THE HALFWAY HOUSE in Cornwall, Isles of Scilly

Misleading description of the location. This establishment is not in Penryn, which is approximately 3 to 4 miles away on the A394 toward Falmouth. This is a fairly fast single carriageway road which is not a safe walk and without pavements/ footpaths for the majority , if you are thinking about it, think again or get a Taxi if you are going to have a drink.

Absolutely fantastic lunch and an amazing friendly service. Such a great menu - I could have chosen so many things. I also think these guys are spot on with their prices. We will be back very soon.

Went for a carvery today and it did not disappoint! Meat was beautiful, lovely selection of vegetables and the staff were lovely. Checking on tables and making sure everyone was happy. Will 1000000% go back again

Avoid. Rarely, if ever, have to complain about food anywhere but this was disgusting. 2 adults and 2 children's meals, none of which were satisfactory. Manager didn't charge for children's starters and one child's main (all inedible) and we have just left feeling very disappointed with having to pay full price for meals which were not cooked properly because we had eaten some of them... despite telling staff we were not going to eat them and didn't want replacements.

To start with the positives, service was friendly, attentive and quick. We had booked ahead, and were shown to a nice window table. Unfortunately, things went somewhat downhill from there. Our friendly young waitress told my husband that they had no English beers on tap, only imported ones. He was surprised, but ordered a Birra Moretti, which he also likes. We found out a bit later from a more experienced waitress that they do in fact have English tap beers. Well, things happen, and we didn’t mind too much. The food, however, was disappointing. We both ordered the set menu. Starters were ok (soup and fried scampi, respectively), and we both had the steak pie, which was a bit bland, but ok to eat. Dessert was what pushed me over the edge. I had ordered an apple and raspberry crumble. What I received appeared completely free of apples, it was difficult to find any fruit at all, but some pink spots showed me that there had been a couple of raspberries before the start of a long baking and drying process. The little bit of fruit in the dish was covered with a hard layer of what resembled a burned flapjack. The custard was good, but I could not stomach more than a few spoonfuls of the so-called crumble, it was so dry, and the burned flavour was getting to me. My husband mentioned this to the lady when he went to pay the bill, but she offered no apology to me, or compensation for the inedible dessert. This place has some good reviews for its food, so it must be better at other times, but we won’t be coming back to try again.

We have visited this restaurant many times before and would usually rate it very high but this time something was obviously wrong. When we arrived there appeared to be only one other table occupied. We ordered and our drinks arrived quickly, unfortunately the same couldn't be said for our food. We are aware that food here is cooked to order but have never had to wait more than about 20mins. A new couple came in and were seated and ordered, then a second, a third and a fourth and one by one their meals came out. We waited! We waited for almost 45mins By now I had finished my glass of wine and approached the bar to order a second one as it seemed that they had dispatched a trawler to catch my fish. The staff apologised profusely and gave us the excuse that the kitchen was short staffed, sorry but that didn't wash as we had seen every other tables food come out! They assured us that they were working on it but it was still a further 15mins before it finally showed up, hmmmm that seems about the time it would take to cook it after they realised the ticket hadn't gone through to the kitchen! We decided to risk ordering a dessert. I know we should have known better, the young lady took our order but a different server returned to inform us that they had run out of vanilla ice cream which was listed as coming with both of them. I guess she was the one who drew the short straw. By this time I struggled to keep a straight face and was close to falling on the floor laughing. They didn't charge us for one main and the second glass of wine. We will go back because the desserts are worth it but I think we'll leave it until next year

Good food , friendly staff . Really tasty cookie dough for pudding. however there was a bit of a smell round the toilet area which unfortunately is by the entrance. But this smell was contained to that area not in the actual pub / restaurant itself.

Sunday lunch was excellent, staff were very attentive and polite. We also stopped for lunch during the week and food and service was brilliant.

Refurbished cosy area was lovely for a drink and chill. Enjoyed a great meal of fish and Chip, large taste fish and plenty of chips. Relaxed chilled out environment, everyone seem to enjoy meals around us and praising friendly staff, who were attentive and helpful all evening. Highly recommend good food, friendly staff and reasonably priced.

