The Courtyard Bistro

Name: The Courtyard Bistro
Address: Bodiniel Rd, Bodmin, Cornwall, United Kingdom, PL31
Telephone: 01208 822888
Price range: £25 and under
Rating: 3.8

3.8

157 Reviews

£25 and under

Bistro

Top tags:

Nestled in the heart of Cornwall, we’re here for you any time of day or night. Think of us as your neighbourhood hangout where you can grab a bite, catch up with friends, or just chill out with a drink.
Our menus are inspired by the bounty around us, and we are passionate about showcasing the best our county has to offer.
Fish from the cold, clear waters of the Atlantic; beef and pork from Bodmin Moor; fruit and vegetables from the fields and orchards that surround us.

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No. of diners

2 people

DateTime

29 Nov 2023

21:30

Booked 1 time today

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
£25 and under
Cuisines
Bistro, British, Pizza Bar
Hours of Operation
Daily 07:00–21:00
Phone number
01208 822888
Website
http://thecourtyardbistro.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Dane Watkins

Location
Bodiniel Rd, Bodmin, Cornwall PL31
Area
Bodmin
Parking Details
None
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, High Tea, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 157 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

3.8

3.8 based on recent ratings

3.7Food
3.8Service
3.8Ambience
3.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Cornwall
Great for brunch
Cornwall
Good for business meals
Cornwall
Good for business meals
Cornwall
Innovative

