The Yachtsman — Restaurant in England

I’ve been a regular at this pub for over a year, often visiting three to four times a week. It’s always been one of my favourite spots — welcoming atmosphere, good beer, and a place where I could unwind. But since the recent change in management, the experience has changed in a way that’s hard to ignore — and not for the better.

From the very beginning, the new manager — a bold and loud personality, both in presence and behaviour — made quite the impression. When I casually asked about the lemon-in-water challenge, his response was to immediately criticise the previous management, claiming the lemons were always mouldy. Having spent a lot of time here over the past year, I can honestly say I never once saw that. It felt unprofessional and unnecessary to talk down the people who came before — especially when their standards were consistently solid.

Still, I believe in giving people a chance, so I stayed open-minded and ordered one of my favourite beers — a fluffy, fobby Hazy IPA. I noticed the pour wasn’t right and kindly mentioned it. The barmaid insisted it was just the end of the barrel, but I gently explained that I didn’t think that was the issue — I know this beer well, and something was clearly off. She responded with, “It’s okay, there’s someone here who knows how to handle these things,” referring to another staff member.

She didn’t walk away or treat me badly, but from that moment on, I felt like I was seen as someone who complains — not someone trying to help. That shift in attitude was disappointing. I wasn’t being difficult, I genuinely wanted to help improve the service, not tear it down. I’ve always believed that honest, respectful feedback is part of what helps a place grow and get better.

Things didn’t improve from there. I recently ordered a roast, and within five minutes it had gone cold — a clear sign it had been microwaved rather than freshly served. The vegetables were dry, tasteless, and had the texture of something cooked hours earlier. When I mentioned it to the waitress, she passed the feedback to the kitchen, who insisted everything is cooked fresh to order. But the reality on the plate told a different story — and anyone who eats out regularly can tell the difference between fresh food and reheated leftovers.

What finally pushed me to write this review was the ongoing issue with how the manager serves drinks. I’ve seen him several times now pouring beer while grabbing the top of the glass — which isn’t just unhygienic, it’s something most bars actively avoid. When I mentioned it to him, politely and without any fuss, he immediately denied it, saying it was the first time he was serving me — despite having done it before. Rather than listening or even just acknowledging the feedback, he got loud and argumentative, turning what should’ve been a quick, constructive exchange into an unnecessary confrontation.

That moment made it clear: this isn’t a place where feedback is welcomed, or where customers feel heard. And that’s not the kind of atmosphere that makes people want to come back.

I’m not writing this out of spite or frustration — I’m writing it because I care. I used to love this place. I looked forward to my visits. But now I find myself hesitating, which is a real shame. Confidence in management is important, but hospitality is about listening, adapting, and treating every guest with respect — especially the ones who’ve supported the place week in and week out.

I hope the new team takes this as constructive feedback. There’s still great potential here, but it starts with humility, professionalism, and a willingness to see customers as part of the pub’s success — not as critics to be argued with. Right now, it no longer feels like the pub I knew, and unless that changes, I’m not sure I’ll be...

A fantastic Hall and Woodhouse pub in Hamworthy, Poole, near the Park.

I am a Hamworthy lad, now living in Torbay. We had to return to Poole, for personal reasons. Where could we have a lovely meal and gain access to Badger Beer? The Yachtsman, Hamworthy, of course!

It had been several years since I had been there, but it surpassed my own expectations.

There was a choice of three dining experiences - formal, informal and bar. We chose the informal. Our spicy chicken wings were lovely and fell off the bone. The addition of a Dorset Blue Vinney cheese dip for the crudités was great. I chose the crayfish linguine in a lobster bisque, which was lovely and did not skimp on the crayfish. My wife had the award winning Steak and Tanglefoot pie, which was equally exquisite.

There was a fantastic range of Badger Beers on draught. I had the Wicked Wyvern IPA and a thirst quenching Old Harry's Pale Sail, also on cask. My wife had a fruity berry cider which also didn't fail to hit the spot.

The staff were lovely. We were served by the manager, a quietly spoken and mannered person. He made sure we had what we wanted, how we wanted, and when we wanted it. The bar was well run, by a sympathetic and friendly Irish woman. The manager invited us to try the drinks before we bought them and was equally friendly. We explained our visit, "Home" and were met with empathy. They even wished us good luck for the next day, and a safe journey back to Torbay.

I know that The Yachtsman is a chain. But it's a chain of Hall and Woodhouse, the local brewery in Blandford, Dorset. Everything was done to help us enjoy our evening. The establishment was squeaky clean, including the toilet facilities.

I cannot praise this establishment enough, and would recommend for a nice evening for both locals in Poole, as well as "Grockles" - Holidaymakers visiting the area, particularly those at...

⭐ 1/5 (only because “zero” isn’t an option)

I popped into this recently‑taken‑over local pub hoping for a quick, no‑fuss dinner with my family. Instead, I got a masterclass in how not to run a hospitality business. Here’s the low‑light reel:

Non‑existent table service. Despite being given a table number, the staff paraded our meals around the place like lost homing pigeons, trying to off‑load them on anyone who’d make eye contact.

No basics, no shame. We had to flag someone down for cutlery and napkins… twice these were not available anywhere else! £7 for three halloumi pebbles. I’m not exaggerating: three thumb‑nail‑sized shards of rock‑hard cheese masquerading as “halloumi bites.” Completely inedible.

Raw chips. Pale, bendy, borderline crunchy‑potato‑flavoured water. Enough said. Blame‑the‑customer attitude. When I (politely!) pointed out the halloumi was impossible to chew, the staff member snapped that it was “my fault” because the dish “went out ten minutes ago.” Apparently time itself now tenderises cheese?

Aggressive confrontation. When I expressed disbelief at paying London‑gastro‑pub prices for playground cafeteria quality, I was met with nothing but argumentative rudeness!! I’m nine months pregnant, yet the manager thought it appropriate to square up and argue rather than simply refund the dish. Meal confiscated. After I requested the refund, they didn’t just take back the halloumi—they whisked away my untouched main course too, like a spiteful toddler grabbing toys.

I walked in hungry and hopeful; I waddled out hungry, stressed, and in utter disbelief! If you value decent food, basic courtesy, or your blood pressure, avoid this place at all costs! Dinner for 3 £50 and completely inedible with the worst service I have ever...