Restaurants, Pubs, Clubs and Bars reviews made by reviewer 'mike'

mike avatar
Silver Reviewer
9 reviews
6 helpful votes
Male age 60+ from Peel IoM

Review of Portofino on The Quay - Douglas - Isle of Man written 13 Nov 2012


I agree with the two reviewers before me. The food is very good, but the prices can be a little difficult to justify. One of the few places I've been to where they know how to cook liver properly (still pink in the middle). Excellent wine list and very pleasant surroundings. Five stars if it wasn't for the size of the bill at the end!
mike avatar
Silver Reviewer
9 reviews
6 helpful votes
Male age 60+ from Peel IoM

Review of Glen Helen Inn - St Johns - Isle of Man written 28 Oct 2012


Very pleasantly surprised with the 'new look' Glen Helen. I've been driving and walking past this place for years, but never had a very high opinion of what I saw (not very kind of me, I know) but I was recently invited there for a family event and I have to say that I was suitably impressed. The bar, reception and dining room had all been completely renovated and were smart and modern. The staff were excellent and acted like they really valued their customers and the food was first class... hot, fresh and tasty.

It just goes to show that it's wrong to pre-judge and I am happy to stand corrected.
mike avatar
Silver Reviewer
9 reviews
6 helpful votes
Male age 60+ from Peel IoM

Review of The Abbey Restaurant - Ballasalla - Isle of Man written 24 Oct 2012


Excellent, excellent establishment. Top quality food, brilliant choice of accompanying wines, staff who understand the food and the drink, so can discuss it knowledgeably, a chef who clearly knows what he's at, beautiful surroundings and owners who actually care what people think.

I have NEVER been disapponted at The Abbey and it's always something to look forward to when we make our minds up to go again. Well done everybody concerned.
mike avatar
Silver Reviewer
9 reviews
6 helpful votes
Male age 60+ from Peel IoM

Review of Shore Cafe - Port Erin - Isle of Man written 15 Sep 2012


When you look in, it gives you the feeling of being the original "greasy spoon". In fact, it's not! The food's pretty good (though not a huge selection) but they could do with investing a few bob on the furniture coz that's what really lets it down.
mike avatar
Silver Reviewer
9 reviews
6 helpful votes
Male age 60+ from Peel IoM

Review of Castle Arms Hotel - Castletown - Isle of Man written 27 Aug 2012


Good pint in the Glue Pot. Good people working there and it's a real cozy pub (got a nice feel to it). I've had bar meals there a couple of times and they're spot on - hot, fresh, served quickly, right price. What more can you ask from a pub that does grub?
mike avatar
Silver Reviewer
9 reviews
6 helpful votes
Male age 60+ from Peel IoM

Review of Haven Hotel - Port Erin - Isle of Man written 4 Aug 2012


Strange place. When you park outside, faces appear at the window to see what's going on. When you venture through the door, the feeling of hostility is almost physical. I dared to ask if they did food and got a one word answer, "No". I walked out facing the room in case Anthony Perkins (Psycho) was waiting with his knife!

Maybe the lady was having a bad hair day, but people will do what I did and walk over the road to The Station where they are very civil (and they do food!)
mike avatar
Silver Reviewer
9 reviews
6 helpful votes
Male age 60+ from Peel IoM

Review of Lakeside Cafe Centre - Ramsey - Isle of Man written 12 Jul 2012


Well below par. When you go in, you get the feeling that nobody cares about anything. With an odd tin of fanta or coke as a counter display it's difficult to imagine what goes through their minds. The range of food on offer is poor and mundane. The toilets are a dismal outside affair and the service is couldn't-care-less. Pretty poor example of a cafe.
mike avatar
Silver Reviewer
9 reviews
6 helpful votes
Male age 60+ from Peel IoM

Review of Tynwald Hill Inn - St Johns - Isle of Man written 1 Jul 2012


Just enjoyed a nice walk along the old railway track from Peel and I was sweating buckets, so a nice pint of something cool sounded just about right. Since we planned getting the bus back to Peel and we had over half-an-hour's wait, we called in The Tynwald Hill and sampled their beer.

Impressed! That's the only word I can use. I've driven past here a zillion times (and muttered about the bloody colour) but I've never been tempted to go in. well now I have, I shan't be slow going back. The beer was perfect, the landlord friendly and courteous, the surroundings comfortable and the (few) locals, very welcoming. Good 'un!
mike avatar
Silver Reviewer
9 reviews
6 helpful votes
Male age 60+ from Peel IoM

Review of L'Experience - Douglas - Isle of Man written 31 May 2012


I don't get it! What's everybody raving about with this place? It's about as authentic as a Micky Mouse watch! What's with the plastic leaves hanging off the ceiling and the candles dripping wax all over old wine bottles? I have never been into any French restaurant where they would do that sort of stuff (and I've dined in quite a few). Italian, maybe. Spanish, yes. But French - no way - they have more style!

6 snails for ??8.95? Scary stuff. ??26 for a steak au poivre? Ouch! ??15 for mussels and chips.... Aaaaggh!

Like I say, I just don't get it, why all the fuss. It's a very ordinary restaurant pretending to be something it's not.