The Jolly Sailor

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#10 of 61 Restaurants in PorthcawlBar, British, ££ - £££

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.

The Jolly Sailor

Review

At a glance

Closed now

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Website

+44 1656 782403Improve this listing

About

Travellers' Choice

2024

Features

CUISINES

Bar, British, Pub, Welsh

Meal types

Lunch, Dinner, After-hours, Drinks

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

FEATURES

Accepts Credit Cards

Free Wifi

Full Bar

Highchairs Available

Outdoor Seating

Parking Available

Reservations

Seating

Serves Alcohol

Table Service

Location

1 Church Street Newton, Porthcawl CF36 5PD Wales

Parking Available

Is this a pub?

Yes

Unsure

Save this restaurant

Hours

Suggest an edit

Closed now

• Opens at 12:00 PM

Sunday

12:30 - 15:00

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

12:00 - 14:0018:00 - 21:00

Wednesday

12:00 - 14:0018:00 - 21:00

Thursday

12:00 - 14:0018:00 - 21:00

Friday

12:00 - 14:0018:00 - 21:00

Saturday

12:00 - 14:0018:00 - 21:00

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4.4

291 reviews

Excellent

192

Very good

Average

Poor

Terrible

Dayln

Redditch26 contributions

Family Sunday lunch and catching up with an old friend and his partner

Aug 2024 • family

We had a Sunday lunch here and I will say that it was superb!! The four of us all had the Lamb and the portion size of the meat was spot on. My Mother had a child’s portion that also was spot on. The vegetables along with the Cauliflower cheese and mash potatoes was also a good size and cooked perfectly. The Gravy was also very good and we could have more if you asked. The service was very good and the staff were very friendly. You do need to book in advance. We then moved from the restaurant area to the Bar and the atmosphere was brilliant as were the locals. The bar staff were bang on and also remembered the order every time. We will be going back to the Jolly Sailor again for the lunch and a few beers. Highly recommended!!

Written 26 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.

Desri D

Builth Wells92 contributions

Just passing through…5*

Jan 2025 • family

Called in this Pub today whilst driving through the village and by chance they had a table of three spare for Sunday Lunch. Choice of four meats We had 2 Lamb & 1 Pork. Meat was so tender, plenty of veg & extra gravy. Everything was lovely inc the staff. You can always tell a good pub when strangers call into a locals pub & get made to feel very welcome. Thank you x

Written 19 January 2025

Chris D

37 contributions

Excellent

Mar 2024 • couples

We was staying at a local holiday park and didn't really care to much on the bar and restaurant facilities on site. Early on in our trip we ventured inland and stumbled across this little gem of a place. The first few evenings we stayed only for drinks which were very reasonably priced served by freindly and attentive staff. We had a meal here on our last night in the area and the food along with the waitress that looked after us was absolutely top notch. Definitely recommend thanks for a real treat

Written 23 March 2024

Michael Ruck

Thank you 😊

Written 24 May 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Caroline T

9 contributions

Ruined my birthday

Aug 2023 • family

We went here for my birthday meal out and to do the quiz but it ended with both my mother and myself in tears due to the downright rudeness of the lady manager. Yes, we were late after 3 cars all driving from various locations in Wales (and not being able to park anywhere close enough for my disabled dad and pregnant sister) but we did try to ring ahead only for no one to answer. Seabass was ordered off the menu and, on arrival, tasted nothing like Seabass. The waitress then said they were out of the usual Seabass so had given me the special in a disgustingly salty paprika sauce. We explained that this was not what we thought we'd ordered and she said she'd send the manager over. Rather than apologise for their error, she started shouting at me for being late. It was the final straw after an incredibly stressful day with our autistic children in all the traffic jams and so I got up and left. The others enjoyed their meal but at the end, my mum thanked the waitress (who was lovely!) for removing the Seabass from the bill, only for the manager to come and put it back on! I work in hospitality myself and we would never dream of doing this! My family had left a sizeable tip for the waitress but mum felt that if she was being charged for a meal that I'd literally had 2 mouthfuls off that she'd have to use the tip to cover it. The manager than accused mum of being mean for removing the poor waitress's tip when technically it was her that had done so. In contrast, we've come to a lovely accommodating place this evening who actually know how to treat their guests. Would definitely avoid if you're likely to be late as you will get told off like a naughty child!!

