Fishermans Return – Winterton on Sea

Last weekend we went to the fisherman’s return pub, for what we would describe as a mediocre meal. Yesterday we received a parking fine for £100 for using the pubs car park while dining there. Somewhat puzzled to why we’d received this fine, I called the pub. Only to be told there were signs in the car park, informing us to register our vehicle registration at the bar. Unfortunately both my husband and myself missed these signs! When I questioned, why were we not asked at the time of placing our food and drink order “are you parked in our car park” the reply was “we are far to busy to ask that question” ……what 7 words in total, how many extra seconds does that take? We are local and have been to this pub before, but we’ve never had to register our vehicle previously. I don’t have an issue with registering our vehicle especially if the pub has been having issues with people using the car park without using the pub. But my issue is the attitude of the staff working in the pub, informing me when I called to ask why had I received this fine, to be told “they couldn’t possibly ask everyone if they are parked in the car park” We have appealed, but we have 28 days to wait until we know we are been successful with our appeal. But even if we are successful we will definitely not be returning. My main issue is the attitude of the staff, and the agenda of the pub to fine people for using their pub without good warning you will be fined! It’s left a very bad taste, we will not be returning.

We visited as a group of 9, found a table and ordered starters and main courses, there was something on the menu for everyone. Our food arrived quickly and was hot and tasty. What really stood out though was the really efficient staff, all were really friendly and helpful, but we have to give a special mention to Rita, who was a real asset to the pub and couldn't be more helpful. We look forward to returning when we are on holiday again.

We ate here a couple of times while staying in the village on holiday. They have some vegan options on the menu. The food was pub grub style. I would recommend trying the salad bar as it has a great spread including pickles, nuts, vegan dressings, etc. There is a lot of seating indoors. I think it caters for a large variety of customers with different tastes quite well. The chips have a fish and chips shop style rather than restaurant style. In terms of beer I had a session IPA from a large brewery which was pleasant enough and tried a beer on cask too which wasn't to my taste, more beer options would've be nice.

We had a meal here on Sunday, I had fish pie and partner had a burger, the amount of chips with the burger was a joke! While I appreciate pubs are trying to make money people still need value for money and at £17 per meal you'd expect a decent portion of chips on the plate plus I got a salad with my fish pie which should be served with fresh vegetables! No table check either! Will not be returning.

We stopped here for a meal a couple of weeks ago and parked in the pub car park. The grumpy woman serving wasn't very welcoming and didn't crack a smile but the food was quite nice. A week later I received a £60/£100 parking fine because it seems you need to register your car when you order. We were not told about this at the time and only found out after I rang the pub to ask about it. The very rude woman I spoke to said there were signs everywhere but there were three of us and none of us saw any of them. I've never encountered a system like this in a pub car park in my life. Why would you be looking for signs if you've not experienced this before? It would be so easy for the staff to just ask if you're parked in the car park when they take your order. How hard is that? Every time I visit John Lewis I'm asked if I'm parked in their car park. Easy. What is wrong with these people? We live locally and have visited this pub many times over the years but will certainly never return. I will also advise all my family and friends to not support them either. I see another review very similar to this on here. I can't believe they haven't got the message. I do have sympathy if non-customers are using their car park to visit the beach but they could fix this so easily if they actually cared about their genuine customers. They'll rightly lose more business unless they improve the way they treat people. I was told it was nothing to do with them! It's their car park!