Friend and I had a lovely meal, here. Very good service, food was served and presented well. Reasonably price and well worth it. Highly recommended

Terrible food tasteless and uneatable couldn’t seem to get the steak right so I had leather to eat and the eggs were over done! I won’t be eating there again don’t even get me started on the staff

Food was poor, not fresh at all, steak was overcooked & the chef obviously can’t tell the difference between medium rare & well done. Everything else ordered was tasteless . Waitress was good but other staff members seemed interested in messing around. Price was ok but I guess you get what you pay for. One place I won’t be going back to

Bread with baked cheese was so hard afraid I would break a tooth, grandson had nacho wrap things wraps were very dry and hard, my mixed grill well , steak was over done not medium rare as I ordered, egg over cooked, sausage dry, chips barley warm, very disappointing, sorry won’t be back.

Stop off here, as we have been here last year when we were on holiday. Yes there is a smell of sewer as you walk in, but it doesn't smell inside the pub itself.Maybe a problem which can't be fixed straight away We ordered fish and chips, pulled pork burger and gammon, the waitress was friendly and helpful. The food was very nice and fresh and the dessert was great. I can't complain about anything well worth a visit and try it yourself

Dreadful sewer smell throughout the establishment.Totally disinterested service.Nice fish but horrible,cold oven chips.Hot chocolate lukewarm.Not a friendly place to eat.Sewer smell did not make for a pleasant visit.Definately would not recommend this place not anything like the pleasant visit we had 2 years ago.

Went today, 5 in our party for my Mums Birthday. Great service from the start, they were certainly busy but we got served in good time and the girls which served us were lovely. Prices are very reasonable especially given the quality and the portions on offer. We gave up on carveries a few years ago, most are hit and miss but could not fault this, the meat was beautifully cooked, the vegetables weren’t overdone and a good choice, but best of all the Roast Potatoes were great. Thanks. Well definitely come again.

Such a shame..... We have eaten here on the past and had a great experience. Unfortunately this time it was not the case. Certain things unavailable, when ordering mixed grill the quality was poor, the chips were fries! Definately not value for money. Carvery has gone down hill, it used to be meat and potatoes brought out seperately than veg. Now it's all on a help yourself bases... Frozen veg and potatoes by the taste of it. Not value for money. Quorn nuggets were that cooked the insides had disappeared! Not to mention the fact when ask if all was OK and answering respectfully certain people at the bar (obviously close to the person who asked if everything was OK) had an attitude and thought staring at us would make the situation and experience any better. Shame he was vaping at the bar and allowed to get away with it! What a completely rubbish experience. Do not bother going if you want a good atmosphere, good food or value for money!

We rang to book a table as we weren’t able to do it online based on the size of the party. There were 6 adults and four children. They were incredibly helpful and gave us the time we asked for. When we arrived we were greeted by a friendly member of staff and taken to a table that suited us. The staff were quick at taking our drinks (especially considering it was lunchtime) and helpful in telling us what beers were on tap. We all wanted carvery’s and there was three options. Small plate, regular and large. These are mainly based on the meat. Small plates you get one (decent) slice of meat and regular is two and the large is three. The small plate is ideal for children. You get given different coloured tokens based on what size you order. What I was impressed by was there wasn’t an age limit on the small plate. All the food was good with lots of flavour , it was also warm and there was plenty. The other item on the menu that as a party we were impressed with was the fact you can have a coffee and a mini pudding. Which worked amazingly as I got the coffee and my husband got the pudding. We will be heading back and recommending to family and friends.

I've never been anywhere before where I've been so ignored. We got our cocktails after our starter, which is interesting. Massively overcooked fish, inedible, replaced with slightly less bad fish, which I ate as I was hungry. Cocktails were watered down, and pretty bad. I honestly would not recommend.

