Based on 822 opinions finded in 4 websites
Based on 822 opinions finded in 4 websites
Opinions
Didn't stay at hotel, just went in for a meal. Very friendly staff and excellent service. Definitely recommend
Debbie Jones . 2024-09-26
MORE AT Google
Visitors to the area and chose the venue based on the excellent selection of menu options which includes fresh veg! Lovely sea bass, pork chop and vegetables did not disappoint . The cheeseboard selection was excellent. Service friendly and attentive. A good quality meal.
JayneyK . 2024-09-12
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Great service makes a meal. We were recommended to try The Royal Sportsman by our B&B, we were not disappointed. We received a warm welcome, we ordered drinks and sat in the bar. Amber our server was a delight, from start to the end, her great sense of humor and cheerful disposition added to the experience. Amber’s recommendation of the Lamb Madras Special a master stroke. My wife enjoyed the mixed fish platter,. We retired to the bar for coffees, very pleased indeed.
Wispa133 . 2024-09-11
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Overall a memorable experience. A place where old school meets modern day sophistication.
Ziggy IK . 2024-09-02
MORE AT Google
Brilliant hotel, decent restaurant too. The room we had was on the side of the building, couldn't have asked for a better room. Rooms were kept clean, hotel staff were really friendly and made the experience so much better. The location is also ideal for visiting that part of North Wales. We parked the car up the day we got there and didn't use it again until we came back, train station on the doorstep, also the old steam train also clos by. Overall a great place with great staff. Will definitely be going back next year.
Brett Powell . 2024-09-02
MORE AT Google
Supportive staff that opened breakfast earlier for us
Martin Trygg . 2024-08-31
MORE AT Google
A superb hotel with a restaurant to match. The booking at the hotel went smoothly and calmly with the receptionist helping me select the appropriate room for ourselves and our dog. We arrived and received a friendly greeting at reception and a warm welcome to our dog. The room was spotlessly clean (we had a courtyard room) and was ideally laid out for the travellers who visit. There are two eating areas where guests can dine in the bar or in the restaurant. The restaurant is managed by Robin who is the consummate professional. He was supported by Amber and Anna on the 5 nights we stayed and ate at the hotel. If you stay here the only choice you need to make is which item off the menu to eat not where to eat. You could not ask for more from Robin, Amber and Anna. Robin seems a consummate professional restauranteur who clearly knows how to look after the customer. From the friendly chat as we arrive to checking on us throughout our meal, nothing is too much trouble for the team. The team is clearly supported by some excellent kitchen staff as a good team without good food is not a good recipe but at the Royal Sportsman, they have made it pleasurable to visit and have perfected what few hotels manage, cleanliness, good food and great customer service. At breakfast we watched as one of the staff members cleaned the tables to perfection. He didn't just wipe a cloth over the table he viewed it from a number of angles to make sure it and the surrounding areas were spotless. This hotel and restaurant is well deserved of a huge following and being sold out. We were lucky to book up when we did because after this review people should be flocking here and booking every one of the 30 rooms available as well as filling all the dining slots. Sadly we leave in 2 days time but couldn't wait until the end of our stay to get this review out there so people can share in the experience. All we can say is we loved it. I'm sure you will too. The picture is of part of the restaurant and the others are of surrounding areas which are lovely for walking. Thank you Robin, Amber, Anna and the rest of the team. You are great.
TJR Clarke . 2024-08-29
MORE AT Google
Good quality and quantity... interesting vegan options and lovely staff ...and entertaining company.,...........
Alistair R . 2024-08-18
MORE AT TripAdvisor
My parents, my daughter and I recently stayed in The Royal Sportsman for 2 nights. It's a great hotel- spotlessly clean and comfortable, with lovely staff. Our rooms were a decent size, and the hotel's bar and restaurant are very smart and welcoming. Lovely choice of food for breakfast (my daughter particularly loved the pancakes!). We had our evening meals at the hotel on both nights of our stay, which we really enjoyed. There is a good choice of food. There was also a children's menu for kids. Good drinks selection as well. The hotel is on the high street, so very central within Porthmadog (there is a hotel car park for guests, so no stress with parking), and it proved to be a great base from which we could explore North Wales. We were very happy with our stay and hope to return again next year! We would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone looking to spend a few nights in this area.
Kirsty Rosser . 2024-08-11
MORE AT Google
Had a great couple of days here with friends. Onsite parking (a little tight,but aren’t they all) good food and friendly staff.
Brian Meakin . 2024-08-04
MORE AT Google
Booked last minute on a weekend away. Staff were friendly and welcoming when we arrived. Parking on site as well. Hotel a little run down in some areas but our room was lovely. Decorated to a high standard in the bedroom but the bathroom looked a bit dated. The food was amazing , plenty of choice with breakfast and really tasty. Our evening meal was the best food we have had in a hotel. Cooked perfectly and full of flavour, dessert was lovely also. Well presented. Would definitely recommend staying if you are in the area x
Emma Williams . 2024-07-06
MORE AT Google
Excellent stay. The rooms are excellent and very clean, and the receptionist (apologies, I did not get your name) was incredibly helpful, polite and positive. We were leaving early so the hotel arranged breakfast bags for us. An excellent hotel, highly recommended.
