Harvester Restaurant in Bridgend

Me & my nan have been coming here for years, the food and service has always been leagues above the one in Sarn. My last review of this place was 4 years ago which was 5* but unfortunately my experience this time has changed entirely. Fortunately the food is still lovely! This review is about a member of staff who ruined our experience on the 6th November 2024. We walked in, were greeted by a male with dark hair & glasses who I later found out is called Nathan. I said earlier we were greeted, that’s giving too much credit. We were grunted at when I told him the name on the booking without looking up from his screen, handed menus and left to our own devices from there. We’d booked to sit in the bar as we like it in there, it’s quiet and secluded. The only free table at the bar was dirty so we went back to him and asked him if he could please arrange for that to be sorted. He walks over 5 mins later with a cloth and a bottle of spray with a look on his face of pure irritation that we’d asked, doesn’t look at any of us standing up waiting. We apologised to him for the awkwardness and offered him to sit somewhere else instead if this seat was inconvenient to which he completely ignored us. He wiped one table and cleared the plates, then walked off without a word even though the table next to it was also dirty, cutlery on the floor, ketchup splashes on the communal bench seat etc. He didn’t tell us he’d finished and wasn’t coming back, so we continued to stand up looking like idiots and feeling humiliated. After we realised he wasn’t coming back and was sat back down at his reception area seat, we resigned ourself to sitting down at the table that was too small for 3 people. When we went up to order at the bar, the barmaid who had brown hair I’m relieved to say was absolutely lovely. She took our orders no problem and even offered to bring our drinks to the table which she needn’t have done because we were at the bar so could’ve quite easily taken them ourselves but she insisted. When she brought our drinks over she was so bubbly we decided to tell her about our previous incident with the other member of staff. Whilst talking to us she cleaned the table next to us so we didn’t have to look at that without asking her to, she also polished ours again so it wasn’t sticky. She was very apologetic about Nathan but didn’t seem at all surprised at what we said about him, take from that what you will. We asked if we could put in a complaint about him to a manager (something I’ve never once done before) but to our avail, she advised us he was the deputy manager on shift that night so we didn’t bother. Other than all of that, the food was once again great quality, but I must say, I came the week before with other people and there was a lovely blonde girl manager that time who was smiley and attentive and has a wonderful way with customers. I didn’t recognise this Nathan but I highly suggest you rethink his position as manager because if he’s front of house next time we frequent, I doubt we’ll come again and you’ll more than likely lose a lot more custom with his utter lack of manners and politeness being a customers first impression.

Staff are amazing as usual and I eat there regular enough to notice there is a new chef in the kitchen who is doing an AMAZING job. But don’t like the new menu and attempt in trying to be more up market, they need to stick to what they know and bring back the set menu’s and Tuesday deals!

Really nice food here my steak was to perfection and really tender, my mums chicken was really nice too and the manners on the waiter Lewis was outstanding, he’s really nice and very well mannered, you can tell he really loves his job as you sometimes get some waiters that are rude and only work to get paid and don’t care about table manners, would defiantly eat here again

Very disappointed with meal,my steak was very chewy so couldn't eat it and the salad bar was also very poor.The bar stools were so dangerous they were rocking back and forth and felt ready to collapse and the table we sat on was not the cleanest and the back of the long bench was moving freely and grimy .I will not and would not recommend eating here .The staff i have to say are lovely.So come on whoever owns harvesters you seriously need to up your game .

After receiving an Email voucher, we decided to book a table here and travel 12 miles as we have always considered this Harvester one of the "better" ones. However, after arriving and waiting 35 mins past our table slot time, you can imagine the disappointment to be told the kitchen was closing. A completely wasted journey aggrevated by the Bar waitress who injected herself into a private conversation i was having with my friend. Ok, you don't open bar tabs. Fine, but when i have been sent a voucher off the total bill, i'm not likely to be buying drinks separate to the discount, ESPECIALLY when you keep us waiting way past our slot. Then the kitchen closed and really infuriated us. Will never spend our birthdays here again. Never, ever. Disgusting service, shocking attitudes. If you don't like your job, QUIT.

