The Met Cafe Bar at The Metropole in Cornwall, Isles of Scilly

Managed an outside small table but the coffee was not that inspiring. Luckily people watching made up for it

Called in for a pot of tea whilst walking past and also to see the transformation in a Harbour Hotel group hotel.Although a lot of work taking place it is obvious it is on the way to looking stiunning like most of the groups hotels having visited Salcombe,Sidmouth and Christchurch.Staff were very friendly and welcoming even though all this work is taking place.Can't wait to see the finished job and know it wi;ll be wonderful.

A hidden gem, the little restraunt is housed in a function room with a magnificent conservatory with a panorama over the Camel Estuary. The food is excellent price is mid range, but whenever I have been its not been busy and always got a table with a viem. To get to it go to the Metropole Hotel, right at reception and 20 yards down on the right. All on same level as entrance so fine for disabled or wheel chairs. Highly recommend.

I have a lot of allergies and intolerances. When I arrived at the hotel, the chef asked to meet me and discussed all with me. In the evening I had a great dinner. The dishes were arrranged so that I could eat them and they were delicious. Breakfast was also great! Thank you!

We had a lovely meal. Food and service was excellent with staff suitably attentive. The cabaret from the couple at the next table was an interesting bonus! I've never heard such an entitled load of tosh. The staff had gone above and beyond with special dietary requirements during the couple's stay. They'd even sent one of the waiting staff to M & S in Truro to get the particular type of milk the lady had requested. She had ordered her lunch after breakfast but then didn't want it; chose something else - which she then sent back and asked for her original request. The staff were consummate professionals; not 'huffy' as described by the gentleman. The lady even complained to her husband about the amount of traffic she could see from the dining room! Padstow! Bank Holiday! No doubt she was also expecting herds of wildebeest sweeping majestically …! We had a fabulous time and will return.

A landmark in Padstow and rightly so. Bar and catering is excellent and very accommodating. Lunch, dinner, afternoon tea and wine choices are very balanced and timely.

Ate here at lunchtime. My husband and I had the crab cakes fries and salad and it was amazing. Staff friendly and the views were gorgeous.

We visited here twice when staying in Padstow recently. Both times we chose items from both the restaurant menu and the cafe bar menu. Everything we ate was lovely. Beautifully presented and very tasty. The best views in Padstow too.

Visited Padstow many times but this was the first visit to the Metropole Hotel. We walked up the steps from Riverside and alongside the Seafood Restaurant. This took us through the rear car park and the back of the hotel which to be honest did not give a very good impression, it would be better perhaps to direct guest around the front of the hotel below the conservatory and into the main entrance that way. However, once inside we were pleasantly surprised, the hotel was well decorated with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. We entered the conservatory area and were greeted by a member of staff who showed us to a table with terrific views over the estuary and beyond to Rock. We asked the staff member if the gherkins could be omitted from the sandwiches and after checking with the kitchen we were advised they could. So food ordered, two traditional Cornish cream tea and Roast Chicken Sandwiches without the gherkins and a coffee. Coffee arrived and within a few minutes a young staff member brought out one traditional cream tea, when we said we ordered two she apologised and took the scones away but left the pot of tea. A few minutes later the two cream tea arrived along with the Sandwiches, these contained gherkins even though we had requested the gherkins to be omitted, to be honest it was easier to pick them out rather than send the sandwiches back, not perfect but just easier. We asked for a pot of hot water for the tea and again an apology as this should have been provided initialy without the need for our request. The scones were excellent, light, fresh and very enjoyable with plenty of jam and cream. Sandwiches were good but would have been better if the gherkins had been left out as requested. When we came to pay we asked a young staff member if she could provide the bill, she then got another person to help and we had to pay at reception which was a bit strange. To summarise, the initial impression of the hotel was poor as we came via the rear car park, the food was good and cream tea excellent and all good value but there just appeared to be a lack of organisation. Perhaps it was a bad day, we may visit again and hope that it lives up to the Richardson experience we are used to.