Tom Sleight . 2024-07-02
MORE AT Google
Nice refurbishment, very pleased and secure parking
John Charnock . 2024-07-01
MORE AT Google
Great Place to stay, friendly staffe, very good breakfast in a very nice designed breakfast room/restaurant. We regret not having diner there.
Charlie Rensen . 2024-06-07
MORE AT Google
Had dinner here nice salmon. Service was very friendly by the girls.
Paul Pavlinovich . 2024-06-02
MORE AT Google
Stayed here for 2 nights to visit Portmerion and the Ffestiniog Railway The room was absolutely lovely, really nice modern couch and quirky gold tables etc It had everything you wanted apart from mini fridge and coffee machine ( hate those little UHT milks and warm water) Room 14 has a view of the fire escape out back and there is a noisy fan that runs from 7 am so you can't open the window Also it's by the fire door on landing and people just go through and let the door bang, it just needed adjusting on closure ! Great decor throughout the hotel and a lovely bar area and lounge We hired a portable escape room "The Dolls House " from The Paniq Room across the road and it was delivered to the hotel lounge and collected next day The staff were happy for us to sit in the lounge and play the game on a rainy afternoon And it was great fun along with a drink from the bar Staff are really friendly and welcoming especially the daytime receptionist who was fabulous We only ate in first night and found the food to be underwhelming The prawn tacos were just ok, The curried carrot soup was delicious,steak was fine but fish with chips was like the fish you buy cheaply in packets of two in the supermarket Not great ! Breakfast had nice buffet and cooked breakfast was just ok as not cooked fresh to order- as is usual 🙄
Carrie Bird . 2024-05-25
MORE AT Google
It was a great dinner. A fantastic lamb. The chickenwings as a starter have been extraordinary. Perfekt Service. Highly recommended.
Ralf K . 2024-05-13
MORE AT TripAdvisor
We decided to try this venue as it was dog friendly and offered what looked like a good choice of food, we are so glad we did, the staff, food and the service was first class. We are back down that way in September and will definitely be back.👍
markgreensmith61 . 2024-04-07
MORE AT TripAdvisor
We have never visited the Sportsman on a Sunday but decided to drop by for Sunday lunch. The welcoming receptionist took us through to the bar that was empty... On a Sunday lunchtime??? We ordered a soft drink and a pint and two Sunday roasts. The roast dinners were fairly good but for the price I would have expected real roast potatoes and not deep fried roasties. This was the most expensive Sunday lunch we've ever paid for and certainly overpriced and includes a mandatory service charge (which I object to on a meal for two - it should always be discretionary unless for larger groups). Two Sunday roasts and two drinks over £60... We now know why the Sportsman is empty on a Sunday lunchtime. This is a lovely venue which we have visited for a pub meal several times last year but now seems to have priced itself out of the market. What a shame, I'm not sure we will return soon.
Victoria G . 2024-03-29
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Hiked through snowdonia for 5 days and stopped in Portmadhog for a mid trip stayover. We were warmly welcomed and treated wonderfully by the lady who worked the 26th and the lady who worked the morning of the 27th. They were super accommodating despite our overall scruffiness, and treated us exceptionally. Dinner and breakfast were fantastic and we were never left wanting or waiting. Would highly recommend to anyone staying in this lovely town.
Joseph Honey . 2024-02-27
MORE AT Google
Excellent value for money room 3excellent for a disabled person very friendly staff owner very easy to talk to if you have any problems
John M . 2023-11-29
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Wow! What a pleasant surprise, from the outside the hotel looks somewhat basic, so you don’t know what to expect but then you walk into the bar and it is so mod and stylish, I loved it! I love pubs but I was in the mood for a cocktail in a different sort of environment. Did not eat there but the menu looked nice. Only 4 stars because the bar staff doesn’t seem to know it’s bar well, I know staffing can be tough but to be a cocktail bar one should be able to speak to the available drinks. It was also extremely bright in both the bar and the restaurant - with such nice decor, a better mood would really make this place a total winner. But, overall, a great option in Porthmadog.
Kathryn K . 2023-09-15
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Our Sunday lunch club goes to different places and this turned out to be one of the best. The service was excellent and the food was rated positively by everyone, in terms of taste, variety, quality, presentation and value. Instead of queueing at a carvery, the fixed menu choices accommodated everyone, including special diet needs. We'll certainly want to return.
