Rod & Line Pub in Cornwall, Isles of Scilly

The Rod and Line has all the ingredients of a truly great pub, delicious locally sourced food, the seafood is a specialty, lovely beer and a warm welcome from attentive staff.

Terrific old fashioned boozer, lovely ambience, wonderful beer, friendly staff - food was good too. highly recommended

What started out as booking an early evening meal for six ended up as a booking for ten. Each time I phoned to add one or two to the original booking it was never a problem. The service was friendly, helpful and organised, the meals arrived together so no-one was having to wait to get eating. Great atmosphere too. Of the ten meals served, ten meals were thoroughly enjoyed. One of the people who lives much further down Cornwall said he would go out of his way to take visiting friends there for a meal.

We love our fish - so when a friend recommended the Rod and Line, we jumped at the chance and booked. We went on a sunny Wednesday evening in August 2024 and booked a table at 7.30 pm for 4 of us. We arrived early to have a few pre- dinner drinks. We made them aware of our booking, and they acknowledged and pointed to an occupied table. We said we were not in a rush. At around 7:30pm my husband went for another round of drinks and politely asked if our table was ready to be told "they haven't eaten yet, I'll have to find you another table " as you can imagine we were very surprised. Finally, around 8pm we were shown to a very small table in the corner (not really suitable for 4 people) and told " please order quickly as I have a table of 9 coming and the kitchen is about to close". My husband asked about their famed Crab and Lobster options to be told, "Not tonight." We ordered , and what came was very nice , however, our mains came before we had finished our starters, and on a small table created a challenge ! Overall, it was a very disappointing evening, which was a shame! We will try again, and hopefully, I can give them 5 stars

We’d planned lunch near St Mellion only to discover on arrival that cafe was shut. Famished but after an interesting venue, it was easy to set straight off down a mesmerising seeming marathon of narrow snaking often wooded lanes through Pillaton, Blunts etc emerging to our delight in time to get the last available car park space opposite the Rod and Line. Warm enough to relax and sprawl on the bench tables out front although all the other dozen or so lunch punters went inside. The Tribute is OK. Not sure about the darker Tideford Ale. We pitched for robust lunches, the perfect fresh crab sandwiches and a thrown together large plate of chilli nachos. All hearty but tastiest of all were our two crumbles, big portion apple and blackberry with oars and either with clotted cream, ice cream or a goodish custard - in my case all three. Good stuff. The R&L is easy to recommend and a safe bet.

Best fish and chips I have had in my 66 years, bar none. The fish was perfect. The chips were crispy followed by fluffy. The mushy peas tasted like my mother used to make. The tartare sauce wasn’t vinegary. And to cap it all the Tideford beer was a glass of true amber nectar. The very knowledgeable lady at the bar made us very welcome and considering the food quality it was very reasonably priced. Wife had a crab salad with avocado. All the food was beautifully presented and we were made to feel like regulars. We may well become that. I can understand why booking is a good idea.

We took my 80 year old mother there for a meal. We were told that the scallops were a large plate, meaning a decent meal. My wife and I both ordered the scallops. They were presented on a large plate alright, with five scallops in the centre, a spoonful of sauce and literally nothing else on the plate. There was a quarter of a rock hard loaf of bread each, no butter or bread knife to cut it. The chef was rude when confronted and refused to cook us anything else. For £21.95 each you would expect a full meal for the price. The place is very olde worlde and looked like it hadn't been cleaned since Dick Turpin last visited. It was filthy with a taxidermied pheasant above the eating area with years worth of dust and cobwebs hanging off it waiting to drop onto your empty plate. Under the tables was a skip full of used, soiled paper napkins and the urinals were out of order. Shambolic comes to mind!

Dirty place and a lot of flies, Not well decorated and was pretty olden, restaurant smelt bad and weird and the food was horrible and yucky, I do not reccommend

Superb food! Excellent fish and chips and then the lobster- wow! Chef was super helpful with dietary needs adjusting the preparation. What service! Love the candle lighting process - won’t give it away so you enjoy the surprise. Top stop en route through Cornwall.

