Bull & Bear in North Devon

Absolutely disgusting service here from one man, not sure on name but will be finding out and putting in a formal complaint. I am a local and come here often, I will be warning everyone I know to avoid this place now due to the vile service I received. Came in with my partner and 2 children and was told no tables available so we left and booked a table online. The form online made me state that I had children eating. Went back to the pub and was told only high tables available despite the fact I have a newborn in a pram and a small child which was stated in my booking form. I noticed many people in pairs eating at tables suited for families of 4, I pointed this out and was told they booked those tables which isn’t even an option so clearly that was just an excuse. So basically we had no option but to leave and will never be returning. Rude man.

If you're going to Barnstaple then the Bull and Bear is a must. The food there is incredible, i had a burger is was the tasty burger I've ever had.

Very good food with lovely service. Nice menu with clearly labelled “gf” or “gf alternative”. Reasonably priced.

An amazing experience made our anniversary special, the food is 10/10 with generous portion sizes, staff was incredible everything served with a smile by the lovely Sophie and Georgia and delicious cocktails made by James the manger who also made sure everything was going as we needed throughout the evening. Would definitely recommend and will be back for another meal soon. Thank you Bull and Bear.

So surprised 😮 chefs burgers 🍔 were amazing 👏

Amazing service by Millie and the other lady cocktails were gorgeous to look at. Amazing food and gravy you can practically drink. I can not recommend this place enough and will definitely be coming back

Waited over an hour for our food. Was not told or warned about 2 parties that were taking place, and my children had to wait too long

Really wonderful meal, great service and a couple of freebies! We got a popcorn starter after we ordered and once we finished our meal we had a few jellybeans! Chilled atmosphere and good food, highly recommend.

I love the Mac and cheese, spring rolls and the waffle fries!

Had an amazing experience here celebrating my 21st birthday. Service by Sophie (and a young lad) was amazing and drinks made by Chloe were superb (as usual). Food was delicious and hot on arrival and even though there was 10 of us, the food wasn’t delayed for anyone. My family and I felt like we were all really taken care of, even with a mix of extra sides and vegetarians. We had a private room where my family were allowed to bring big balloons and cake to help celebrate. Felt incredibly welcomed from first arriving and even got jelly beans when given the bill. Food was very well priced and drinks had some great offers, could definitely taste the alcohol in the cocktails which made a nice change from some places. Would definitely recommend 10/10

Food was great Sophie was our server she was fantastic!

Great service from Sophie very friendly and attentive, the food was lovely, would 100% come here again with friends or family!

Sophie was a great server, food was great

Always super friendly staff and willing to obliged with crazy requests (penguin on a hen doo). Beautiful food and generally really nice place.

Delicious burger, great beer, great staff. Will return.

I can not recommend this place enough! We popped in without a booking and the staff were lovely and really helpful even though it was nearing the end of the day. The vegetarian burger was the best burger I have ever had in my life including meat and fish and everything. I had the Andy Burger with mac and cheese and it was amazing! It was pretty cold inside everyone was in hoodies and coats but the people we've lovely and chatty and food was great and the drinks have tiny rubber ducks in which was so cute! Next time I am in the area (or within an hours drive) I will definitely be going back!

I can not recommend this place enough! We popped in without a booking and the staff were lovely and really helpful even though it was nearing the end of the day. The vegetarian burger was the best burger I have ever had in my life including meat and fish and everything. I had the Andy Burger with mac and cheese and it was amazing! It was pretty cold inside everyone was in hoodies and coats but the people we've lovely and chatty and food was great and the drinks have tiny rubber ducks in which was so cute! Next time I am in the area (or within an hours drive) I will definitely be going back!

Incredible service, spoke with my daughter in the friendliest way and as a person herself. Staff really cared about everyone there and didn't rush anything.

Amazing food. Good price for quality. Very busy but kept us updated on the wait from when we came in, when we ordered and checked on us to see if we wanted anything else. Extremely friendly & helpful staff who were working non stop.

Came here for our Xmas party & it was amazing! The 2 for 15 cocktails were such good value and delicious 😍 The food was (as always) 10/10. The smoosh burger I ordered was divine and all the food came out quickly despite the restaurant being at full capacity - and all at the same time which was great as there was such a big group of us. Front of house staff were bubbly & patient with our group and super lovely. We felt very welcomed & looked after by Matt & his team. Thank you for a wicked night B&B ❤️

So we had the Christmas buffet. We were placed in the first room inside the door, not the warmest area. It was table service for drinks which made us think we weren’t allowed out of the area. When the buffet food came it was placed on a table by the alleyway that everybody came in by, so constant opening of the door made the food go cold quickly and people actually helped themselves to our food on their way in and out of the pub. The food wasn’t really that nice. There were no dips as stated on the menu. It was all just a bit naff really. I have eaten here before and it was very nice so maybe just the fact that it was a Christmas buffet thing that let it down, wasn’t a great deal for what we paid per person either.