- Tense atmosphere. Staff appeared unhappy, tired and frustrated and it was only 5pm. Really felt for them, seemed like they were all stressed. Wasn’t the best atmosphere for a little boys birthday. - Chicken skewer came out with the wrong sauce (fair enough, it happens). The lady serving was polite and apologetic, took it back to change. We were sat right by the kitchen and heard one of the chefs say “just wipe it off!” which wasn’t nice to hear. I didn’t see what they did to the food but can only hope it wasn’t just ‘wiped’ with something. The chicken came back suspiciously quickly and it was cold in the middle so I’m not sure what happened here but I guess I’ll never know. - One of the children had an undercooked chicken breast which was very clearly pink through the middle, he’d eaten half of it before we noticed so we quietly mentioned at the end of the meal and explained we didn’t want any replacement and we weren’t complaining, we just wanted to let them know as feedback (again, it happens). Rather than just accept the heads up, the waiter (before even looking at the chicken) said defensively “It’s just a vein, with these chicken breasts that happens a lot.” It was clear to all 7 people at our table that it was not a vein and the whole width of the breast was pink. This sounded like a stock response he’d been told he had to say so we just left it. No apology or ‘thanks for letting us know.’ He even said “Do you want a takeaway box for the chicken”. We declined. - I’ve left a 5* review in the past (couple of years ago) for this particular harvester so it’s such a shame to see it has fallen so far.

We been for a meal tonight and Liz was absolutely grate she couldn't do enough for us and the food was very good and not long waiting at all

Booked a table for 2 on line for 1745 hours. No record of booking at venue. Fortunately had a record of booking on my phone. Waiting staff very friendly and helpful, and escorted to a table. Service a little slow. Lack of staff according to waiter.15 minutes for the drinks order to arrive, after asking where it was. Best part of the visit, was the entertainment. Floor show !! Mouse running around the floor at the next table. If this is a guide to the "Hygiene Standards" on view to the public. What are the behind scenes like. Kitchens etc. This Restaurant is next door to the Travel Lodge Pencoed, and used by guests.

The breakfast here is great but only when they are actually open to serve it , tried on five occasions and only managed to get a breakfast on two. Very disappointing when your looking forward to it. Two occasions the ovens were down and one due to staff training.

We've ben going to this Harvester for probably about 20 years. (I know!) It's always just been an OK place to go, friendly, easy and does the trick! But tonight, A long wait for food, OK, not all the things we wanted were available on the menu, OK. But.... a MOUSE! running around the floor. Thankfully not a RAT! apparently it's name is Micky and they think he lives under the salad bar Bit of a shock if I'm honest. So sadly after all this time, I don't think I'll be going there again. End of an ERA

Great service from Liz nothing to much trouble food was nice, hot and plenty , area was clean and tidy, all staff were very pleasant

Our family were four adults booked on a table at 6:30. Due to a problem at work one of our party was delayed. This didn’t cause any problems we were made to feel very welcome and our waitress provided us with drinks and the menu and she said she would give us the time we needed. When the last person arrived he checked the menu and the waitress appeared to take our order. There were two starters which were beautifully cooked and presented and the salad bowls had been given out so were being used at the same time as the starters. The salad bar looked a little depleted but there was still something for anyone to choose from. Bread rolls were delicious and very soft. The main meals were all cooked to a high standard with plenty of sauces etc on offer. My meal had been chosen with specific items taken out as I could not eat them due to a food intolerance and it was exactly as ordered and cooked to perfection. This isn’t always the case if you ask for changes in the menu in other restaurants. Our drinks were refillable and this was easy to do and well located. The waitress was extremely attentive bringing menus, salad bowls food etc making sure we had everything but allowing us the family time we needed. This was the best meal out in a long time. We will definitely return.

Very disappointed for the Second time the menu was 90% sold out We had booked in advance. There was no phone call or even a email just to let us know, it was a 20.30 booking So by the time we got there we couldn't book anything else for a special occasion as it was too late a little phone call or email would have gone a long way.