157 Reviews

EL
EleanorLou14
Cornwall
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall3food2service5ambience4
Little disappointed with our meal. Wasn’t much of a variety for choice either. Pizza was nice but the rest didn’t feel anything special
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CS
CatherineS
London
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on 21 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent meal in the Courtyard restaurant. Quality of food excellent and setting and ambience quirky but full of character. Menu offering very restricted which whilst not a problem for us is a shame as would have liked to have seen better choice. This is very much fine dining rather than pub/ tavern style food.
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LS
LSdevon
Cornwall
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 20 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The restaurant was very relaxed, service excellent, the food was gorgeous, beautiful presented, as a whole value for money, the only thing I'd say the wine was expensive although delicious.
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PK
PhillipaK
Cornwall
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 8 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Menu wasn’t what I was expecting but so glad we had this choice instead
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K
Katie
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 8 October 2023
overall3food3service3ambience3
Booked my mum and dad in for their anniversary meal. We looked online at the menus and thought they would love it with all the different choices. When they got their it turned out to be a set menu for £50 a person. The food was small and not what I booked them In for! I also gave my bank details and told them to charge the meal to me but instead they gave the bill to my parents && they had to pay. :-( Not very happy at all.
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HP
HP23
Bedfordshire
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on 7 October 2023
overall2food3service1ambience2
Definitely not the best meal out I've ever had. Before attending the courtyard bistro, I was only notified a few hours before that they had recently changed the menu despite booking a couple of months in advance. When our drinks arrived, the waiter dropped pretty much the whole tray all over one of our party, which was met with jokes rather than apologies from the waiter. However our main waitress did apologise profusely and offered for the drinks to be removed from the bill. Two members of the party did sustain cuts from glass not cleaned up from the table. One starter was brought out 5-10 mins before the rest of the table. The food was good but not up to the standard expected given the price. When the bill arrived, the drinks were not taken off the bill as promised, and considering the experience we'd had, I feel more could have been done to rectify it. Wouldn't be rushing back any time soon.
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CT
CherylT
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 7 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a lovely lunch. Our waiter was very helpful and amusing. No complaints here
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MR
MikeR
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 3 October 2023
overall3food2service5ambience4
The menu that we viewed online when making the reservation was not available on the day we dined. Apparently the menu had been reduced 48 hours before, the starter choices have been removed completely, the number of main choices reduced and the dessert menu has been reduced to one option of cake of the day.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 30 September 2023
overall3food3service4ambience2
It was disappointing there were no vegan options on the menu at all. Bearing in mind the quality of the actual hotel.The chips however were lovely and my partner enjoyed his meal and was able to have a starter and main course. We were a bit surprised by the price of the cocktails but that’s a lesson learnt.
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K
Kenny
London
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on 24 September 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Not a wide choice of dishes, but we managed to find something to suit our tastes.
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DP
DPNOV
London
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on 23 September 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Had a lovely meal in the Bistri. Food was very good. We left quite late and the staff were very obliging. The night manager spent time answering our questions about the history of the hotel which made our night. The hotel itself has retained many of the original features so is an attraction in itself.
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SK
SKR20
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 21 September 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a lovely experience at The Courtyard Bistro at Bodmin Jail. We weren’t sure what to expect, but had a lovely time. The food was lovely, the hosts were very attentive and the decor was a lovely mix of modern features highlighting the historic features of the building.
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PE
PeterE
Cornwall
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 19 September 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
I read the reviews ref poor service after I'd booked doh. Was pleasantly surprised though, not brilliant but very good. Good portion sizes, plates were cold. Unfortunately our main course plates were not cleared away so did they presume that we didn't want a dessert? same problem with the table next to us, 25 mins of chatting with the plates still on the table. All in all though a pleasant meal with acceptable service, a few tweeks and it would of been a 5 star.
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MS
MaryS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 19 September 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was my husband's 75th birthday treat to have lunch with friends followed by a tour of the prison. It excelled all our expectations. The food was excellent, the staff friendly and helpful, the ambience very pleasant and the music not too loud so we could converse comfortably.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Berkshire
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on 17 September 2023
overall2food3service1ambience1
Greeted & shown to our table but not asked if we wanted any drinks. Table was adjacent to the serving area with the manager tapping on screen and 2 members of staff behind serving section. Waited a while but then went up and asked to order some drinks & was given a look of disdain by the manager and was told in no uncertain terms that someone would be over to take our order! Was constantly referred to as ‘my darling, my love’ by the waitress! Food good but service very poor. No real ambience. Staff in restaurant don’t seem to have basic hospitality skills - I think most of staff were university or college students - which is fine but they need to be trained! I wouldn’t recommend.
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G
Ginread
Staffordshire
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on 17 September 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
