Reviews in Devon

Convenient for us as local residents. No smoking area appreciated. Children running in and out of rear doors in winter lower the temperature and uncontrolled behaviour spoils the ambience. The food is always good but the menu does not change much. The present restaurant/bar manager is more active and pleasant than his predecessors. Fiends/relatives whom we have booked in with you have all been happy with everything. Generally nice and clean and hygienic. Best wishes A.E.Coleman

New managers since 2005 and new chefs = better food and much better service. There is a much better choice and although we still had to wait about 30 mins on a busy day the food is always of a good quality whenever we go, which is a lot now it's changed.

Third time lucky here, as I haven't been able to get in on a weekend at all. Finally sampled some excellent local food and wine (Sharpham Dart Valley Reserve - v good) in this downtown bistro. We eat our way through mussels, oysters, scallops and John Dory. Spot on West Country cheeses and baked chocolate cheesecake finished us off! Tempted next time by the full-on scoff breakfast served up till 2.30. Unpretentious and good value.

I had a meal with my friends there for the first time and everything about the restaurant was perfect. We were served by a friendly waitress and the food was absolutely superb! The meal was really tasty and the presentation was outstanding. Those who have not tried this restaurant must do so, you don't know what you are missing!

Went here initially as I could get a table after the theatre but have been back several times since as a result. Nice informal atmosphere and a good choice of food even a selection of fish!

What a pleasant surprise. After the themed sameness of so many pubs it is wonderful to find a genuinely unique local pub which is truly family run. ?he Barrel? is situated on the main street of the delightful Devon Fishing Village of Beer between Seaton and Sidmouth. The coast path goes right through Beer and the Barrel is the perfect place to stop for refreshment. Roberta Hunt and her husband Geoff, with the help of their sons Luke and Robert and Robert? wife Eva have created a haven for the weary wanderer, the jaded tourist and especially for people living in and around Beer. The bar in small but well laid out with a smoking and non-smoking section. Both are warmed by open fires in Winter and cooled by the sea breezes in Summer. Behind the bar is a delightful non-smoking dinning room with 5 tables - perfect for a more intimate dining experience. The Barrel has a small but excellent wine list with a good selection of the world? wines, although it would be nice if more of them could be available by the glass. The chef, Robert, trained in some of the finest restaurants in the UK and abroad and it shows. Although on paper the food starts with ?tandard?pub fare, the attention to detail and the quality of ingredients make these a rare treat. The menu though is more wide ranging than this with wholesome specials made from local produce. Flavours are combined with a simplicity that belies the effort that has been made, (the game stew is a favourite as is the locally caught seafood). On special occasions the evening menus are wonderful with fresh seasonal produce and an atmosphere which is friendly and welcoming without ever being intrusive. Living now in the USA we make a beeline for the Barrel whenever we are home in Devon.

What appears to be a very "Posh and imposing" restaurant is actually a very cosy, intimate and welcoming place for a romantic meal/post theatre meal. The staff are very friendly and the service was great. I have not enjoyed a meal so much for a while in the plymouth area - certainly top of my list!

I have eaten here twice and both times the food and service was superb. Food is beautifully presented and really delicious. For two people, three course lunch, double espresso and petit fours,- our bill was £54. This restaurant easily deserves it's Michelin star.

This is one of my favourite restaurants in Plymouth, offering a wide variety of genuine French cuisine and great wines, probably the only true French restaurant in the city. The ambience and service is excellent, all in all, a great night out.

Friendly staff, nice venue (though could have been warmer) but needs more vegetarian choices - the spaghetti primavera was the only option (other than a pizza) and I'm afraid it was very greasy and short on vegetables. Other food looked good and was well presented.

The food is basic but fresh and well prepared.

We travelled from St Ives for my birthday and this was the best Indian meal I have ever had - except for those in India! The food was so wonderful I was upset when the meal was over. We will be regularly making the 160 mile round trip - it's worth it.

Have been 3 times and would go again. The food is really nice but it is a bit expensive, cost three of us £70 for a starter, main course and 2 drinks each. A good atmosphere but the peeling paint in the corner could be sorted.

Excellent food, friendly staff and a romantic atmosphere what more could you want?!

Great hospitality from Dave & Bernie, cracking conversation; Dave's a surfing and VW camper guru

Excellent for pre-theatre suppers: one of the few places where the timing and service seem designed to suit the customer and not vice-versa. Delicious and entertaining food - and the coffee is the best for miles around.

Very well presented food. Great atmosphere, very nicely done classy restaurant well done to them

Arguably the best Indian restaurant in Exeter. The food is Kashmiri in style (though the ownership is Bengali). Patient, friendly service, completely unfazed by unreasonable customers.