Inn on the Beach — Restaurant in Havant

Absolutely wonderful location! Would definitely only recommend having a drink. We were given a menu, and saw they were doing a roast dinner, and decided to go for this option. I had the vegetarian and husband had the pork. There was also a side option 3 for £12, which included cauliflower cheese, stuffing, and pigs in blankets. So we decided to get that as well. Waited an hour for probably the worst roast dinner I have ever had! We had already heard the waiter apologise for the slow service on the table behind us, and was debating going. I think the waiter could tell we eventually had enough, as he apologised and said they were plating it up. He said it was due to a large group. There was a large group, but the place was not full at all, so I was unsure why this would affect making the food, and it was not my problem at all. We waited as they said they said they were bringing it out, but I wish we had left before it arrived. We had waited an hour, so I was just happy something arrived, and the word I would describe it as was edible. Good job, we had the sides, as it wasn't very big. There was no flavour what's so ever. The roast potatoes were diabolical, as if they had been frozen and reheated. Minimal vegetables, and this Wellington thing, not really sure what was going on. Our sides, one of the worst cauliflower cheeses I've had, I mean how can you muck up cauliflower cheese? Stuffing wasn't even cooked properly and fell apart. Husband said pork was so dry and chewy. Didn't even give him a proper knife to cut it. Left the Yorkshire pudding as it was oily. Pigs in blankets were big sausages, but he said it was the best out of a bad bunch. No one asked us how our food was during or asked us if we needed any sauces, which might have made it taste better. We should of left, but after an hour, we just wanted to eat it, as already waisted an hour and carry on with our day. Waited with a card in my hand, waiting for someone to clear our plates and ask for the bill. But ended up having to get up and ask for the bill. The girl asked how the food was, and we said it was ok, you could tell we was not happy, but she did not ask further. Will not be returning for food ever again. A drink at the very most as a fantastic location. The paying for parking to is crazy, thank god we put 2 hours on. I actually don't know how you can not get one single aspect of a roast dinner correct? Like there was not a single bit of flavour, just bland. After waiting an hour we was expecting something great, and we got edible. Maybe a cookbook for roast dinners before...

I’m actually disappointed to be writing this review. However we all went after a nice time at the beach, I booked the table with a few hours notice expecting them to be busy (but they were not)

When we showed up we were advised our table was 2pm and not 2:30 as we had booked so, I was advised by possibly the manager that we were a no show even though it was confirmed by them said out loud on the phone for 2:30.

We sat everyone down and albeit a small issue I just wanted to grab a drink from the bar but was advised it was table service and was told to go to my table. Which is fine but personally I would have preferred to have paid for a drink at the bar and had them, rather than wait for the service. That is a small issue and should be customer prerogative.

I can’t fault the waiter/waitress they were awesome however there is one big cause of concern for this restaurant and that is the huge 12.5% service charge on top of your bill which is just ridiculous. There has only ever been two restaurant that did this. One which was at Gatwick and Inn on the Beach. Although the service by the waiter and waitress was good I would have felt more comfortable being given that option when I pay on the machine NOT having it added to the bill. Inn on the beach seem to forget staff get minimum wage, customers will also provide a tip if they can afford to AND we are already in a cost of living crisis what I found very awkward and hearing this from other table is that the staff want the feedback there and then and they directly ask at the table which as a customer is very awkward. Service charges should be something that happens naturally not forced on.

The food was OK, the patty for the burger that was flattened and was too crispy, chips were lovely and so were starters.

My only real concern is that 12.5% get rid of it, put it on the card machines as an option. We are not America, the feedback can be done...

Pricey food (which is fine) but unfortunately zero quality control in the kitchen to support the high prices.

Almost inedible pork belly bites (in a Asian dressing). Was basically a bowl of chopped up pork belly drowned in sriracha/Frank's like a bowl of soup 👎 £9.

Focaccia with balsamic, tasted like malt vinegar, no oil, dry bread£7 👎

Mussels with fries and baguette, well only half a mini baguette torn in half not cut 🤷, mussels were tiny, cracked shells, and beards on so many we just stopped eating, sauce was thin and unappetising chips were good. unacceptable that it came out of the kitchen £18

Pigs in blankets looked like they were microwaved, thick sausage and back bacon very funny taste £7

Smoked salmon mousse, tasted good but the crustinis were stale £9

I went in to complain and the barmaid just said she's sorry that I'd had the experience, the manager was stood next to her but allowed me to walk away without really addressing the problem, I collected the uneaten food and took it up to the bar where another customer remarked at the mess on the plate, I said to them I wouldn't order any food here, that's when the manager suddenly could hear me and said I shouldn't be advising others about the food 🤣,

we got a partial refund (just to shut me up I think) but that came with a load of attitude and slight anger from the manager who needs to work on his customer service skills.

On the plus side, the pub is lovely the bar staff are also lovely and polite and they do a lovely German lager on tap (can't remember the name) views are stunning, great place to watch windsurfers, although the outside area needs a good refresh as is very run down.

Shame no one is checking food before it comes out, lower the prices to reflect the standard or up your...