They need to sort out the parking situation for the whole of Bodmin Jail.
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f
freddie
Cornwall
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 3 September 2023
overall4food3service4ambience4
The experience was a lovely time with family staff lovely . Food was good but my big fault was that the chips had salt put on them so I was unable to eat them but the dog did enjoy the chips. I don't understand why they came with salt on when as a customer there is salt on table if you wish to add it to your meal Next time I come over I will try to ask for no salt on chips Ali
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s
stevec
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 2 September 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Although we live local this was our first visit. We will definitely be back. Amazing place, great food, lovely staff... literally couldn't fault it
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SS
SarahS
Kent
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on 1 September 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
We went for our sons birthday meal I really wish we would have chosen another restaurant! Absolutely awful service from the staff they was more interested in talking to each other and asking the Cornish guests if they needed anything drinks etc. we had to wait 15 minutes for our one drink they asked us if we wanted, all our food come out at different times it was a family party of 5 so not a huge table. We live in Bodmin and I wanted to take our son and my parents to a nice restaurant for my sons 19th birthday sadly I was left feeling really dismissed and forgotten as was my family. I haven’t had this sort of service in any other restaurant I have eaten in in the surrounding areas or villages. My husband mentioned how we was left feeling to the staff member when we had to ask for our bill as all the staff walked straight past our table multiple times and we got ignored. And her response was just sorry but said with no emotion at all! One of the staff stood behind the bar filling up the mayonnaise in pots and some spilt on the side of the dish she wiped it with her finger then licked her finger and continued to fill up pots using her finger to wipe the dishes my husband was speechless. Food was ok when it all arrived. But sadly service was awful. We didn’t even get asked if we wanted dessert after they cleared the plates. It was our sons birthday! It’s a shame as it’s a lovely looking venue was really looking forward to eating with my family on this special occasion and was left deeply disappointed. Summary really is if you want to be ignored and get one drink but have to ask staff for any assistance as they don’t acknowledge you at all. We paid for our bill which was over two hundred pound and left. I wouldn’t recommend going here at all and I won’t be returning.
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SC
SylviaC
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 29 August 2023
overall4food5service4ambience5
Lovely welcome when we arrived,but then uncertainty about where our reserved table was. Fairly quick service even though it steadily got busier.Second drinks order was a little chaotic. Overall a lovely atmosphere and friendly staff.
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A
Alexis
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on 26 August 2023
overall1food3service1ambience2
I requested a table at the back away from the Beast Carnival noise and the two waitresses acted as if it was a ‘computer says no’ situation as I had already been allocated a table. Fortunately a young man was able to oblige. We waited 15 minutes for our first drinks while the waitress petted a dog and didn’t bother to wash her hands before touching things. When she took my order, she failed to explain that the dish did not come with anything and sides were ordered separately so my meal arrived with a tiny piece of chicken on two broccoli stems. The young man mentioned earlier had explained this to the next table over as they told me. He very quickly brought me some potatoes. We’re it not for him, the whole thing would’ve been a disaster. We waited an inordinate amount of time for our next drinks and the first empties were left on the table. We waited with a full table of pots for around 15 minutes before we asked about dessert but in the end, gave up as I couldn’t face anymore terrible service. I did not tip; unheard of for me.
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MR
MichelleR
Bristol
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on 26 August 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
My friend and I booked a table for lunch on Saturday having previously had a really lovely lunch there a few weeks ago. We were running late so I called to explain this and the receptionist said this was fine and moved this to half an hour later. When we arrived some festival was taking place and here is the start of this fiasco. We couldn't actually park but finally manged to park in the pay an display carpark paid to park for three hours then walked back to the hotel. ONLY at this point were were then told that you weren't actually serving lunch from the Courtyard Bistro because of the festival unless we had booked afternoon tea ! When we asked about this were told this had to have been prebooked. I have to ask why we were actually allowed to book in the first place and why when I called to say running late still not told and then no apology of offer of anything alternative! Absolute shambles.
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JP
JoannaP
Cornwall
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on 26 August 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
Booked a table for a meal with family. I was asked to confirm the booking the day before, but at no time was told by the Bistro or event organisers that we would not receive the usual bistro menu and that table service was suspended because of another event. Very disappointing and totally misleading. Staff tried to help accommodate the booking but were told by a supervisor not to get food for us that we would need to queue up and get our own. Really unhappy with the overall experience, not what we were expecting or had booked.
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FA
FionaA
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on 26 August 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
Arrived to be met by Bodmin Rock fest which was not advertised on making the booking or on the website of The Courtyard. On arrival met by member of staff who informed us that as this was a special event the menu was very much reduced, mainly pizza's. I asked why didn't someone contact me to let me know of the change of menu as we booked after looking at the normal menu on their website. The member of staff said that the manager was supposed to contact me to let me know but didn't get around to it as they didn't have much warning that event was happening which didn't make much sense, as they event looked as if there had been lots organised including a rock band. I would have thought an event like this would have been organised in advance & the restaurant would have been aware. I can't comment on the food as we decided it was not for us and left, bearing in mind that this was for my birthday and we had driven up from Hayle and my Daughter & Mum had driven from Callington we were all very disappointed!
