Houghwood in St. Helens

Had a lovely evening to celebrate 2 birthdays, the food was great and the staff were amazing the lady waiting on us was great couldn't do enough for us ,would highly recommend

Great meet up with special friend who used to work together. Fantastic surroundings, staff very friendly, service excellent. £25 for 3 course Christmas meal! Food could not be faulted, I had prawn cocktail, braised steak, roast potatoes and all the trimmings, Lemon compote. Will definately be back next year! Well Done Houghwood x

Attended Houghwood with the family, with ages ranging from 14 to 78! We'd booked ahead and were met by very attentive and friendly staff who showed us to our table. We settled in and ordered a few drinks whilst reviewing the menu. Staff were very approachable and we were given such a lovely welcome. Starters we had included Prawn Cocktail, Melon and a Winter Veg Soup. All were very well presented and tasted delicious! The soup in particular was a real winner! All but one of us had the Christmas Dinner, with the Sea Bass being the other option chosen. The Christmas Dinner was simply devine! Beautifully seasoned and every element was cooked to perfection. The Turkey was succulent and there was plenty of it. The roast potatoes were crispy yet fluffy and the vegetables were cooked just right. The gravy was also exceptionally well seasoned! Various accompaniments were offered and the Cranberry Sauce was equally very nice indeed. The Sea Bass was also cooked to perfection and very well seasoned. Desserts followed. We chose the homemade Cheesecake (which was recommended by our wonderful waitress) and also the Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce. One of our group just wanted a small portion of Ice Cream (not on the menu) and they were more than happy to do that. Nothing was too much trouble. Drinks were topped up throughout and the surroundings were very festive. We all left fully satisfied with the food, service and settings - highly recommended. We've dined at Houghwood on several occasions and not been disappointed once. I expected a lot from their Christmas Menu and it certainly delivered. Beautiful.

I’ve played golf here a few times and so booked in to see how the restaurant was. Wow! I was very pleasantly surprised! 5 of us had a Sunday Lunch and it was exceptional. Food was amazing and the staff were super attentive and friendly. Views out of the terrace were just the icing on the cake. Highly recommended.

We chose Houghwood to celebrate my mum and dad's 50th wedding anniversary. We invited approx 50 people to join us for the celebration. We had a 3 course meal on a Sunday afternoon. On arrival the room was beautifully decorated and tables set out well. Beautiful views, great parking and excellent choice of drinks / refreshments. We had a fabulous time. The food was exceptional, staff were friendly and helpful. All our guests gave fabulous feedback. We had a guest requiring wheelchair access and this was accommodated with ease. The organisation was brilliant. The staff on the day were exceptional..... Big thank you to Jane, Matthew, Jan and Tilly..... you were all fabulous. Highly recommend this venue and will book again soon.

lovely food although a few things had run out so we could not order it.

Apart from one other table we were on our own. But our food was excellent would definitely recommend Houghwood. Thank you

Once again the food was wonderful, hot and well presented. The service was good and will return again for another visit in the near future.

A very pleasant lunch overlooking a very windy golf course. Service was excellent from happy, cheerful staff. Our food was delicious. The a la carte menu changes according to the season.

Easy to book, greeted with a smile, nice view of the golf course, service was a little slow but if in no rush it was fine and food was delicious.

Disappointed as meal spoilt due to sprouts being extremely hard and almost impossible to cut. Also small portions

When we arrived we were offered the Christmas menu which had a selection of options. The staff were very good and the food was lovely. Would recommend to others .

Food was absolutely stunning - I had the chicken which was so unusual and inventive! It had little bits of bacon-flavoured popcorn on top and a café au lait sauce, with little bits of bacon. Loved it! And the skin was perfectly flavoured. Pate and chutney was just as good as always - Houghwood can definitely do a good chutney. Only thing I would say is it was very pricey.

Food was lovely and the waiters very nice and friendly. The downside was having to wait 50 minutes before our meal arrived.

Excellent, tasty food. Good menu and good service

We had a very enjoyable lunch with excellent service and excellent food. Can’t wait to come again.