Visited a few weeks ago. Staff were friendly enough; but unfortunately the food (I had finish and chips) and atmosphere was not so good, and on a similar vein; the toilets were terrible; imagine the pub could be nice in the winter, but must deliver better quality food to get non-locals to return. The batter on the fish was thick and flavourless, mushy peas were not hot and lacked any real quality in my opinion.

We went here hoping for lobster or fish. The lobster was a whole one so too much for me, scallops and crab were sold out. Instead I had a delicious seafood gumbo advertised with king prawns, crab, lobster and haddock. It was delicious, there were plenty of prawns and lots of small pieces of crab and lobster in the very tasty sauce. It was really excellent and I would happily have that again. Other guests were eating the scallops and seemed really happy with those. The only thing I’d say is that I’d like some veg or salad options with my meals rather than bread and chips as if you’re on holiday in Cornwall eating out you can end up missing veg for a few meals, it seems like a lot of places don’t have any. I would pay more for a side of steamed veg but I’m not a vegetarian so don’t want the bean option.

What a gem.... A true pub with tonnes of character and super friendly staff.... One of the last it feels so it's to be cherished! Dogs are very welcome.... Open fire and a true pub spirit full of friendly folk.... Food is very very good as well... Fresh lobster and crab caught by the owner I believe!

Excellent, as always. A busy week for us, we decided to drive over to the pub and have dinner instead of cooking - fish and chips for the wife and myself, a kids portion for the little man. It was lovely. Fire roaring. Lovely atmosphere. Landlord was very sociable. It’s the best pub in the area.

We have been wanting to try this pub since we watched Rick Stein speak about it on tv a while ago. We visited the area for new year and were not disappointed with our experience at this quirky, cosy, welcoming pub. The staff are super friendly and remain full of smiles despite working in a very small, busy establishment. The menu is different from many other standard pubs. The choices are fabulous. Lots of appetising seafood and meat to choose from. They were also able to confidently accommodate a gluten free diet. We had the gumbo (absolutely delicious) steak and chilli. We all loved the food here. The pub is full of character, some tables are a bit of a tight squeeze but this and the candles dotted around adds to the ambience. We visit Cornwall often and will make The Rod and Line a must visit on our trips. Ps: also allows dogs. Winner!!

Back again for lunch - outstanding. The haddock and chips filled a serving platter size plate and were perfectly cooked. The sweet chilli crab claws were spot on - no sauce out of a bottle here! Did I mention the staff - they are lovely and the ambience is just what a village pub should have. Wish we lived closer than 20 miles away. Thank you.

A warm welcome awaited our first visit. Cosy atmosphere and friendly staff. Excellent food - my wife had fish goujons and I the garlic king prawns. Will definitely return.

After many years of saying we must try this pub we finally did on Tuesday. We met up with friends and decided we’d give it a go. What a good decision the welcome was lovely and the food delicious. We all had the gumbo which was a great choice as it was so good and the bread lovely. Everyone in the pub were so friendly and welcoming we definitely won’t wait so long for our next visit. Many thanks to all the team for such good hospitality

Full of character, both pub and landlord! Good food and fun atmosphere. We chose the fish gumbo and it didn't disappoint.

We arrived around 5pm just before the dinner rush and managed to squeeze in a meal before the evenings bookings. The pub has a good collection of memorabilia on the walls and a nice atmosphere. The staff were attentive and the food was delicious. Obviously very popular as it started to get packed as we finished. Would definitely recommend.

This is a quirky pub which produces stellar fresh fish. We shared a massive portion of Scallops and quarter loaf of bread for starters. I had a 2 kg fresh lobster, the best and biggest I have ever had in my life. Served by friendly young waiter in an outside sunny courtyard. Very special meal!

Best we’ve had this summer. No where better to go for seafood and food 🥘 in general. Cornish mussels and beautifully cooked.

