Block and Barrel — Restaurant in Wales

Had intended to go into Haverfordwest for a Chinese meal but noticed Block and Barrel as we walked through town and it looked lovely. Walked in without a booking to the lovely downstairs area but they were all booked up. Instead they sat us upstairs which was fine but doesn’t have the ambience of the downstairs area, which feels quite special. Upstairs feels more lunchtime snack, although it’s nice being able to see into the open kitchen up there. Still, upstairs could do with a similar feel to downstairs...lower lighting and some fairy lights etc, to make it feel like you didn’t get second prize on the tables. It felt better once we weren’t the only people sitting up there, but still more of a cafe feel than restaurant. Next time I’ll make sure to book a table downstairs.

Food was delicious. We had three rump steaks and one gammon. All lovely. Meat was nice and tender and cooked just as we liked it. Didn’t have space for pudding, which is good.

Other bits of feedback:

Only realised halfway through eating my accompanying salad that it had quinoa in, which I’m allergic to. I need to pay more attention to what food I am given although there was no mention on the menu (otherwise I would have said something when ordering).

Asked what the specials were and got a kinda rambling description whilst other tables were given a little specials board with prices on.

Pudding menu board has no prices on and neither were we told prices when it was brought to us.

As we were paying, one of the waitresses (not one who served us thankfully) sneezed into her hand and then just carried on. Some education in cleanliness (and how that kind of thing looks to customers) needed for the younger/less clued up staff.

People were lovely and friendly. The place itself is really nice. We had a pleasant evening and nice food. We’ll deffo be back but will make sure...

Visited just over a month ago and have waited this long to leave a review as the manager wanted to make amends for our terrible meal but never did.

Arrived at 8pm and ordered the T-Bone and Sirloin (Medium Rare) Food arrived an hour after us ordering and both steaks were cremated. Didn’t take a bite as it was plain to see that it was completely overcooked. These things happen so no biggy. Manager came over and immediately acknowledged this and returned the food. 30 minutes later our steaks returned, this time cooked medium rare. Unfortunately the T-Bone was completely bland along with the dauphinois potatoes and peppercorn sauce (also very oily). The sirloin was adequate, had some flavour. I called the manager over and expressed how disappointed I was. He acknowledged that the T-Bone was sent back by another customer that evening and assured us that they use a well known butchers in Carmarthen. I stated that I was going to eat and pay for it as it was now almost 9:45pm and was starving.

At time of payment, the manager asked for my address as he was going to send a bottle of wine along with a voucher as we were local and wanted our repeat business. Guess what? No wine or voucher. Won’t...

Cozy, rustic but modern with a super chilled atmosphere, right up my street!🤩 I had the 8oz sirloin 🤤 dauphinoise potatoes too… nom nom.. the mushroom with blue cheese and onion confit a lush little extra also. The husband had the 20oz rump and also savoured every last mouthful. Proper onion rings too; bangin! Every single element of our meals and general experience were absolutely faultless, if you enjoy a steak then get booked in, you will not be disappointed!! Nice one chef! The cocktails were two for one tonight which was a bonus too 😝 Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about Paula, when I tell you that service doesn’t come any better I’m not playing around; An absolute credit to the owners. Paula was the PERFECT attentive host, oozing experience, confidence, warmth and a genuine care to deliver 5* service. All while tackling two flights of stairs like it’s nothing! I just can’t stress enough how much she deserves recognition. Anyway, there’s a chateaubriand I called dibs on so I’ll be back there soon!...