Little Harp Inn — Restaurant in England

Really quite disappointing considering the beautiful surroundings. Visited around 6pm on a Monday, seemed rather quiet for people eating inside but busy for drinkers outside. Unsure as to wether that had any correlation with how slow the service was for people dining. Issues became prominent from the beginning really, were taken to a table and were told there were only 2 items unavailable on menu which of course is always nice to know and we were happy to choose around that. Our waitress came back to our table to take a drinks order which was just a pint of Peroni and a 0% bottled version. We weren't asked if we were ready to order any food at the same time so were just left really for around 10/15 mins. She came back, no drinks in hand but ready to take food orders, we ordered the sharing platter for a starter and I attempted to order the rump steak to then be told they don’t have any, this was not one of the previously warned dishes but nonetheless I was happy to pay the extra and have the sirloin instead. I also asked for the garlic mushroom side to accompany but was told they don’t have those either. My partner ordered the smothered chicken and there were no missing items for that one so all was ordered in. As she left she said our drinks will be on the way soon, bear in mind we are already 10-15 mins after ordering those. It took maybe another 10 mins to get those first (and only) drinks so around 25 in total which I couldn’t really see much of a reason as to why it took that long. While waiting for the sharing board a waiter came over and informed us that the chef realised they have no red pepper hummus and asked if we’d like any additional sauces or some extra bread on the board to which we said yes whatever you can really but that it’s not a worry. We thought that considering the dish had clearly been somewhat started to discover the lack of hummus that it would be out shortly, we would have to wait almost 20 more minutes for the board, which had no extra sauce or bread in the end. Although disappointed with the wait time the platter itself was good and helped ease the concerns we had been developing during the wait. However once we had finished the starter, the platter sat in front of us for nearly half an hour and absolutely no wait staff came to the table for a callback or to just take it back to the kitchen so the chef knew we were ready for our mains. We were also not asked at all wether we wanted any more drinks during the whole visit which when there are delays with food is a good distraction for customers. When the board was eventually cleared it was still another 20/25 mins until our mains came out, and this was after I had gone to the bar on the way to the bathroom to enquire about how much longer there was going to be as we were wanting to leave soon as it was now dark outside. I was told it would be 5 mins and apologised to for the wait and informed there was quite a long wait on food (first mention of this to us at all) this was also quite surprising as there really wasn’t that many people eating. Eventually though our mains did come and they were good but definitely nothing worth the very over the top wait. The moment we finished our meals we got up and went to the bar to pay as we could guess it would be a rather long wait for the check as no staff again did any check backs on the food, which I think is especially necessary for customers who have waited a long time. We were given a discounted bill without asking for one which was very appreciated, it does however just feel like a cop out. The staff knew the whole time that everyone dining was having overextended wait times and were in general not happy, but they were all very head down and ignoring every table unless they really had to approach them with their late food or to clear. Being someone who comes from hospitality I just think that even if you can’t control what’s going on in the kitchen and if there are delays outside of where you can help then you need to have your FOH staff keeping the customers happy...

My visit was lunchtime on Sunday 10th August. It was a pretty impromptu day trip with a friend and my 92 year old mother. The pub, being right on the promenade had easy wheelchair access to the garden seating area. The menu was slightly disappointing as it didn’t offer ‘lite’ options for my friend and I who didn’t want a main meal. Based on that my friend and I decided to order a starter to be eaten as a main and my mother ordered fish and chips. The queue inside to order at the bar was quite long. There were about ten people in front of me. One very harassed looking waiter clearing tables was darting around at speed and nearly careered into people. He clearly wasn’t happy and he was talking to himself. Eventually, when ordering, I was told that food was taking 45 minutes to an hour. I decided l, given how inconvenient it would be to move to find another suitable location, we were better off staying put. At least I’d been forewarned and it was a pleasant day to be sat outside. However, after an hour had passed I started to feel frustrated and went to chase up how much longer we could expect to wait. This meant queuing again, just to be able to ask. The bar lady went to the kitchen to ask and did look and sound apologetic. In return I was told the food would be with me within 5 minutes. I ordered another drink which she did give me on the house and this was appreciated. It may have been just over the five minutes when indeed our food arrived. No complaints really. On the expensive side for what it was but to be expected on the promenade of a seaside town. The pub was clearly understaffed and those holding up the fort were stressed because of it. I dare say there were numerous complaints to deal with. I felt sorry for...

I would very much love to review the food but unfortunately for me and my wife we were not served. We were seated by a member of staff, which clearly was not having a good day. We have asked if any of the tables close to the windows are available ( there were at least three tables available). She was rude saying " of course you want a window table! Everyone wants a window table". We should have walked out the restaurant at that very moment, however we decided to stay. She dropped 3 menus on the table. Two normal menus and the speciality one.

We have waited at least 10 minutes for someone to come over and take our order, however out of 3-4 waitresses no show. I've stopped one and asked if I should order from the bar, she said that she is going to send over one of her colleagues. Here comes the fun part.

A skinny blonde waitress came over. First thing that she asked, who seated you here, clearly not the brightest person as we already had menus in front of us ready to order. I told her how the lady who seated us looked so she could go and discuss with her. After another 5 minutes she came back. When we are about to order she asked who gave you the special menu as we don't have anything from there.

We've asked for 1 minute so we can decide on something of the regular menu. We have ordered starters and drinks. After another 10 minutes waiting for the drinks and no show, and seeing tables which came after us being served I decided that enough is enough and left the restaurant.

Best decision ever. As we found nearby a restaurant with great food and friendly service!

I will let everyone that I know, to avoid this restaurant as never in my life felt...