My husband arranged for a surprise afternoon tea at The Metropole for my birthday. We were shown into the conservatory area of he hotel. This has fabulous views over the estuary to the sandy beach at Rock. Our tea arrived promptly together with a large pot of hot water which was needed. Then came the 3 tier cake stand which groaned under the weight of sandwiches, scones, cakes, cream and jam. I was so glad I had t had a lunch so was able to do the tea justice!! The sandwiches were extremely fresh and over filled with cream cheese and smoked salmon and ham, cheese and wonderful apricot chutney. Next I went for the cream horn, so crisp and filled with fresh cream and jam. Gosh I should have stopped there, but no, I continued on with a slice of Battenburg. Not much room left in my tum now, but it would be rude not to sample a scone, jam and cream, yes it was perfect, one of the lightest scones I have ever had. We spoke to the young lady who had served us and discovered that everything was made in the hotel's kitchen. Sadly, I just couldn't eat the second scone as I felt I would certainly burst if I did. This venue is a must for a fantastic afternoon tea sitting quietly looking out over the estuary and fields beyond. Thank you The Metrople for making my birthday afternoon so special.

Padstow has a reputation as a food town and mostly this revolves around the establishments of a celebrity chef. Now, I have eaten at his restaurants and they are very good and serve excellent food. However there is more to the town than the globe trotting celebrity. I would recommend the restaurant at the Metropole, the food is on a par with other high end restaurants in the town and the views from the restaurant are wonderful.

Our new favourite spot for lunch in Padstow, great beer range too! We just love to relax and take in the views

Great food, good atmosphere, helpful staff and spectacular views - 5/5, would definitely come again!!

Beautiful classic hotel, great good! Great service and so very welcoming! The views are outstanding, I would say the best in Padstow!! I recommend this hotel for anyone wishing to stay in Padstow! We stayed as a couple and our room was very comfortable and spacious! The bar is really great for sitting down and enjoying drinks whilst looking over the estuary! One of our fave spots!

Booked at very short notice and found a warm welcome very friendly and helpful staff and delicious food

Had a very nice lunch here and the views from the restaurant are beautiful. Staff were very attentive.

Wanting to go somewhere different for our cream tea we decided to try The Metrople Hotel. We were not disappointed. The scones were light and very tasty. Plenty of jam and cream to put on them too. The people on the next table were having afternoon tea. Think that is a must for next time. Only negative point was difficulty in parking. But that could be solved by parking in the local public car parks and walking to the hotel.

My friends and I really enjoyed our dinner here. My plaice was superb. I'm guessing this bar shares the kitchen with the Michelin Guide listed restaurant next door. I also had cream tea here and it was lovely.

We stayed at the Metropole for a few days - the food in cafe bar was good with an excellent selection.

Really bad food. I mean really. Chips straight from the freezer, old cheese and stale crackers. Lackluster service. Go to Padstow to eat. This place is dismal.

The beefburger we both had was quite nice and service was fine, but the cafe bar is so depressing that it just completely ruins the experience. We couldn't wait to leave and didn't bother with deserts....

Had yet another amazing stay at The Metropole. The food and service once again was amazing. There is no need to pay high prices at Steins when you can enjoy at the Metropole.

An extensive and varied menu including many local specialties. The crab cakes were particularly nice and we can recommend the pig cheeks or the fish curry. Good service and great view overlooking the harbour

stayed at the Metropole at Padstow which caters for dogs on the ground floor. an amazing hotel with a traditional feel. The staff were very polite,helpful and nothing was too much,even offered a dog sitting service while we were out.A bit more expensive than some but def worth it. ideal base to explore the surrounding area wiil def be back

I visited here a few weeks a go and was very disappointed. We chose to go here for afternoon tea. We did not get a choice of sandwiches, the bread was dry. The "treats" were different to the menu, we were not offered any tea. The staff behind the bar were extremely rude and were more interested in talking amongst themselves very loudly. The whole afternoon was terrible and what should have been a pleasant experience was completely ruined.

This is very much the bistro restaurant, but do not think for a minute the standard is lower!! perfect homemade food the burgers are ground beef and are beautiful, make sure you are hungrey!!

Went there because we were in Cornwall doing a road trip and figure we go have afternoon tea in Padstow. Hotel staff were very helpful, the staff in the restaurant were slow... Afternoon tea was below average, there was no macaroons, the smoked salmon didn't even have the blood like taken out which was inedible. Took a while to pay as there was a queue of people waiting... Don't drive 2 hours to go there !

Booked in the Brasserie for a sat evening. The receptionist was pretty laid back and not terribly interested and pointed us down the corridor, however we really didn't have a clue where we were being pointed to. Bar staff were busy so we have t wait a few mins (no problem with that) and were shown to table by a charming member of staff. Starter was very nice, beer battered fish and chips were nice but I would have to say exceedingly over priced.