Written 10 August 2023

Michael Ruck

We have already answered this review on google but if you feel the need to copy and paste the same review on multiple sites then that's up to you. Your Sister actually pulled me a side and apologised for your behaviour that night and left my team a tip. when writing a review it should be based on truth and facts. Thank goodness for CCTV.

Written 12 August 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Nick Barron

Stafford21 contributions

Small portions

Aug 2023 • family

We come to Trecco bay every year and we always pay a visit to The Jolly sailor, but this is the 1st time we have left disappointed. I ordered the beef brisket , the wife ordered the chicken with peppercorn sauce and to be honest they was like child portions served in a shallow bowl with a handful of chips on both something we’ve never experienced here before as the portion sizes have always been brilliant , my 10 year old son ordered the kids pasta which came in a very very small bowl , but I don’t think it would have filled a 3 year old up served with a small bit of garlic bread , his mate ordered the beef burger that was actually the best value for money as his plate was full of chips . All the meals were nice , but 3 of left hungry and for the price we paid we expected more , we will however return again next year hopefully the portion sizes will be sorted out .

Written 4 August 2023

Michael Ruck

Thanks for your feedback and please do come again. Any issues next time then please don't hesitate to mention them on the day to staff. Thanks

Written 12 August 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Frank B

Bournemouth21 contributions

An unbelievable attitude in the service industry!

May 2024 • couples

Just wanted something light as had enjoyed a late lunch down the coast. We both ordered the soup of the day (creamed vegetable curry.) Service was quick but the soup was EXTREMELY salty. Added some mango chutney in an effort to make it edible. Neither of us could or wanted to finish our portion so left a substantial amount in both bowls. The landlady (Michelle) collected the bowls and did not enquire as to how the food was. I then called her over and said that it would be good to give feedback to the chef regarding the saltiness of the soup. “The chef who cooked it is not on duty tonight.” A few minutes later, she returned - “I’ve spoken to the chef and he says there was NO salt added!” I enquired as to whether she had tasted it….”Yes, and I don’t think it’s salty!” What an incredible attitude to have in the service industry! Never to return!!!!

Written 23 May 2024

Michael Ruck

Incredible attitude to have??? You mean my opinion and the exact facts that NO salt had been added after you said it was shop bought soup when I said it was homemade so I know exactly what ingredients were used. You also didn't leave that much and you had also threatened me with trip advisor a couple of times so this review is no surprise if I'm honest but pleased to see you will not return.

Written 24 May 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

jill H

Stretton on Fosse84 contributions

Very misleading website

Aug 2022 • none

I was very disappointed when I tried to book 2 evening meals and was told that they don’t accept bookings for the bar area and dogs are only allowed in the bar area. Even eating outdoors is not an option as they don’t serve outdoors in the evening and they pretty much told me not to bother coming as they would probably not be able to fit us into the bar on spec as booked customers got priority. Very very odd since there are no bookings accepted for the bar area apparently!! I gather they just don’t want dogs. That’s fair enough but it should not be advertised clearly as a dog friendly pub on their website. Going to the Swan instead which is very dog friendly

Written 30 August 2022

Michael R

Thanks for your feedback

Written 7 September 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

jon c

11 contributions

Good birthday meal

Apr 2023 • none

Teenage daughter had been here before so suggested we took my partner there for birthday meal. Lovely setting especially in sunny conditions great lively atmosphere where people were drinking outside. We went inside restaurant part of pub and it was a little small but we found that intimate and created nice ambience. We had checked out the online menu but when we had the actual menu there were quite a few further options to choose from. We all wanted the beef brisket so we ordered a couple of roundsif drinks and waited for food. The food came in timely manner only problem was three portions of beef brisket were succulent and meat falling apart but the fourth was hardly Any meat and huge amounts of fat. We pointed this out to server who apologised and did agree to give a complete new plate. When this arrived this was as good as the other three. Portions were large meat was juicy and succulent and all food piping hot. Server was polite and helpful throughout. There wasn't a large amount of deserts to choose from with many options so we decided against it. But we all thoroughly enjoyed the rest if the food and would recommend for others to try and we would come back

Written 8 April 2023

Michael Ruck

Thank you

Written 22 June 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

ReRooted H

1 contribution

What an incredible, traditional, village pub with great food and wonderful staff!

