Harbour House Flushing — Restaurant in England

The Harbour House Christmas Wreath Making Workshop

Today's Christmas wreath-making workshop at the Harbour House was a brilliant afternoon of craft and food. Making memories we will treasure. For those who might not have visited the Harbour House before, you should know that the proprietors meticulously maintain every aspect of their establishment. The pub emanates warmth with crackling fires and spotless, glistening windows framing those lovely views. The staff, unfailingly polite, are dedicated to enhancing your experience in every conceivable way. Stepping into the Harbour House today felt like walking into a realm of Christmas enchantment. The interior had undergone a stunning transformation, adorned with Christmas trees, cascading holly, and an array of festive greenery. The tantalizing aroma of food teased our senses upon entry, leaving us curious as to what might be cooking in the kitchen, and hopeful we might have an opportunity to try whatever it might be! With a cosy gathering of just thirteen attendees, we were fortunate to receive personalized guidance and instruction from the talented florist Gemma Wright, of Green Rabbit Flowers. Overflowing buckets brimmed with opulent autumn and winter foliage, surrounded us. While a table laden with an assortment of embellishments for our final wreaths waited for us to explore. Crafting Christmas wreaths in the snug embrace of warmth and companionship is a joy in itself, but our ticket price also treated us to a glass of Mulled Cider and a surprise array of delectable bites that evolved into a veritable feast. The combination of culinary delights with an artistic endeavour was a brilliant idea. As it sensibly acknowledged that 'creativity' can be a tiring undertaking! So indulge, we did. Although not typically a fan of sausages, the Cumberland Sausages, particularly in the 'pigs in blankets,' were some of the best sausages I have eaten in years, especially when paired with a rich ruby dipping sauce. Then, a pheasant scotch egg emerged, its golden yolk oozing out over the tender pheasant meat, encased within a delicately crispy shell atop a bed of pickles. The Homity Pie arrived; its pastry so flawlessly flaky that one could only dream of mastering such a level of pastry skills. A sharing platter of cheeses accompanied by crackers, apple chutney, and honey was equally delightful. Each bite was a thoughtful pairing of flavours and textures, served at the ideal temperatures. When we thought we had been made replete by all the above, the grand finale unfolded: a warmed mince pie adorned with a quenelle of clotted cream. (I highly recommend seeking these out during the Flushing Lights switch-on - they are worth it.) In truth, it was one of the most remarkable lunches I've had in recent memory. The quality of the cuisine, the meticulous menu curation, and the portion size all contributed to revealing the sheer diversity of creativity thriving in their kitchen. A brilliant start to the...

Used to visit this place when it was the Seven Stars. Have been wanting to go to Harbour House for a while since it opened. Eagerly anticipating the changes made to the place.

The decor inside is tastefully done. Still retains a bit of rustic charm but can tell it's not the Seven Stars any longer. Restaurant was busy. Table layout a little crowded.

Welcome was very lacking. No one really greeted us for a while and when they did it seemed very matter of fact "Hi, table for two?" (We had pre booked). We were given the option of where to sit and proceeded to seat ourselves. Server (who I presume is the manager) took our orders, no pleasantries. We ordered 2 courses, roast beef for mains and desserts, with a glass of wine each. Food was good. Beef well cooked, if a little fatty. Wine gravy tasted a little bitter but fine. Came with cauliflower cheese (tasty), greens and red cabbage. The roast was good, but not amazing. Overly seasoned. Desserts was a chocolate delice and a panela cheesecake. Not the best tasting.

I don't agree that the meal for 2 courses is worth £38 per person.

The biggest disappointment was the service. The server never checked in on us. We were never asked if we wanted anything more. Everything seemed very matter of fact. When you visit a restaurant that charges £38 for a 2 course meal, you expect to receive a warm welcome and a pleasant service. It wasn't rude, but a smile or two wouldn't go a miss. I heard the server with another table and he was very much the same.

Most people dining here will go out of there way to eat at the Harbour House I suspect, given it's location, so I'd expect everything to be spot on so people want to come back.

For over a £100 for two dinners and wine, it's over priced for what you get. Especially when service charge is automatically added to bills. What I always find a shame with these places, is that the kitchen staff work tremendously hard, but are let down by front of house (or at least one person on this occasion).

Advice to server (tall gentleman wearing the gilet) - please make the effort to smile and spend a bit more time with your guests. It takes 2 mins to ask how people are, check in on them during service and throw in a smile or two).

Unfortunately I won't be returning in a hurry, and can't recommend visiting Flushing to visit either. At least with the Seven Stars you knew what you were...

I cam here last week with my family as they were down visiting and I wanted to take them somewhere lovely for dinner.

The place is lovely and they were accommodating when we asked to move table closer to the fire place.

The staff were friendly and everyone I was with thoroughly enjoyed their food, however I experienced some issues with mine that left a bit of a sour taste when leaving.

I ordered a pork chop which was £24 without a side (£32 with fries). The quality of the meat was excellent however when my chop arrived it was as rare as a rare steak would be cooked. I understand pork can be served pink however this was simply uncooked. I asked for it to be sent back and was told it would be three or four minutes. No problem, mistakes happen.

However when I got it back the ends were still raw. By this time my family were half way through their meal so I cut the raw sections off and ate the acceptably pink remainder of the chop. When the server came to ask how it was a couple of minutes later I informed him that I've had to cut the ends off as they still weren't cooked and his reaction was sympathetic however there was no attempt made to smooth over the situation. I was expecting the manager to return, or for him to offer something in order to compensate for the problem.

The meal was around £55 a head, so even a small gesture like offering to take a starter off or a drink would of been acceptable to me, but no such offer was made. To get things wrong once is acceptable, we're all human, and even to get it wrong twice, as frustrating as it is, is okay so long as it's handled well. Either the server didn't relay to the manager or kitchen that I had to cut part of my meal off after it had already been sent back or they just weren't bothered, but I didn't find it acceptable to pay £24 for a pork chop that had to be sent back and then that I only ate 80% of once it had been returned as it still was raw after informing the staff of the issue.

I regularly go to their sister bar, the beach house, but it's put me off returning to the harbour house.

I have to say everyone else's food was great, and the majority of mine that I could eat was great. So other than the obvious issues which left a sour taste the staff did...