We only knew this wonderful place existed thanks to a workman on the holiday complex we were staying at. The pub is on a sideroad in the village of Tideford and isn't signposted at all. Now that the word is spreading, get there and try the freshest, most delicious seafood imaginable. Upon arrival my wife and I were welcomed heartily and shown to our table. The drinks order was taken quickly by the friendly bar staff. The menu - seafood and meats/vegetarian - is not huge, but what is on it is superb if our meal is anything to go by. On the recommendation of another poster here I had the seafood gumbo. This is a smoky, soup like dish containing loads of king prawns, some crab, lobster and haddock. It came with a slab of rustic bread. My wife had the haddock and chips and it was by far the nicest fish I have ever tasted. So, if you are a seafood fiend, then take a spin to Tideford and seek out this gem of a place. It is an olde worldy pub full of welcoming charm. This place will not disappoint you.

What a gem of a find. Lovely, helpful, friendly staff and locals. Food was amazing, my partner had the crab avocado salad and I had the king prawns in white wine, absolutely delicious and fresh, it’s a must, thank you.

Absolutely beautiful sea food, I had the gumbo and the flavour was insanely good! Also I don’t eat prawns but my partner said they were incredible and I used my bread to mop up ALL the sauce from his plate. The pub is really cool too and friendly staff.

Superb. Dropped in on the way home on the spur of the moment. Very courteous staff, burgers were one of the best pub burgers I've ever had. My wife loved the seafood gumbo, although the spiciness surprised her, hehe. Loved it, will come again!

The staff couldn't have made us feel more welcome, food was fast and excellent. Nice atmosphere and plenty to talk about at the table.

I've never had gumbo before so I thought I'd try it. It was supposed to be a seafood gumbo. The lumps of stuff in the sauce were like somebody had given a cat a piece of fish and then what was left was put into the sauce with a single prawn and a straggly, sinewy piece of squid. It was revolting! Needless to say I won't ever be having it again. Also, I asked for chips INSTEAD OF bread, and was charged for the chips, which I think they could have warned me about when I made the request.

Stopped a few miles away to find somewhere for lunch and a local recommended the Rod & Line for good fresh seafood. Wow, amazing seafood gumbo. Good local ales too. Lots of choice for fresh seafood. Really recommend this place. Really recommend

Thank goodness for our unplanned stop at The Rod and Line - what a find, what a gem. A proper pub, a warm and friendly welcome, delicious food and great service. We’ll be back.

Extremely helpful bar staff, very accommodating. Food was very nice. We both had fish and chips and the fish was the best we have had for a long time. We will definitely return.

Lovely little pub, plenty of parking in the car park opposite, lots of outdoor seating which is where we sat so didn’t get a really good look at the inside of the pub only to order food, the drinks were cold and fresh, i had a gin and tonic in a bowl glass and it was very nice, the food was amazing! I had a steak that was actually cooked exactly how i like it, med rare, the bark on the outside was very tasty and the middle nice and pink, the skin on chips were crispy and salty and it was accompanied by mushrooms and tomatoes, there were no peppercorn or cheese sauces which would have been nice but we had horseradish and mustard which was fine, the rest of the family enjoyed their choices, it was a good old school pub! Not fancy but down to earth.

Just happened upon this place when looking for somewhere to eat nearby. It has to be the friendliest pub I’ve ever been to. The food was great and the chef popped out to ask everyone how their food was. Slightly quirky but very well worth...

Lovely little pub, dog friendly. We sat outside which was lovely and had a burger and chips which was delicious with cheese, bacon, gherkin and a lovely relish. They did do a nice range of seafood too.

We’ve been driving past the signs for The Rod and Line so after an abortive shopping trip in Liskeard we decided to head over to give it a go. We couldn’t have been happier that we did - lovely pint and probably the best fish...

Really good welcome at this lovely intimate county pub - staff were so helpful and the food was delicious. There were 10 of us and they rearranged tables to ensure we were sitting together plus the food all arrived at the same time, which is...

I decided that it would be a good idea to take my Mum out for a meal the day before Mother’s Day, as it would be quieter. So we went to the Rod and Line on the evening of the six nations rugby!! Immediately after...

Excellent menu, locally sourced produce. Relaxed atmosphere. Interesting and quirky decor. Good range of beers. Friendly welcome from the landlord. Dog friendly.

The pub is a refreshing change fro the plastic pubs that are now the norm. The Rod & Line oozes character. It is one of a kind a real old pub. The menu is varied. Crab, lobster and other fish of the day along with...

