The Lobster Pot Inn — Restaurant in Wales

A seemingly popular pub, but our impression was not a good one. I had spent time speaking at length with the manager prior to booking as I have Coeliac disease and needed to feel reassured that there was an understanding of gluten free foods and the issue of cross contamination. He was very reassuring and even offered to provide a packed lunch for us on the day we were planning to go to Skomer Island. The menu on the website offered good, basic pub food, which was perfect for my partner as he is not happy to eat curries or mussels etc. I booked a room, and after Christmas I discovered that the manager was leaving and a new manager was taking over. Again, I checked with the owner's daughter that there would be no issues and was told that there had been a full handover and the new manager was aware of my dietary requirements.

It advertised that the pub opened at 12 noon, so we arrived at 3.30 p.m. to find it closed. A note on the right of the door said it would open at 4 p.m. So we sat at a wooden bench on the car park waiting for it to open. We heard a click, but no one came out to let us know they had opened up. We tried the door and it opened. There was a lady in the dining area and she took us to our room. I was keen to speak with someone about the gluten free options, and she told me that Chris would speak with me and he would be in soon. We bought a drink and went to sit in the beer garden. No one came to speak with us, so we went inside the bar and asked if Chris had arrived yet. He was in the kitchen and she went to fetch him. I told Chris that I was Coeliac and asked whether that was catered for. He pointed out a couple of things on the menu. Not really that good as we were booked for a 5 day stay. Also, the menu was not the same as the one on the website, and there was very little my partner would eat. So I asked about breakfast and whether there were gluten free sausages. He said the sausages were vegetarian, to which I replied that I am not a vegetarian and most vegetarian sausages are not gluten free. He said his were. He also told me he had 4 gluten free rolls in a pack in the freezer. They were what were left from a bigger pack he had bought. He then asked me to tell him what I wanted and he would go and get it for me. But as the pub was now open for food I don't know how he could as he was doing the cooking. And that was besides the point. They knew we were coming and were not prepared. Neither of us felt reassured. I am not precious, but if I ingest the smallest crumb I am violently ill, so I didn't want to ruin our trip. Suffice it to say we politely told them that we wouldn't be staying and luckily found an establishment that was understanding, organised...

Looked better on-line than in reality. Arrived and immediately was concerned and first impressions count! The name does not match the reality. On the way up to the room empty cardboard boxes stacked up in the front window of the pub and a pile of what looked like a sleeping bag..looked like somebody had been dosing there at the bottom of the stairs concerned me. Alarm system went off three times during stay. Stairwell reminded me of stairs up out of a commercial basement, not welcoming at all. No pictures or decor. All doors cheap and very light and thin, blocking no sound. Room itself had kingsize bed when a standard double would have fitted the space. Bed way too big for room, perhaps to try to justify price. All night heard people (?) in room next door talking loudly. Knocked on wall at 1am and 4am when the talking finally stopped. No wall insulation between rooms, just stud partitioning. Good bedding. Good powerpoints. Towels very thin, no shower mat. Shower not bath. No glasses in room, no bottled water. Bathroom door did not close unless used bolt. Dank smell in room, think dog stayed with people as scratches on inside of door seemed like old carpet smell. Biggest issue is price. Paid £125 for what should be £60-80 room. Very small room. Room appeared clean. Overall we were very disappointed and will not be returning or recommending to our many fellow walkers. Decided not to have the inclusive breakfast and did not eat here, just not inclusive enough. Left early to get a breakfast in Milford Haven. Disappointing as all the issues could be resolved with thought.... If there was a will to do so....unless these issues are resolved its unlikely people will return or recommend..not good for any business. Suggest immediate action or business will be at risk from negative reviews as seen extensively in Trip Advisor. Early signs of concern played out which is...

Ok middle England. Time for education. If you like the Spoons, demand instant service that panders to your every whim, has crazy corporate endorsed fashionable tat hanging everywhere, then stay home. If however, you understand the nature of the ‘public house’, and lament its passing in the current economic climate, then this is the place for you!

Alan and Sophia deliver first class to every punter through the door, be that local or tourist. The only thing warmer than the welcome is the roaring fire. Everyone here epitomises tight knit village spirit and they bring all into the fold.

Food - Straight forward menu that gives a nice mix of classic pub food, freshly prepared to order. Vegans and veggies, you’re covered too.

Drinks - Great mix of real ales, lagers, etc. The Gin line up is pretty good too! Reasonable prices given the remote location.

I can’t comment on the accommodation as we stayed at the nearby campsite, but truth is, we were in here every day of our 9 day holiday and there seemed to be plenty of happy people passing through.

In summary, the ‘Pot is a fantastic example of a sincere, warm, welcoming local pub. The staff work absolute wonders and bend over backwards to make your visit a memorable one.

Don’t just pass...