After playing golf with my brother in the pouring rain we decided to go inside the cafe . We where met with a stoney reception from a waitress who obviously had no people skills who asked us had we booked .Must have been 1/2 dozen people in there . Sat in the corner and both commented that she was not very polite. Ordered coffee and took out our sandwiches which we now know was against the rules. . Instead of just saying sorry you can’t eat your own food in here , she was very condescending and made sarcastic comments. Because of her attitude we walked out . I paid thousands of pounds for my daughter’s reception there a few years back and guarantee we won’t be going back there . Think someone needs to go on a customer service course.

Fantastic food although not a great deal of choice

Food was fantastic, service was perfect and good value for money, I would definitely visit again, I would only suggest that there be a bit of background music on

Booked Sunday lunch for my mums birthday. A 1pm sitting. On arrival I was very surprised at the charmless and empty feeling of the restaurant. The tables were bare, save for candles that wouldn't be used and a paper menu. The place just felt unloved and I immediately regretted booking. Staff took drink orders and then we waited, and waited for our order to be taken. Once done, we then waited an unreasonable time for them to arrive. In the meantime I saw several plates if chips and pie coming out of the kitchen for the bar area. The starters were all fine, hot and well cooked. We then waited again for the mains. 2 were beef and the recipients said it was all good. Mine was pork which was so very dry, and it seemed, a smaller portion than the beef. I left a small quantity of the pork and explain, without fuss, to the waitress that the pork was very over cooked. I said the chef could tell from the portion left. We had one espresso and one tea, which the restaurant said would be free as a 'sorry for the pork'. In summary it was a huge disappointment. I also noticed that other diners that came later got their food an awful lot quicker. I was sorry I had booked there.Tip: please try and cheer the room up with perhaps flowers or something. I know we have covid restrictions but we've dined elsewhere and had more of an effort made.

The waiter considering all the 'issues' explained everything so we new exactly was expected of us. The meal was tasty and warm.

My wife’s food was cold and was sent back poor choice of vegetables and minuscule potatoes. Dined at Houghwood over the past fifteen years we have always been well satisfied. Very disappointed on this occasion.

The starters were very good, the main meals, one was poor (rib eye steak) the salmon was good but needed some vegetables with it. Maybe a one off with the rib eye last time it was excellent.

The tables were set out properly to government guidelines, the staff knew what to do the food was excellent a really good experience.

The overall experience was fantastic the food and service were excellent. The plans put in place for covid meant there were reduced diners but you felt safe and social distancing observed Congratulations to all the team

As usual had a wonderful meal at the Houghwood. Been going there for many, many years and never had a bad meal. Keep up the good work Peter.

Very nice location - very out of the way but the views are amazing. Everyone was friendly and the service was good. A bit noisy - access was difficult for our elderly parents but we were told as we were leaving, that there was a lift they could have used.The food was tasty and cooked well. Nicest chips and roasters I’ve tasted for a long while. The steak was cooked to perfection.

Met up with family for a nice get together. Lovely setting great views across to Liverpool and the Welsh mountains. Nice atmosphere although busy the noise levels where not intrusive. The service and the food was very good, portion size and accompanying vegetables were good. Would have no hesitation in rebooking or recommending this venue.

The service was excellent, but the food was awful, I ordered lamb, but it was more like mutton, the port was hard and dry, and the deserts seemed like they had just been heated up in a microwave. Food wise not a pleaser experience for my and my wife. Could not recommend your restaurant.

we tend to come here for special occasions and have never been let down either by the quality of the food the service or the staff, parkings a bit of a premium as its also a golf club

Popped in at the last minute, for a evening meal with elderly mother and wife , new menu was excellent and great service from the staff warm and welcoming as all ways

I booked a table via OpenTable after reading some excellent reviews. We looked forward to our first visit here and were welcomed by the friendly staff. The starters we ordered were delicious but sadly the main course (rump steak and vegan burger) were not all that great. I think the best way to describe the burger and vegetables is 'bland' and tasteless, with a plain white burger bun that you'd get from the local super market. All in all we've have better for alot cheaper. 3 stars because the staff and atmosphere was pleasant and perhaps we just ordered the wrong thing as the meals other diners had seemed nice.