Chris C . 2023-07-10
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Last night, we decided to have dinner here based on the trip advisor reviews. While the food itself was undeniably delicious, our overall experience was marred by the presence of inexperienced staff and a clear sense of being taken advantage of when it came to the drinks menu. Upon arrival, we were seated, and our orders were taken. Unfortunately, our first issue arose when we had to ask for water on three separate occasions before it was finally brought to our table. To make matters worse, they only brought still water despite our request for one still and one sparkling. Another disappointing aspect was the absence of garlic bread, which was supposed to accompany our meal. I had to personally inquire about its whereabouts, only to discover that it had not been included in the order. Regrettably, it arrived after we had already finished our pasta, leading to a disjointed dining experience. To rectify their mistakes, our waitress kindly promised to remove the drinks from our bill as an apology. However, when the bill arrived, it was evident that she had only taken off the cost of the garlic bread. This discrepancy in the bill left us feeling as though we had been taken advantage of. Adding to our sense of being ripped off, the issue with the wine selection was the most shocking of all. Since we were not provided with a wine list, I simply asked for a bottle of the house red. To our surprise, when the bill arrived, we discovered that the house red wine had been charged at a staggering £33! Subsequently, when we visited the bar area, we noticed several bottles priced at £22.50. We approached the bar to question the exorbitant charge and were informed that the £33 bottle was indeed their designated house wine for meals. This experience left us feeling thoroughly disappointed and deceived. It is essential for future patrons to exercise caution and specifically ask for a wine list, as well as be explicit about their wine preferences to avoid feeling ripped off. The inconsistency in pricing and lack of transparency regarding the house wine left us questioning the integrity of their service. While the food itself was commendable, the untrained staff and the apparent overcharging for drinks tarnished what could have been an enjoyable dining experience. We hope that the restaurant takes our feedback constructively and takes steps to address these concerns to provide a better overall experience for future customers.
Clairey_JH . 2023-06-29
MORE AT TripAdvisor
We were in Porthmadog for shopping and to explore. It was busy as it was half term and the weather was glorious. We just wanted a relaxing drink and a light lunch so we popped in to the Sportsman. Heading to the bar area, we were welcomed by a charming lady who provided menus. As we were eating in the evening, we decided to have the large cheeseboard to share. It was ample. All the cheeses were delicious and came with some tasty crackers, chutney, celery and frozen grapes (not seen that before). We ate the lot! It was just what we needed before reclaiming our car to drive back to Blaenau Ffestiniog.
GlobeTrotting828973 . 2023-06-03
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Set within a historic building, with a stylish and comfortable dining room, we enjoyed wonderful food, excellent service and a pleasantly surprising and original range of vegan choices. I would definitely recommend it when visiting the area.
Grigid . 2023-04-13
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Although outside the Royal Sportsman looks like any small town Welsh hotel, the bar and dining room are quite different with refreshing modern decor and atmosphere, service was good and food outstanding with a range from 'pub' style to fine dining dishes. We had the steak pie, vegetarian burger and prawn linguine which I would particularly recommend , the prawns were very fresh and the fusion of flavours was delicious. I will certainly eat here again when I next visit Porthmadog.
Sue C . 2023-04-09
MORE AT TripAdvisor
We were keen to find somewhere for lunch with our 3 dogs. We were invited to have lunch in the bar with the 3 dogs, which was a pleasant surprise considering how beautifully it was decorated. We ordered burgers and they came with chips (that were awesome) and a side salad. The service was excellent and our bar and table service was perfect. The Bar in the Royal Sportsman Hotel is a wonderful place for lunch and we shall be returning. A special thank you to the female member of staff serving us - we were made to feel so welcome.
584vicl . 2023-04-08
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Struggled to find somewhere to eat on a Sunday evening out of season as most places we tried were not doing food. However the Sportsman was open for food for non residents. Good menu options, friendly staff at a reasonable price. Would be happy to visit again if we are in the area.
Stu L . 2023-02-28
MORE AT TripAdvisor
I was so pleased with my visit, I had to return. The staff were friendly and efficient and the food was unique. On my first visit, I had the 3 course set menu (lamb option) which was so tasty! On my second visit, I opted for steak with a selection of cheese to follow, I would highly recommend both options and look forwards to trying other meals from the menu in the near future.
Mercedes G . 2023-01-21
MORE AT TripAdvisor
We visited this lovely period hotel restaurant on a Monday evening, we booked a table with ease on the phone giving very little notice too There’s on street parking which is free along with their own car park which was helpful The bar was tastefully decorated and we were shown to our table quickly The menu had the right amount of dishes to chose from however prices were a little bit on the high side (just my opinion) I ordered the butter roasted chicken and my partner ordered the bacon burger and a garlic flat bread The main dishes were very good, nice quality ingredients, decent portion size and very tasty. The only key down was the garlic flat bread, it was very chewy Service was excellent, the waitress were polite and professional Definitely worth a visit
mattcQ4345QK . 2023-01-09
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We enjoyed our meal, the staff were very apologetic when we arrived as the oven had broken so the menu was limited. It didn't cause us any issues though, my husband enjoyed the burger and I had the lamb which was very tasty. Would recommend.
