert, the waitress came and cleared the table and told us without us asking she would get the bill ready. The bill arrived promptly. About a minute later, the barkeeper came to our table and told us to free the table immediately for the next guests - up to this point they still had not taken the cash lying on the table. We were told if we wanted to stay any longer we would have to stand at the bar. My mum, who is 84 has restricted sight and is not too sure on her feet, found this very inconsiderate. My mum actually said to us, that in her whole life she has never been thrown out of a restaurant like this before ( especially after having paid a hundred pounds for a meal.) If I want fast food, I go to McDonalds. First and last visit to this restaurant I fear.

I'd originally went with my mother to Toby Carvery for a meal, but on arrival found they'd ran out of mash potatoes.My mother suggested we come to the Douglas Hotel instead as the bistro does a carvery of its own, so I gave it a chance. Now I've always been a fan of Toby Carvery, and it's been my number 1 go-to place for a roast dinner carvery for years.The carvery here absolutely changed my mind on that.The food is fantastic. The beef is to die for, the mash is perfect, the roasties and parsnips done to perfection, the gravy excellent, the carrots nicely done.A very well-done hearty homemade meal indeed.And it was all topped off with a delicious slice of their homemade cheesecake.The man who served us was very kind and courteous.My only complaint is that the choice of vegetables is a little lacking, but that was more than made up for with the quality of the rest of the meal.Would definitely recommend for the carvery alone.

First ever visit to visit to Hartlepool and because of that one meal at the Ruskins Bistro I will be coming back to this town! The hospitality was wonderful, never felt like I was in need of anything. The menu itself was so varied. I tried five starters and I could not get over how amazing each individual dish was and how generous the portions were. I highly recommend the king prawn, mussels, and potato skins. My lamb shank with mint gravy for my main was the best I've ever had. Cooked to perfection! I would eat here every night if I could.Highly affordable prices too and can be found in the most lovely location. My sincere compliments to the chef - I will be back to Hartlepool primarily for the food at Ruskins Bistro. The Best dinner in Hartlepool by far!

Sunday lunch once again well worth the money the atomsphere was friendly and the servers were very polite we also found out that they are doing live entertaiment on a sunday afternoon

Loud garish music. Poor quality food. Tense atmosphere. Wouldn't go again as it was not an experiment I wish to repeat.

First ever visit, heard good reports so tried the Carvery on Sunday ..... very tasty meal.... I would certainly recommend a visit for Carvery .... will be visiting to try rest of menu

There's such a lot of choice meat and vegetables and the gravy is delicious highly recommend a visit

Sunday Carvery which is simply perfect what more is there to say we started with plates overflowing with wonderful food and ended up leaving highly satisfied. Will return over and over I cannot recommend enough give it a try

I dropped in for a daytime mid-week carvery (about 4pm on a thursdy), the food was hot and fresh. The staff were lovely, friendly and helpful. I had roast beef a proper yorkshire pudding and a mountain of veg topped with real beef gravy (some just use a packet and water - this was actually made from stock, I could see the bits of beef in it). The meal itself was very cheap - the drink (I had a coke) and dessert were more expensive, I think the main is a loss leader they make their money on the drinks and desserts. Still, it was a great value meal I was completly satisfied and I will be back with friends probably one sunday.

This was our first visit, and we had the Sunday Carvery.The food was very good. In particular, the vegetables - a good selection and not swimming in hot water like most carvery veg. I had the roast bacon which was a little tough, and the turkey which was a little dry - the others had lamb and pork and had no complaints. Overall we all agreed it was one of the best carveries we'd had.The atmosphere let it down, though. The music was too loud (this turned out to be because the speaker at the other end of the restaurant wasn't working, so they'd turned the volume up to compensate) and also a bit too upbeat for the time of day - it was more the sort of music you'd have on for late evening to get people in the mood for going out afterwards.Similarly, the decor was a bit of a let down based on what we'd expected from one of the reportedly best restaurants in town. The bare tables gave it something of a "caff" feel, albeit a very clean and well-kept one, rather than a "quality restaurant" feel.The staff were doing their best given how busy they were, but you could TELL they were busy.We'd definitely go back for the carvery, and it would be nice to try them for an evening meal. Based on other reviewer's photos, the presentation and dishes look excellent!