I booked a table via OpenTable after reading some excellent reviews. We looked forward to our first visit here and were welcomed by the friendly staff. The starters we ordered were delicious but sadly the main course (rump steak and vegan burger) were not all that great. I think the best way to describe the burger and vegetables is 'bland' and tasteless, with a plain white burger bun that you'd get from the local super market. All in all we've have better for alot cheaper. 3 stars because the staff and atmosphere was pleasant and perhaps we just ordered the wrong thing as the meals other diners had seemed nice.

Lovely staff. Classy interior. STUNNING views. What more do you need. Oh! Plus great food.

We have been coming to houghwood for while, it never lets us down , the menu is varied and all the dishes are fresh

we went to the houghwood as our first choice of venue was closed, but we were not disappointed in any way at all, i have a disability and the staff took via another entrance where there was access to a chairlift which i appreciated very much, we shown to our table and our drink order taken all the staff here were so helpful over and above the norm really pleasant and polite, our meal = we both had rib eye steak with chips peas mushrooms etc and it was adelight to eat and enjoy, i was given an extra portion of veg and boiled potatoes our desert my partner had some with berries and ice cream i had an old fashioned bread and butter pudding with custard, oh shades of days of our youth its a little bit more pricey than we normal pay but worth every penny for the comfort ambience and the staff

We choose the Houghwood to celebrate a family get together (8 in total) for Christmas, a couple of Birthdays, a couple of Anniversaries and oncoming New Year.The restaurant is situated on the upper floor so I requested and got, a window table because of the landscape which is truly outstanding.The service and menu were again outstanding at a more than reasonable cost and also host events such as weddings etc.I would highly recommend this venue for whatever event you wish to celebrate or just go out for a meal in a beautiful setting.You will not be disappointed

We really enjoyed our family Christmas meal. The service and food were excellent and we felt relaxed in a warm and welcoming environment. The views from the Golf Club are great and we would certainly return with friends and family.

We enjoyed a delicious meal. Service was excellent, even though the restaurant was very busy. The food was very tasty. A delightful experience in all respects. Thank you to all the staff.

Lovely freshly cooked food. Great service and reasonably priced. Will be back soon.

celebrated my dads 80th birthday at Houghwood on Sun 17/11 and was really pleased with the choice of menu, food served and the service from the staff and bar staff who made it all a very enjoyable experience for my dad and his family. Thank you.

All around great service, food and surroundings. A quiet evening meal & drinks, reasonably priced. Will be returning to indulge in the freshly cooked food.

The restaurant is in the golf course club house located on the western side of Billinge Hill.It is spacious light and airy and if you sit in the right place you have a magnificent view over the Lancashire plane and can see as far the docks in Liverpool,That for me was were the pleasure ended.There is a fixed price menu of £14.95 for two courses but the food is poor and expensive for what it is. From what I observed all the starters seem to have a basic salad as a common factor.I had salt and pepper squid, which was hard and overcooked, and my wife had black pudding which was also dry.I chose slowly cooked duck for the main course which was said to be accompanied by pancetta, black pudding and crushed/mashed potato. It was not pancetta, but thickly cut undercooked bacon, which enveloped the duck. The alleged method of cooking would suggest it to be tender and tasty, it was not. The accompanying vegetables of broccoli and carrot were cooked satisfactorily. There was little evidence of ability to prepare and present food to a good standard. On a visit to the same establishment some time ago we had a relatively simple, but well cooked, meal but what has changed is not for the better. The service was very good and the staff helpful but we will not be paying another visit to this place.

Lovely setting and good choice of food. My elderly sister has trouble with mobility and was taken up to the restaurant using the golf club’s chair lift. The lady in charge made up a table for us near the bar. Nothing was too much trouble!

Food was very nice and we'll presented. However for our liking it cooled a bit too quickly and was served on coldish plates. Also staff sadly lacking basic social skills in that we were not asked about our meals or engaged with as we left.