Arrived after booking for friends and ourselves too be told gas leak and had notified us ..this hadn't happened no text no call ? Friends visiting from London and had to get takeaway as everywhere else booked up ? Even had a welcoming text from pencoed saying looking forwards to seeing us??

Visited for Father’s Day. When we had our order ready and gave it to the waitress we were told they’ve stopped doing veg sticks for children even though they were on the menu, nor did they have a mixed grill or peppercorn sauce. We were not told prior to ordering. The starters were overcooked, the garlic bread was a stale wedge of bread with a sprinkle of garlic on the top. When it came to the mains, my son’s pizza was overcooked when she brought it, before we could say anything she asked if we’d like a new one cooked because it was burnt. My husband’s steak and chips were lukewarm. Not once did anyone ask if we’re happy with our meal. I cancelled my sons dessert as we decided to go elsewhere and the waitress within 5 minutes came over with the bill and grabbed the card machine straight away(the fastest she’d moved throughout the whole 2 hours) and stood there waiting at our table until I walked around to the other side and got my bag and paid. Only thing she said was I’ve taken off the dessert for you…well yes as I’ve cancelled it that’s what I’d expect. Even then she didn’t ask if we enjoyed our meal. We weren’t the only ones as I heard another family telling another member of staff to cancel their whole order. Very disappointing when we don’t go out for food that often only special occasions . I don’t expect Michelin star but I expect good service regardless of budget.

Such amazing visit, the food was really tasty and seasoned well, I had the steak and was cooked juts right, had a warm welcome from the staff and couldn’t be any more helpful will defo be back

Terrible We arrived for our table which was booked for 330in pencoed harvester as we waited I could see in the kitchen where there was achef standing swiping on his phone and showing another chef something on his phone he carried on with something then got his phone back out and started swiping again , I was disgusted with this no hand washing after being on his phone just carried on working , I would of walked out then but my daughter wanted to stay . I ordered garlic mushrooms for starters which were burned and very greasy I couldn’t eat them , the server which was very nice took them back and said they would be taken of the bill my daughter ordered gammon and I ordered scampi over an hour later the server came over and apologised the excuse was because the gammon was raw food they had to wait for the raw food prep area so I advice anyone don’t order gammon unless you have an hour to wait . There was only 4 other tables with customers on so wasn’t busy . We were there for 2 hours I didn’t dare order dessert . Harvester has really gone down hill wouldn’t go back there .

Well where do I start with this place, the 1st person you was greeted by when u went in was miserable man who looked like he wasn't interested in his job, there was 7 of us in our group and yes we hadn't booked , but his attitude was disgusting he like you haven't booked sorry haven't got a table till 9.30pm and left us standing there and went and talked to someone else. So we went somewhere else went back on the Saturday evening and we really wished we hadn't, the food was disgusting I ordered chicken and rice the rice was cold my friend ordered the beef asked for it rare it came well done when he returned it, it came back blue, only one of the waitresses was nice the rest was miserable and everything seemed to much when you asked for anything,I felt uncomfortable as it looked like they didn't like the fact I was black or that I was English and they made it known I will never be going back there again and gor a chain pub I was disgustied

Xmas Day lunch - totally amazing! From the moment we got here for Xmas day lunch we totally enjoyed ourselves. The course choices that the harvester had set was extremely well thought out from the little touches on the plate from the dipping gravy to the garnish was wonderful. The tables were decorated with as much festive cheer that it was possible to fit on them. The atmosphere was lovely warm and welcoming. The staff did not rush us one bit and went on our cue for course serving. All in all it was a fantastic experience. We will definitely e booking next Xmas day! 🎅

Lovely place with fantastic staff, most particularly our wonderful table server "Charlie", she really made a huge difference brightening up our day and by extention our tasty food; very welcoming, polite and friendly, a genuine experience, that is the least that can be said. Amazing BBQ sauce too!

Good food (portion sizes about right), great menu choices, lovely atmosphere, friendly staff, looking forward to my next visit!