Excellent service and food was delicious - would definitely recommend a visit for Sunday lunch - great selection of meats and vegetables - compliments to the chief for such a lovely meal

One of the best Sunday dinners I've ever had. Generous portion of pork with all the trimmings, just lovely I devoured it. Sunday carvery is £10.95 which I would say is decent value considering the quality. The issues I had was that it had a few children who were either very noisy or were running around, and that an orange squash and soda water was £2.95 which is absolutely outrageous and soured the whole thing a bit.

I went for my birthday and had a fabulous time as always the food was fantastic and the service was brilliant I would like to thank everyone for making it a great day

One of the finest places to eat if anyone visits Hartlepool. Every product fresh and you definitely wont leave Hungry. One of the little hidden gems. Shhh! keep it to yourself. They were very friendly and helpful when booking a table on spec.

Been tonight was a beautiful meal for my partners birthday well recommend it all made fresh my partner had parmesan was huge with fresh chips and I had beef with mash and fresh vegetables going back Sunday for carvery

The food was out of this world proper chunky chipsI had the spicy panto and it was nice with a kick potato skins to start with and garlic dip.The service was fast with a friendly relaxing environment. CAN'T WAIT for next visit to try something different.

Gorgeous home cooked food, pate to start with, extra large chicken breast with dianne sauce, and the wine was good too. Excellent service, never disappointed.

Wow that is definitely the best carvery I have had anywhere we all loved it including my 2 kids excellent choices for both meat and the vegetables and the deserts are fantastic as well will definitely be returning.

We had been thinking about visiting the carvery for some time and finally booked last Sunday. We arrived to a very busy room full of folk tucking in. Once you're seated you're then told when to go through to where the food is and it didn't take more than a minute. Where do I start? The plate. Not one of thes side dish sizes here, oh no, a decent size plate that means the food on it, isn't built like the Leaning Tower of Pisa and it makes to your table still on the plate and not slithering over hands ( or other diners!). The meat. Real, proper meat, cut into real, proper portions. None of this wafer thin malarkey that you get in SOME establishments! The veggies and Yorkshire puds. Oh my word, food with flavour and at least eight varieties, all cooked perfectly. Condiments and gravy....tasty and plentiful. Nothing compares to this Carvery and I genuinely mean that plus, it's cheaper than it's rivals so you're getting real value for money as well as a good roast dinner. We booked for Mothers Day there and then!Can't wait to return

Sunday lunch carvery delicious lots of choice and all fresh and well cooked.have been several times and are never disappointed.

Fantastic Sunday lunch, stuffed to the rafters! Friendly staff! Great price. Looking at weekly menu and it looks great!

Had a family meal at the Ruskins restaurant and enjoyed both the food at the atmosphere. Will come again for another steak and a nice glass of red and my wife enjoyed her seafood starter. Good selection of food and reasonably priced.

Lovely meal lovely night and great staff reasonable priced and good location would recomend and will be going again

Absolutely fantastic once again!, service is outstanding and the food is so fresh , looking forward to the he next lobster night as we've never been to one yet and are going to the next one ps cheese cake is fab! This is a toffee crisp one xx

What a great meal, fillet steak strips in a fantastic orange liquor and oyster sauce. A few drinks, great company (husband) and a friendly atmosphere. Second visit, well looked after. Nothing to much trouble for any of the staff. Thank-you for another lovely evening. We will be back soon. Hartlepools hidden treasure.

Great meal and friendly staff especially Lee.Access is easy to get too, 5 minutes walk from the centre of town.All homemade cooking and generous servings.Well worth a visit.