We had gone to the half way house for Christmas party! On arrival walking through the front door the place smelt of sewage, asked the staff about it they replied that sometimes they get a smell coming from the toilets.The meal I had wild mushrooms and Stilton on toast which was nice, however I cannot say the same for the main course I have venison pie which was burnt the roast potatoes where like they were kept warm from the afternoons lunch or frozen, the only thing I enjoyed were the spouts and carrots and there wasn’t to many of them! Desert was a chocolate delice which was most probably out of a packet cause I didn’t enjoy that either, the mince pie was nothing to write home about either so I can safely say I will never eat there again Elaine

Went here based on reviews, what are you idiots used to? Carvery deck wasn’t working so it was plated no problem with that. Either the chef sorry cook at best! Is pulling the wool over the owners eyes or god knows what’s going on here . Frozen veg , frozen potatoes, frozen stuffing, tasteless gravy, frozen Yorkshire puddings. As a chef you should be ashamed of this offering. And before any reply, I was asked if everything was ok and I said “not bad “ I didn’t want to put staff in an awkward position , but if he’d questioned that reply I would have elaborated. Also saw plates being sent back

It was my girlfriend’s birthday. I booked a table for 5. Her parents are bringing a birthday cake. The staff were asked to keep it secret until after we’d had our food. The lot the candles, brought out the cake and sanga’ Happy Birthday’ to her. It was lovely and not asked for. The food was a carvery. It was fantastic. Really lovely. The staff are so friendly. They always smile and are good for a chat. The venue is welcoming, warm and comfortable. A fantastic place to visit and eat.

Well certainly was an experience, when we arrived was told fully booked no walk ins. So started to walk out but waitress caught us at the door and stated they did have a table. Our drinks arrived with menus after 30mins chased the waitress to place our order. They were NOT busy, 50% of tables not in use. When we tried to place our order a number of items were NOT available ☹️ Finally managed to find couple of items on the menu that we fancied that they did have Yes the food was lovely but the service was rubbish and unprofessional. The waitresses and barman certainly need training..

Totally brilliant - 7 of us and a toddler yesterday lunchtime - fabulous choice of food - all freshly prepared and delicious - went out of their way to provide a high chair and an extra plate for the little one. Service was wonderfully polite and helpful - nothing was too much trouble - very good value for money - will certainly go again x

Great food! I have not been here in years and ended up going twice in one week for two different meals and both times the food was great. I had a burger the first time and a carvery the second both were good portions and tasty. The dessert selection was fab and the prices were reasonable. All my groups went away very happy and the service was good.

Exceptional friendly service here. Food is pretty good, really decent pub food with a slight classy edge! Decor beautiful and a great place to go for a guaranteed good food night!

Such a great Sunday carvery. A warm welcome and great staff. We were advised to book as it’s very busy. You will not be disappointed 🤗

We booked from visits last year and were not disappointed. Was even better as Carvery had been re introduced. Atmosphere, staff and service were excellent as be fore, so friendly. Food was first class. 2 more visits booked whilst we here. If not for work commitments would be coming for Xmas stay so could enjoy Christmas Day package . Recommend booking to avoid disappointment

What can I say but a very nice relaxed restaurant! great staff, fabulous service. Food was incredible it was hot and very tasty. Good chefs are hard to come by and even harder to keep this chef is definitely a keeper! Personally I don’t mind paying a fair price for good food and I feel the prices reflected the quality of the food it’s now become our go to place to eat I can’t recommend it highly enough. I’ve seen other reviews on here that are somewhat negative but a newly established team needs time to gel I think those reviews are a little off the mark and I’d like the people to go back and try again I’m pretty sure they’d be singing from the same hymn sheet as me. Eve and Pete have done a great job in getting this place back on the foody market.

I was told I would be waiting for ages to be fed, how wrong were they. The place was heaving so that's a good sign and we were shown to our table. Ten minutes or so passed and we had our drinks order taken they...

My husband and I went with our 2 friends and their dog for a carvery, we were a bit disappointed that their carvery wasn’t up and running yet but the roast we had was definitely worth driving out of Helston for. Lovely pub and friendly...

Amazing service and food well priced, and ample portion size , I didn't have room for a pudding sadly, but those that did said it was good 👍under new management we were told 😊 the whole team were brilliant, and very attentive thank you so...

Honestly what an amazing Sunday !! Huge congratulations to the recent owners, as they are absolutely smashing it! Having only been there a few weeks, Eve the landlady knows what she’s doing! We came in for a roast yesterday we were passing so hadn’t booked,...