nbyur65e54w . 2022-10-06
MORE AT TripAdvisor
We had a family dinner here The staff was very attentive and the food was for the most part good I had the fish and chips and my husband had pasta with spicy meatballs My cousin had the scampi and she didn't care for it at all The deserts were very good
Deena K . 2022-09-03
MORE AT TripAdvisor
When you first enter this hotel , and even the look from the street, it’s decor and furnishings make you wonder if you have made the right choice. You have. The staff are fabulously friendly. The decor in the dining room is refurbished distinctively and ambience may be suboptimal but the food is worth the wait. The scampi and chips very good ; the lamb was succulent cooked to perfection and with an intense jus that would grace many a fine establishment. Vegetables were plentiful, cooked correctly and not messed about with. I didn’t even notice the lack of pommes Anna as advertised, substituted for nice boiled in skin new potatoes. Finally, the wine list is a revelation for such a small hotel. Some great bottles in there. You need to book - but do. You won’t be disappointed.
MarkDerbyshire . 2022-08-21
MORE AT TripAdvisor
This revamped restaurant is still serving food at its best. Exceptional Sunday roast - lamb and beef, with so many vegetables cooked to perfection. Thoroughly recommend.
J2015b . 2022-07-04
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Stayed at the hotel for a four night break, dined in every night. The food was good, the staff excellent, very friendly, helpful, and professional in their attitude towards providing a brilliant service, thereby leaving you with a very pleasant experience, pricing was not any...
pebble5650 . 2022-06-21
MORE AT TripAdvisor
A good location in centre of Porthmadog for eating out. For evening meals, best to book. We were well attended to, with a good choice of menue & drinks.
Adrian A . 2022-06-03
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Our party of 4 visited towards the end of April. We were quite excited as we know the new owners have a restaurant / hotel in Criccieth which we have visited and enjoyed many times. I have to say we all cam away "underwhelmed". The...
Fozzy279 . 2022-05-02
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Staff went above and beyond to provide 8 late meals at short notice. We had a variety of meals, from Welsh lamb to vegetarian curry.
Eastmidlander20 . 2022-03-27
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We have stayed at the Royal Sportman a couple of times before and eaten with them on both occasions. The food then was good. On this visit it was clear that both food and service had been improved by at least a couple of notches....
V2420DMchriss . 2021-11-13
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Delicious food and tasty wine. I had the Welsh Lamb (properly pink) with a glass of shiraz followed by the Delice. My wife had the spaghetti followed by the cheesecake with a glass of pinot grigio. Helpful staff. All very safely conducted.
geoffj847 . 2021-10-14
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Indeed Porthmadog does give the impression it's not going to be a gourmet's delight. Compounded currently due to many esablishments being closed for a number of covid related reasons, it appears, limiting the choice. Fortunately we'd had the foresight to book a few days ahead...
Hugh G . 2021-09-18
MORE AT TripAdvisor
We ate at The Royal Sportsman three times during our recent stay near Porthmadog. We were impressed with the renovations in the dining room. Completely different to the dated room we had last visited some years ago. The food was reasonably priced and superbly cooked...
OrchardMary_12 . 2021-09-11
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Lovely restaurant in a town void of good eateries. We visited mid week, nice atmosphere in their newly renovated dining room. Great menu and food that is well prepared and presented. 2 or 3 course option menu (£25 / £32) as well as a la...
LEDDER5 . 2021-08-26
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Pleasantly surprised to find such good food in a hotel. Dining room has been refurbished to a more modern style. Mixed seafood platter was very good, with squid, scampi and goujons. Didn’t have starter or desert. Will happily go again.
Victoria2121 . 2021-08-26
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We visited during lockdown and every restriction was observed - temperature taken etc. We ate from the set menu where you could choose two or three courses, which was reasonable and the Welsh Lamb Rump was superb. The service and presentation of the food was...
Lynne T . 2021-08-12
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The Welsh dishes were great especially the Lamb. Service was very good, the restaurant was full the three nights I was there.
geoffreygS6465UD . 2021-07-24
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We had an evening meal and the food was excellent, particularly the starters. The staff were nice - friendly and helpful. The drinks available are great with a good selection of cocktails and 40 odd gins to choose from. These were well presented in a...
warranderjohn . 2021-07-22
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We've eaten here several times over the past two years and yet again have had a fantastic meal with excellent service. The wine we requested was unavailable but the restaurant manager made a recommendation of a similar wine which was beautiful. Service is attentive but...
Dottyala . 2021-06-09
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Food excellent. I had the best lamb I have ever eaten. Staff were welcoming and very friendly. Loved it, loved it, loved it...
