The Barbican Inn in Cornwall, Isles of Scilly

I must say, never having visited Cornwall before, I was stunned at how beautiful Looe is when we arrived. When we were settled, we found this rather picturesque inn which was a stone's throw from East Looe beach and decided to go in for a bite to eat and a drink. When we arrived we sat at a table and waited to be served and the rather scruffy, surly landlord told us we had to come to the bar to order as the waiter was off sick. We thought he was just stressed due to staff shortages, but I have to say he was rude throughout our entire visit. It was almost like he resented having to serve people. I would like to think this wasn't small-town racism (my wife is Caribbean), as every other person we encountered during our stay was just lovely. Anyway, to the actual review: As someone has pointed out, the furniture is old and rickety. Our drinks arrived first and, by the time our food arrived, the table was soaked in alcohol. It wasn't wiped down. Our food was just plonked down in the puddles. That wouldn't have been much of a problem if the food was edible, but I could have cooked better at home and I can burn water. I believe another reviewer has mentioned that the Inn is slightly draughty as the windows are old (broken?). I have to say I agree with this wholeheartedly as I went in March and the Inn was very cold. For this reason I have to say that I would definitely not recommend going during the colder moths of the year. Saying that, even though I went in March, I could not recommend anyone visiting during hot weather for this reason: the toilets absolutely reek of urine. It was so overpowering that, if we had been given a seat near the toilets before we ate, we could have saved ourselves the price of a meal as there is no way we would have been able to eat anything. Unfortunately, after eating the food, you WILL have to visit the toilets at some point. I don't know if we visited on an off-day, but our experience was truly appalling from the unkempt, rude landlord, the food to the general upkeep of the building. the only positive thing I have to say about my visit was that the company was good (and I brought them with me!).

Went out for drinks with my partner and her family, there were loud people there and one of the guys who works there "john" who wasn't on shift at the time, was clearly taking drugs and kept starring at my partner making her very uncomfortable, even after rejecting him numerous times in the past. The man just doesn't understand the word no. Disgraceful behaviour from someone who is meant to run a pub. Wouldn't recommend this place.

rude landlord, didn’t feel welcomed by anyone there. old furniture and broken windows which meant there was a constant cold draft. guinness was not poured right and quality of beer was bad which meant i wondered if they cleaned their lines, however the young lad with dark hair believed his name was scott was very nice to us.

Perfectly fine pub, probably a decent bet for sport if you need one while in Looe. Good cider on tap. But not much of an atmosphere or any real reason to go out of your way for it. Also weren’t offering food when I went at the middle of the day so not sure what times they do.

On holiday at Looe Bay and thought we would try a local eatery. Absolutely horrendous, First experience - going to the gents- smelt of unrine and was actually mouldy with cob webs on the windrows. Unfortunately we had pre brooked which meant that we could not just walk out as we walked in. So we have the food ago- frankly- terrible decision . The waiter (I’m not sure whether that’s an insult to all waiters) gave us our food and was I guess polite. He probably looked at what we were given and thought I hope this does not cause me too many issues. So I personally from a party of 16 ordered a gammon steak at £14.50. This was the most expensive meal on the menu. The item on the menu is described as ‘Gammon steak served with chips egg/pineapple & peas. Safe to say neither turned up on the plate. So when I approached the *waiter and suggested that an item was missing he responded with ‘ I’ll speak to the chef” - no apology- no compensation- in fact we had given up all hope in basic resteraunt standards. The food itself was absolutely horrendous which actually is ironic in itself that I asked for a pineapple/egg which was supposed to be delivered. Upon payment I was asked to pay for a gammon steak- in which I referenced their menu which said ‘Gammon Steak with Pineapple/ egg chips’ and as I didn’t receive the egg/pineapple I suggested that it would not appropriate to charge me full price. This was neglected by the *waiter and he charged me £14.50 for the privilege of eating a cold, anaemic gammon steak, with chunky- yet bland , undercooked chips- whilst missing out a item of the menu of which I ordered. On the whole- please if you attend the looe bay camp site or any other local campsite - do not ruin your evening with this experience. This caused many arguments within our group as to who was responsible for booking the place. If the state of the toilets was a reflection of the cleanliness of the place - I’m not sure the food hygiene rating would surpass 1-2 😳

