The Victory Inn — Restaurant in England

Had high hopes for a meal at this pub but very disappointed.

A few things on the menu had run out so limited choice.

Opted for the burger but after a few bites noticed it was rather pink. Spoke to the waitress and landlord who explained that the burger had some sort of tomato paste or flavouring which made it look reddish/pink but as I advised the landlord it looked undercooked and I couldn’t unsee that. He said that other customers had raised this too and that was how the chef prepared the burgers, but unfortunately not for me as it does look undercooked.

To be fair, the landlord removed the charge from the bill and offered another meal or free pudding but by this time I just wanted to pay up and leave.

I had booked another meal for next week but cancelled this immediately.

Update : Following a response from owner regarding my review I would like to add that of the remaining menu available nothing took my fancy - I would have preferred to have the pie of the day but this was but unfortunately was sold out which is why I refused a replacement meal

You also stated that the kitchen was due to close shortly, so not instilled with confidence that something would be rushed out.

Also, it wasn’t 10 minutes after I was asked if everything was on that I came to see you. The first bite or two that I had taken didn’t seem as big a problem (although slightly pink) as the latter part when you had left. It was more pinkish at the point of reporting it to you and I had also asked my wife to look at it as she was sat closer to the window and in natural light.

If that’s the way your chef prepares things then so be it but you also commented that other customers had raised this point as well.

There was nothing else you could have done at the time as the dining experience was ruined for me, but removing the charge was appreciated.

I’d like to think I give fair reviews but give us a chance to start to eat the meal. Just because someone nods their head or grunts with a mouth full of food doesn’t mean that things can’t deteriorate with a meal.

As you’ll recall we also had another burger that my son had which was less pink/ better cooked than mine. He did however ask for no salad but was served the burger with a slice of beef tomato and he did mention this to you at the bar later, having disposed of the tomato in a side dish.

Sometimes things don’t go to plan and you have to accept this. If your chef won’t change his preparations and you’re paying his wages and you’ve mentioned this to him previously then maybe time for a serious chat. Can’t see why tomato paste needs to be put into the burger pate anyway. It’s not as though these burgers are cheap.

Please note that I’m not trying to do you a disservice, but this is based on my personal dining experience on the evening in question.

I’m sure you’ve have many satisfied customers but the meal wasn’t up to standard for me, so much so, that I didn’t want to revisit for a previously book appointment.

Thanks for taking the time to reply but maybe we’ll have to agree to disagree on the quality of this...

My husband and I had lunch here on Monday and Thursday this week, lunch on Monday was definitely 5 stars, on Thursday only three. The hake with crab meat aioli was amazing on Monday: silky smooth aioli, perfectly cooked hake, braised little gem lettuce were delicious, the same dish on Thursday was edible but just not as good: the aioli was sparse, barely any on the plate, just a dusting of cashew nut 'dust' whilst on Monday there were chunks of cashews. The mussels were very disappointing: the broth they were served in, rather than the aromatic broth with shallots, garlic, parsley , wine and cream we expected was just hot, watery cream. The mussels were tiny, overcooked and gritty...There must have been a different chef working today, sadly not quite so talented. That said, the place is lovely, the staff friendly and welcoming. The inconsistency was a...

We've been coming to Porthtowan for holidays for a good few years but this was the first time we ventured up to The Victory. Why didn't we come before? As soon as you walk in, you're welcomed like a regular. We came in for just drinks the first time, after walking up round part of the coastal path. My wife admired her Tarquins gin glass, asked if she could buy it. Landlord said "sorry no but I can sort something out for you when you come back". We booked for a meal later in the week, turned up and there was a Tarquins gin glass waiting for my wife. Really tasty food, good prices, good portions and staff were very attentive and friendly. If I could give more than 5 stars, I would. When you're in the area, call in to The Victory, it's...