We booked for three for lunch and it was brilliant. Simple haddock and chips with mushy peas for all of us and it was superb. Fresh, steaming hot and hot plates too. The people were all so friendly and helpful and chatty, it both looked...

This pub has a unique old world charm. A roaring fire greets you along with a warm welcome from Jonesey and his staff. First class food. Lobster to die for at a reasonable price. The best home cooked pie made for a superb evening. Cannot...

Always looking for somewhere great to eat and found the ‘Rod & Line’. Unfortunately in Saltash we are not gifted with many good restaurants but this one certainly is different to the normal in the area. Great atmosphere, great menu and fantastic ‘smiley faced’ service....

Recommended by a friend & kept meaning to try it.. We weren’t disappointed Really cosy pub. Roaring fire & brilliant food. i had the goats cheese & mango salad, husband had the scallops. We will def be going back.

Came back for a second visit during our week down in Cornwall. Food is really top notch, really nice quality ingredients. Fish gumbo is superb, steak very well cooked and the veggie mushroom linguine spot on. Beers on hand pump spot on, really well kept....

What a beautiful vibrant pub, with incredible food, perfect service and great wine and ale. Had the best time and at a very reasonable cost

A real gem of a pub, small inside with no garden but simple external seating to the front of the pub allowing for greater capacity. We went twice over the bank holiday, 4 generations of us all loving it. The staff are amazingly friendly; on...

We are staying nearby in Landrake and the owner of our holiday accommodation recommended we venture down to Tideford and visit this pub. We were not disappointed. The walk was well worth it. Really lovely friendly staff, great selection of drinks and also absolutely amazing...

We just had food at this lovely country pub for the first time. Nice friendly staff and lovely food, big meals so they put the rest of our chilli in a tube to take home, that’s very nice of them. Good price too. We highly...

Excellent fresh seafood, super portions at a good price. The fresh crab is delicious. So good se visited twice during our weeks break.

Popped in on the off chance for dinner. They were busy but happily squeezed us in without making us feel awkward. Stunning food, delicious, well presented, fresh and bursting with flavour. A real treat for the tastebuds! Staff are friendly, funny, go out of their...

We have eaten many times at the Rod & Line, over the past 10 plus years. Each and every time, whether with kids, wet dogs, or just the two of us, we have had exceptional service, and even better food. We had never had the...

Went here for my bday meal this evening. Had seafood gumbo for first time. Absolutely stunning. Crab cakes and chilli were also picked. 4 year old omelette nothing too much trouble. Food was excellent. Recommend you book as very busy.

Absolutely fantastic place. Very friendly staff. The food (we had lobster) was cooked to perfection and we had a throughly enjoyable evening. Highly recommended. Absolutely will be going back when we're back in Cornwall

Took our dog for a refreshing swim in the river on a hot day and called in here for lunch because we had heard good things about it. Ordered the seafood gumbo and my partner ordered the crab salad but with extra crayfish. Both dishes...

If you're for a pub that offers excellent food, great service and a delightful atmosphere, you would it difficult to better the Rod and Line. The menu is displayed on a blackboard and the style is local, fresh, simple and expertly prepared. It's great value...

Had a surprise family lunch here as I had traveled from New Zealand We sat outside Staff where friendly and accommodating Seafood was awesome lots of lovely crab meat and scallops, washed down with a cider. we all had empty plates. Busy place for midweek...

went for dinner and had the scallops, prawns and chips. It was the best seafood we have ever had and tasted so fresh! Ellie served us all night and she was amazing. so lovely, friendly and attentive. Would highly recommend and will definitely go back...

Lovely atmosphere cosy small pub. Excellent food all three of us had seafood chowder a mains but lots of it.

Avoid this place like the plague as they don't have the first clue about hospitality and don't care at all about their customers. It was supposed to be an enjoyable 60th birthday. We had booked into the Rod and Line several months ago just for...

The food was lovely but expensive. £16 for a crab sandwich, that came with a small salad garnish is over priced. The service was ok but a table check on us to ask if everything was OK would have been nice however the woman behind...