Came again today. Had a cavery and it was by far the best carvery I've ever had. We visit as often as we can as the food no matter what we have is always spot on and the service is fantastic. Our kids even love to come here. Can't recommend this place enough.

Excellent as always looking forward to our next visit. Staff always very polite and friendly. Lovely atmosphere restaurant always inviting.

After hearing on local radio that Ruskins were doing a carvery week days I could not resist nipping along to get a Hot Roast dinner.It was unusually quiet however had been busy and sure it will pick up as this place tends to serve excellent food and this weekday carvery is no exception to the rule. Will pop in again next week I am sure.

Probably, most definitely the best Carvery I have ever had Great service, excellent staff. A hidden gem, and will most certainly will return asap.

First time trying out this place. Service was very good. Really enjoyed the variety of vegetables available to chose from. Great selection of meats too. Will be visiting again very soon.

Great service and food muscles were magic parmo was the best I've eaten can't wait to return its a must to visit.

I had a Christmas meal with a couple of friends, and the food was absolutely beautiful, especially the soup, it was well worth the money and I will be going back. The staff are very helpful and friend and there is a book that you can sign and read other customers comments

we visited with my brother and his wife who had visited from florida and we all really enjoyed the food and the staff were very friendly. the sticky toffee pudding was to die for. well done to all concerned.

Very impressed, was recommended by a friend. We hadn't booked and room was pretty full, however we were seated within a minute. Lovely carvery!

We took recommendations for a Sunday carvery here from friends who had visited previously and it's fair to say we were not disappointed. The carvery is amazing with a wide variety of fresh veg, the meat selection caters for everyone and the service we recieved was first class. We have been back since and will be back again. Definitely worth the 5* rating.

Amazing carvery, best I've ever tasted and staff are so friendly !! Just fab... great choices of meat cooked to perfection and every veg you would want !! A1 ...

Tried here new years day for a carvery and was not disappointed, meat was beautiful and a good selection of vegetables too, including roast carrot and parsnip. The gravy complimented the food too, dont knowhow they get it so black but was delicious! A little pricey at 12/13 quid i carnt remember.

Easily the best carvery I've ever had! The selection of vegetables was impressive and choices like the roasted sweet potato make it a bit different to your average carvery. The meat was delicious and the portion sizes great, the decor is lovely and clean and the service very friendly. I can't wait to return!

The food was so delicious, the meat and veg was great quality and cooked perfectly! Would highly recommend the beef. Lovely atmosphere and staff.

once again a tasty meal and smiling friendly staff if you want anything just ask nothing is to much trouble i recomend ruskins for anyone who enjoys a good meal at reasonableprice

We had a beautiful meal on the 17/12/16 with our friends. It wa that good my husband a I returned 24/12/16 for our anniversary

I went for a meal with a group of approximately 25. The service from the welcome we received at the door and the meal itself was very good.

Best sunday lunch by far . Defiantly recommend it its amazing . No waiting about service is spot on and the Yorkshire puddings are the best . Always get a box to take left overs home ! Lovely friendly hotel and staff are fab nothings a bother

We visit this hotel for sunday lunch on a regular basis and it never disapoints , staff are very friendly and the yorkshires are to die for ! We've visited a lot of places for a carvery but the douglas is by far the best in the area and would highley recommend it

Best Sunday dinner I have had. Clean and fab food, people were also very friendly. Defiantly go again. Can help yourself to how much lunch you want which is better. Staff couldn't off been any more helpful

Food very good indeed with friendly staff . With much more space than last visit a very nice night was had by all the party

we came here last year with work healthways chemist hartlepool good food and the beer was john smiths could not fault the place so we came again this year food excelent as always good night but beer let it down i think they should take out strongarm and go back to john smiths

Tuesday night was very quiet, the meal was fantastic, the waiter was very friendly, would definitely recommend, we have booked again for our Christmas night out, looking forward. See you soon.

Took a party of 24 pensioners for Christmas Lunch at Ruskin's Bistro, Superb service and excellent help with elderly people. The meal was lovely and served with a smile.