Harbour Inn, Padstow — Restaurant in England

Lovely looking pub. Hateful staff. Here’s why...

I went with my dad yesterday -at lunchtime -he’s 87 and unsteady on his feet. The staff enjoying their power a bit too much overly assertively demanded we put a mask on. I respect that policy but didn’t have a mask. My dad did have one though and insisted on buying the drinks so I left the bar area, respecting the rules, feeling a bit bemused why we were being treated so coldly.

The bar was nearly empty and my dad ordered the drinks. The two staff witnessed him struggle in his old age, he was slightly confused, taking a while to find the money from his pocket and so on. He was doing his level best not to be a long time or be a nuisance and I politely asked if they’d mind giving him a hand with the two drinks as I was not allowed up to the bar to help him myself. They flatly refused saying ‘ We don’t do table service’ and delighted in watching an old man struggle instead.

My dad is old school and said he was fine and that he didn’t need help - (he doesn’t like making a fuss). He is incredibly friendly and is always looking for the good in others. I watched him shuffle bringing over the drinks trying and failing not to spill them as they watched on and I’m not exaggerating when I say their faces may as well as have scoffed ‘GOOD- let the old git suffer’. It was disgusting behaviour from the staff who clearly took a disliking to us for no reason at all. All we were guilty of was saying hello and smiling when we first arrived!

In conclusion, the staff enjoyed bullying frail old men and being rude to the customers, just like moody bouncers looking down on you enjoying their power. The beer was good, the pub looked great , good location, don’t...

Ah, the Harbour Inn in Padstow. Picture this: after a fortnight of dining at establishments that flaunt their Michelin stars with all the subtlety of a peacock in full plume, you find yourself in this unassuming gem. It’s as if the culinary cosmos conspired to surprise you with a revelation.

The Blue Ribbon Burger is, without question, the zenith of the gastropub experience. Imagine, if you will, a burger so perfectly constructed that it could be presented as an art piece, only it tastes even better than it looks. It was as if the culinary gods themselves had assembled it for a divine, albeit slightly greasy, intervention.

The Harbour Inn is a quintessential English pub – cozy, warm, and unpretentious, with an atmosphere that suggests genuine care rather than affectation. It boasts a splendid assortment of beers, all well-kept. And for those who are abstaining, the non-alcoholic options are far from an afterthought.

Service here is brisk yet personable, the sort of friendly efficiency that suggests the staff enjoy their work, or at least are proficient at hiding their disdain for your dietary whims. Adding to the charm is the dog-friendly policy, which is not merely lip service but includes an entire menu designed for the canine connoisseur. It’s a rarity to see such consideration for man's best friend, and it adds an unexpected layer of delight.

So, while the Michelin brigade may strut about in their star-studded finery, the Harbour Inn quietly asserts that sometimes the best meal in town is the one served with a smile and a...

Huge disappointment

Attended for family meal on our annual holiday after a bad experience previous year we thought we'd give it one more try after many positive meals in bygone years.

We ordered seaream special which couldn't be faulted. We also ordered the pie and seabass from regular menu. After waiting nearly an hour a staff member told us our meal would only be a few more minutes. We waited another 20. When the meal arrived the vegetables with the seabass and the pie were frozen peas and green beans which was disappointing for the menu promised seasonal veg and pie had frozen broccoli not like the fresh veg other plates were served with. The chips were also frozen and the quantity left me wanting more. I witnessed other people's meals being served and can only assume the kitchen ran out of fresh food and couldn't be bothered to prepare more to fulfill our order and so shoved a load of frozen produce on to cook.

At check back we informed staff member we were disappointed but nothing was done to rectify the issues and staff member hid in kitchen. Upon clearing plates no opportunity was offered to order desserts.

I have no issue with poor quality food if the establishment terry to rectify the issue ie extra veg a free side /drink/dessert but we were ignored and won't return.

If you visit make sure you go early to avoid the service we have received past 2 occasions. We...