777rebeccaf . 2021-06-01
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Came for an afternoon bit to eat. Bar was not crowded. Sensible covid precautions taken track and trace details and temperature checks. Food was good but a little pricey but to be expected in a tourist area. Would come again
TommyRams2021 . 2021-01-04
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The food was so great we ate there two nights in a row! Staff were very friendly and drink choices good as well
Truth00 . 2020-10-18
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Booked here as we had come away on our non wedding honeymoon (Covid affected wedding).It was easy to book via Facebook and welcome was great. We came the day after the new Covid-19 rules came in and the waitresses and all staff were very professional and coping well with the new measures.The atmosphere, the food, the drinks, the service - all fabulous! We genuinely couldn't fault the evening at all.Thank you for making what was a weird day, as we should have been married that day, perfect in everyway.We will be back!
emmben . 2020-09-27
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Visited with family one night, the young barman who served us was rude, abrupt and un-welcoming. We orderd drinks at the bar, no-problem, but was absolutely shocked by the prices of the drinks! £5.30 for a pint of larger is not what you expect in a high street pub! Took one look at the menu and also thought the extortionate food prices were un-acceptable.
ShaunDarwinTravel . 2020-09-01
MORE AT TripAdvisor
The food was very good but there was such a mess around with our orders. We had to wait for parts of our meal that should of been included on it when it was first brought to our table. It was such a wait for the other parts to arrive and when they eventually did the main part of the meal was cold. Also, lemon wedges with fish meals is a fundamental must. We had to wait again for these to be brought to us when I requested them. They should of been with the meal. Also, they ran out of new potatoes. There is a Tesco open across the road. I've worked many years in catering....when such a thing occurs it's simple to send a staff member to run and get some.Jude, the head waitress, was fantastic with her customer service though. Thank you Jude!It was a busy night but the menu is very condensed due to covid, so big mess-ups on simple dishes shouldn't happen. The kitchen, I believe, needs some order or training because this was a night of one cock-up after another.
hedygergely . 2020-08-31
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Phoning around on a Saturday evening, it was difficult to find anywhere available to book Sunday lunch. We'd eaten the previous Sunday at The Portmerion Hotel (outstanding!) but they were fully booked. The reviews for The Royal Sportsman were not great but I was able to book easily for the Sunday. We were apprehensive but in fact it was SUPERB. My wife and I both had the Sunday traditional roast beef dinner, no starters or puddings, and Malbec red. The staff were courteous, thoughtful but not intrusive. The surroundings were attractive, clean not dated. The food was so excellently cooked, the veg not overdone, the beef succulent. We were very happy. In fact we're totally mystified by some of the less-than-positive reviews. We've eaten at some very expensive, high - end restaurants, and our experience at The Royal Sportsman was very, very good indeed. The staff were professional and the food really excellent. Most enjoyable.
paulruthwilliams . 2020-08-25
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The food was excellent. The staff were tip-top, on the ball and friendly. A couple of niggles - ordered two scoops of ice cream, but initially only one came (but that was sorted) and asked for no peas with the main meal, and peas came with it.
Rob K . 2020-08-25
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We called and booked on the same day. Monday 24th August. We had the dog so had to eat in the bar.Great choice of lagers and wines.Three of us ate, Two adults and a 14yr old.We had three starters and three mains.Buffalo cheese and pesto, duck and the crayfish. All three were fantastic and three clear plates. For mains they both had burgers and I had the fillet steak. Once again the food was amazing. If I had to be picky, my perception of the burger is it could have LOOKED better.Once again, it was all eaten with three empty plates.Service was great and we had £30 taken of the bill for the eat out scheme.We loved it and will definitely return. Including drinks: £56.
Brad R . 2020-08-25
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We visited the Royal Sportsman in August 2020 and they had just reopened after lockdown. They were very careful with Covid and we were greeted by a pleasant receptionist who took our temperature on arrival. The service was faultless and they had brilliant understanding and knowledge of allergies. They were able to cater and adapt for a dairy free child and had gluten free options as well. The quality of food was impeccable and the quantities were perfect. We had the lamb which was tender and cooked to perfection. The chocolate brownie was delicious and gluten free which meant that my son could have it. Admittedly the decor was tired looking but please don’t be put off by this as the food and service more than made up for it. We took advantage of the Eat out to help out scheme,so we had a delicious meal that we will always remember .
chrisbeattie . 2020-08-08
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Disappointed with the poor quality of the food. Avoid their Sunday lunch. The place has lots of potential, but not yet.