I came last week for my daughter birthday. And it was made so special by the whole team I was off shift this day and I really Don’t Think they get enough credit they all work extremely hard and they do try there best to meet everyone’s needs and expectation to the long Hours they put in with no breaks. There are many regulars at the old mill and we are so thankful For them xxxx

We are regulars for breakfast. The staff are very friendly and helpful. And dont mind adapting the breakfast to us. Nothing is too much trouble. We were served this morning by the lovely jodie

Poor quality fish and chips and expensive. Had more chip with my mcdonakds and lemon sooo dry it had no juice so won't be back

Amazing service by our server Lewis, family friendly, food was great as always. Will be returning soon.

We came here tonight for dinner Jodie served us, she was very lovely and helpful. Highly recommend here.

Been going here for 20 years , always been great until now , what has happened to this place , prices have gone through the roof and the quality has gone seriously downhill , to be fair the lady that served us was lovely and knew her job well , but the food was mediocre for the money they are charging now , just three of us having a steak and desert , only 1 drink each and its £130 no wonder the place was empty , we wont be back , birthday ruined

Visited a few days ago,had the classic chicken chips. Cooked to perfection well done very tasty. Lovely staff our young waitress blond pony tail, 20 maybe she was polite and helpful. Salad bar plenty full and fresh. A lovely place to visit .. Shall be back very soon .

We were not really expecting too much, but they slapped the most beautiful, juicy & tender rib-eye on my plate. The chef really knows how to prepare a steak! The rest of our group were similarly impressed with their meals. Sorry for the late review,...

Over an hour wait for food and still waiting so asked for refund which they gave, did apologise for wait but didn't give a reason...won't be going back unfortunately

Disappointing breakfast with Santa. We often have a lovely evening meal at the Harvester with fast service and friendly staff. However, our visit this morning was unfortunately a different experience. Although the restaurant wasn’t overly busy, we had to wait a while for drinks, food and had to ask twice for the bill. Our visit was purely to see Santa to which was more disappointing. Our six year old left stating he didn’t think that was ‘real Santa’. As parents we found to be entertaining most of the conversation with little effort from Santa, there was very little excitement from Santa and definitely not the jolly Santa we were expecting. Upon leaving he stated there was chocolate in a goody bag, following leaving and looking there was no chocolate which again I had to try and make excuse as to why Santa had said there was, then wasn’t, even though he’s magic. Would not recommend the breakfast with Santa experience.

Lovely food. Good atmosphere. Great place for a Christmas get together. Great service from Jodie. Merry Christmas

Very disappointing. Service was slow bringing the drinks. Ordered food then 15 mins late told they didn’t have what we ordered. So just ended up with a bowl of salad. Which they then charged us for. What a waste of time and money! Carpets need...

Meal with family, food was cooked well and the place and staff are pleasant but the food although cooked well was barely warm.

Ordered from the menu 3 course for £14.99, I’m a vegetarian, asked for what I wanted none there. Made another selection waitress checked yes it was there. Getting salad and could hear the chief saying there was no vegetarian burgers there. Waiter came to our...

First of all, I should start by saying our server was absolutely lovely. I didn’t get his name unfortunately but you could tell all of the staff were under pressure. We waited around 1 hour 15 for our food and this seemed to have been...

Great food and excellent service by Eirwen. Great atmosphere,clean and fabulous food. Thoroughly recommend. We'll be back!

Went with wife and a friend. Ordered meals and after waiting 45 minutes asked staff what was happening. Told they were busy and had a new chef. If they can’t do better than that they should consider if they chose the right chef. When the...

went out with my husband it was a 40% off offer night so we thought we would treat our selves as this is our favourite place. salad bar was empty, drinks were flat, my husband likes his steak well done and it was still pink....

Went for a meal the atmosphere was lovely and service was amazing, was served by jodie. Would recommend Pencoed harvester all staff are great

Very welcoming atmosphere with delicious food. I would like to make a special mention of an extremely professional, polite and very friendly waitress, Jodie, She is a credit to the team (who also appear very friendly) and made the visit to the Harvester very comfortable...

I was served by Jodie and from the beginning of my visit in the restaurant it was absolutely wonderful couldn’t recommend it enough Jodie was very helpful and happy nothing was too much for her.

