Do I stick with my mortgage advisor

bucksbloke

I would always go with a broker. I would always go with someone who is recommended to me. I have used the same mortgage broker for the last seven years. 

[Deleted User]

I also used to work for countrywide. 

I refused to recommend the conveyancing out of principal. Service was shocking and price was offensive.

When I left a few years back they were pretty much whole of market.  They had a panel of 15 or so preferred lenders but didn't have to have permission or anything to go off panel.  As long as the lender paid then they could be used.  
Saying that,  very few people went off panel as the nature of the company is that it tends to employ people at the start of their career who are a bit less experienced. 

If you are going to be with a high Street lender and you've already paid half a fee just do as haras says, use the broker and take other services elsewhere. 

ncass

Sounds like you're broker is onto a good thing, they'll be getting commission from the mortgage, commission from the solicitor referral, commission from whatever other products they're bound to try and sell you (life, critical illness, home insurance etc) and you're paying them a fee on top?
I would do as others have suggested and shop around for another cheaper solicitor, go with a broker with no fees and don't take for granted that the product the broker suggests is the best you'll get...it probably is the majority of the time but they will suggest their preferred lenders (higher commission paying ones). Always check some comparison sites to see whats available and if your credit history/affordability is good then going direct to a lender in my experience has been no more difficult then using a broker