Pricey roast for what it was. We asked what was included when side orders included cauliflower cheese and Yorkshire pudding. We were told both were included in the roast. There appeared to be a mushy creamy dollop of what tasted like cauliflower cheese, three very...

We were welcomed by a lovely lady with full smiles. The bar and restaurant was busy but we got served quickly. Great bar, good drink selection, great outdoor area and staff were really welcoming 😊

I should have taken the empty car park at lunch time on a Saturday as an omen. Arrived about 1pm and we were the only ones in there, that should have been a warning to adhere to. On entering the premises it didn't even look...

We went for Sunday lunch. Two of us ordered the chicken and ham pie which come with chips, peas and gravy. The pie was tasty but really could’ve done with a few more chips. It was a small meal. My partner had the scampi which...

food was ok but process was too long winded by the time everything came food was just warm and turkey was not proper turkey,we thought it was a carvery it used to be packed but has gone to plate service,i do not think it was...

Poor quality of food Had a large so called roast dinner x 2 totally bland tasteless... + everything on the plate was frozen food warmed up in the microwaves... Normally gravy might just save it but this was watery also... Beef chewy roast potatoes (...

We visited for Sunday lunch. There was loads of meat on the plate and plenty of vegetables, including roasted parsnips and a bowl of cauliflower cheese (my favourite). The beef was lovely and tender and we both enjoyed our meals. There wasn’t a lot of...

Had Sunday lunch here on way back from Falmouth to Helston. Lovely pub and the Sunday roast was delicious, plenty of vegetables and the cauliflower cheese was yummy. The vegetarian option was very tasty. Very reasonably priced as well. Would highly recommend.

Absolutely awful! We were a table for 3 and even though the restaurant was quiet they tried to but us on the smallest table, when we asked for a bigger table the young waitress just tutted and told us to follow her. Once we were...

We decided to have a meal out and as this pub is not far from home, we decided to give it a try (not been since pre Covid. The lady behind the bar was very friendly and chatty. We ordered our food, my friend had...

A busy evening, just 4 members of staff, service was professional and friendly. The food was well cooked, nicely presently and excellent value for money. A little gem

We had booked here as we were staying close by and it was dog friendly. We’d booked for the Sunday roast and was not disappointed food was amazing and plenty of it and a wide variety of veg. Infact we enjoyed it so much we...

Very friendly waitresses greeted us and showed us to our table straight away this bank holiday Monday. Drinks and food orders were taken promptly. The food was piping hot and served quickly as was the dessert. Thoroughly enjoyed our lunch and look forward to going...

We booked here as we had friends down and we’re looking forward to a lovely evening together. Food not as good as last time but the worst of it was::; Because they were quiet they said they were closing!!!!!! We were still buying drinks but...

Great Sunday lunch. Service was very quick and with a smile. What more could you ask for Beef nice and tender and lots of vegetables

We very much enjoyed the Taster Menu (with beer). Generous portions, possibly too generous but we ate and enjoyed every one, of food that’s on the ‘normal’ menu, each one accompanied by half pints of beers selected to match the food served, Nice warm pub,...

The menu was reduced as they're having a re-vamp but what we did have was amazing. Chicken strips for starters (with a little pot of gravy mmmm), wish I ordered double as my partner stole most of them, they were that good. Steak was beautiful,...

I am so gutted that our trip to The Halfway House was so bad as we was really looking forward to a cosy Saturday lunch. From the outside it looks like a beautiful pub and the decor inside is ok. My husband ordered a bacon...

The southern fried chicken is brill the mixed grill was great thanks great service great food thanks again

We have eaten at halfway loads and it’s banging. Thanks Claire for making my jacks birthday we really all had a great time see you soon

This is the second time we have been in a month… The food is wonderful, fresh, home cooked, and super delicious. But more important the staff are absolutely amazing; we came twice with our dog, and our baby in a pram and the waitresses (Jess...

Phoned up to book a table of 10 for Sunday 19th of March. The lady booked us in for the time required a little while later I got a text confirming our booking but noticed the date was wrong so I rung up to adjust...

