The Windmill Inn, Portishead
+44 1275 818483+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Mon
10:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Tue
10:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Wed
10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Thu
10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Fri
10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sat
10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Bar, British, Pub, Gastropub, Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options
Special occasions, Scenic view, Large groups, Bar scene
Is this location primarily known for Bars & Pubs?
Details
About
At The Windmill Inn in Portishead its fresh home-made food fine real ale and great service that make the world go round
CUISINES
Bar, British, Pub, Gastropub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Free off-street parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Waterfront, Dog Friendly
Contribute
3.5
1,151 reviews
Excellent
321
Very good
362
Average
176
Poor
160
Terrible
132
Sarah C
Honiton6 contributions
Sep 2024 • family
Travelled to The Windmill for a family meal, there were 13 of us. Lovely sea view but the service was very slow, we asked for food to come out if possible almost together as all ordered in space of 5 mins but there were 5 or 10 minute delays between and even on same order with 1 meal not arriving for 20 minutes after everyone else!
We also felt the portion sizes were small except for the fish and chips! The food we had was also not very hot. Custard with pudding came in the smallest jug and was lumpy. Shame as on 1st impressions seemed a good place to meet up.
Written September 25, 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.
Rachel E
2 contributions
Oct 2024 • family
Went in for a family lunch. We felt it was really over priced for the quality of the food. We got olives to start while we decided what to have and was disappointed at being given a small bowl containing only kalamanta olives….no green or black. The mac n cheese was mushy and tasteless. The rest of the food ordered was very average but cost a lot for pub food..just expected much better in such a lovely location. The staff were polite, just disappointed with the food. Nice beers though.
Written October 29, 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.
Michael H
1 contribution
Apr 2023 • couples
Lovely venue, got ignored for some time on entry. When finally acknowledged the service was great. However the 5 roast beef dinners we ordered on sunday were overpriced and bland. I work with 3 people from portishead, on my return to work on monday they said i should have asked them 1st as they would ha e advised me of poor quality food as it has a poor reputation with allot of the locals. We were brought 1 meal too many and the wrong drinks. Usually i would return home with leftovers if there was allot. However this time we left it for the staff to dispose of
Written April 23, 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.
Windmill Portishead
Hi,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review.
I am sorry to hear that you were not happy with your food at The Windmill. We are currently working with the kitchen team to improve our offer. I hope that you give us another chance in the future.
Kind regards,
Jonna
Written May 31, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Helen G
Trowbridge6 contributions
Sep 2024 • friends
The service we received was very slow despite the restaurant only being half full. We had to wait quite some time before our orders were taken and then another 40 minutes after ordering before our food arrived. My husband had ordered the bacon chop and when this was delivered to our table it was accompanied by an overcooked and dry fried egg and a salad of slimy and sloppy wilted watercress that we sent back to the kitchen. The bacon chop returned with fresher watercress but unfortunately was overcooked and dry and my burger that I ordered, was overcooked and dry. Lunch today was disappointing because previously we have experienced good quality service and enjoyable food. There were only three members of staff waiting on tables including a friendly and polite waiter. One of the youngest waitresses repeatedly addressed us as ‘guys’ when delivering our meals etc, and in my opinion the use of that terminology when addressing customers is completely inappropriate. Please ask your staff to address customers correctly.
Written September 19, 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.
Alex F
17 contributions
Jun 2024 • family
Very disappointed not been for a few years definitely wont be back for dinner . Booked a table for a family birthday pre ordered . When arrived we was put on 2 separate tables which separated the party and didn't make us feel like we was together. The booker was told reason was there was a party of 30 coming in no party showed up whilst we was there. Air con not working so extremely hot when I asked if there was somewhere else for us to sit especially in the cooler middle section was told no we put bigger parties up stairs so can do table service . As we was ordering drinks from the bar ourselves to keep of the bill this did not effect us . As food was being taken out to other sections. More staff needed as service was slow at times on bar. Food came out in dribs and drabs over 10 minutes from 1st to last food brought out daughters burger was dry as it been left to last a good 5 minutes after all the other kids food she got anxious as thought they had forgotten her plus sauces was not offered till all food brought out kids were getting restless waiting for sauces. I ordered the chicken risotto big mistake risotto was crunchy but eatable the chicken was over cooked and was also very dry which I couldn't eat so sent back. I was offered replacement was told be 10 to 15 minutes but turned down as most of party finished food. Half the party had nearly finished food before all the food came out poor time management in kitchen. Others in the party found there burgers dry , the other risotto order was dry and the scampi was over cooked. Was a very disappointing meal for a few of us apart from those who had the fish and chips . The separate tables, no air-conditioning, food coming out dribs and drabs, short staff and dry food made it a very disappointing restaurant experience. We certainly won't be back to celebrate any special occasion as the kitchen was not able to time manage our order , not sat together, dry food. Very disappointing if only the standard matched the view
Written June 26, 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.