We went after seeing the great pics on here, only to find they only serve food Wednesday to Saturday 12-14:30 and 18:00-21:00, we went on a Tuesday… looks a lovely pub and it has a free car park which is useful but sadly we had to hungrily go find somewhere else after driving quite a way through some very tight windy roads to reach it, it was quite the anticlimax

Called in as passing on way to holiday accommodation in looe. Bar maid was very friendly on arrival. Ordered food which was not only excellent, and reasonably priced, but served promptly, despite her being very busy! Good choice of desserts on offer, washed down with a couple of nice pints of Tribute ale. You could not ask for more! Will call again, next time we are in the area.

Visiting looe .Not many places to eat near that accept dogs . What can I say ? Pub needs an update but staff welcoming . Not much on menu not even regular fish and chips ! Had a sharing platter , not really enough for two nothing special accept chips were homemade other just regular bits . Bit greasy no salad or homemade relish . Nothing to make the place stand out . Long walk off coastal path and no clear directions to it . Won’t be going back sorry 😞

My partner and I were visiting Looe for a weeks holiday. We weren’t familiar with any recommended restaurants as we hadn’t been to the area for many years. When googling “best places to eat in Looe”, the Barbican Inn came up several times, so we decided to book! The food was lovely and excellent value for money. In fact, we couldn’t believe how cheap it was compared to everywhere else we’d been that week. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t The Ritz, but it was good, honest pub food with wonderful service and friendly staff. There was one man who seemed to be mainly running the bar and restaurant, I think his name was Scott and he was fabulous! It wasn’t very busy here, so I wouldn’t say booking is particularly needed, however may be best to just so you don’t miss out! We will definitely return if we come back to Looe. Thank you Barbican Inn!!

Great for a family dinner. Pub was clean. Staff very friendly. Food was to a great standard and plenty of it. Didn't have to wait long for drinks or food despite a few customers in there.

Spent several evenings in the pub, as we were on holiday locally. Good Cornish ale served. Did not eat here, so can not comment on food. Pub' seemed to smell of disinfectant always, and was usually dark. The TV seemed to be stuck on the same sports channel, which no one seemed to look at.

Great food. Lovely chips🍟, friendly staff with great service, lovely local pub. Dog friendly too. Would recommend.

Found this place by chance. No booking required even though signs outside said you needed to book. Doesn’t look much from the outside but food was delicious. Homemade chips were gorgeous. No kids menu but kids quite happily ordered off the main menu. Limited menu but had what we would normally order. Barman very friendly. Definitely will return next time when we’re in the area. Highly recommend. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

On a holiday visit, called in for something to eat. Made to feel welcome. Not the best looking place bit run down but was ok. The food was a bit of a surprise and I must admit was far better than I was expecting. Real chips not frozen !

Popped in for food, best burger in looe, compliments to the chef. Lovely local pub.will definitely be going back.

Great Sunday roast, good value and tasted like home cooked food. Deserts were nice too. Landlady was very friendly and accomdating. Wish I had taken a photographs now. We will definitely be going back there again.

Lovely place, food and people! Booked a table for Saturday evening. Great selection of food to choose from for adults and children. All meals were great and good value for money! Eased down with a few pints of Korev! Staff were fantastic and enjoyed a beer with a few of the friendly locals too!

We were staying at the Park Dean resort just up the road from the Barbican Inn, we fancied a walk, and change of scenery. We visited the pub, because we had noticed it when we were on a walk into Looe a couple of days earlier. The staff were extremely friendly, the food was excellent. I would recommend it to anybody. Just a 15 minute walk from the holiday park, or less than a 5 minute drive.

