The Halfway House Pub & Kitchen

The Halfway House Pub & Kitchen

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+44 1503 232986+ Add website
Hours
Sun
9:00 - 23:00
Mon
12:00 - 23:00
Tue
12:00 - 23:00
Wed
12:00 - 23:00
Thu
12:00 - 23:00
Fri
12:00 - 23:00
Sat
9:00 - 0:00
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What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Travellers' Choice 2024

RATINGS
Food
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Atmosphere
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, Bar, British, Pub, Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options
Special Occasion Dining, Romantic, Groups, Bar Scene, Business meetings
Does this restaurant accept bookings?
About
The Halfway House Pub & Kitchen is a family run, local village pub based in the heart of Polbathic, serving quality real ales and wines from around the world. Set in the Cornish countryside along the river Lynher and a short distance from many beaches including Whitsand Bay and Seaton. Here at the Halfway House our ethos is to exceed expectations. We have roaring open fires during the cold winter months, a large, family friendly, beer garden which hosts our annual Ale, Cider & Pie Festival in the summer, and live bands all year round. The Halfway House also has five letting rooms, a restaurant serving the finest fresh and locally sourced food, free Wi-Fi and dogs are welcome!
PRICE RANGE
£17.00 – £32.00
CUISINES
Bar, British, Pub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Mastercard, Visa, Free Wifi, Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Dog Friendly
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5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles430 reviews
Excellent
378
Very good
31
Average
10
Poor
5
Terrible
6

Rosie C
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 family
We popped into the halfway house reminiscing down members lane with my parents who were over from France and lived in the area 20 years ago. No words can do this place justice. Everything from the food, the service, the atmosphere was 5*. Only clean plates were left on the table. The owner who served us was incredible. Such a friendly and genuinely lovely person ! We were lucky enough to have most of our meals brought out by her husband, the chef who was also exceptional and is an incredible chef. We all walked out after our meal and said how it was one of the best meals we’ve had for a long time… maybe EVER! (and my parents are not the easiest to please when it comes to eating out) Long story short, do not drive past and not stop in. You will not be disappointed! Is looking at houses around Polbathic to make the halfway our local to extreme….?
Written 8 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Cruiser25096210097
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 couples
We had the most wonderful lunch here, the vegetable homily pie with apple and walnut salad was one of the best I have eaten , so good to cater so well for vegetarians. My partner had the teriyaki salmon which he praised as sweet and succulent. I would recommend this pub for lunch as it’s fabulous food, great value for money with 15% discount for two courses, ( the chocolate brownie was a delight of crisp outside n moist chocolate gooey inside) a triumph all round . Well done Kate & Jags and the lovely waitress.
Written 17 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

James M
London4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 family
We had an all round fantastic experience at The Halway House on Saturday night. The customer service was exemplary from booking a table to paying the bill. When calling we were advised that they were having a pie and ale festival, which meant some changes to the menu for the evening. This was alright by us as there was still plenty of choice available. On arrival the staff kindly found us a quiet nook to accomodate my older father-in-law. From there our 2 attentive servers, Izzy and Viv looked after us with patience, professionalism and good humour, even laughing at my father-in-laws predictable jokes. The food was also outstanding with cooking skills and evident care taken in the kitchen a big step up from usual pub dinners. Burgers, made with local beef and perfectly cooked to medium as requested, were juicy and full of flavour. Accompanying fries were deliciously crisp as was calamari, scampi we had for starters and we've not had better halloumi outside of Greece. Puddings - a white chocolate and lemon tart balanced perfectly with a generous scoop of blackcurrant sorbet - were also excellent! I can't wait to return to try dishes from the full menu. Getting 'basics' right is not 'basic' at all. If it was, all pubs would be this good. The Halway House is a cut above in every respect.
Written 19 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Philmillsm2ppm
6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2024 friends
Went for a Christmas get together with friends the service and food were all really good. The food was served on a timely way so that we all could eat together. We had a range of dietary needs from vegetarian to allergy and they met all our needs really well. We were not hurried but there was enough attention to make sure drinks could be ordered and tables cleared. I would really recommend this hidden gem.
Written 18 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

