It's not often that I come away from a Sunday scran feeling that I had been taught a lesson. But this week I learnt the truth behind the sayings 'your eyes are bigger than your belly' and 'you can have too much of a good thing'.
The limitations of my love for a Sunday roast were put to the test at The Dolphin in Tynemouth this week. Because, despite my best efforts, I just could not finish the mountain of meat on my plate.
When we arrived in the Eatsmobile, the signs of a recent renovation were clear - not least that the exterior has been painted an attractive shade of purple -and we found there was no more space in the minuscule car park due to a large skip. We retreated and found a space on the adjoining street before making our way into a small but cosy dining room, complete with piano and roaring fire.
I hadn't realised that the pub had opened just a matter of days before our visit under new management. And it was clear they were keen to impress as we were greeted almost as soon as we entered the room.
A perusal of the menu promised meat supplied by North Tyneside butchers Nicholson & Son and fresh veg from nearby Hillheads Farm. I was intrigued by this locally produced fare and decided it was time to go all out.
Forget January diets and watching my weight, I was going XXL with the mixed meat special. Mrs Eats wasn't feeling greedy like me and so chose the leg of lamb for £10.95. As my mixed meat meal was only £2 more expensive, I felt I was onto a winner.
Due to the recent changes, there seemed to be some teething problems with taking card payments but the staff were happy to accommodate by taking contactless payment on a phone and even went to the trouble of emailing me a receipt when I asked for one.
A few minutes later there was a hiccup when another table's food was brought to us. But the correct meals followed shortly after and my eyes almost popped out of my head when I saw my gargantuan plate.
Generous portions of pork, chicken, lamb and beef were piled up with no skimping either on the veg, mash, roasties and pudding. To boot, there was also a slab of delicious homemade stuffing and lashings of piping hot gravy.
As Mrs E enjoyed her lamb I felt like a true caveman carnivore. But aside from the meats, I couldn't fault the creamy mash, crispy roasties, tasty veg or sumptuous Yorkshire pud.
My other half remarked that her lamb "went down well with the mint sauce" and the greens and veg all tasted fresh. She also added that her portion size was just right, which I think was a dig at my belly-busting dish.
By 12.50pm, the room was bursting with diners with not a single table left, and by this point my trousers were also at stretching point. I had to throw the towel in despite leaving some of the beautiful lamb and tender beef behind.
Desserts of sticky toffee pudding, waffles and ice cream were on offer but - very sadly - neither of us could face another mouthful.
We walked (I waddled) to the bar area where I was pleased to see a wide selection of ales including locals Ouseburn Porter and Farne Island from Hadrian Border Brewery.
It was clear the owners were trying to conjure up nostalgic feelings for a Tynemouth gone by, with black and white pictures of the area adorning the walls and logs being fed into the fireplace.
It may be impossible to bring back the past but the age-old community spirit at the local has been successfully recreated here. Although my waistline had taken a hit it was obvious that the new era at the Dolphin had made a splash.
The Dolphin Inn, King Edward Road, Tynemouth, NE30 2SN
Tel: 0191 250 9569
Food served (Sun): 12pm-5pm
Car park - Yes
Vegetarian Food - Yes
Kids allowed - Yes
Real ale - Yes
Wine by the bottle - Yes
Disabled toilets - Yes
Credit card payments - Yes
Rating: 16/20
Character: 3 stars
Quality: 5 stars
Service: 4 stars
Value: 4 stars
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