The Cornish Arms - St Ives

This is a very traditional pub featuring a cozy fireplace and a lively atmosphere filled with locals (plus, dogs are welcome!). They offer a good selection of beers on tap. We were quite hungry and had to wait a long time for a table, only to find out that their policy is to order food first and then you get a table, which seemed a bit unusual. However, the meal definitely made up for the wait. I had the lamb shank, which was incredibly tender and practically fell off the bone. The mashed potatoes were decent, but the red wine sauce elevated the dish, and the vegetables were fresh. I also sampled the sausage and mash my partner ordered, which was very flavorful. Overall, I really enjoyed the dinner and the ambiance, and I would definitely come back again.

Eventually, when she finally approached us, she informed us that we needed to move tables because the one we were at was reserved—despite there being no sign indicating this. We moved to another table without issue. We then waited another ten minutes, during which the waitress continued to overlook us. By this time, another couple who had just arrived tried to ask for menus but were also ignored. Feeling quite frustrated and hungry, my boyfriend went to the bar to order drinks, find menus, and make our presence known. He returned with our drinks and one menu, and we began to look at the food options. Just then, the waitress came over and told us that this table was also reserved (again, with no sign indicating so, and we had been told to sit there earlier). When we requested to move to another table, she told us that they were all reserved. At this point, I simply suggested that they should put "Reserved" signs on the tables so that customers would know. Her response was rude, saying they knew which tables were reserved and that she knew how to run a business. I was appalled by her attitude. All I did was offer a suggestion that many restaurants implement to prevent such issues. While she did offer our drinks on the house, we were so frustrated by this point that we left them untouched and went elsewhere. I do not recommend this place for dining; it's better suited as a pub. The service was terrible, and the staff was rude and arrogant. I consider myself a patient person, but I’ve never encountered a restaurant as awful as this, and I have dined out extensively (having even worked as a waitress myself).

This pub definitely has potential. I may have just been unfortunate during my visit, as I was one of only two customers there in the early evening. I appreciate a quiet drink, but there is such a thing as being too quiet. On the bright side, the music and décor were quite impressive. They played hits from the 60s, and the pub has a charming, old-world vibe, especially in the front area, which I really liked. They offer a couple of real ales, including Doom Bar and Sharp's Own, during my visit. However, the lagers they serve are among the worst I've encountered—pretty much the bottom three. I usually rely on Stella to help me decide on a score, but I can't bring myself to give a 4 to such an empty pub. I think I'll return on a weekend or later in the evening for a better experience and a more accurate impression.

A traditional looking pub with a traditional Cornish Welcome. Friendly Staff and great food. Well worth having lunch or dinner here.

A lovely and very friendly pub .. If you have a dog, it will be allowed in night and day. It's slightly immersed in the old style decor, but they serve food, nice drinks and the locals are chatty and nice .. If you do not like this pub, try visiting a Middlesbrough town centre pub to correct your judgement ..