Quirky atmosphere but delightful. Food excellent. We had fish and chips and a chilli both highly rated. Apple tart and Torte for afters, both excellent. Portions right for a middle aged couple. Highly recommended... Not a lot of space we booked an hour before but...

Fantastic pub and eatery. Staff amazing and food really good. Old and quirky.. it is a must.. Always a buzz in the pub but always a chilled atmosphere. Love it.

Great fish and chips probably the best I’ve had and I’ve eaten fish and chips all over Cornwall so fresh

Booked ahead for evening meal as we heard it is popular. First visit and was not disappointed. Real ales, good choice of food, large portions! Staff friendly. Will definitely visit again

Called in for lunch on a Tuesday and found the pub to be nice and busy. Just a day after Valentines, the decorations were still up which made for a lovely atmosphere. The fire was on, it looked awesome. We ordered the fish goujons /...

Great stay at this amazing unique place. Always super food, small menu but great quality fresh food in an quirky pub with wonderful staff

Tucked away, just off the A38 with no car parking although there IS a car park adjacent. There were a number of items unavailable at the time of our visit (including all the desserts - we arrived at 7pm) but the meals we were able...

Great atmosphere, log fire and cheerful welcome. Wide ranging menu using local produce, the Gumbo is recommended. Cornish beers on hand pump. Everything you could want from a proper pub.

Stayed here with my boyfriend for the night as a treat, the room was lovely and the bed super comfy. Nice decoration and little gestures of plenty of towels and toiletries! Although the toilet seat was loose, wasn’t a big deal but should be fixed....

5* for the rod & line. Great food, steak baguette recommended! Good atmosphere, service, beer. Will be back soon!

Visited just before lunch 40 minutes before it was open. We only wanted coffees. Delightful barmaid arranged for us to come in from the rain, lit the table candle, put music on and apologised for the slow coffee machine. Traditional cosy pub. Loos outside but...

Very disappointed in our meal. After waiting till the end of our holidays to have a lovely meal at the rod and line we were so disappointed. I ordered the prawns in white wine and crusty bread. This was sold as a main meal. There...

The lobster was the most delicious thing I've eaten in ages! Honestly a life changing dinner. The staff were all really lovely and welcoming and we came away feeling very full and very happy!

We had a lovely meal here, we are a family of 5 and everyone was happy with their food, we sat outside in a covered area, the seafood was delicious, I highly recommend the scallops, everything we had was lovely and all the staff were...

Visited and had a great meal here. Lovely food and service. My steak baguette was really well cooked. The pinot grigio lovely too! The outside area has really cute fairy lights and is lovely to sit out in an evening

Quite a few weeks ago we called the Inn to check availability for a specific room ( the only one with a bath) We were assured the room was free for August 9th_12th. The young girl we spoke to was very helpful she checked with...

Meal with friends after a day at the beach didn’t disappoint in any way. The service was prompt and the waitress was friendly and helped us choose our food. Onto the food: the lobster was divine, cooked to perfection and really fresh, the prawns were...

Having read mixed reviews on service and food,we cannot fault either one. We spent a smashing few hours in the company of the lovely young lady behind the bar and our friend said his sirloin steak was the best he'd ever had and my king...

Firstly I’d like to say we cannot fault the waiting staff. The young guy that served us was brilliant. Turned up at 7:40 and was told that the food wouldn’t be ready until 8:30 because they were fully booked (looked around and one person was...

We had never been before but heard great things. We went for lunch and there was Great choice on the menu, I was worried it was going to be mainly fish but there was a good variety of veggie options and meat options also. Only...

Had the most amazing scallops and my other half had a fantastic chilli with warm crusty bread the staff where fantastic very welcoming I was seated straight away and served my drinks would 110%come back again thank you again for a great evening ps ollie...

What a shame… lovely young waiting staff but the previously experienced fabulous food and great service was not on the menu this evening. The landlord appeared drunk. If he wants to charge these elevated prices, then he needs to up his game. The one saving...

So where do I start! Waiters/waitress where amazing! Chef/owner was drunk. We waited for nearly 3 hours for our food and one of are meals was a crab baguette so didn’t take any cooking at all! I had to pay my bill whilst eating because...