crickedge
88 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 friends
Dont miss out on wednesday bingo 5pm ish start good value and great cash prizes with a chance to win the £200 Jackpot! £15 for 3 games and for an extra £5 you get a choice out of 2 meals to pick from for after bingo! Last night 2 of us had the chicken lasagne very tasty and our friends had the smoked salmon sweet chilli salad! Which they said was delicous!! Well done to the chef!. Bingo is fun and maddy is a brilliant bingo caller barmaid and waitress you will certainly hear your numbers called! all in all a great fun few hours! We cant wait till next weds,well done the halfway!
Written 6 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sandy R
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 couples
We stayed for one night and an enjoyable one too. The owners and staff went above and beyond to accommodate us and made us feel very welcome. The room was spacious, clean and very comfortable. We had our evening meal in the restaurant and the steak was excellent and Ellie who served us was very friendly too. In the morning we had breakfast in the restaurant, served by the owners and again so accommodating, Lloyd even went out to buy locally sourced ingredients for our breakfast!! . We both had a very memorable stay and would recommend for anyone to stay there. Sandy & Peter Reeves
Written 28 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Claire L
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 family
What a lovely, friendly place to stay; we were here for my sister's wedding so stayed for two nights. The family all had dinner at the Halfway House on the night we arrived, and they coped admirably with the complex food intolerances we presented them with. For breakfast the next morning, they offered to make me gluten-free pancakes with maple syrup, which was not on the menu, which I thought very kind (and also delicious!) By the following morning strawberries had been added to the offering, and I understand that this combination will be arriving on the menu very soon as it was such a hit! All in all, it was clear that this pub is run by a couple who love their job and will go out of their way to be accommodating. We couldn't have wished for more.
Written 4 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

richard h
Worcestershire44 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 friends
This was our second visit to the Halfway House after our first excellent meal decided to bring friends on our next trip to Cornwall. It is such a great atmosphere in the pub with both the staff and locals being very accommodating to visitors. The food was excellent again and the portion sizes are perfect leaving you satisfied but not overfull, the specials were different to our last visit. I can recommend the Cornish mussels as either a main or a starter as both delicious. looking forward to my next visit to Cornwall so we can come again.
Written 27 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Brian O
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2024 family
On holiday in Cornwall and booked Sunday Lunch here at the Halfway House - the food was amazing, everything was cooked to perfection. The owner and staff were so friendly, special shout out to Viv, Kelsey and Izzy - excellent service. We enjoyed it so much, we went back for dinner and joined the locals for a game of bingo, great fun! Great find, highly recommend.
Written 20 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

bcassociates
Dorchester2 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 friends
This place was not up to a good standard. We had to sit outside to wait for our table to be ready. When we were taken up to the table it was up a grubby back staircase to a very shabby bare room with one large round table and a smaller square table at the side of it. The cutlery and water glasses were stuck to the table with a sticky surface(no table coverings). The food arrived and the spicy prawns looked overcooked and in dark brown breadcrumbs. The main course was served and my ham, egg and chips was covered in balsamic vinegar? Others were not enamoured either. We settled up and left but the rest of the party were staying at the pub. The next day we were due to have an evening meal for 20+ but cancelled due to previous experiences. On the good point the staff Niamh, Ellie and Lowenna were very good at their jobs and pleasant. I would not go here again.
Written 8 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