Had Sunday Lunch whilst staying at nearby holiday park, Very good food and good value for money .Staff very friendly and helpful atmosphere good . Also visted on Friday for lunch and was not disappointed fine food again good service reasonable price beer good.would highly recommend this pubif we are in the area again will definitely vist

Was a nice pub. Just had a local beer on way to Looe to watch football. Liverpool v Tottenham. Had no footy on so went to Quay pub. 4 Screens

spotted a karaoke advertised on the billboard outside. Friendly staff and customers. Ha a good sing song and enjoyed the evening. People were eating in the pub and the food looked very good, well presented and the bar staff were neat and tidy and very polite and friendly.

The landlord, Jonathan, was very helpful and offered three different options for the buffet, this also included tea. The food was well presented, tasty and there was more than enough for everyone. As it was a Friday, the darts team were due to play but he arranged for it to start at a later time so that we could have the space to ourselves for longer, which was appreciated.

Wasn't sure if I was sitting in Katie Price basement . Silver drapes with sparkles with matching seat covers !!! Wtf were they thinking ? It's a Pub not a hen night depot. Beer prices were fair and the bar staff were polite. I had a burger and chips which was very good and my wife had lasagna which was atrocious to say the least . Don't know who was responsible for the decor but they should be fired for having no taste of fashion sense whatsoever !! It's a Pub folks it's not hard to understand . The cook needs to be replaced by someone who knows how to cook .

Popped in for one last drink on the way back to our digs. Much needed after climbing the 'hill' up from Looe!

Sad that a young lad was held by his collar and accused of putting up his middle finger by new landlord/manager.

We have visited the Barbican a few times over the past two years as we stay at a nearby caravan site. We always sit outside in the beer garden which I have to say is immaculately clean and even though people are smoking outside there are no cigarette butts on the floor. Drinks are of the highest quality and half the price of the campsite. We was informed today that this is the current landlords last week. So even though we had a thoroughly enjoyable visit, we don’t know what it will be like in the future. Very enjoyable locals who are always willing to chat. We hope the new management keep up the current great standards. We hope to visit again soon.

Only popped in here a couple of times during the day while meeting members of staff Pub staff were very welcoming and helpful

Found this pub just down the road from Looe Bay Holiday Park, popped in a couple of times during our stay. Nice to see a pub not overcharging for drinks and a nice atmosphere.

Me and my partner love coming up to the Barbican and playing pool with a pint! Genuinely lovely staff, always friendly and great prices too!

Not sure why this pub is advertised. Nobody inside, very old with locals making you feel uncomfortable. Weird to say the least!

El personal era amable y educado.

Stayed down the road at holiday park and this was the nearest pub, had really good time as local pub with reasonable beer prices and great atmosphere.... would definitely visit again and would recommend you give it a try

Called in whilst walking back from Looe. Good choice of drinks, pleasant, helpful staff and excellent food. Highly recommended

Encontré este pub por casualidad, ya que no es un pub, pero más turística de un lugar donde la gente de uso. La cerveza era refrescante y mucho más barato que en la ciudad. Sólo nos metimos en un bocado y un trago, pero terminaron en ser hablaron en el concurso, que me alegro de haberlo hecho, ya que teníamos muy divertido. Ambos tuvimos una comida de bistec que estaba cocinado y preparado a la perfección. El personal y la gente era muy amable. Ambos nos recomendaría este pub. Mi único pesar es que no encontramos el Barbican cuanto antes, ya que he visitado varias veces antes de tener que irnos. Vinimos de última en el concurso, pero aún así ganó un premio (Sherbert salsas) y compartida con el personal y los demás, una enorme alegría. Para resumir la comida genial (PEQUEÑO MENÚ PERO ALGO PARA TODOS), buena selección de bebidas, el personal era fantástico y gente amable.

Went with my family friendly service couldn't do enough for you. Food taste amazing would come again.

Just had a snack but the food was fresh and tasty. Quick service and friendly staff. Will definitely go back.