Windmill Portishead
Hi,
I am sorry to hear that you did not enjoy your experience here.
I wanted to look into this, if you could let me know what name the booking was made under so that I can speak to the staff working that day. If you could drop me an email on: windmill.portishead@fullers.co.uk
Kind regards,
Jonna
Assistant Manager
Written July 17, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bubbles61_10
Bristol47 contributions
Dec 2024 • friends
Very disappointing. Several Menu choices were unavailable which we were not told until after we had ordered. Food was underwhelming and expensive. £12 for a large glass of wine is a ridiculous price. When we asked for the desert menu at approx 8.30 pm we were told that the kitchen was closed - no prior warning was given. This is our local and the refurb and views cannot be faulted, but we won’t be back in a hurry.
.
Written December 31, 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.
Jen H
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • family
Poor food , we came for a Sunday roast , both had roast pork with crackling - pork was nice however the remaining was poor - crackling was inedible, vegetables unseasoned. Food took over an hour to come out. Told the staff who simply said no more crackling left and sorry . No option for complimentary dessert or drink or to take money off the bill for inedible food served . Do not come here and waste your money £20 per roast which is the most expensive roast we’ve paid and would compare to a toby carvery. Lovely views but would only recommend for a drink and not food
Written August 18, 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.
Tracey H
171 contributions
Aug 2024 • couples
What a wonderful Sunday lunch we’ve had today….
We booked before reading the reviews of previous visitors and when we read them, were slightly deterred and nearly cancelled.
We are so pleased we didn’t! What a wonderful welcome, excellently cooked, served and presented roast beef and accompaniments.
All cooked to perfection and the apple/blackberry mini crumble with a cup of tea option after was great value for money. I’d not have been able to eat a full portion and this was very generous.
Great staff, attentive but not overbearing service.
Wonderful views over the estuary from the upstairs dining area.
Such a shame that the bad reviews remain as this was definitely not our experience. Thank you again and keep up the fantastic work!
Written August 25, 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.
Ursula B
Bristol19 contributions
May 2024 • family
Disappointing.
First impressions were good. Showed to a table.... But then informed you order at the bar.
Dirty tables to one side, and lovely dressed tables waiting for people who had booked.
Have to navigate stairs with a buggy, then the drinks.
3 meals ordered. The first was a pesto and chilli linguini. I honestly think it had been reheated in the microwave. Very very soft pasta. It was tasty enough.
The second a sandwich that came with basic supermarket style chips. The bread was basic brown sliced bread. Nothing to write home about.
The third was a Greek salad. This literally was just halved cherry Tom's, chopped cucumber, sliced onion and cubes of feta with some olive oil. Not very big and no seasoning. Served with a dry, over cooked chicken breast that cost an extra 3 quid.
So basically, not terrible but considering the prices I'd expect a lot more effort.
I've had cheaper and better quality meals elsewhere.
They could take some tips from somewhere like 5 the beach in Clevedon as their menu and service is simple yet fantastic and the prices are similar.
Written May 30, 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.
Windmill Portishead
Thank you for taking the time to leave us your feedback.
I am sorry to hear that you were not happy with your visit with us.
I will pass on your comments regarding the food to the Head Chef, so that we can improve our offer.
Currently, we do no have table service on the Lower Deck Monday - Saturday and ask that customers order at the bar. I am not sure if you had a dog with you and that is why you were seated downstairs rather than the restaurant.
I do hope that we see you again at the Windmill.
Kind regards,
Jonna
Assistant Manager
Written June 26, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kramskoi
17 contributions
Oct 2024 • family
The lack of cars outside on a Friday lunchtime said it all. For years, The Windmill has had a solid reputation for its decent, in not exceptional, food and an unsurpassed panoramic view of the Bristol Channel. It's a place for families and a go-to lunchtine destination for Portishead's many pensioners. This visit felt quite different from usual. At 12.30 it was almost deserted, and by 1.30 was hardly much fuller. We soon found out why.
After being seated at a window table (nice), we waited almost half an hour for our drinks order to be taken. The food service was quicker - about 20 minutes. I had soup, which tasted ok, but was tepid, and marinated prawns, which were fine. My mother's macaroni cheese, was hot on top and cold underneath. It came with carrots which were not just cold but actually chilled - straight out of the fridge. She abandoned her meal.
We didn't bother with dessert and instead asked for the bill, which came within about 60 seconds.