What a lovely atmosphere, staff and food. Had a lovely evening and left feeling happy and very full ! Good choice on the menu

Absolutely went above and beyond to make our meal perfect tonight. We booked at short notice, and the vegetarian meal we were hoping to have was not available. Perfect solutions offered and great service, our meal was lovely. Thank you. Will see you again soon😊🐾🐾

Visited here today with an elderly relative. He really enjoyed his meal but couldn't finish it all. The waitress gave us a doggy bag (box) to take home which was lovely of her. Very good waitress service, friendly, helpful, attentive. We felt awful as we...

Such a lovely waitress, very helpful. We both had steak and it was a bit disappointing as it was tasteless. The tea was good though. We had gone there as we were on holiday for a week. Shame as it was nice inside.

I contacted Halfway House very last minute for a booking for 18 people after being let down by the original venue I had booked. They immediately said yes and were great from thereon in. The food was lovely and the staff were so friendly and...

Quite some time since we last visited and it has undergone an update. Happy vibe inside with friendly helpful staff. Warm inside very much a must in these times. We just had a drink and a desert. Yummy sticky toffee pudding. Will be back for...

Had a lovely Sunday roast here today. Food was lovely and service was fantastic. Excellent value for money. Would thoroughly recommend.

We had a table for 7 for Sunday Lunch and the food and service was excellent. The majority of us had a carvery which is served up and brought to the table by the staff. The staff were very attentive and the standard of food...

We came Friday evening for a joint birthday celebration. Everything was as lovely as always, from the staff to the food and the price! I stupidly didn't ask her name but a special shout out to the waitress with the curly hair who was especially...

Came here with family, we always give our honest option as we love eating out especially on Sundays roast and have had many amazing diners but this place was really disappointing, We booked online and had to wait for them to make our table but...

We visit the Halfway regularly as we live in cornwall don't bother reading the petty reviews. The staff are so friendly and attentive. We love the variety on the menu. I have mixed grill every visit when we visit it never fails. Thanks for a...

Having eaten here previously we thought we would plan our day having checked the menu etc the night before and arrange an early dinner with our 87 year old mother. On arriving at the door at 1440hrs we were met by mature female member of...

We were visiting the area for a short weekend break and I found this place on Tripadvisor. We booked online and arrived early with the dining area about a third full and from the get go the service seemed a bit inept as we waited...

Jess and Clare are excellent ambassadors of how to operate first class customer service. Friendly, efficient, tactful, organised and team reflect this also. Menu is fantastic and food well cooked, tasty and well presented. Atmosphere is warm, welcoming, comfortable and relaxed. CNt wait to return...

I cant recommend this lovely pub enough. We called in on the off chance, the pub was mad busy but not only did they fit us in, they were fabulous catering for my Gluten free requirements. The staff are fantastic, friendly and efficient so we...

Booked a table online, stating nut allergy sufferer and within a few minutes I had received a call from the Halfway House to discuss requirements and clarify what they could / could not offer. The menu has an attached QR code with really clear and...

Excellent meal for our family (7) reasonably fast service average price friendly Staff. Became less popular with previous owners but certainly worth a visit now wether holidaymakers or locals like ourselves.

We popped in about 6.30 for a quick drink. Pub was a third full but we were told we couldn't have a table and would have to sit outside. So we left. Remember your locals landlord, you will need us in the winter, but we...

Popped in to The Halfway House for a Sunday roast. We were treated and seated by a lovely member of staff. Our drinks order was taken promptly and nothing was to much for the waitress. We ordered 3 carvery. 2 minutes later the waitress came...

We decided to stop by after a day at the beach and we are glad we did. Lovely established, with delicious food and the staff so welcoming. The landlady went out of her way to inform us of places to visit we probably wouldn't have....

We couldn’t of been happier with our visit to the Halfway House , they were really busy but split the last table they had to accommodate us and our dog. Myself and my wife had the Thursday special curry which was superb and my teenage...

Arrived at 12,30 for a table of 5. I had beef, mine was small bits of end cuts and very chewy and dry. Gravy saved it (barely). Others at the table enjoyed the Turkey, and the other three beef seemed to be ok but still...

