Harry's Lounge Bar & Brasserie — Restaurant in Whitby

Terrible dining experience.

I had been here many times before, and yes you pay top money for drinks and food but previously (last visited in Feb 23) their outdoor seating has been a lovely experience with throws, heaters etc. And the staff were fab so you don't mine paying extra for a great experience.

However, this time was a complete opposite. 1 of the heaters bulbs had broken, therefore none of the heaters were able to go on- apparently. The throws had bird poo on them and were unclean and tatty. We had already ordered food by the time we found out about the heaters (staff had to be asked 3 times to put heaters on). So, we were sat freezing. As we had a dog, we were not able to relocate inside. The waitress asked if she should go and 'get Harry's Wife' to discuss with me about being uncomfortable dining outside. A minute later a woman appears (the woman who obviously had no name as, she was again, referred to as 'Harry's Wife'. I'm not sure if this was an intimidation technique to show she had high authority?). Anyway, without me saying a word she abruptly said 'well do you want to cancel your meals?' And while I appreciate this offer from 'Harry's Wife' the manner in which she said it was appalling. Very rude and unprofessional. Harry, if you're reading this, I'd have a word with your wife...you won't have any customers left if she behaves like that!

Anyway, our food arrives. I've ordered a full English with well done meat. Food arrives...Mine turns up with no Sausages..The waiter is called back and takes my plate back to the kitchen. 5 mins later, it arrives and the Sausages are not well done. Again, the waiter is called to take them back. Meanwhile the accompanying 3 members of my family have eaten their meals and their plates have been cleared away. Another 10 minutes pass and my breakfast is back- yummeee! Wait, but no toast...the waiter is called again and brings me some toast. So now I sit and scran my breakfast down as fast as I can as my family were said waiting for me. Breakfast was OK, but not even a full mouthful of beans so could do with more.

Terrible experience and will certainly not be returning. Unhelpful, rude and abrupt staff. Small food portions for a...

We visited Harry's as it seemed to be the most exclusive place in town. The prices of the food and drinks would suggest this. The staff are very friendly and helpful and quickly showed us to our seat. The restaurant is quite small as are most of the places across the Pier Road. It is nicely decorated and does have an upmarket feel. We visited during restrictions and also the Eat Out scheme.. so £10 off each anyway. My wife had the steak on a stone (they brought rump instead of fillet.. which looked ok so we didn't complain). The steak is on a stone.. which means you are in charge of the cooking. Problem is there is no where to put the steak once it's cooked to your liking... so if you like a rare steak.. the first bite is rare.. the second medium rare.. then medium.. at the end it's well done. In other places where they have hot stones.. there is also a plate to eat from once its cooked. Our table was small and the meal was on a self contained plate for the food. I had the special which was fish.. of course :-) Very small portion for £24 but we ordered extra ciabatta bread which I can eat all night. The fish was cooked very nice. The staff were attentive but forgot my second pint... which saved me £6.00. But I did like the way the barman ran up the spiral staircase with a tray of drinks.. impressive :-) I enjoyed the dinner.. but I wouldn't visit again. Eating out at the most expensive place in town is fine.. we can afford it our kids have left home. But it's in my blood I'm afraid.. and Yorkshire folk share this quirk I think... the pint for £4 next door is...

So, I don't like leaving poor reviews so I will mention the good point before I go on my rant. I had the chowder for a starter and it was beautiful! It was a very good portion size and was very good value for money. The lady that served me was polite and helpful.

Now, the bad bits. Myself and my wife ordered a sirloin steak with pepper sauce off the menu. When they arrived we both were very surprised and disappointed. It was sliced up and ontop of a pile of fries which were covered in peppers, onions, spring onions, non of which were on the menu. We were expecting a nice steak with a side of fries, which we didn't receive. If that wasn't bad enough, all the fries were covered with cheese that had gone hard and so the whole dish was one big congealed mess. The steak was of poor quality and was very chewy. Disgusting!!!! On top of this, the owner of the bar was sitting at the end of the bar and watched everyone eat like he was waiting to come over and have ago! I felt very over looked as did the lovely couple next to us who left before they had food after seeing the treatment we received. Then, to add insult to injury the lady that brought our bill told us there was a 5percent discretionary service charge on top of the bill. My wife asked for this to be removed. The whole meal was a waste of our money and time. As the bill was nearly 80quid which was way to expensive. One jack and joke coming in at nearly 9 pounds! Robbery.

I don't like leaving bad reviews but I want anyone who may use this place to be aware of this. Don't go expecting a nice simple well...