The Sail Loft Suite

We treated ourselves twice in November to Sunday lunch at the Sail Loft Suite and enjoyed both visits immensely. Excellent roast dinner, homestyle fresh cooking without the work! One Sunday, the chef was sick and one of his assistants stepped in and produced a great meal, so my congratulations to the whole team! It's great to have a day off from cooking and still have a homemade meal with fresh meat and vegetables in a very pleasant setting. We are having a birthday dinner for our son on a Sunday in December, so we are looking forward to that as well.

I booked the Sail Loft Suite for my mother's 90th birthday meal on October 13th, for 16 adults and 1 child, and it was a huge success! For various reasons, it was organized just a week before the event, but everyone at the Sail Loft, from the owners to the chef, his assistant, and all the staff, was very helpful and it couldn't have been better organized. The menu was agreed with the new chef, Mandy, the week before; a Carvery with fresh vegetables and, at my request, Apple crumble and flan for dessert, with Profiteroles as an alternative for my 91-year-old father. The chef was so cooperative and nothing was too much trouble for her; even a day or two before, when I specifically asked for roast parsnips to be added. We were given a room to ourselves and on the morning of the event, it was a hive of activity, with hands on deck to organize and set up tables, decorate the room, with everyone being very helpful, including the chef and his assistant arranging fresh flowers and blowing up balloons, then working hard preparing vegetables and cooking the meat in the kitchen. All I had to do then was arrive at the agreed time of 4.30 pm; there was nothing else for me to do... wonderful! It was a surprise for my mother, with family members coming from as far as Kent. Everyone was delighted with the venue, with some even interested in the Boatyard as well. The food was very good, delicious! Everyone enjoyed it and my mother was impressed by everything. She has commented several times on how kind everyone was and said: "Everyone was so kind and I didn't even know them!" She even received a bouquet of flowers and a card from all the staff at the Sail Loft Suite. It was a quiet occasion, as at 90, you don't get too excited, but just perfect in every way, for a pleasant stay, without any worries, a perfect choice!! I would not hesitate to recommend it for any occasion. It seems it can host any type of party, from special buffet meals; to young, livelier parties, and older folk, a quiet event area, completely cooperative and meeting all your needs, it's a great place, an excellent choice.

We stumbled upon Amarrados en Hoyos restaurant while boating down the marked route on the Lynher River. The Sail Loft offers a great relaxed atmosphere and reasonably priced drinks. As a group, we tried the Teignmouth mussels and garlic mushrooms, which were delicious. The bread pudding with butter and generous homemade portions hit the spot. There was something for everyone, with a bar area, restaurant, comfortable sofas for lounging, a strong Duke presence, pool table, and outdoor seating.

Visiting friends back in July, they told us about the new restaurant, so all 4 of us decided to give it a try. All I can say was amazing quality food, although the presentation left a lot to be desired, but the taste was excellent, and the produce tasted lovely and fresh. The meat melted in your mouth. The following week, we decided to visit again, this time they had changed it to a carvery, which in our view made it thousands times better as it meant we could fill up on the fresh veg, and enjoy a bit of every meat, which was so tender and juicy, and at £5 a head, we felt we couldn 't go wrong. However, we went back down a couple of weeks ago, and to our shock, they had increased the prices to £7.50 a head. Now, while we did not mind too much paying this, as our experience of the food prior had been amazing, we were displeased to find that the veg tasted like pre prepared/ boil in the bag/frozen food, and the meat was no longer tender and a bit chewy, as if it was prepared days in advance and reheated. We were very disappointed, and would not be returning for a meal again. The drinks are very reasonably priced, beating most pubs prices that we visited. The atmosphere was uncomfortable. Had a 'local bar for local people ' feel to it, and felt awkward walking in, as it was almost like the room stopped to look at us. Most of the staff are friendly. The young lad behind the bar was very attentive and friendly, which did put us at ease a little, and made sure he acknowledged us if he was busy with something else. All in all, for a drink, I would return, for a meal.............not again.

We came down at the weekend. Some friends use the yard and were suggesting we brought the boat round. Historically we have had tidal problems with our keel when trying to come alongside at out the way food and booze places and thought we'd try to see if the venue looked as if it would be fun if we brought a crew of family and boisterous crew. Came in as a couple and felt a bit like we didn't fit in. Obviously there are some changes being made to what looks to have been built as a conference centre. The beer was OK, average prices, the food fairly predictable but well presented. Not cheap but not over the top prices. We thought the place could be more relaxed and fun. Our friends told us that some weekends or on busy summer days there can be a fair number of boat users. I think it needs more people to bring it too life. Our favourite round here is the Rod and Line at Tideford but its becoming a bit of a cult place and despite their laid back flexibility we have twice failed to get a table space. We would probably come to the Sail Loft as a fall back option. It is certainly a prettier setting for a drink outside. The bar staff told us that the Sail Loft is working on making itself more like a bar restaurant and getting the punters in. We will be back, weather and tides permitting.