Friendly staff, amazing views from the restaurant. Food was perfect. Couldn’t fault it in any way. Would recommend to anyone and will definitely be coming back.

An absolutely relaxing occasion with brilliant service and fine cuisine. Thoroughly enjoyed our luncheon. Thank you all so much

Lovely place l, beautiful food, to die for scenery

Overall the occasion was really good. The service was prompt all the food at right temperature and well presented.

First time we have been disappointed, I ordered Thai fish cakes. Only one with two lettuce leaves and two small drips of chilli sauce. Couldn't taste the fish for the lump of potato in the middle. We will be going back because we do enjoy it at Houghwood.

top quality food and the staff are superb can't do enough for you, definitely going back.

Always pleasant and helpful welcoming and polite. Their food is always hot fresh and tasty

Went here on Friday 21st June 19. The food was fantastic. Very well cooked. I had the halloumi to start with seafood pasta for main. It was delicious couldn’t fault it. The staff were very friendly and very attentive. Lovely views. Well worth the money. More people should try this place.

A hidden little gem. Great food served served by excellent staff. Nothing too much trouble.

The restraunt is welcoming very pleasant outlook and the staff are very welcoming nothing is to much trouble

Lovely location with great views, lovely food at a good price and good service. Somewhere you can always rely on for a good meal

We took the opportunity of booming Houghwood for a family function. The staff were very good and attentive. The food we ordered was well recieved by our guests and many good comments were passed to us. Drinks were a little expensive and im not sure why, after having been here previously, Any real ale ordered upstairs has to be poured downstairs and brought up by waiters and waitresses. However, the views (on a clear day) are superb and are a great asset for the restaurant.

Our visits are an evening we look forward to for good food, beautiful surroundings and very professional staff who serve us. A brilliant evening

Been here a few times and I’m afraid there is a pattern. Usually good. But Big groups mean poor service. And the food suffers. We were a group of 7. Table booked for 12:45. We left at 3:30 after waiting ages for every course. Halloumi starter ok, but needed the pine nuts it was supposed to have and something like chilli jam to lift it. Just undressed salad bits. Main of chicken and chorizo skewers was just about ok, not proper chorizo though and chewy chicken. General disappointment round the table at deserts. L’s rice pudding had good flavour but stodgy and in need of milk/ cream. You could actually carve it. Microwaved. R’s tiramisu no coffee flavour and bit of a mush. My cheese board just lacked flavour, even in the Stilton’ish slice. But ok. Nice place, get more staff, especially in the kitchen. We said next time we booked we’d definitely ask if there were any big groups at the same time. One bottle of wine, few drinks £27 a head.

first of all there was very little sandwiches provided...and cheapest fillings going..egg tuna..cheese and branston..thinly sliced ham...not much filling in any of them...........then tiny fancy cakes that i buy in big box fulls for grandchildrens parties...and scones fit for building stone walls...i am shocked to pay this price...one of my egg sandwhiches had no filling at all on one half..........cheese grated and only a sprinkle...as i often go out for afternoon tea i was totally shocked at what was served....no coffee pot on table so had to ask for refill.....no pastries i think they have thrown together this food thinking because we were all on the older side of 60/70 that we would be glad of anything served up...i am disgusted...i was treating a very close friend for her birthday which was a couple of days ago and feel so embarrassed....i will be interested to get a reply..

Absolutely stunning views and a lovely room (upstairs restaurant). Staff very attentive and polite. Food experience was average in so far as it was good quality but not much of it (unless you're happy filling-up on cheap veg) and could have been served hotter. Menu choice was limited and could have done with some variety beyond the standard "meat/fish & veg" - no pasta or curry or anything beyond basic. It was also, in my opinion, very expensive for what it was. The bar selection was also very limited. Also of note is the fact that if you have anyone in your party with a disability, there's no lift to the upstairs restaurant.

