The Slipway in Cornwall, Isles of Scilly

I have to admit that I am not the person that comments on anything and everything, nor do I ever right a review of my experience. If I am unsatisfied with the experience, I just won't return again. But ... I have been seeing the Development of this establishment for that past 20 years and treated myself quite often to a night or two in any of the corner or best suites ( highly recommend those ) and enjoyed the ambiance and service this hotel had to offer. Our experience: Arrival to the hotel : We planned to have drinks prior to our meal. Found the bar area as busy as usual. With no free seats in sight, I ask the Brasserie manager if we could order drinks in the main lounge, whereas we been told that there normally is service but he has no clue what they doing today. Not answer I was hoping for. The entrance to the main lounge also been blocked off for some reason. Luckily the wait at bar was sufficient enough to pass the time for a table to become vacant. In previous visits, a relaxed table service was offered but not this time for some reason . Guess it’s an informal 5 star service.. , had to ask for bar menus as neither been on the bar or tables to see what’s on offer. ( also no usual complimentary nuts that used to be offered ) Restaurant We arrived early to our Booking at the samphire and were delighted to be able to be seated, unfortunately without any menus. It took about 10-15 min of us staring holes into the warm air, when I lost my patients and had to get up from the table to ask for menus at the entrance of the Restaurant. Yet again it took quite a while for us to order drinks and food as it seemed to be a chaotic service with everyone doing everything and no restaurant Manager nor head waiter in sight ( please note.. all evening ) . The lack of attention to detail was incredible .. table settings with knives to left and forks to right on every table .. just wow - giggle Food and drinks order done. ( ordered a glass of white wine with my mains, which never arrived ).. Drinks arrived what seamed ages. Overheard table next to us complaining about the slow service too, which been given a small apology but no solution to increase the speed of service ( yet again a lack of management ) Noticed the young waiter being unfamiliar on how to correctly present a bottle of wine and opening it, which I thought should be a training standard for a 5 star establishment. not only did he seem untrained, he also dried his hands in a used napkin left on the table next to him where diners just left. The pork belly starter , was below luke warm which was shame as its been rather tasty. I guess if a portion of this size is sitting on a kitchen pass for mere 3 min, it naturally will loose its core temperature, suggestion.. Next time use a cloche! I wanted to point this out to the service but yet again no manager or headwaiter to be seen and the waiters seem too busy to be bothered. Once they did ask if everything is alright, but by that time we finished what we had on the plate ( which is not a lot if you are hungry ) Unfortunately the main course of the hen and the monk fish not been any better and yet again being luke warm. Dessert of the frangipane tart and pineapple been ok, but yet again no attention to detail, as the dessert been bought out without cutlery being replenished prior. Ordered coffee to be served in the lounge, which arrived with no sugar or spoon and had to be asked for separately. When I paid my bill, I mentioned that the wine I ordered with my main course never arrived. No apology was offered.. A "informal fine Dining " experience. 95% informal - 5 % fine Dining. :-( Over the past 20 years I always chose the Headland hotel for its perfection, attention to detail and impeccable service, this time it's not delivered to its promise which is a shame cause that's what I will remember.. Coming from a 4 to a 5 star .. I expected more ( go back to 4 stars !!! You been better then

I will start by saying the restaurant did reduce our bill and throw in a few free extras but we were very surprised by the quality and portioning of the food. At the time the cafe was very quiet but the staff seemed a little bit chaotic. Orders not being put through properly, items missed off and not knowing what beer they had available. A couple of us ordered the chicken burger (£13) and my son had the kids version (£8.50) but his came with chips. I was pretty shocked when we both received exactly the same sized portion. A small bun, 1/2 a small chicken fillet and one piece of lettuce, not exactly worth £13. The staff did even comment that they there was an issue but still felt it was fine to serve and just expect people to pay. The pizzas were but ok but again surprised when we we charged £3 for 2-3 sliced olives as an extra. We've eaten at many other places up and down the coast and based on our experience we would not return.

Excellent Sunday lunch, friendly and attentive service, relaxed atmosphere and with a great view of the Camel estuary

Had great meal at lunch time very friendly cosy pub and food was fresh hot and yummy recommend it landlord was very kind nothing to much trouble