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PT
PaulaT
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 24 August 2023
overall3food2service1ambience1
Don’t like being greeted ‘Hi lovely’ or ‘darling’ food very slow coming out. Pasta & pizza good but ribs very dry and overpriced. No ambiance and too many dogs in there barking for an evening meal.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 20 August 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time at Bodmin Jail, won’t be the last. Great service and food
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H
Helen
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 20 August 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
Very welcoming and attentive staff, food good quality
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 19 August 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Really amazing venue and the food was delicious. We would definitely return again.
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M
Miche
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 16 August 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Nice varied menu. Baked smoked cheddar and garlic cob loaf was huge and needs at least four to share. Seasonal veg nicely cooked, not overcooked. Fish and chips good. Lovely room with great photos of what the old jail looked like before refurbishment.
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G
Graham
London
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on 13 August 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Fun venue, great ambience and tasty food. Enjoyed a lot
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B
Betty
London
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on 11 August 2023
overall2food1service2ambience3
Wrong meal arrived, which meant we ended up eating separately. The bill was incorrect
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PL
PhilipL
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 11 August 2023
overall4food2service3ambience5
Food not as good as our last visit. Chicken supreme ‘swimming” in a watery soy liquid, which was left on the plates and subsequently thrown away. A complete waste - invest in gravy boats. 48 hour ribs were tough. Staff were very keen - ask the young man to slow down - but food service was poor. We had to ask to be served after quite a length of time. Ambience as good as ever. Value for money - disappointing. We we come again - Yes
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D
Denise
West Sussex
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on 10 August 2023
overall2food2service2ambience2
Not good value for money. Average food, high prices, especially the drinks.
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J
Jerryk
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 9 August 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nice good good service and a pleasant atmosphere .
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DP
DeborahP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 8 August 2023
overall5food3service4ambience5
Great break in a drizzling week. Such a delightful interlude. Good food. Great atmosphere. Enjoyed the tour of the hotel facilities. The gentleman at reception was very knowledge about the history and architecture.
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IE
IrisE
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 7 August 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Good menu selection, excellent service, very helpful employees.
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LN
LisaN
Cambridge
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on 5 August 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
We came here after googling on our holiday, the service was absolutely awful, we were seated almost straight away and then continued to be told "I will be with you now" Well, "now" finally came by a different server, who, was nice enough and took our order, we had decided not to eat as we had waited so long to be served, we just ordered drinks and then decided to find somewhere else to eat. The prices are so very priced for what it actually is, £36.00 for a bottle of wine!, why? We will definitely not be recommending this place to anyone we know. I gave it a 1 for the food even though we didn't eat because we were going to have some cake and when asked if there was any nuts, as our daughter has a nut allergy, we were told, well it's all we have and it's carrot cake so probably, very abruptly. Maybe retrain your management!
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BR
BlakRD
Devon
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on 4 August 2023
overall3food3service2ambience3
Positives: The courtyard has the potential to be fabulous. Beautiful decor and great location. Negatives: we were the first table ie extremely quiet and yet we had to go to the counter each time to ask for a drinks order, then food order, then desert menu, then bill. Nobody checked to see if our food was ok. Food was exactly that, ok. Most were pretty good but counter balance that with some which were not good, ie the burger bap was rock hard etc. deserts were £9/10 each and average. Overall an expensive average lunch and sadly wouldn’t return. Owners are Missing a trick here, as it could be fantastic.
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AH
AlisonH
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 2 August 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Good freshly cooked food and friendly service. The steak was perfect and the kids enjoyed the pizzas. Surprised to find a relatively high-end bistro attached to a tourist attraction. I’d have thought a cafe would do well in such a location. It actually turned out to be the highlight of our Bodmin Jail trip though.
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S
Steve
Kent
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 2 August 2023
overall3food4service4ambience2
I booked a two night stay in the Bodmin Jail hotel and I booked a table to take my parents out and the food was great but it was way to noisy for my parents who are in their late seventies. A table further from the entrance would have been better than the table we had been reserved
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Contactless payment available

FAQs

The Courtyard Bistro is rated 3.8 stars by 157 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

No. of diners

2 people

DateTime

29 Nov 2023

21:30

Booked 1 time today

Bodiniel Rd, Bodmin, Cornwall PL31

Dining areas

Additional information

Area
Bodmin
Hours of Operation
Daily 07:00–21:00
Price
£25 and under
Cuisines
Bistro, British, Pizza Bar
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Parking Details
None
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Dane Watkins
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, High Tea, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://thecourtyardbistro.com/
Phone number
01208 822888

The Courtyard Bistro

Make a booking

Dining areas

Additional information

Menu

What 157 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising

FAQs

How is The Courtyard Bistro restaurant rated?

Is The Courtyard Bistro currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Dining areas

Additional information