This is a very popular pub restaurant (the land lady turned away in excess of 100 people today while we were there) and its soon became obvious why its so popular. . We went there today for a Sunday roast and it was one of...

Whilst travelling too fast on the A394 when returning from a visit to Lands End, found this very smart pub/restaurant. We stopped and asked if we could have a table for two and was promptly seated and had a very enjoyable two course meal with...

Friendly service and lovely food. The waitresses were both helpful and chatty and the food was filling and reasonably priced as well as tasty.

On Booking asked if it was a Carvery ... Sunday Lunch ... 'Yes it is a Carvery' On arrival ... no Carvery ! Meal served at table . 1) Potatoes were DIRE & bore no resemblance to that name being both what appeared to be...

Wonderful find whilst on holiday. Staff could not have been more attentive. It's not a massive place inside so suggest booking. Lovely roast dinner delivered to the table and came really quickly. Good price for quality too. Great Sunday tea.

7 of us visited for the first time after a day out and were able to be squeezed in for a Sunday roast despite the pub being very busy and being the only pub for miles around serving Sunday roasts! Some of us had the...

Daughter took me for lunch as a treat. Impressed by the menu. We both had the lamb shank which was a special. Very enjoyable and good value.

Food was lovely, but lacked enough potatoes! Staff were visibly stressed and kept shouting which put us all on edge a bit. They were very apologetic for the wait times etc but we weren’t in a rush. They made an effort to interact with our...

A very nice looking pub from the outside. This is where the positivity ends. We booked in advance and was seated with little issue. I ordered the ribeye steak. When it arrived it looked ok and yeh first few mouthfuls were ok then I hit...

we went for the jubilee quiz and all had curry which was great piping hot. staff were really friendly even tho it was busy. we will be back as we live in truro.

We had a very enjoyable Sunday lunch here, the staff were pleasant and friendly and the food was very good. However, the only drawback was they allow dogs in the dining area. Had we known we would not have booked. For this reason I have...

Four years ago my wife and I vowed never to walk through the doors again ... BUT........ After hearing that the halfway house was under new management decided to give them a go, It was a bit late notice when I rang to see of...

We had Sunday roast here today which was delicious. We were made very welcome by all the staff who were very friendly and attentive. Love the layout of the restaurant, felt very spacious and not crammed in with other diners.

We arrived at the halfway house on a cold but sunny afternoon the log fire was roaring. me and my granddaughter really enjoyed our food. Claire and Darren are a great example of what you can do with a tired pub what a transformation. they...

When we arrived we were greeted by the manager who showed us to our table in the window as we were asked if we would like a windoiw seat. jess our waitress came over and was very polite we also treated ourselves to a cookie...

We've been meaning to call into this establishment for a long time, but circumstance has always dictated otherwise. Today we managed it and we're so glad we did. The waitress was lovely and the landlady is both very pleasant and passionate about what she does....

Lovely carvery and very friendly staff, nothing is too much trouble. New owners have given it a great makeover and it’s looking really nice

Table was far too small with 4 people (poor servers seems to know this when a joke was made!) Menu had at least 4 spelling mistakes, including a 79p Thai curry! Extremely mediocre food. Pie ordered with mash, came with chips, and not exactly full...

Plenty of space to park in a large carpark. We were greeted by very happy and welcoming staff. Our drinks and meal were absolutely fantastic and generous portions, the service was very professional and friendly. We felt very welcome, the decor was pleasing to the...

We went for a carvery to celebrate our friends birthday but we’re sadly left disappointed. The roast was average at best, bolstered by a large portion of mash potato which tasted like it came from a box. Tables are booked back to back so we...

Tasty food very well presented in a clean, attractive environment. Efficient and very courteous service. Thank you! We will certainly return.

I’ve never wrote a review on Trip Advisor before however I feel on this occasion I have to! What an extremely delightful meal out. We went to the Halfway House for a 50th birthday, we took decorations there beforehand and the owner kindly decorated the...

Absolutely fantastic food and service love it here!! Had 2 takeaways, 2 roast Sundays meals, 1 lunch, a breakfast and the Christmas eve festive meal! Can't fault it, and literally on our doorstep, so we are regular visitors now, love the decor since the refurbishment,...