Steve J . 2020-02-15
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We had been warned that the quality of the food since their best chef had been replaced had taken a nose dive, and that the portions were smaller.It was £60 a head for this meal so we were quite anxious that it might be a big let down. It was worse than expected and this review is not an exaggeration. We didn't complain at the time because we didn't want to spoil the day for others, although we did have agreements from some at the next table. 3 very small potatoes, 1.5 slices of extra dry turkey, the other half was fat and carcass which is visible in the photo. 1 slither of parsnip. 1 pig in blanket. 1 thin 10p sized morsel of processed stuffing. 2 small veg side dishes between 8 people, which was sweet potato mash, a few sprouts and red cabbage. Was there carrot in the mash? Very strange not including carrots, never mind any of the other usual veggies. Forgot the starters, crab and prawn was ok, best part of the whole meal, except the bread was stale, cardboard. Dessert served in a plain, child sized bowl, with a processed, rubbery lump of xmas pudding and a few tablespoons of custard on top.This was a complete rip off, awful food, no sort of effort to make anything home made. Mince pies after, more cardboard and fresh air between the pastry and mince, took one bite and left the rest. That's the critique, the suggestion for improvement is try buying your turkey from TJ Roberts in Bala rather than some bargain supermarket or wherever that shriveled carcass came from. Then serve as a carvery, so that people can get the value they deserve for that amount of money. Being miserly will not bring you repeated business or greater profit, only poor reviews, lost customers, and failure as a business.
VMeldrew22 . 2019-12-27
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Visited for Sunday lunch as we do most weeks being a local , lunch is normally outstanding fresh hot and always enough to eat , well what a difference one week made ! The normal head chef was off and the food was not good , firstly it was Luke warm , the size of the plates had been down sized overnight, when The veg came there was one small bowl with four different veg in it as opposed to 4 separate dishes they used to serve with the veg in them this one small bowl was to share between four people there wasn’t even one piece of each of the veg to have ! so we all had to pick one veg to have , when we asked the waiter for some more we were told the chef says if you want more you have to buy more , quite rude , the chicken is usually a chicken breast , not anymore it was a whole chicken cooked and pieces of Brown meat and random pieces of chicken pulled off of this whole chicken was put on our plate and the food was not hot, we just put this down to the temporary chef that was cooking and not the normal one , as his cooking is always the same and always outstanding, we then looked at the bill they have put the prices up 2 pounds each in one week so they have halved the amount of food they serve and put 2 pounds on the price, won’t be going back in a hurry very disappointed.
Lara K . 2019-11-15
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Visited on the off to eat at the bar as I had visited with a group of friends the last week and had a pleasant lunch (Although if something is advertised as a feta and tomato salad - You expect more than a few cubes of feta and two whole chopped tomatoes for £8.00ish) The hotel has recently been purchased and this made it more attractive to us as we have had a lot of family gatherings there previously. Visited one evening on the off to hopefully eat a quick meal at the bar we were granted a table but the chef made a point of coming out of the kitchen and stare at us for a good 5-10 minutes as if to say “Look I can’t be bothered” Unsure if I would return, What a shame.
484bmbe21 . 2019-09-27
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The quality of the food shines out. Everything was freshly cooked and very hot.Menu is not vast but there's something for everyone. Friendly staff at to the atmosphere.
martytc2014 . 2019-09-15
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Very poor service and pretty bland food. No atmosphere. Wish we had eaten at Tesco across the road!!
livgab . 2019-08-17
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We came here for a Sunday roast and had a nice meal, which was eaten in the friendly bar due to our dog. As we had a gourmet society discount card we made enquires at the bar about using the card during the week as the restaurant was listed. The bar lady said she should check and confirmed the card was valid Monday to Thursday in the evenings but we should book a table.The next day I phoned the hotel and asked to make a booking for the bar as we have a dog and was told abruptly that they don’t take bookings for the bar. I then mentioned we wanted to use a gourmet society discount card which states that tables must be booked in advance. The mature sounding lady said they don’t accept the card. As I started to tell her about my conversation with the bar lady she put the phone down on me mid sentence.I just thought how rude this lady was. I have no idea if they do take the card or not as I was told yes we do, no we don’t. I emailed the hotel to inform them of what had happened but got no reply which sums up nicely how they treat customers. They have now lost our business so I assume the hotel is doing really well so has a license to be rude to customers.
525JeffM . 2019-08-15
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Chose here due to them welcoming both kids and dogs and were not disappointed.Note- we sat in Gellerts bar to eat!Short wait to order food as the whole place was busy but this was not a problem.I had crab and avocado salad and this was amazing- one of the nicest crab dishes I have tasted lots of it with salty capers - delicious!My son had the kids burger which he said was really tasty and looked massive- my daughter had the ham egg and chips- tons of lovely ham she said.Only seen 1 bar man - a young man- he was really really friendly and great with the kids- would defiantly recommend here to people visiting Porthmadog.
ClaireHill1704 . 2019-08-07
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After seeing notices asking you to join them for Sunday lunch we decided to go eat, since the dog was allowed in. There were a number of free tables so we sat down and selected our meals. My husband went to the bar to place an order. He was notified that as we had not booked a table they couldn’t guarantee we would be able to get a meal. If we could wait 30 minutes they would then be able to tell us if we could have a meal or not! Nowhere is there any notification that you need to book. We were given no confirmation that after the 30 minute wait we would be able eat. Why advertise outside, encouraging people to enter and join for a Sunday lunch if this is not the case? If we had been aware that we had to book we would have done but we were greeted with a condescending attitude and unhelpful service. We will not be visiting again!!
