A beautifully designed riverside spot with strong cocktails, brunch, and steakhouse comfort food, but food quality can be uneven enough that it feels best for the atmosphere and a special meal rather than a guaranteed culinary home run.
Forbidden Florist delivers solid dining anchored by exceptional setting and atmosphere that justify its riverside reputation, yet inconsistent food quality prevents a higher grade. While service remains attentive and professional, polarized feedback on core dishes like burgers and steaks, combined with noticeable variation between visits, keeps this from reaching grade A territory. The restaurant excels as a destination for cocktails and ambiance but falls short on culinary consistency.
Forbidden Florist is the kind of place that makes people stop talking for a second and look around: flowers, birdcage booths, river views, and a room that several reviewers describe as genuinely magical. The best visits read like a mini event rather than just dinner, with comments about quick efficient service, polished drinks, and a setting that feels far removed from ordinary Haverfordwest. The cooking is broadly crowd-pleasing and modern British rather than especially inventive. Expect brunch plates, roasts, burgers, steaks, small plates, and cocktails with a few pleasing flourishes, but also a real split in feedback: some diners rave about hot, tasty food, while others complain about dry burgers, uneven steaks, and dishes that feel more stylish than satisfying. It suits people who want atmosphere, drinks, and comfortable food with a bit of theatre; serious food-focused diners may come away wanting more consistency. For families, the menu is actually pretty workable: there are brunch plates, chips, mac and cheese bites, fish finger roll, chicken goujons, burgers, and a kids-eat-free deal mentioned in reviews. That said, it is still a polished venue with an adult-leaning cocktail vibe, so it’s best for families who want a nicer-out meal rather than a no-frills kids' night out. Adventurous-food-only eaters are not the issue here; picky eaters should be fine, but the main warning is that the kitchen can be hit-or-miss.
Area vibe: Small historic market town with riverside quayside and civic amenities.
Safety: Generally safe with modest evening footfall; main streets well lit though quieter late at night.
What's nearby: Close to the River Cleddau quayside, town centre shops, Haverfordwest Castle, bus station and local civic buildings.
Go for a steak or the smash burger, but leave room for sticky toffee pudding.
It’s a stylish, cocktail-forward spot where food waits and extra charges can push the bill up.
Think riverside views, floral interiors, and a room that feels deliberately theatrical.