North Devon
Commodore

Commodore

Marine Parade, EX39 4JN, North Devon, United Kingdom

Full • Cafés • Lunch • British


"The Commodore Hotel, Instow, EX39 4JN is situated in an outstanding position in the village of Instow overlooking the coast and Appledore. The Commodore opened originally in 1968 by Bruce Patricia Woolaway, Gary’s parents and later their son Gary became the entrepreneur with the help of his family. Walking up to the Commodore through the grounds is enchanting with views across the beach. On entering the Commodore, Gary stands by the door with a welcoming friendly smile assisting a person to the table or room inside the hotel or outside, nothing is too much trouble for him. Gary is very friendly, good humoured and a Gold Star and such an excellent host with impeccable manners. Inside the Commodore you can feel the ambiance, friendliness and the warmth no other establishment in Instow can match this atmosphere that provides this welcoming feeling. The service is impeccable, all the staff are so friendly and jovial with Gary, the guests, in the restaurant or outside eating – It is such a pleasure to walk through the doors – it is like home. Hence the Commodore is our favourite place in Instow to sit and relax during the week with a lovely cup of fresh tea and whatever is on offer on the menu for that day, Jacket potato, sandwiches, soup, cake, teacake, cream tea, etc. Enjoying the atmosphere, the garden and the lovely scenery or chatting or just pleasantly sitting passing away the time in such an enjoyable charming venue. And on Sunday a person can enjoy the succulent lovely roast lunch. Fabulous place to visit, Gary and his staff will look forward to seeing you, the Commodore is highly recommended you won’t be disappointed."

Wards Bistro

Wards Bistro

6 St James Place, EX34 9BJ, North Devon, United Kingdom

Steak • Bistro • British • Vegetarian


"This is the best place we have eaten at in Ilfracombe! Sharon and her husband plus son and sons girlfriend, made our evening there last night so special! Not only was the food the best we gave eaten but their company, the location of the restaurant, the decor and the whole vibe feel to the place was just prefect. It is an intimate dining experience which you could do as a couple on your own and have an intimate evening on your own or you could chat to everyone in there and get involved in all the discussions being held! I’ve not eaten anywhere like this before and we loved it. The menu is excellent. I had prawns in a sauce on a lovely fresh tastey bed of salad a very generous serving. He had a Camembert cheese with chilli flakes and huge chunks of warm bread a sharing dish but he managed it all For the main course he had one of the specials which was a 16oz pork chop which was MASSIVE and cooked to perfection along with exceptionally tastey vegetables of carrots, beans and red cabbage. I had the 28 day rib eye and it was again, cooked to perfection. The seating was so comfortable as well which always helps! The desert menu was all gluten free along with dairy free for some of the items and this made the night even better. The sticky toffee pudding was the best and that was from a person who doesn’t eat gluten free foods so wasn’t expecting it to taste the way it did. Sharon was the most entertaining owner we have ever had the honour to be able to sit and laugh and chat to after our meal. She went out of her way to come over and help us continue our night there. Her husband does all the cooking and he came out and also joined in. We were introduced to her son and his girlfriend and it just made the night the most involved and special one we have had ‘just going out for a meal’. We will definitely go back! Thankyou Sharon! X"

Chichester Arms

Chichester Arms

Bishops Tawton, EX32 0DQ, North Devon, United Kingdom

Steak • Seafood • British • European


"I had read about the Chichester Arms via accommodation info as I was visiting Bishops Taunton the North Devon area for a holiday. As this pub was conveniently located on the same road to where I was staying. I popped in confirmed dogs were allowed asked whether a booking was needed in order to eat, I was advised booking was advisable but there was availability for that evening depending on the time I intended to eat. I was flexible with my timings so was happy to take a table knowing it was booked from 7.30pm so there was time for me to eat and vacate it before the booked time. I came back approx 40 mins after my initial enquiry was shown to the back section of the pub where it seemed most tables were set for larger groups but was happy to have a table free. On looking at the main course menu, there was an extensive choice available but only 2 vegetarian options. I asked my server about both of these and decided to chose the veggie chilli. There were no extras on the specials board as noted 1 shown as Spinach Ricotta cannelloni but this was the other dish already listed in the mains section so no additional veggie options for choice. The chosen meal was tasty enough but I feel there could have been more of the actual chilli as it felt like a bowl of nachos with melted cheese, 2 servings of salsa, 1 serving of sour cream and guacamole and then the chilli in the middle. Although there was no issue with the service, I think the options for vegetarians should be widened and re-consider the balance on a meal like the one I chose as not convinced it was worth the price for what was mainly nacho crisps with a few toppings, it’s possible the spinach and ricotta cannelloni may have been better value for money. I was grateful that this pub was dog friendly and that I could be accommodated and have a reasonable meal of sorts after a long drive to North Devon without having to venture further a field on my first day in the area. My overall rating is boosted by the service as had that not been welcoming, I would have said my visit was ‘average’"