The staff greeted us nd and throughout the evening looked after our requirements exceptionally. The food was served beautifully and precisely as was stated on the menu . There was no rush and we were able to enjoy our time

We celebrated my birthday just before Mothering Sunday hence a very quiet restaurant. Gareth made us very welcome and was attentive throughout th meal. He remembered me as I had Sunday lunch on my own. It was very busy but service was slick and courteous. Both meals were very good value. The quality of food and presentation very good. The decor is bland and the table settings could be enhanced with linen napkins and candles. The glorious views of Lancashire more than compensated.

Amazing food in a wonderful setting. <br />Service was first class and a good range of beers to wash it all down. <br />Thanks for a wonderful birthday meal.

Main dining room was being refurbished so we were in the lounge/reception area. This did not deter from the quality of service or food which was excellent.

Good food, served nice &amp; hot. Value for money &amp; great location. Had to wait a while for dessert but was lovely when it arrived.

Went last Friday and weren’t disappointed. The food is always good and the veg is always done very well not overdone. Very reasonable. Not been let down there yet

We had a very good dinner at Houghwood, very easy to book, good parking, excellent service with a good selection of food that we all enjoyed. We found the drinks a let down, over £5 for a pint of Peroni.

Thank you everyone at Houghwood for a lovely evening celebrating my dad's birthday. The lady looking after us was lovely, very helpful and professional. Food was great and everything was presented beautifully.

We have been to the Houghwood many times over the last few years and always been very happy with the food. However, when we visited last weekend we had a very poor meal. 2 of our party had beef which they both felt has a strange smell and taste and could not eat it. They left the meat and explained to the staff what they though of it. The member of staff said she would speak to the chef. Nothing else was mentioned until we asked for the bill. They had not charges us for deserts and a bottle of wine. This was most appreciated however when we asked what the outcome was with the chef, we were told that they had been serving beef all day and we were the first to complain. <br />The other two who had the ham in a mustard sauce, (which was very nice at the time) one of them was sick twice during the early hours and the other felt ill all night and was very bloated but not sick.<br />Really not sure what happened but has left a very bad feeling of not wanting to eat there again.

Lovely location, value for money, nice friendly staff:)

Excellent service &amp; food was great as always... would fully recommend especially for special occasion family get togethers

We visited Houghwood for an impromptu family lunch at the weekend. The service was really good - very friendly and professional. The food was also good - particularly the desserts; but what really prompted me to post a review is how great the gluten-free options are. My 87 year old dad has coeliac disease, and this always causes issues when we go out to eat. At Houghwood however, all but one of the main courses was gluten-free and a lot of the starters too. If only all restaurants made life so easy and made their sauces gluten-free. Thank you!

The menu card doesn’t look like a restaurant, more of a Chain eatery.

The staff are very accommodating and helpful the meals are always hot and well presented.

Attended a Xmas party with about100 people. The two course meal was served promptly and was delicious. Staff couldn’t be more helpful. Very impressed

first time ive been very enjoyable quite remote trying to find the place , but its a nice place staff very attentive. nice menu and beautiful room with nice ambience .<br />was a very nice chabge

Very pleasant surroundings with beautiful views as far as the river Mersey. Brunch in the Spikes Bar was okay but the menu has been much reduced including the disappearance of the scrumptious turkey and cranberry sandwiches.

We have been here before and had a reasonably good Sunday Lunch but our latest visit was terrible. The tables were not set properly, staff short on the ground,place looks very tired,and the food was on the verge of inedible. The starters were very poor indeed and the main course where we all chose the roast pork was frankly terrible. Tables either side of us were complaining about their food so it wasn't just us. To my mind Roast Pork should signify the meat had been in an oven. The food before us seemed to have bypassed the oven and might have been microwaved but hard to tell as the plates were cold and any temperature in the food rapidly went.

Excellent Sunday lunch, previous meal for friends birthday ( my first visit) earlier in the week prompted me to book for a family Sunday lunch.