James coles
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022 friends
I went for dinner at the halfway house earlier this evening with a few friends , I was welcomed in by very friendly staff and I was quickly seated and had an order taken. For dinner I ordered the chicken and mushroom tagliatelle and was not disappointed! It was absolutely delicious and very good priced for quantity, also my lovely waitresses Ellie b, Kerry and piper made sure the whole experience was just how I wanted it and were very attentive. I highly recommend this pub and will definitely be visiting again :)
Written 5 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Leanne M
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 couples
Visited for Sunday lunch today. Wow, what can we say ?! It was absolutely delicious. Pork belly was the best we have ever had, meat was so tender and the crackling perfectly cooked and well seasoned; vegetables were so fresh and perfectly al dente, spuds spot on and gravy delicious. Homemade Yorkshire puds to finish it off. Portion sizes were generous, we left full to the brim. Price great with 2 courses for £20, 3 courses for £25. The variety on the menu was good and everything is made fresh, no frozen rubbish. it is our new favourite food pub :-) Staff were attentive and friendly , invited to the bar for live, afternoon music, the atmosphere was just lovely. Thank you Kerry, Lowenna, Chloe, Jago, and of course the landlord for such an accommodating experience. We will be recommending to everyone that we know. It was much needed, and very much appreciated:-)
Written 8 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Alice B
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021 family
At 7.15pm we had asked at the bar whether there was a table for 4 that we could book, and were encouraged to do so, though we had been warned that there was a large table booked so could we have a drink in the bar first, absolutely fine. An hour later, still in the bar, after having to listen to very loud rock music and watching a dog wee against the piano, we were taken into the much nicer dining room. There were 3 tables already seated but all were quite small covers, and we were aware of the larger group upstairs. Even though 4 staff were serving, it took 15 minutes for a waitress to come to the table, offering to take our order except we still hadn't even been given menus or offered drinks! Another wait. Finally having our order taken at 8.30pm (all 4 of which were some form of fish and chips) we waited, and waited, and waited. As did one of the other tables near us. Checking with the waitress a couple of times she said "oh we've got a big table so it'll be a while longer" but didn't offer anything to tide us over as we sat for the next hour, still waiting, even after the food had gone through to the big table upstairs. Upon asking her again, she said it would be maximum 5-10 minutes, so we waited for that time again, by which point it was nearly 10pm and we decided to leave without eating. Equally the other table also hadn't eaten, and they'd ordered both starters and mains. I get that sometimes kitchens have disasters, but the bit that was most disappointing was the fact that when telling the lead waitress we were leaving there was not one word of apology, she just seemed annoyed along with her younger waitresses pulling faces at each other behind her and then she still felt the need to present the bill for our drinks (most of which were soft!!). If there had been any word as to why there had been an issue tonight, or any attempt at apologising for the enormously long wait, I'd have totally understood. However, to encourage us to join a table in a near empty pub, and then not provide any food for nearly 3 hours is completely unacceptable and we would definitely not recommend visiting.
Written 9 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PauloP
Many thanks for taking the time to leave a review based on your experience, as well as contacting us privately and using all other social media platforms to your disposal to put forward the same message. While I don’t quite understand the necessity to repeat yourself, it is, of course, your prerogative to do so, as is your entitlement to report as many fallacies as you like. Now, as TripAdvisor reviews are naturally taken with a pinch of salt, I may have let you have your 5 minutes of keyboard attacking fame and ignore your attempt to shame us. However considering that your review and lies have horrified and upset our team, who not only work extremely hard, but also seldom have a bad word said against them, something has to be said. After speaking with the team, including the “head waitress”, (who has recently accepted promotion to owner, well done her), the other tables dining with us that evening, and considering it was myself who initially served you, I’d like to take this opportunity to clear some things up. 7pm - one of your party arrived for a drink in the bar 7:15 - said party member took a phone call 7:16 - concerned looking party member asked “is there a booking in the name of ******* at 7:30” 7:17 - party member relayed the message on the phone that their wasn’t a booking in their name. Based on facial expressions, and the repetition of “I’m sat in the bar” - It’s a fair assumption that the other half of that phone call was taking place in another Halfway House. (An easy mistake to make, there are three in the area) 7:20 - we were asked if we can fit a table of 4 in 7:21 - we bent over backwards to fit a table of four in, advising at the time how busy we are in the middle of a Saturday Evening Service, with three large tables expected, and that there will be a considerable wait. Takeaway food for our regulars was already up to an hour at this point. 7:22 - while we waited for the other members of the party, Myself and the gentleman discussed that it would be best to have a drink in the bar and move through to the restaurant at a more convenient time, likely 9pm. The lesser alternative being you could have sat in the restaurant and waited at least 2 hours before you could be seen. 7:35 - yourself and the rest of the party arrive, not looking happy, fair enough when you’ve booked the wrong restaurant / not booked at all, and potentially have no-where to eat on a Saturday Evening. 7:36 - our advice to sit in the bar was accepted by yourself begrudgingly, because “your hungry”. Well so were the other diners, fortunately they booked in advance, turned up at the right restaurant, at the right time, and were served in a timely manner, and by all accounts thoroughly enjoyed their meals, and the service. 7:37 - 8:35 at some point, while you had drinks in the bar, you failed to bring to our attention that a dog urinated on our piano. Alternatively, it never happened. 8:35 - you moved through to the restaurant, early, with drinks in your hands, so no, a drinks order wouldn’t be taken, would it? We must apologies for the one oversight of our team during your visit. A cross communication meant that the waiting team believed you’d viewed the evening’s menu in the bar, and therefore didn’t deliver the menu to your table as you sat down. 9:10 your order was put through to the kitchen who are getting through the other orders for the other tables and yours naturally is put later in the order - behind the booked tables. At the time of your decision to walk out, your meals were being plated up. If you wish to discuss any of the above, with myself again, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Regards Lloyd Halliday Headwaitress@halfwayhousepolbathic.co.uk 07794635845
Written 11 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Sarah Johannes
Bath9 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 family
We were initially put off eating here. The outside looks as though it hasn't been cleaned for months, lots of leaves, litter and weeds. We parked up, and had a conversation about whether we should chance it. The need for a cup of tea and loo break, decided that for us. The inside is quaint, but shoddy paint job, and decor added to us not wanting to eat here. However, we seen food going out for customers sat in the restaurant and it looked amazing. We took a punt and ordered the roast. The potatoes were hard, they were cooked on the inside, but the outside was tough and we all struggled to cut them. Were they yesterday's ? We all left the potatoes and I noticed potatoes (the best part ) were being sent back by other diners. Potatoes aside the roast itself was delicious, beautifully cooked, fresh vegetables and the beef was succulent. Such ashame the potatoes were tough because otherwise it would perfect ! A good clear up outside, with attention to detail is what's needed, as that is usually a good indicator of the hygiene and standards and costs nothing. And we might come back if you're potatoes promise to be crispy rather than tough..
Written 30 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

cvanmanmike69
Downderry3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2022 family
From Fish & Chips to Sweet Potato and Spinach Curry to Mussel’s marinier. All served with a smile from efficient friendly local staff. The Mussels were throughly enjoyed and the servings were more than ample and at a very fair price. Thanks Lloyd and Kirsty and also to Kate and Niamh for a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Mike, Lynne and family.
Written 8 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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THE HALFWAY HOUSE PUB & KITCHEN, Polbathic - Updated 2025 Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor

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