The first disappointment was when we walked into reception not knowing where the Brasserie was, to have two receptionists chatting to each other and completely ignoring us. Then we arrived in the brasserie and there was no greeting, just a sullen looking barman.

Good menu and good food. Cheaper than main restaurant. Known in hotel as the Brasserie. Great harbour views from most tables.

The whole hotel is lovely - old building but they are gradually refurbishing everywhere. The food (breakfast & dinner) was amazing and not overpriced and the staff were friendly and helpful. They do a nice afternoon tea as well.

The wait staff were good. But the food was just average. The view has nice. There is nothing else to say.

My husband & I stayed at the Metropole a few years ago and compared to many B&Bs; in Padstow it rates very low for us and we wouldn't stay again. But have just returned from 3 nights B & B in Padstow and everywhere was booked up to eat so I phoned the Brasserie and they had a table. And credit where it's due, we had a lovely meal served by a very friendly waitress. Very relaxed which is sometimes what you want rather than to be sat in a restaurant. Would definitely use again.

Lovely views with old fashioned good service. The Metropole has a certain comfortable elegance and is certainly worth consideration for a meal or Afternoon Tea. Good home made food with decent sized portions which offer value for money. The Afternoon Tea consisted of scones, biscuits, cake and sandwiches full of a variety of fillings along with a decent pot of tea. All whilst enjoying the superb views over the harbour !

Newly rebranded as the Brasserie @ The Met, we ate here several times while staying at the hotel. The food was always delicious and well-presented, and the surroundings are lovely with beautiful views. We love Padstow but if you want to escape the crowds this is a quiet haven. The food is certainly not overpriced by Padstow standards. And dogs are welcome too.

Perfect on a windy day, large choice of cakes inc Cornish scones etc. friendly service, sat out in the conservatory overlooking the Padstow harbour, just people watching.

Went on their Wednesday lunch set meal. Its fantastic value, great food (although not large) but very very good quality. Staff very polite and friendly, highly recommended

We are/were frequent visitors and last visited in June this year, could not previously fault food or service, however, this was not our experience this time. We arrived early evening and from the start it was hunt the staff! I can only assume that we were eventually served by two members of staff who worked in other capacities other than waiting on tables ! Is it not customary to lay a table when seating guests, not to wait until the food is served and they have to request them ! to clear away finished food before serving a dessert ? A request for French mustard for a steak was too much to comprehend. It really was a bizarre experience, right down to trying to pay the bill, we had to take it to the reception staff on the way out, less honest people could have just walked out !

A good variety of food choice you will not be disappointed great place with Harbour Views. Also if you are staying at the hotel you get a complimentary coffee or tea with Biscuits when you arrive

Visited Padstow recently and crowds horrific! Decided to try the metropole for a coffee and was not disappointed at all!reasonably priced with the bonus of three delicious home made biscuits will definitely visit again.

In our hotel. Good service and good food. The fresh crab sandwiches are very good, particularly with a large glass of Shiraz!

Had a gorgeous afternoon tea here overlooking Padstow Harbour. Excellent value, home made chocolate muffins and delicious selection of homemade biscuits. A must!

A very dated and shabby hotel which could do with a super refurbishment, as it borders on depressing. The food is all right, overpriced though, and the staff always look as if the end of the world is nigh. Great view and the coffee is good but I wouldn't eat here again.

Have been coming here for years. Perfect lounge with the best view in Padstow. Great food & great coffee (served with Rick Stein biscuits). Highly recommend

Pleasant escape to the quiet Victorian hotel setting.

Liked the straightforward menu, very simple but with enough variety to suit all tastes.liked the bar staff who were friendly and helpful

Padstow is a busy harbour - so the Metropole is a welcome break from the bustle of the town - gorgeous views and a relaxing break

Lovely large scone with fruit lots of quaint shops good value and ideal area for crabbing and you can arrange and book fishing trip for various times

Creams teas here are dreadful, sconces were tiny little bullets, replacements just as bad. Staff really didn't care! Two glasses of wine and a lemonade and lime £16.60 a tad over the top I felt, but was with friends so hay ho!!

We had dinner here as the "celebrity" restaurants in the town were packed and we hadn't booked. Food was perfectly okay and the views were lovely. Don't think we would rush to go back but nothing to dislike. Not very busy while the rest of the town was.