640traceyr . 2019-07-28
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We could charge our electric car and have a great diner at the same time. Good food and good service. Recommended. Two very happy Belgian tourists. We had a starter, pie and dessert. All was delicious! Reasonable prices.
danielcF6588ZI . 2019-07-20
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We had not booked so had about a 15 minute wait for a table as it was busy. We had the lamb and roast beef, both a plentiful amount of very nice meat and a huge Yorkshire pudding. The ample amount of vegetables were lovely. This is our second recent visit for Sunday lunch, and we have enjoyed our meals. The only complaint we had was that the food did not come out of the kitchen hot, apart from the gravy in a gravy boat. We asked that they warm up the vegetables, so they brought us out a fresh lot, all hot this time. Made us wonder why on earth they could not do this the first time. Would recommend for a place to go for a hearty Sunday lunch.
HughgoesCaernarfon . 2019-07-16
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9 of us visited whilst on holiday, managed to get served after a 15 minute wait (only one person serving behind the bar and in the hotel). Went back up to order food about 1.50pm to be told the kitchen was closed. Overall not a good experience.
CheddarCheese90 . 2019-07-10
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This is a very traditional white tablecloth dining room in a very traditional hotel. We had the prawn and crab linguine - the portions were very big but quite bland. The pasta was cooked well enough but the crab was pretty tasteless. As the room filled up the servers could not quite cope.
Ian14_11 . 2019-07-08
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We arrived in Porthmadog too late to secure a table at the best-rated restaurants. This one seemed to have got good reviews so we gave it a go. The reception staff gave us a warm welcome but then we were shown to the restaurant, where the lack of atmosphere and ambience was clear from the start. There was no welcome there and seriously not one smile all night from either of the waiting staff. The place was dated and tired, with retro, ugly glasses that I haven’t seen used in years.
AnnP5 . 2019-07-06
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This would easily have been 5 stars but for the amount of dogs present in the dinning room . Friendly staff, good pint, and the steak sandwich is highly recommended .
john r . 2019-06-27
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We dined here twice during our stay at Porthmadag although we were not staying at this particular hotel. We managed to "walk in" the first evening and were able to be seated (party of 4), but we booked the second evening as it is a popular place to dine. The Restaurant has the feel of fine dining with the atmosphere and presentation. There is a good selection of "Favourites" or "Specials" from the menu. The food is cooked to order and the waiting is worthwhile. Staff are very attentive and courteous. There is a comfortable lounge area for pre-meal drinks or after dinner coffees. There is a small car park to the rear of the Hotel with access into the building.
Brian W . 2019-06-11
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Superb Welch Lamb and Beef sunday lunches just timed between Welch Highland Railway journeys. Enormous Yorkshire Pudding - biggest I've ever seen.
barnesdurrance . 2019-06-05
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We were looking for a Sunday Roast and stumbled across this pub/hotel and had a option to use the restaurant or bar and we opted for the bar... here we ordered a lamb roast and a beef roast and 2 pints of welsh Snowdonia ale, 2 plates of food arrived both with gigantic Yorkshire puddingss, meat and pots, gravy boats and at lest 3 smaller bowl's with cauli, swede, broccoli, both plates had lots of meat on and afterwards we joked that we needed to be carried back to our hotel because we were so full.
mungled . 2019-05-18
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We have used the Royal Sportsman Hotel’s restaurant and bar many times over the years. This week we had family coming over from Australia to tour around the UK, as they were visiting North Wales we arranged to met them at Porthmadog, we recommended. The hotel to them and they stayed a couple nights. We met them on the fist night for dinner at the hotel, what a disappointment the food was very average, it was over priced for what it was, the service was poor, and the drinks very expensive the bottle of Prosecco we ordered at £24.99 did not arrive to the table until we had almost finished our meals. Not the service we had expected, in fact the following evening we went to a local pub and had a far superior meal at half the cost, we will try again on our next visit up here and can only hope things improve.
Tonyiso . 2019-05-16
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Got recommended by our B&B; the Tudor Lodge and I have to say the food was excellent the Hotel looks a bit dated but dont let that put you off a great meal.
diesel252 . 2019-05-15
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I have just returned from having 1 night in the above Hotel and would like to say it’s one of the most friendly Hotels I have stayed in.
mothersole6150 . 2019-05-08
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We stayed four nights at the hotel and dined twice. We and other guests found the service slightly strange as the staff did not immediately engage with guests. However the food was excellent, and a reasonable wine list.
LedburyWanderer . 2019-05-06
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Cooked to perfection which all four of us agreed , as probably did the other diners of which there were many since the dining room was full . That says it all .
john r . 2019-04-02
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We were conned by the staff that the hotel dining room would be fully booked so make a reservation. Restaurant was empty and the food was......well pretty poor.
ALAN T . 2019-04-01
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I've had great meals here, and I've had really terrible ones, which is really frustrating. Is there a different chef on different days?