Yes, they were understaffed, but then they weren't exactly busy either. The staff were perfectly pleasant, but there was a general feeling of polite indifference. No one asked us whether we were happy with our meal or whether we needed anything. Consequently, and unusually, we didn't leave a tip. We felt bad about that, but in all conscience, we couldn't.
Something has gone drastically wrong at The Windmill. It's always been something of an institution, but for whatever reason, it is now in a bad place. The lack of customers is a clear warning sign, and the management and owners need to wake up and act fast if they want to stay in business. Their core clientele appears to be deserting them, and, sadly, we have now joined them
Written October 11, 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.
daisyj24
6 contributions
Aug 2023 • family
So upset at how much this gorgeous place has gone downhill. We used to come to the windmill every month but after yesterdays meal will not be returning. We arrived at 1.05 sat down and waited to have our drinks order taken it the got to 1.20 and the waitress 1 of 3 on came over took out drinks order of which we ordered food at the same time as felt it would be a wait with how long it already took just to have our drinks order taken. 1.45 came still no drinks we asked where they were and was told the printer hadn’t printed our drinks order we finally got our drinks at 2pm 40 minutes later and that’s with two kids waiting! Our food came at 2.10 and we were served 4 of the 6 meals and had to wait another 5 minutes before the other 2 meals arrived. I had steak and Stilton ciabatta of which I had to scrap out the Stilton it was vile. I choose to just eat what I could and then leave as by this point if had enough of the waiting it was an utter joke. Bring back the ordering at the bar at least you got your drinks immediately and to only have 3 staff on and be packed out all the tables were left dirty plates piled up on the side. And where are all the regular staff don’t recognise any of them anymore. Real potty looks like our time of visiting is over so sad to see how bad this place has gotten.
Written August 18, 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.
Chris Bosse
Hi Daisy,
I am sorry that you were left so unhappy. I have messaged you privately in response to this.
Kind regards,
Jonna
Written August 22, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Roses
Gloucester24 contributions
Feb 2024 • friends
Went with friends ordered the lighter bites fish chips 13.50 rather than standard at 17.50 . The standard looked reasonable size, ours was like a toddlers portion easily a quarter or smaller than the large , a few chips peas , the pot tartar sauce drowned it, the small pie was tiny with a spoonful of mash and greens. The rice pudding dessert was a very small dish. My friend had to buy a pkt crisps after as still felt very hungry despite spending over 20 pound. Unfortunately, we didn’t say about the portion size , wish we did! Between us spent over 100 pound and had to go home to eat! Wish I took a photo!
Written February 5, 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.
Pete C
3 contributions
Jun 2024 • family
Wow, from the moment we arrived we were treated amazingly. We were greeted by Chelsey who was very happy and chirpy. Our little boy took to her straight away and she was exceptionally patient with him and his hyperactivity.
We were seated straight away and had a fantastic view of the Bristol Channel on a sunny evening. Our server Cam was another amazing member of the team and again put up with our little boys hyperactivity with great humour.
The food was competitively priced, presentation was lovely, was exceptionally tasty and good quality.
A massive thank you to both Chelsey and Cam, they were amazing and are a credit to the restaurant.
We will certainly be making our way back there in the near future and would highly recommend.
Written June 8, 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.
Windmill Portishead
Thank you for your lovely review!
I will definitely let Chelsey & Cam know about your shout out, we love to hear this.
I hope we see you again soon.
Kind regards,
Jonna
Assistant Manager
Written June 26, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Global619015
Weston-in-Gordano2 contributions
Apr 2024 • family
Very disappointing visit to the Windmill. We booked a last minute meal on a Sunday evening. There were plenty of tables free. New refurb is lovely with great views but service was poor on arrival. We stood for a good few minutes before the lady seating people acknowledged us at all. The table had a lovely view of the estuary. We ordered drinks straight away but they took 25 minutes to turn up! Our food order took considerably less time which was worrying. My husband had a roast which he couldn’t eat. Meat tasted like it had been warmed up and veg was slimy and covered in watery gravy. Veg was like mush. My burger arrived and was dry and so small served with a tiny portion of chips. My young son’s meal was bigger! Definitely not worth the astronomical price increases.
Happy to pop in again for drinks but definitely won’t be eating here again which is a shame for such a lovely venue
Written April 28, 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.
Michelle S
30 contributions
Apr 2024 • family
We went for a late Sunday family Lunch, with high expectations, this was unfortunately not a good experience three of us had Roast Chicken dinner, which was 95% bones. No Cauliflower Cheese available was told it’s all gone !! Let alone it was part of the standard roast dinner. The veggies well if you could call it that was such a small amount and three tiny roast potatoes. Definitely left the pub with 4 hungry adults and felt very much robbed!!! Definitely won’t recommend or return.
Written April 25, 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.
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