Loved it here :) great drinks and great food great atmosphere.Would recommend.Was busy when we went in but service was still great

Maravilloso servicio y comida estupenda allí asado en un domingo es realmente excelente buena cerveza y bien de precio sencillamente hay que probarlo. Looe tiene un montón de bares y restaurantes es el lugar en el que comer en más como un local y un amante de la comida.

For many years this pub was very quiet and lacking 'drinkers'. That is until the present landlady took over. Her personality has made this one of the best pubs in Looe. Her daughters also work there and are very funny and friendly and they make everyone so welcome, whether locals or tourists. They serve very good meals there too all made on the premises. Also ample parking which is a bonus. Do give it a try and I bet you'll be back.

Popped in for Sunday Lunch. The staff were friendly and food very nice. For £6.95 I thought it was good value. They also had a live band who we thought were very entertaining.

We popped in on our way back to Looe Valley caravan park and found the staff very welcoming and friendly.Shame we did,nt find time to eat here perhaps next time were down.

stayed in looe found this place one day booked for a sunday lunch. was the best lunch ive had from a pub better than some restaraunts.staff very very friendly and welcoming defo go again.

Visited with hubby and our 8 yr old. Very friendly bar staff, couldn't do enough for us and the food was lovely

Local pub yes, but made to feel very welcome by all, and staff really great.Food bang on and nice pint too!Well recommended!

a dump and very ignorant locals who think the bar space is for them only and an extremely common rude bar person who needs to give up dumping her cig ends out in front of customers leaving the cig smouldering in their faces and also not everyone likes curry nights thanks!!!!!!!!!!!

We have visited this pub before but came this time with our children. I ordered the ham, egg, and chips which was delicious. My husband ordered the lasagne and he loved that too! The chicken bites my daughter ordered were really tasty too! Great pub food would definitely recommend if in the area.

Lovely food and lovely staff. Not far at all from where we were staying and was recommended by someone we just stopped in the street

Absolutely lovely pub, amazing landlady and staff. Exceptionally clean pub and very friendly and welcoming. The food is brilliant and the portion sizes are huge. Well worth every penny. They have good entertainment with a brilliant friendly atmosphere, and nothing is too much trouble. I keep going back for more and never want to leave. I have got to know a few locals who are friendly and the owners treat there customers and staff wonderfull. Can't praise them enough. Thank you Mandy and Martin Finnimore and all the staff. Well done xx

We went for a family meal (4 adults, 2 young children) whilst staying in Looe. This is a small 'locals' pub that still makes you very welcome even if you're not local! It was very busy & we were advised on ordering our food that there was going to be a 45 minute wait - a few tables had ordered at once! We decided to just go with it and wait. We occupied the children and the landlady kept us informed and was very apologetic regarding the wait. It turned out to be longer than 45 minutes but was well worth waiting..... The food was lovely, freshly cooked and huge portions. Their quiz started just as we got our meal and we were sat by a speaker - the quiz master and the landlady both checked with us that it wasn't too loud and to let them know if it was. All in all a great pub - would definitely return - excellent customer service and good quality food.

Brilliant place to eat friendly staff and brilliant price for food and drinks. I also went for a birthday party and brought a round of drinks and was amazed at the price brilliant

Absolutely brilliant! A great service, a chilled out atmosphere and succulent food! I had finni burger and chips which was very filling and tasty! My husband had lasagne and wow! I even tried some myself and it was divine! When I visit next I am going to be having that myself! A great ambience and relaxing pub! Great value for money and we will definitely be going again!

New year's eve the place was fully booked,still great service,a basic menu but the food was excellent!

Enjoyable food, massive portions! small menu but perfect for the sort of pub it is. nice friendly staff. nice and hot food, good value.

Popped into this pub twice during our stay in Looe. Was a nice pub and service was great. People were friendly enough and the kids enjoyed it too.

We went for an early dinner the night before our holiday ended. We popped in earlier in the day and booked for six people at six pm. The pub was packed when we arrived, our table was reserved and we sat down after being warmly welcomed by the staff. The menu was typical pub food but it was well cooked and we were served ample portions. The staff were very attentive and the whole family enjoyed the evening.