Harbour Tavern

THIS PLACE HAS CHANGED!! What has happened?!?! Has there been a change in management in recent times? This place was the "GO TO" each summer we visit this beautiful harbour town. There was always a queue on the street to wait and that was always OK, we didbt mind, because everything used to be absolutely outstanding. Excited for this summers return trip with the family, we raced down the hill from the car park to find that there was no queue outside (bit odd on a bank holiday weekend, this place had them queing outside the street year on year) furthermore, some random DJ advertisement on the window outside and I instantly thought "What's happened?!?" Upon entering the premises we found no sign of the familiar friendly staff waiting to greet us and sit us down. Furthermore there was no sign to say "sorry this isn't table service anymore" either, just a cold stare from a dark haired girl behind the bar and a point to a table in the window. My heart sank, I knew this place had changed and it was starting to feel like I had never been here before. After 10 minutes of waiting, I went to the bar to ask "is it order at the bar now?" The lady nodded and pointed to some menus on a nearby dresser. Why not have a sign to tell the returning customers that service has now changed? Think of the customer journey. The food was higher in price which was to be expected in this cost of living crisis, but if the quality was the same then we wouldn't mind. We are certainly all for supporting small businesses. The fish and chips used to be crispy, light and all the batter used to be gluten free, no matter who ordered. It was the standard recipe. The peas used to be salty and minted accompanied by the most delicious creamy homemade tarter sauce. This is what had us returning year after year!!! Well sadly it's nothing like this now. 😢 It's a cheap HEINZ sachet of sauce, a small dollop of some bland mushy peas and the chips tasted like they had been reheated (starchy!!) I was in despair, what had happened to our beloved holiday eating spot!! 😢 The GF fish batter was the soggy, pale, bicarbonate of soda rubbish you get anywhere, it's cheap and nasty. Where has that secret recipe gone?? This place used to be a cut above the rest, a reason to travel into Mevagissey, and now ... it's... just an average place to eat. The quality is on par with a weatherspoons but more expensive. Absolutely gutted, it must have changed hands, what a huge shame!! Our family tradition of eating here is now over and we are on the hunt for a new place. Its just not the same. I agree with the other customers statement that previous reviews are no longer valid, they are of the old days, the old management and old team. New management need to work this out or they will certainly keep losing customers. EDIT IN RESPONSE: 1) No one came to check on us or how the food was, the establishment as you say is "bar service" 2) We did ask for fresh tarter sauce and was told its no longer part of the menu. 3) If you see our previous reviews you will know we have eaten at many a 5* restaurant and your chef certainly isnt at this standard at all. Perhaps some porkie pies on the CV ??? 4) it does unfortunately look like that across Google, trip advisor and more the negative reviews are starting to stack up. We can't all be wrong?

Hallelujah- a small fishing village like Mevagissey and they cater for coeliacs!! Well done Gluten Free fish and chips were excellent- crispy proper chips and white boneless, skinless cod The staff were very helpful and pleasant and even allowed dogs in, just what tourists require Can’t praise this establishment enough - thank you 😊