please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
I had lunch here this Spring, the portions were huge and the bitter (Ringwood Best) well kept. The food was standard 'pub grub' and not very inspiring.
The service on a Tuesday was very slow, despite the pub being nearly empty. However the staff were friendly and helpful.
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Just been here after a funeral at the crematorium. It would appear the staff have no enthusiasm and are just going through the motions. One member of staff was chewing gum behind the bar, another who looked so lost that they should have had a pa address to find his mother, was stood on the end of his trousers by abour 8 inches. As for the uniform...lose it ...polo shirts don't suit everbody and after just a few washes lose shape and look untidy. The beer however is good (summer lightning) but not cheap at �3.50 pint. The food ..well we had a buffet, a bit basic but thats what you pay for! Whats on the menu was basic homefare at a premium price. Ie �5 for a cheese sandwich, a ploughmans at �7.35, home ,ade chill and rice �9 and the Killer a 1/4 lbs burger for �9.85 Would i come back? maybe for a beer if someone else was paying, but not for the food at these prices even if someone else paid.
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OK pub, but staff not the most "interactive"
Food OK - in fact, the Mrs really likes it, so I guess it must be OK.
Next to Castle, but a bit "out of the way" for a pub crawl.
Only really busy on "Portchester Gala" (Carnival) day.
Beer OK, but a bit over priced.
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go there for the beer but don't go there for the food. Last time I went there it was horrible food. That only needs to happen once for me to never go back.
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Nice place. Very busy on Friday lunch time, service was efficient. Good pint and the steak and mushroom pie was excellent.
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Always have a soft spot for this pub, and head there if ever I want a drink in Portchester. A little more expensive than the others localy but it is a little bit nicer.
Will always make a beeline for it on Christmas eve, no matter what.
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Our first, and probably last, visit for lunch today after visiting the Castle. On the plus side the staff, beer, wine and service were good. However, my partner's food was very average (pork, apple, cider and mustard pie), whilst my meal (brie, mushroom and tomato tart) has to be the WORST pub meal I've had in a long time. The pastry was inedible, soggy and limp, and the whole tart was smothered in a tomato 'sauce' (nothing but passata) with another jug-ful of it on the side! But, I did get my money back with no quibble.
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After a wander round the castle, we were hungry and this was first pub we saw. Food (Cod & Chips and Steak & Mushroom pie) was traditional rather than adventurous but it was tasty and plentiful. Service was efficient and friendly and beer (Ringwood) was well kept. We would go again.
The menus on display outside weren't as interesting as those on inside for some reason.
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Large pub overlooking the green with a further dining area at the back. The bar was run by a couple of friendly ladies who nevertheless gave me the impression they would not put up with silly nonsense!
There were a couple of real ales on in good condition, as well as a fair menu of pub grub staples for lunch. Handy stopping-point between the castle opposite and the railway station (15 minutes' walk).
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Four of us went here for lunch late last week. Between us we had the local sausages in a yorkie, ploughmans, chilli, gammon/egg/chips; all were good quality, huge portions, & fresh (unlike many other pubs I could name!!).
Beer choice was good: Sharps Doom Bar (good pint), Summer Lightning (my mate thought it nice), Gales HSB & one other.
Sun was out so we sat on the terrace. Good sized car park. Would expect this place to be VERY busy at weekends.
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if you haven't been to the Cormorant yet then I would thoroughly recommend giving it a try. They offer good food and plenty of it at good value prices. Their Sunday lunch is just like home from home with a choice of three fresh carved joints and no washing up at the end!!!!!!!!
Nothing is too much trouble for the staff who offer excellent service.
The beer is excellent and well looked after and they also offer a good choice of wine.
So go on give it a try and I am sure you wont be dissapointed.!!!!!!!!!!!
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I've used the Cormorant quite a few times over the years, each time I visit an aunt who lives in Portchester.
The beers have always been good and I've always found the staff to be very patient, helpful and friendly, even when putting up with some unbelievably awkward customers.
The food is pub average and I've so far found it wholesome, properly cooked, not too expensive and with big portions.
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I came here for lunch sunday the 8th of july and i had overcooked meat what was very tough.The veg was slimy the hole meal was the worst meal ive ever had and the staff was very rude i will not be coming again.
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anonymous- i dont like "limp wet veg" either, i like my veg a bit al dente but there is no excuse for raw veg. what sort of kitchen staff cant cook broccoli and carrots for christ's sake? especially for a tenner a head.
orders in the raised upper section are taken at the table, but if you sit at the front of the pub you have to go to a food ordering section of bar.
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I have recently returned to live in portchester after an absence of 4 years. I ate for the first time since returning on Mothers day and must say how much we all enjoyed our meal. Unfortunately we did not book but they were able to accomodate us, abeit in the smoking section(Our fault for not booking. There was lovely selection from the carvery, all cooked just as I like it(no limp wet veg)and hot. The staff were very helpful.
I have been back since in the restaurant and don't understand a previous comment as all food and drink orders were taken at my table. The service and food were excellent.
Will be going again.
anonymous - 28 Mar 2007 10:16 |
we went here for a meal on mothers day, we were very unimpressed. it was very smokey with extra tables crammed in the gaps, a very limited menu (3 starters, 3 roasts and 3 desserts) and the food was poor. �9.95 for the 2 course dinner we got was way too much.
the crab cake starter was tiny, overcooked, and on a bed of browning lettuce.
the roast meat(i had lamb, my wife had beef)was very nice but let down by undercooked hard veg.
i understand the regular chef has moved on recently but we wont be back to try again. i should've said something at the time i suppose but i prefer to vote with my feet, and my wallet.
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It has changed and has become a bit 'lazy'. The air conditioning is still rubbish and there is far too much smoke for my liking. Having to pay for each course as you order it in the restuarant is a bit off putting. As a pub it is adequate, but I wouldnt go out of my way to visit for a meal, there are much nicer places in the area.
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Used to go in this pub years ago with my parents. We lived in Castle Street. It was a lovely place then. (1960's) Sounds like it still is. I will go and visit again soon.
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Nice atmosphere. Good food, traditional pub menu.
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