Newcastle

In summary: very bad service, expensive for the quality of service and the food served, do not go there. If you would like a more detailed version of why, read below:
First time we went to New Castle, they told us to sit at the bar even though there were loads of available tables. The hostess said they were all reserved. Later on, we found out half of those reservations were not real and they were just waiting for more favorable customers to sit at those tables. We had a great time and the food was good. Salmon Carpaccio and risotto was delicious! Although the risotto was very salty.
Second time, we were there my husband asked for a fruit cocktail. They said they didn’t make such a thing, it wasn’t on their menu. Since they have a full bar, how hard could this be to make? We even told them, «why don’t you pour some different juices in a pretty glass, add some vodka and syrup to it and bring it to us? Charge whatever you like». But no, it could not be done. So we ordered a juice and a shot of vodka separately. My husband mixed the two and drank it. This amused the wait staff and the hostess very much, they kept on pointing their fingers at us (yes, literally) and laughed. We also laughed and paid no attention to them. Again, good food, good time, bad service but we didn’t let anything bother us.
Third time, I made reservations for a table near the window. They tried to sit us somewhere else saying all the window side tables were reserved. After I said «yes, I am one of those people who reserved it» they sat us at a table near the window acting like they were doing us a favor until the rightful owners arrived We waited for 20 minutes for a menu. Even though we were sitting right across from the bar, the bartender saw that we have been sitting there with no menus, no drinks, no service, no one was bothered. After a while someone appeared to take our order, he never showed up again. Instead another waiter served us the rest of the night. I wish I got his name and could write it here today because he was the only good wait person in New Castle. We didn’t see him in our next visit.
You may ask, why we kept on going to this place but because we had a good time on our first visit, we liked the place, we shrugged everything off.
Our fourth time there, my husband asked for a big beer glass full of ice and an ice tea. To our surprise our waiter said he needs to ask if he is allowed to serve it that way! A request even the cheapest kebap and sandwich places in Ankara could comply with, New Castle could not. So they brought him a small glass with no ice and an ice tea. We had to ask for ice again.
We ordered a soup with seafood two starters and two main dishes. My husband specifically asked for the main dishes to be brought after the soup and the starters. The soup was delicious with a lot of ingredients in it. But it was so salty, I think we got our yearly salt supply with only drinking that. After the soup, all 4 of the dishes, 2 starters and the 2 main dishes arrived at the same time. When we objected, the waiter who brought our food who of course was a different one than the one who took our order, sneered at me saying he didn’t take our order and he didn’t know what was supposed to arrive when! So he took the main dishes back and left the starters. The Salmon Tartini was a good idea but didn’t taste good and the fried calamari was cold as ice. After we were done with the starters, our original waiter returned and cleared the table. He had no idea we sent the main dishes back, so we stared at each other for 10 minutes. We called him and asked for the main dishes and finally he brought them. Mine was the Aegean Salad, basically 15 Turkish Liras for lettuce and one cherry tomato but my husband’s dish was a seafood casserole and it was supposed to be hot, which is why we sent it back in the first place. It came hot but I think they put it back in the oven to keep it warm. So it was overdone and dry.
We gave this place 4 tries, even though the food is decent half of the time, we received bad treatment and service every time. We are not going back again…

Ironic that its name is Newcastle. We didn’t feel like we were in England. In fact we felt like we were in the U.S. especially the music and decoration. :(Definitely doesn’t have a pub — vibe.
At least I got a Guiness, but the server brought me the half pint when I ordered the full. Also the popcorn was cold and — dare I say, ‘stale?’ The service team doesn’t seem enthusiastic. The place is too large to feel cozy, especially with the unusual freezing temperatures outside. The ambiance ought to be warm and inviting.
Sure, the place was crowded with an interesting mix of customers from casual to posers. Cool furnishings, in particular high boy tables with hooks to hang jackets and purses under the table top.