The Badger Inn

This feels like a proper local pub, with regulars chatting at the bar and board games and quiz cards around. The staff were welcoming, and some of the locals had a chat with us too. It was a nice place to stop for lunch or dinner after our day trip to Lelant. We ordered mains from the specials board. The mash was fluffy and buttery, the onion rings were homemade, and the portions were hearty. The crispy chicken flatbread was so big it barely fit on the plate. Once we spotted the homemade Key lime pie, we all wanted pudding. I had the brownie with raspberry sorbet, which was gooey and generously served. We also saw the man who had made the pie having a drink at the bar.

The barman was nice and there was plenty of parking. Inside looked alright but didn't feel cosy, and I wouldn't bother with the beer garden again. The benches looked worn and the garden seemed overdue for a revamp. I also didn't like having to drink from plastic beakers. Maybe some customers can't be trusted not to drop glassware outside, but Wetherspoonsvon the local beach were happy to use glasses outdoors.

We had a lovely Sunday lunch on 30th November. The chef was excellent at carving the meat, and everything was presented very professionally. The staff were polite and clearly knew their jobs, and the food was wholesome and affordable. We'd go again. A couple of things weren't quite right for us: the roast potatoes tasted reheated, and by the time we'd filled our plates and sat down, the meal was only warm. We all have different preferences, of course, and it won't always be just like Granny made it.

The front-of-house team were lovely, kind and helpful, so we had no complaints about the service. The food was a letdown for the price, though: £220 for six people. I work in hospitality and know how hard it can be, which is why I don't usually leave negative reviews, but I did feel disappointed. The rarebit was cold in the middle. Most of the food was oily, including the steak sauce, which had oil floating on it and looked curdled. The beef casserole was mostly chunks of beef and carrots, and the bread butter was sitting on top and melted into an oily mess. My medium rare steak arrived medium-well, nearly well done. I hate asking for a replacement, but when I did, I was told it would take at least 10 minutes. I said not to worry, and suddenly it could be done in two minutes, but the replacement came without mushrooms. It could be a nice place to drop in for a drink, but the food didn't match what we paid. A bit more care in food prep would make a difference.