The Volunteer Inn - East Devon

We ate here recently and could not fault anything. The food and the service were both excellent. Well presented home cooked food and very tasty. We would not hesitate to eat here again!

Popped in for a drink with sister and sat at a table that was booked for 45 minutes later. 20 mins before the stated time we were reminded the table was booked at 7, to which we replied ‘yes we know’. 10 mins later another member of staff came and reminded us again because the people that had booked had arrived early. Once again we said ‘yes we know’. Then the barman apologised to them because the table wasn’t free! We then let him know how we felt about his poor customer service, which he defended, and left. Instead of making us feel unwelcome and that we were doing something wrong by finishing our drinks, the people that had booked the table should have just been informed that the table would be free at 7..the time they actually booked

Had a super Sunday lunch the staff were welcoming and helpful. We both had brisket of beef which was tasty and tender and it was served with plenty of vegetables. Make sure you know where it is located as we got a bit lost after coming out of The Byes but luckily a nearby resident came to our rescue.

Rude from start to finish. Walked in having booked a table no welcome stood like lemons at the bar before anyone acknowledged us. Were told we had to order food and drink at the bar but when we tried to do so we were told to sit down and they would come and take our order! We waited for 30-45 minutes and still no one had taken our order so asked again at the bar to be told they would come over now again no smile no apology. Having a gluten and dairy free member of family with us who repeatedly had to ask if the meal could be dairy free to be then bought over her meal with coleslaw on which she was told she couldn’t have so had to be taken back. Chips were totally over cooked and inedible, when we complained the waiter came over with some more and banged them down on the table with again no apology. Why so rude? We were perfectly pleasant and polite and expected the same in return. Will not return and being local will definitely not recommend.

We were in Sidmouth for the weekend and friends that have a holiday home here recommended the Volley. The food is fantastic and so good that the menu changes weekly. My partner is Gluten intolerant and he was very pleased that there were so many choices. The owner went through the menu with him. We will definitely be back. Staff were all great and the atmosphere was lovely