Aug 2023 • friends

What an incredible, traditional, village pub with great food and wonderful staff! After moving to this area recently, I, a gay man with 3 dogs, have received the most incredible welcome by absolutely everyone who works and frequents this place. I can honestly say that I have utilised this space for all it has to offer, from drinks, to off the cuff culinary nourishment, which isn’t always easy as a vegetarian, and I have loved every moment and taste! I have introduced many of my friends to this place when celebrating and not one of them have ever been disappointed, in fact, they have all commented on the cleanliness, the efficiency and the quality of everything they have experienced! Thank you so much for your consistency, your acceptance, and your continued quality in everything you do, you’re all awesome!!!

Written 12 August 2023

Michael Ruck

Thank you so much for your review 😊

Written 17 August 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Brian M

Manchester29 contributions

Nice pub but.......

Sept 2023 • couples

Nice wee pub and staff polite. Unfortunately on our first visit when we went for lunch. I asked if we ordered food at the bar or table service. The lady said at the bar. When I come back to bar to order "oh sorry, we just stopped. We stop serving at 13:45" could they not have told me this 10 minutes ago at 13:35 when I asked for a menu and where to order. Obviously not!

Written 21 September 2023

Michael Ruck

Thanks for your feedback, apologies this happened.

Written 23 February 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Tim R

26 contributions

Lovely food and nice atmosphere.

Apr 2023 • couples

Stopped for lunch after taking our dog for a run on Newton Beach. Dogs are allowed in bar, which was cosy with very friendly locals. I had the Dragons Breath curry which was one of the best currys I’ve had in a while. My wife had the Beetroot and Goat Cheese Salad which she said was also delicious. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area. Car parking is easy enough as they share a car park with the Ancient Briton pub.

Written 25 April 2023

Michael Ruck

Thank you

Written 22 June 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Alyson R

Cardiff3 contributions

Fantastic Sunday Lunch !

Sept 2022 • none

I visited last year whilst holidaying at the caravan park, had the best Sunday roast ever! This year I invited 3 friends down to join us after telling them about the amazing food, and we weren't disappointed this year! Large portions, all home cooked and meats absolutely delicious (we had the turkey and the lamb). Staff were very friendly, despite how busy they were and a really fair price. I wished I was local as I would be back every week - and would love to try the homemade curries on Tuesday nights! May be worth a special trip from Cardiff lol. Highly recommend.

Written 12 September 2022

Michael R

Thank you, glad you enjoyed

Written 12 September 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Brenda

Porthcawl4 contributions

Local

Aug 2022 • family

staff overworked, food was underwhelming, batter with little fish content, chips frozen and tasteless, no side salad or garnish , fish cakes overcooked . Restaurant prices for low quality pub grub. Won’t go back.

Written 10 August 2022

Michael R

Thanks for your feedback

Written 7 September 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Pat M

4 contributions

Rude staff and Poor food

May 2022 • family

Called for drinks and a meal with family and small dog. We placed meal order and paid at 5.30 and told it would be served at 6. At 6.15 we were told we would have to eat in the restaurant but couldn't take our dog. This wasn't an option. We were told very rudely we would have to wait until 7 to be served in the bar. Food arrived at 7.15 and to be honest if we had known how poor it was going to be we wouldn't have bothered. Gammon like leather and worst vegan burger ever. Would not go back.

Written 3 May 2022

Michael R

Thanks for your feedback

Written 7 September 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Tim R

26 contributions

Great food and friendly staff.

Oct 2024 • couples

Came in 2022 and really enjoyed it, so decided on another visit. We were not disappointed. Friendly staff and great food. My wife had the Hake which she said was delicious, I had the Trio of Lamb Chops, they were beautiful and tasty, but you’ll need to be hungry to finish them. All this and dog friendly, what more could you want.

Written 15 October 2024