Rhianed . 2019-03-19
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Took our family here on Christmas Day I have to say even though the staff were extremely busy they did not drop any standards , we all really enjoyed our food ! Thanks for a lovely day ,sorry it’s taken me so long to post this review! We will be back in Porthmadog this weekend so we will definitely be joining you at some point ! That’s if your not fully booked.
. 2019-01-29
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Had been to Port Meirion but could not take the dogs in so boys went back to Portmadog. We joined them later for dinner, excellent food, great service, and perfect sauvignon blanc
Heinz57beans . 2018-12-03
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Ottimo ristorante a Porthmadog , servizio eccellente e personale gentile .- Ottimo il piatto con scampi e merluzzo fritto
Claudio V . 2018-10-25
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excellent food and excellent service - from barman Liam. Food arrived on big square slates, ugh!, asked for plates and he produced 2 instantly - and they were warm! So know problem. Just had burger and it was perfectly cooked, everything hot. Will go again.
DMW2013_81 . 2018-10-14
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Having been here before I was not disappointed on a return visit. The soups and pies are top notch and packed with flavour, breakfasts also a cut above most places.
oehugh . 2018-10-04
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Just spent 3 nights at this hotel and the dinning room serves excellent breakfasts. There is nothing they don't serve from salmon to toast. Lots of homemade preserves to choose from. The room is clean and tidy and the staff are polite and helpful.
Experience481949 . 2018-10-02
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We booked a table late afternoon for a meal Sunday evening. My brother, cousin and I had a drink in the pleasant bar beforehand.
David_Dawkins1 . 2018-09-26
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We were turned away by the manager as wearing festival attire during FestivalNo 6 Weekend.Sign in doorway advertising Sunday lunch but were told that they had stopped serving food.Plenty of other restaurants in Porthmadog.Will not return again!
Cari R . 2018-09-22
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Strangely expensive for such ordinary food. £65 for 3 small kids and 2 adults + 1 pint beer.
Massimo F . 2018-08-13
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We came to Porthmadog 5 years ago and ate twice in the Royal Sportsman bar. The food was lovely and the welcome friendly back then and this year we returned to eat in the dining rooms with some friends and their children.
ld314 . 2018-08-10
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Lovely stay clean room good bar nice choice of drinks restaurant very good food excellent even my 93year old mother loved it and she is very pickey all in all great stay
nazz2512 . 2018-08-06
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Booked a table for 6pm which wasn’t ready on arrival as waitress wasn’t aware of booking showing poor communication between staff. Was told that there isn’t any room in the restaurant for us but could put some tables together so we went for this and ordered our food whilst the table was laid up. Meals arrived children’s meal looked nice and fresh, however other meals weren’t up to the standard of an AA rosette restaurant. Ordered Mediterranean vegetable linguine which was basically pasta with onions and tomatoes. Pretty much the seafood linguine we had also ordered but without the seafood not a separate dish by any means so everyone else had to eat whilst another was made with Mediterranean vegetables (or just courgettes which is all that was added) Belly pork was ok however 1 arrived with a hair in the potato so had another cooked and arrived when everyone else had finished with no apology whilst waiting or table check back. Meals over priced for quality received and very poor service throughout. Waitress unhelpful in situation and staff took no responsibility for mistakes made. Completely spoilt our evening!
Samantha C . 2018-06-30
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Had a meal here in June . Good choice for all on menu . Ok choice of wine . Good quality food . Recommend
keithygordon . 2018-06-10
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We ate here on 2 nights staying in the hotel and were generally impressed with the quality of the food and service. You can expect good flavour - the soups particularly stand out for this - and my older son deemed the fish and chips to be the best he'd ever had. For the younger one (age 9) the children's menu is also better than you will get in most places with nice freshly cooked food rather than the usual kids meal out of a freezer. The homemade pies were also reliably delicious. Not everything was perfect - serving desserts with a small blob of ice cream on a warm slate meant that most of it was melted on one occasion (and despite pointing that out, not replaced as it should have been). The lemon meringue was forgettable and looked nothing like the picture on the hotel website - in comparison to the excellent sticky toffee pud I felt particularly short changed!
oehugh . 2018-06-04
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We booked for 2pm, but given the day was so hot, they had lots of cancellations as everyone wanted to be on the local beaches. So we were almost on our own in the gorgeous dining room. Incredibly clean, spacious and very attentive and polite, courteous staff. Paul and Phoebe were excellent hosts with constant smiles and welcoming chit chat.
Sigsworth . 2018-05-06
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My stepdaughter and I had a very hard time choosing what to have for dinner because there were so many interesting and mouthwatering dishes on offer. Everything we ate was delicious and beautifully presented. All dietary requirements seemed to be covered, including gluten free bread. The service was delightful and the wine list was good and reasonably priced. Bon appétit!
Rosie_on_the_move60 . 2018-04-09
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Portions very small. Food was Luke warm. Friendly staff. Wouldn't go here again.