Excellent service, food, atmosphere and value for money! What more can I say

We have driven past the Houghwood for the best part of 21 years en route to my parents house and often wandered what it would be like to eat there. I can&#039;t believe we haven&#039;t booked sooner. On arrival we were greeted and seated (in the lounge) by Graham who took our drinks orders and gave us some menus to look at whilst we waited. My G pea and ham soup, peppered mushrooms, traditional roast beef, chicken or salmon with all the trimmings, delicious roasties and gravy/sauce. Desserts ordered were, chocolate fudge cake with a melt in the middle bit, lemon roulade and vanilla cheesecake all served with berries and ice cream, all of which where devoured. My parents thoroughly enjoyed themselves and I have never seen my mum enjoy her food as much as she did atthe Houghwood. We have all said that we will definitely be returning soon. Just wish we&#039;d gone sooner. Thank you very much for a lovely evening and delicious food. <br /><br />We visited the Houghwood Golf Course on a Sunday evening to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary.

I found the vegetarian choice very poor. I chose the sweet potato steak which came with a small selection of roast veg. There was no protein on the plate, no crumb, or sauce. It was boring, unimaginative and tasteless. It was a lazy excuse for a meal. The alternative was risotto whic again is unamaginative. The rest of the family had roast which they enjoyed but the food could have been warmer.

Visiting relatives with a birthday to celebrate we found this a really enjoyable location. The menu choice was varied to suit all tastes and the food was well cooked and nicely presented. Our table was near the window so, being 3 rd November, we were entertained with the many firework displays being held across the Merseyside area from our high viewpoint.<br />The staff were helpful but unintrusive and we had a lovely evening.

Very enjoyable, lovely food and great staff.<br />Will definitely return and recommend.

Always lovely food and friendly efficient staff. Lovely ambience with fabulous views

Each time we go to Hough Wood we always come away feeling refreshed and delighted with the service, food and general demeanour of the restaurant.

Fantastic meal, great friendly and efficient service. Lovely atmosphere and wonderful views too.

Food was excellent staff friendly and polite and the views from the restaurant amazing

Myself and my family were very interested in using the Houghwood function room for my Mother's funeral as its a great location. However, from our first enquiry the staff could not be more unhelpful, especially considering it was for a funeral and we are all in the stages of grief.

Well presented food lovely taste and very attentive staff

Great staff and great food. Views over the golf course very tranquil

We have visited the restaurant at Houghwood many times over the years and always receive a friendly welcome. The menu isn’t huge but is varied and always beautifully cooked and well presented. A decent wine list and the house wines available by the glass as well. Generous portions and lovely desserts. We had a mackerel and prawn salad to start which we would have been happy with as a main. Good selection of vegetables with the main courses too. We had a lovely evening.

We came with friends who were visiting for the weekend and they were very impressed with not only the food, but also the views from the restaurant. The Houghwood is somewhere we dine often.

The service &amp; food were absolutely outstanding even though they were very busy with special birthday parties, we were not forgotten about. <br />Hugely applauded.

After having enjoyed many meals here this was the first time I have been disappointed. My steak (rib eye) was barely warm , chewy and tasteless ,the potatoes had that microwave taste and the chips were not much better. On the upside my steak was exchanged for Sea bass which was lovely.

Never been before, in a lovely setting, 3 courses for £18.95 was good and the food was pretty good, pleasantly surprised

Visit the resturant quite regularly as a couple, with friends and for family dinning really enjoy the food standard is exceptional, service can sometimes be a little haphazard but the food never fails to impress

Disappointed on this occasion. Arrived12.30 and no-one around. Dining room seemed empty, then saw one other table occupied. Waitress helpful but all very slow and although my fish was lovely, the vegetables were only warm, not hot.

4 of us went for a meal at lunchtime,we went into the restaurant and their was a strong smell of sweat,I know it was hot but far worse we're the ladies toilets,they stank of raw sewage,we told the staff but all they said was it was because it was hot,now to the food,you could have 2 courses for £16.95 or 3 course £18.95,we had 2 course our friends 3 course,we all ordered beef,it was tough, potatoes and veggies came separate,the portions were enough for 2 not for 4 really small portions,even small deserts,we thought this place was expensive for what you got and are far better places for a nice meal and cheaper,we don't mind paying for a nice meal but this definitely wasn't worth the money.