Had a very poor experience. Stood around for at least 10 minutes before anyone even acknowledged us. Multiple members of staff just walking past us, girl on the front of house just acted as if we weren’t there while she was putting menus away. Eventually...

Back down to Wales for a few days with my Mum. After a busy day we went to this Harvester for dinner food was good if a little slow but we were chatting so it really was not a problem. We were lucky to be...

Excellent service from Eira with nothing too much trouble, also first class food. Drinks were also very good. Would highly recommend and will definitely be returning. Nice to be able to get a table without a booking - unusual these days.

My steak was rock solid it was like chewing chewing gum it was disgusting and to over cooked don’t recommend

Staff were extremely welcoming. Food was great and we thoroughly enjoyed! One of the best visits we’ve had to harvester.

Fabulous service from Eirwen! Made me feel very reassured by offering to get me fresh salad that hasn't been on the salad cart (due to my allergies meaning I tend to avoid it, just in case). Was lovely and attentive offering to get us extra...

Served by Jodie today. She was brilliant with my little girl. I have been served by Jodie a series of times and she’s always smiling thank you

Eirwen was an amazing server. Definitely come back again. The food was reasonably priced and was delicious.

We’ve been regular visitors to the old mill & always had excellent meals , by far the best harvester in the area. But the last twice we’ve been disappointed , Friday afternoon 1.30 empty salad bar , poor quality and what was available ( lettuce...

I e drive past another that weather to come to this one The food is better and the staff are friendly Will always choose this harvester over the others

Lovely pleasant lunch. Food cooked perfectly. Excellent service as always, the girls are always happy and welcoming.

Lovely meal as always in this lovely restaurant. However, thoroughly enjoyed our meal, more so than usual, because of the wonderful service from Annie. She was wonderfully cheerful and nothing was too much trouble for our twins - they were made to feel very special...

Came here for breakfast before facing a family funeral. We ordered a bacon sandwich and bacon & sausage sandwich, bacon was delicious. The sandwiches came with 2 hash browns 👍🏻 would advise buttering the bread though… We also had coffee which was refillable. Staff were...

******We were served by Eirwen, they should clone her! The best service we’ve had in years, nothing was too much trouble!*****

Always have a lovely meal here. Service is great especially the twins Eira and Eirwen. The alway greet us with a lovely smile. They can’t do enough for us. We think a lot of them. The atmostpher in the restaurant is great.

Have always enjoyed going here as lovely food and nice outdoor space however on this occasion it was a shambles- no vodka no lime!! There was a "bogey" on my glas which they replaced but it put me off! The tables were dirty abd we...

Lovely meal with hubby - sun is out nice food and quality time with Chris & Poppy Wine & fabulous burger leaving room for a cheeky dessert

Amazing service food was on time and pints were refreshing and cold nice place to be would come again

Food was excellent along with the friendly service & welcome. Would reccomend to anyone & will be visiting again shortly.

Great food and service from Eira, kids loved making their own ice cream and cookies. Cracking pint too

Amazing restaurant. We visit most weeks for a meal and have been having family meals here for over 20 years. Eirwen and Eira the twins are absolutely amazing and always go above and beyond. Lewis is always very friendly and helpful as are all the...

Jodie was outstanding. Made the experience enjoyable. By far the best breakfast I’ve ever had, purely down to Jodie’s happy manner. I will definitely be returning. Jodie rocks.

Jodie was brilliant. Food was good. Thanks. It was nice. Really nice. Will probably maybe think about going back

Family birthday. The waitress was polite, which is the only decent thing i can say. The food was mediocre at best. The food was just lumped on the plate

Stopped in for breakfast after staying at the the Travelodge. We were greeted very warmly by Jane as we asked about just having coffee, she went straight away and brought them straight and also came back with menus. Her customer service was exemplary. I went...

Friend spot lovely beer garden staff are very efficient and friendly, music in n the garden and smoking and non smoking areas

I had a wonderful dining experience at The Old Mill, thanks in part to the exceptional service provided by Helen. She was attentive, knowledgeable, and made great recommendations. The food was delicious and well-prepared. Additionally, Rachel, Sarah and Annie were friendly and made sure that...

