The Pilot Penarth — Restaurant in Wales

Located in Penarth just off the town centre, probably a five minute walking distance. This is divided into two sections, a drinking pub section and the Dining section.

The Dining section was rather busy with lots of people and nice level is rather high. Clientele in there

The menu was pretty much as expecting for a pub with the wine, spirit and beer selection as well as food.

We was rather odd as one waitress at the order for the drinks, but could not take the order for the food followed by another waitressing the order for the food. Order the sirloin 8 ounce cooked rare, which was pretty much to perfection,but the sides were rather poor with the hand cut chips were under done. The onion ring was oil logged and soggy, the salad non-existent and the mushroom was underdone.

The wine selection that I had was poor almost undrinkable.

The total came up to almost £40, which seemed quite steep for a pub.

The steak which is highly recommended, although the rest of the accompaniment to the dish...

Dreadful customer service with weird policies. Was my local pre pandemic and thought i would give it a try with my dog as nearby.

Shabby on outside and empty at 6.45 on a wednesday. Ordered my pint and was then told that dogs are not allowed in after 6 as part of group policy.

was then asked to sit outside in cold or leave. place was previously dog friendly.

when asked why dogs were allowed told it was group policy in case it was busy and they take up space ??? place was empty on what was meant to be Steak night.

the lady was rude and a should not work in hospitality. We use their other pub the sully inn which allows dogs in all the time so it is not group policy. It had the air of a pub going out of business and it surely will with people like her at the helm.

Avoid at all costs. place could also do with weeding and cleaning the outside which was filthy. Wouldn’t trust the hygiene of the kitchen if the owners allow the exterior to...

Had the Thursday promo (buy one get one free). T-bone steak was tender, delicately seasoned and perfectly medium rare. Chicken in tomato sauce was fine, but stick with the steaks (which can compete with the best I've had all over the world). Enjoyed the beers they recommended too. Warm, responsive staff. Got a great table in front of the bar- spacing is enough that you can enjoy the bustling environment and yet have a private conversation. Would revisit.

Update 5/4/2025. Visited again 2 days later to try more of their dishes. Crispy fish and chips, lamb rump paired well with harissa jus and generous sides (savoury sausages, couscous and ratatouille). Appreciated the crispy edges of the lamb fat (at the cost of some parts of the lamb being closer to medium well than medium). I conclude that my favourite thing here is still the steaks, and I should follow my own advice and...