Padstow Fish & Chips — Restaurant in England

Came here for a tea and scones because all other cafes were closed. This restaurant is trying to be too many things all at once, fish and chip shop, cafe, and a casual restaurant, I don’t think it has quite found its identity. The ordering system is slow paced and disorganised, with no real structure to it, try explaining where you’re sat to order food instead of providing a simple table number, the toilets stunk which was right next to the cakes, watching staff carry your food out on a tray wearing the same marigold gloves used to scrub the toilets is a big put off. And after a very disorganised and sloppy service, the cakes were dry and quite clearly store bought, the scones had the same texture as a bap/cob/batch, but was just missing a bit of ham and butter and the tea tasted like rain water despite leaving the tea bag in for 30 minutes. From reading the menu I thought I was ordering a selection of mini tarts/pies to have with my tea as it is in the same section as a cream tea. Instead when I placed my order the waiter told me to “help myself to the cakes” at the end of the queue- as previously stated… next to the toilet in an open fridge. These cakes were clearly standing out all day and we’re not what I was expecting… it was not a selection of tarts and pies. The treacle tart did not taste like a treacle tart and I could not eat it. The rest of the selection did not look appealing at all.

Please please please get with the times and take note of the cafes you are surrounded by, where the cakes and food are authentic delightful.

Wont...

The view from our table of the harbour was lovely, however as soon as the meals arrived, we knew why those tables were available.

The fish and chips were not only overpriced, but also woefully undercooked. The batter was limp and soggy, while the fish inside was still practically swimming. And the taste? Brace yourselves - it was entirely devoid of any flavor whatsoever. Bland, boring, and a total waste of precious calories.

We've sampled fish and chips in just about every corner of the world, from the greasy spoons of London to the seaside shacks of Sydney. But these were handdown the worst we've ever had the misfortune of putting in our mouths. In fact, we sent all three meals back to the kitchen - a move that likely saved the chef from a proper lashing.

But the indignities didn't stop there. When we asked the waiter to bring us some utensils, he cheerfully obliged. And then proceeded to never return with them. Just left us there, fork-less and knife-less, staring at our inedible meals in utter bewilderment.

To add insult to injury, a male waiter then came over and started clearing our table. As he wiped the crumbs, he casually brushed them right into our laps. It was as if he was deliberately trying to ruin what was left of our dining experience.

If you're looking for a dining experience that will leave you questioning every life decision that led you there, be sure to check out this place. But if you actually enjoy eating, I'd strongly recommend looking elsewhere. Your tastebuds (and your wallet)...

I regret that I have to give even 1 star. This place is a disgrace. The chips were awful. As well as being covered in black (rotten) bits that we all see when we peel potatoes ( but we cut them out) these chips also had some horrible looking white bits, looked like rotten n potato. I wish I'd taken a photo. While I was waiting I saw the chips being served before me and they were all like this. The lady in front complained , the person serving gave her some excuse and she left. Then an elderly gent came in to complain. They begrudgingly gave him a refund for 1 of his portions but not the other 2 that were all the same. I then piped up and asked if the chips they were about to give me were the same because if so, I'd cancel my order. They had a look and said that they were but they'd make a new batch. They threw loads away. Made a new batch and they were exactly the same.. Stupidly I accepted them because by now my group had all almost finished their lunch. I managed to pick through them and find about 30% that were OK but the rest were a disgrace. The fish was.. Ok but the batter was tough as old boots and greasy as hell.

The curry sauce was spot on. I would say spend the extra fiver and get robbed by Rick stein at least that was good looking food. I hope the manager/owners read these comments. You are robbing people serving bad food at top money. Would not recommend...