The staff were initially great, but the evening went downhill from there. Expensive prices and very average food. Poor quality food, served after a considerable delay. The young waiting staff were frequently apologising for the behaviour of their landlord who appeared to be significantly under...

Visited for lunch today - gorgeous gorgeous food ( scallops were sensational ) served by lovely caring staff. Thankyou !

Contrary to the red manner in the heading this ‘restaurant’ is not only available for delivery and takeaway. It is fully operating as usual save for some perspex screens around a couple of tables in the bar. We came lunchtime today Monday for lunch inside....

Great local pub. Good beer, lovely fresh seafood and friendly staff. Loved it all round. The accomodation looks great as well.

Visited today 21/06/21 for lunch. It was a real pleasure to meet staff who were welcoming and happy. Far different from some of the other eateries in the area we have visited over the past two weeks. Food was spot on and freshly prepared, what...

Food and drinks nice. Service average, just didn't feel welcomed and took a while to be acknowledged. Really enjoyed the outside seating area and canopy with fairy lights though, really cute.

Sat at a table inside and waited 20mins to get a drink. No other customers inside when arriving. Zero pride in staff appearance or appropriate clothing. Wasn't overly clean either. Food order taken and waited 45 mins only to be approached by the SAME staff...

Lovely classic pub, nice ambience but the seafood is the star here. Crab sandwich packed and lobster prepared perfectly

This was our first visit after a recommendation by a friend and it did not disappoint. Quality home-cooked food, nothing flash just lovely and fresh. The garlic king prawns were especially delicious as was the accompanying bread. The staff were also very friendly and welcoming,...

I'm a local. Or at least I live across the bridge in Plymouth. And I will regularly cross the Tamar to eat here. They have an extraordinary shellfish supplier so you can frequently get buckets of crab claws in garlic butter. Or Lobster Thermidor in season. The pub is a gem inside. Proper old school decoration. The courtyard is a gem if you have to visit during lockdown. Service is always friendly and the recent refurbishment of the rooms and the outside is also exceptional. The landlord isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I'm a fellow landlord and I'm not either! Highly recommended from another difficult landlord!

Monday lunch mid April, service at tables out the front, excellent crab sandwich and chilli beef nachos to go with perfectly kept Tribute. Quick affable service and well ordered Covid compliance. A good lunch in the sun.

So just to sit in a pub yard and be served cider and Guiness was pretty wonderful, but then to be brought delicious seafood too was amazing! I had a very generous serving of big scallops complete with roe in a very garlicky wine and butter sauce with plenty of fresh crusty granary bread to mop up. My OH had lovely, freshly made calamris in a lovely yellow batter that he suspected had saffron in. We will be back to see that famous interior one day!Covid safety precautions all in place and felt very safe.

Thank you so much to the Rod and Line for our beautiful take away dinner last night. To say we have missed your beautiful fresh crab and lovely steak would be an understatement. It was absolutely wonderful, fabulous portion size and very good service as always! Can’t wait to be back again soon hopefully!

Just had the first take-away from the Rod and Line - fantastic fish and chips in traditional style - well packed in containers that kept it all in good condition for the 10 minute journey home.Come on everyone - join the queue for great food and support your local pub, it will be open again soon :-)

Great pub, plenty of parking, COVID safe, delicious food. Game Stew was delicious and the fish and chips was huge

Quality food traditional Pub. Great food very friendly staff, great landlord. Pay this pub a visit as these great places Need support. Lovely decs.

We have been coming out here several times a year for three decades and more. It’s an excellent pub in a very small village which straddles the A38. Few people who come here expect the place to be ‘modernised’, ‘spruced up’, brightly lit or without an open fire. Those who do should take their homogenised and precious expectations elsewhere. The R&Lsells good well ales and the sea food and meats are excellent. Locals and visitors come to have a good time and do. Especially good this month on the dark evenings. Those who want a different experience need only drive up the road to the Spoons in Liskeard

Such a shame that the pub does not meet it's website blurb.Grubby, in desperate need of someone to tell the management to STFU and give it a good clean. Otherwise fine, if you like grubby and neglected. Seriously, I would love this pub to be a gem but...