We had a lovely waitress called Annie the food was lovley the o ly down fall was the lady manager on duty we had just fi ished our starter's when she arrived with our main dishes starter dirty dishes still our table after running my...

Came here for dinner last night after visiting family and friends and was served by a lovely waitress called Aaliyah. She was very helpful and kind made made us feel at ease when she had to explain a few things on the menu. Will definitely...

Jodie was our server and was amazing. Nothing too much trouble. Very friendly and smiley ☺️. Breakfast was lovely. Eggs cooked to perfection

Excellent service, staff we so friendly and efficient. Salad cart and main meal was great! :) can’t wait to visit again.

A lovely location, friendly service and generous portions. Jodie was very kind and served us very well. Would definitely recommend! 😀

Excellent service. Delicious food. Friendly staff, especially Jodie. Highly recommend. Would come here again X

Came here for lunch with my family. was served by Dani, she gave great service and was helpful and we will definitely coming again. The food was perfect as well.

Fantastic service from our server Aaliyah. Very attentive nothing was to much trouble. Good was cooked lovely thanks to Nigel the chef.

We visited the Harvester for a family meal. As we arrived we were welcomed with a massive smile and shown to our table. Our server Lewis was amazing he couldn't do enough for us.

Lovely spot to drop in on the way home from work - the team look after us all and so friendly. Food is nice the chefs are fabulous

Lovely casual atmosphere and excellent food. Very well looked after by Lewis , friendly, polite and helpful.

Excellent service, Liz and Jordan were great!!! There were 9 of us friends and family including 5 children. Restaurant was full but we were accommodated in the bar. Lovely atmosphere and food was amazing! This is by far the best harvester in South Wales.

Liz and Jordon provided a fantastic service, great meal at Pencoed harvester x We will be back! Xx

Good selection of food and great service. Clean premises and salad cart was maintained well. Would recommend for all occasions.

Excellent service by liz who served me super friendly and helpful and great food as usually definitely will be returning

Liz served us, great food and service, this is our harvester of choice, pencoed old mill is the top restaurant locally

Liz was a fantastic host so full of energy and clearly loves her job. Wow. Well done Liz and thank you very much .

Lovely friendly service from Liz and delicious food. Really relaxed atmosphere and everyone was very helpful.

Wow great service with Liz. Quick efficient friendly! We have three harvesters by us and the old mill is the one we choose every time. Staff are incredible!!!

Excellent food! Quick efficient friendly! We have three harvesters near to us and the old mill is the one we choose every time.. all staff are exceptional..

Great food and drinks with great service by the a lovely lady who was Liz, I will 100% be back again sometime soon!

Fantastic service and beautiful food served by lovely Liz, will be sure to come back to pencoed harvester soon

Lovely breakfast out with my son the food was very good and the chef Nigel great love coming here. We will be back

Always great food and service here! Particularly great service from Lewis who was very professional, helpful, polite and couldn’t do enough for us. Food quality was very good, harvester caters for all and for those of us who need more healthy dieting food is also...

Excellent food, excellent service from Lewis, really looked after us. Very enjoyable meal. We'll definitely be back.

Eira was very attentive. Although very busy we were served and seated without delay and the food was great !

Fantastic again, it keeps us returning to the Old Mill, the staff are amazing, always friendly and give a warm welcome every time, food was beautiful, Eirwen our waitress was very helpful as always, the twins are a credit to the restaurant

Staff were top notch. 5 stars 😊 Welcoming and friendly front of house. Let down by suppliers. No Jam… Really nice well cooked breakfast. No cheap sausages here.

Great food friendly staff, easy to get to and very nice outdoor area. Can't fault the coffee refills on the breakfast.

Lovely mothers day meal. Served by Annie who was wonderful. Food was plentiful and cooking perfectly. And a lovely touch with the mothers day booth! Well done Old Mill!

Great breakfast and great customer service, food was amazing and will definitely be coming back again. Great value for money too.