Reviews in Devon

As we were looking looking for property in Weare Giffard we felt it important to try out the village eatery and pub.We arrived mid-week expecting the place to be pretty quiet but what we saw was a lively hub of the local community.We were expecting run of the mill pub grub but what we got could rival any local quality restaurant.The food was cooked to order and everyone in our group choose something different. What we ended up doing was having a taste of everyones meal. Maybe not quite the done thing but rather necessary as all the meals were delicious.Well done. We'll be back.

Fantastic atmosphere, brilliant food and a lovely restaurant. Two years ago me and my husband went to the Old Inn (previously called the New Inn)and were not overly impressed. However after visiting this summer we were amazed by the improvements to the pub. Thoroughly enjoyed the food and will be visiting again.

Very good range of well-prepared seafood at a fair price compared to the going rate elsewhere (where the word 'fish' seems to attract a high premium). The ambience is no-nonsense bistro-style and is particularly enjoyable in the summer when one can sit outside under an awning in an almost Mediterranean-like atmosphere. Didn't like the background music in the main restaurant much and the lavatory was a bit small, but you cannot have everything. You can BYO at lunchtimes for a £2.50 corkage fee - a significant saving on overall cost. Overall, excellent value and a wonderful experience, especially in summer.

A sophisticated restaurant with a modern, comfortable style, the Dartmoor Union was not at all the small cramped pub in a country village that we expected. Subdued lighting, large squashy leather sofas, a blessedly smoke-free atmosphere, and very professional service all added to the very enjoyable experience. We had simple roasts (it being Sunday) but of a quality of ingredients and cooking that I have rarely experienced before outside a Michelin star restaurant. The food was of excellent quality for an astonishingly reasonable price (£15.95 for a three course lunch) and the service was just right. If there is a fault then it is that the portions are a little too big. Strongly recommended but allow plenty of time to get to the village through the narrow Devon lanes.

when we given the menu we were told that they had run out of scallops for starters. When we were going to order we were then informed that there was no lamb for the main course! so we had to make another choice.We ordered lovely bottle of rose wine(the only one on the wine list) we went to order a second, only to be told "sorry we have run out" Not what you expect on a saturday evening.The delivery of the food by the staff was very disjointed, they seemed unaware of what the dishes were. On a more positive note the food was very good.

My first visit there was totally by accident,it was quite busy so had to wait 10 mins to be shown to a bench, a bit tight space but I had the opportunity to see what others were eating,the seafood soup was very tasty, my daughter was so envious I let her have half of it, it came in a huge pot. The second time we had the chicken curry, it was really tasty too, cheesecake was a let down, will definitely go there again.

The Grove Inn certainly deserves its reputation for being an excellent pub. We enjoyed a delicious meal here, my husband ate beef wellington (fillet stake, done rare) and myself a vegetarian wellington (goats cheese, courgette, tomato sauce, perfect pastry). To go with out mains were dauphinois potatoes and a delicious selection of season veg. We followed this with hot chocolate pudding and home made treacle tart, both of which were fantastic. Add to this a pleasant and un-rushed ambiance, nice staff and wonderful real ales and you have a definite winner!

This restaurant has only been opened for a couple of weeks. We went on a Saturday night. The ambience was great and the food was beautifully and lovingly prepared by Scott the chef. Sophie was a great host and overall we had a great evening. It is really good to be able to watch the chef cooking and preparing your food. Will definitely be going back.

A little gem. You would be hard put to find anywhere better. From Crab Salad to the Carvery, it caters for all tastes and I doubt that anyone going there for the first time will be disappointed and will want to make a return visit. My only regret is that I live 250 miles away and can only call in 3/4 times a year.

We went here for a family meal on a Thursday evening and were very impressed. We had heard others say what a lovely place it was and so were pleased to find it had not been over- rated. Beautiful views-lovely when the sun was setting. It was busy too (but thankfully not crowded!) even though it was a Thursday. I had the tuna steak and it was delicious. Excellent service in both the restaurant and bar. Would definitely go back again.

very friendly, very welcoming

appalling

simple home cooked meals using local fresh ingredients for around a fiver in such a cosy old 3 storey pub, house wines just £5 a bottle, no surprise then its always so busy and a favourite haunt for Exeter university students with its late 2am license. Live jazz bands on Saturday nights well worth going and a Sunday roast with live blues also £5 !

From outside looked fresh, however inside a different story. The service and food was average, however what put us off was the luck of space. The tables were too close to each other so we could here the conversation on the next table!!

i don't mind paying for good food and good service, but i hate sloppy and unprofessional service that is what we saw as a family. the steak at £11.95 was tough, full of gristle, and no wonder they offer sharp knives, the portions are small, the roast dinners were warm, the apple crumble , i had to look for the crumble it was thin and with cores it was crunchy, the hot chocolate should have been called warm chocolate and when we asked for an espresso we got the response from the manager it is knackered. we left poorer and still hungry, would not recommend to anyone, yet this place could be good if they took more time gave a proper portion and ensured the food was edible and hot, and remembered that politeness doesn't cost anything, use at your own option i wouldn't again.

Everything about the meal that we had here was fantastic. The bar and surrounding area are excellent. I would really recommend this place to eat

We dined in the Atlantic restaurant upstairs. The decor was tranquil and service excellent. The menu choices were limited, but the dishes served were excellent. The risotto was one of best we had tasted and belly of pork was also very good. Alas I cannot say the same for the Oysters and Lobster as the bout of food poisioning (or allergic reaction) I suffered 4 hours after eating the meal was unfortunate.

Just exactly and absolutely what Exeter needs. A fabulous evening, great food and fantastic wine - we will be back!