Just dropped in for a pot of Earl Grey. Tea comes served with lovely home made biscuits, shortbread, ginger and chocolate chip. Lovely views over the estuary to Rock. Staff friendly, efficient and relaxed. A pile of the Western Morning News to read. A lovely place to while away an hour.

I think that it’s quite imaginative of the Metropole’s owners to label their terrace area as ‘The Met’

This hotel is well situated with panoramic views - very enjoyable were it not for the accumulated bird excrement on the large plate glass windows. We called in for coffee despite the already faded atmosphere we had found on a previous visit and and concluded that this once character hotel is decidedly now slowly sliding off its perch. Staff seemed detached but their attention was probably taken by ensuring they did not trip on the carpeting which is badly threadbare and worn in parts. Basic hygiene was not respected - our table was not wiped down and obvious crumbs left from previous diners went untouched by the staff. A housekeepers trolley and vacuum were parked in a main corridor at midday. Management need to wake up and start caring for their clients. Cornwall already has too many unemployed. To summarise a disappointing experience and extremely sad to see this icon of Padstow so shabby and no longer chic.

Very pleasant environment, polite service and nice food. Would recommend, and will be calling in here again.

The "Met Cafe Bar" as they call it has the same chefs preparing the food of course as in the restaurant but in an informal atmosphere.The fish platter I had was presented very well on a piece of slate. The crabmeat had a delicious flavour, and went well with the smoked salmon and prawns. My wife's mussels disappeared pretty quick too! The service was friendly and polite. We were just visiting for lunch, but having stayed here over the years on business and visited for lunch many times before whilst on holiday I can confirm that others comments about the slow service are true, but when here to relax......what's the rush?

Visited the Met today for a light bite arround half one. The hotel is in a great location and the views from the conservatory are magnificent.

Nice and quiet out of season. Early evening is best. Good selection of drinks and curtious and efficient service. No need to be a resident to enjoy The Metropole's excellent hospitality.

My partner and I enjoyed a very pleasant meal in a tired Hotel with great views over the bay. The scallops starter and chicken liver parfait were very good . The main courses of fillet of beef and cod and crab were fine but nothing to write home about.My partner had the open cheese cake for desert and gave it 10 out of 10. I enjoyed a bottle of reasonably priced cotes du Rhone and all in the bill was just under £100 . Reasonable but not great value for money. The staff were very friendly and a credit to the hotel.

Refined and cosy and a lovely view on the Camel. Fancy delicious crab sandwiches with a glass of white wine. Delicious cheese platter.

We had lovely cream teas one afternoon. My son had a great steak and chips instead of the three course evening meal so that he could drive to Plymouth to watch Bristol Rovers! He is a dedicated fan! Thanks to all the staff for being so flexible.

Wonderful home made cookies & lovely view of the estuary

Lovely food and comfortable with fab views of the esturary

Jodie, who served us for lunch, was so nice and helpful. She was absolutely super in terms of being really friendly, but not intrusive. Also the lunch (all seafood) was excellent.

nice place for a snack lunch, good choice and to sit and have a drink and just enjoy the views very pleasant.

A very nice place for a relaxing quiet lunch, drink of coffee with grat views of the padstow.

A realy good selection of dishes which should suit all tastes.The view from the indoor terrace area over the Camel Estuary is fantastic.

This is the second time we have visited Padstow this year and our third in all. This time we noticed the Cafe Bar was advertised and not being residents of the hotel we thought we would give it a try. We had to laugh as there seemed to be a plethora of Hungarian waiting staff but they all speaked good English and were very helpful. An old established English hotel with foreign waiting staff..ah well a sign of the times I guess. Gabor served us so it was easy to remember his name and of course we referred to him as Zsa Zsa (but not to his face!) Anyway I have got sidetracked. We looked at the actual restaurant for dining but it was too expensive for us, not quite as much as Rick Stein's but we wanted to try the Cafe Bar and the location was superb with stunning views of the Camel Estuary. The alcohol was reasonably priced as were the meals although the sample menu on the website was a little outdated as prices were actually more expensive. we spent two evenings there and thoroughly enjoyed it, the foods was first class and reasonably priced. So if you fancy a little bit of 4 Star Hotel without the 4 Star price go to the Cafe Bar at the Metropole. Alas we will not return but that's only because we shall be trying South Cornwall (Fowey) next year. Sue and Lindsay, Southampton