The Old School Hotel — Hotel in Great Britain

No sooner had I started (optimistically) parking my car (facilitated when possible) than I was greeted by the proprietor (Bonnie), parked correctly and welcomed to her establishment. Port Isaac (and the Old School's prime location) simply sell themselves as the unique destination many before have much enjoyed. It is therefore incumbent on me to review those personal, particular and peculiar aspects for the benefit of others and the staff responsible. If you are on business and have a vehicle with valuable possessions or simply become stressed by overnight public car parks then their parking facility is ideal and the same would naturally go for those with accessibility needs. Staff courtesy and consideration was implicit from the outset in every way (and totally at odds with a couple of less positive/recent May reviews). Local knowledge and advice is excellent for both town and surrounding countryside. The restaurant is highly competent with two dinner sittings, and requesting a 20.30 table proved that food, service and popularity are all highly rateable across their evening with their chef being one of the very rare UK destinations that has the confidence to serve a true 'blue' steak. The seafood is excellent as you would hope/expect and the wine by the glass choice evidences both thoughtful menu pairing as well as geographic variety. A delightful bar atmosphere with outside terrace appears popular with both locals and guests. Despite the age of the building the rooms/facilities are modern with period retainment where architecturally appropriate, creating the unique atmosphere. Bathrooms have modern well performing features with abundant hot water and shower pressure. Sleep is delightful due to bedding quality/comfort and no road noise. Breakfast is delivered by now familiar staff and continues the high standard of efficiency and quality. There is a positive slant on sustainability, even down to not wasting eggs in the kitchen and no challenge appeared too daunting. After a faultless one night stay I was left wishing I had come for a week at least. Thank you and congratulations on a truly genuine, familial and...

No sooner had I started (optimistically) parking my car (facilitated when possible) than I was greeted by the proprietor (Bonnie), parked correctly and welcomed to her establishment. Port Isaac (and the Old School's prime location) simply sell themselves as the unique destination many before have much enjoyed. It is therefore incumbent on me to review those personal, particular and peculiar aspects for the benefit of others and the staff responsible. If you are on business and have a vehicle with valuable possessions or simply become stressed by overnight public car parks then their parking facility is ideal and the same would naturally go for those with accessibility needs. Staff courtesy and consideration was implicit from the outset in every way (and totally at odds with a couple of less positive/recent May reviews). Local knowledge and advice is excellent for both town and surrounding countryside. The restaurant is highly competent with two dinner sittings, and requesting a 20.30 table proved that food, service and popularity are all highly rateable across their evening with their chef being one of the very rare UK destinations that has the confidence to serve a true 'blue' steak. The seafood is excellent as you would hope/expect and the wine by the glass choice evidences both thoughtful menu pairing as well as geographic variety. A delightful bar atmosphere with outside terrace appears popular with both locals and guests. Despite the age of the building the rooms/facilities are modern with period retainment where architecturally appropriate, creating the unique atmosphere. Bathrooms have modern well performing features with abundant hot water and shower pressure. Sleep is delightful due to bedding quality/comfort and no road noise. Breakfast is delivered by now familiar staff and continues the high standard of efficiency and quality. There is a positive slant on sustainability, even down to not wasting eggs in the kitchen and no challenge appeared too daunting. After a faultless one night stay I was left wishing I had come for a week at least. Thank you and congratulations on a truly genuine, familial and...

In Cornwall for the 1st time for a few days for my birthday, one of the places I wanted to go and see was Port Isaac as I like Doc Martin. I drove down yesterday evening from where I am staying in Perranwell, and had a wander to the obvious landmarks I decided to have the treat of birthday dinner a day early and was looking forward to fresh fish. I was left standing for 10 minutes like a plum outside The Slipway and when someone finally came to ask what I wanted ( when you're a restaurant, people waiting at your door must be wanting food?) and I said a table for one, the response was quite oddly off and I was told they had no availability inside or out and they stopped serving dinner by 8:30? I asked if she could recommend anywhere else that would serve fresh fish and she said to try The Old School. She then moved on to another person that came waiting after me. I wonder if they were treated more pleasantly and got a table.

But anyway, I am so glad I did then try The Old School. Although I had no booking for the restaurant room, I was sat at a table in the room next to the bar. As it was a Birthday treat, I went all out and had a lovely dish of mussels in cream and white wine, then the whole lemon sole both from Cornwall, and to finish, a lovely big and warm sticky toffee pudding with some clotted cream. A half of Cornish beer with it. It was all so delicious, the mussels were huge and tasty and the cream sauce was not over powered by the garlic and chives, it was just right. The sole was lovely also, maybe the side order of little Cornish potatoes could have been a little bigger, but then the big warm Sticky Toffee pudding arrived with a little pot of clotted cream and after that I was stuffed!! It was all very delicious. No 1 dedicated waitress but all of them were very pleasant. And the total bill for a 3 course meal and drink I thought was quite reasonable. Glad I didn't give The Slipway my customs and money, just grateful they sent me to The Old School instead. I would recommend and would return if I ever visit Cornwall...