I was in the area on business and needed an evening meal. Not wanting to eat in my hotel I went out to the local are. The majority of choice were closed at the start of the week but this venue was open. It has a sports bar feel with screens throughout the venue. I was greeted at the door, given the option of seating locations (tables of sofas). Once seated my server was helpful and attentive. The food was great, nacho were particularly special, and all for a reasonable price. I ordered their local brew pilsner which was also decent. All in, for a Monday night last minute find in a relatively sleepy town. I was impressed.

We went to the Bull and Bear for lunch today and we loved it. The food was exceptional and the staff could not be more helpful. The pub itself was amazing loved the decor to the place and the ladies loo is worth looking at just for the fun of it. All in all would 100% recommend this lovely little pub.

Went for psychic supper. Very disappointed. Food was underwhelming. We had a burnt burger, pulled pork bap had no taste. Hair in one of the dishes, Mac and cheese had no flavour. Waiters were made aware but no solution offered.

The delivery driver was smoking a cigarette while handling my food, this is unacceptable

We were brought here for lunch for a treat and it did not disappoint! I had a chicken burger, the Nakatomi Plaza, with sweet potato fries. 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻

Food was cold, chicken was overcooked, no lettuce Poor presentation

Turned up at 7:15pm, stood in doorway for 5 minutes before we were sat down. Waitress took our order quickly, sat at the table for 45 minutes before a different waitress came up to tell us that half my order wouldn’t be available and so I ordered another item. 10 minutes later, a different waitress came to tell me that another part of my order wouldn’t be available. Reluctantly, without a menu, I had to order something else. Another 10 minutes went by and I ended up asking a separate waitress who was waiting heavily on the table next to us if she could check how long our food would be now. The table next to us was obviously the owner of the establishment. Another 10 minutes later food finally came. My halloumi spring rolls didn’t come with the sauce stated in the menu, I asked a waitress if I could have the sweet chilli sauce. Then a separate waitress again, came to tell me that they didn’t have any. At that point I just accepted the poor service. 3 appetisers took over an hour. I don’t think I actually saw the same waitress twice. It seemed that they may have been too embarrassed to speak to me? When it finally came to paying, there was a sweet chilli sauce added to the order…I questioned it and asked 1, why had it been added since it was supposed to come with the order anyways? And 2, I didn’t even get it? Friends Mac and cheese was bland and not cheesy at all, should change the menu name to ‘Mac and no cheese’. Overall such a poor experience, Ridiculous service, and offered no apology whatsoever. Won’t be visiting again. Wouldn’t recommend.

Me and my colleague visited this establishment and honestly could not pick fault, food was exceptional, cleanliness was beyond what we expected and the best part about the whole experience was the service. Ellie and her team were the pinnacle of hospitality, willing to discuss the menu, passing on their personal recommendations and even getting involved in conversations outside of work relating to us being out of the area. I could not recommend the bull & bear enough and will ensure to drag who ever I return to Barnstaple with to try the flavoursome brisket.

This place is a must when visiting Barnstaple, me and my colleague were visiting due to working in the area. The food was unreal and portion sizes being very generous even though the quality is high. The staff are very kind and attentive, especially when we requested for the football on the TV. Ellie was extremely helpful and served us for the majority of the evening, she couldn’t have done more if she tried and always ensured we were satisfied for the entirety of our stay, she provided friendly chat and made us feel very welcome. Overall the experience was brilliant and would definitely revisit when returning to this area.

Went for dinner and they squeezed us in at the end of service. We had three different burgers and they were all really good. Would go again.

Highly recommend the nachos! The burgers looked amazing too. Friendly staff, dog friendly and great food with big quantities

Food ok Service not ok As a local person I will not be returning

Really lovely service and a great choice of food and drinks. Their own beer is delightful! Would recommend and will be back

Lovely meal today at Bull & Bear! Great value for money, amazing portion sizes and brilliant service from Sophie & Justice. We will certainly be returning!

Always a pleasure to eat here and have to say Ellie was absolutely fantastic host! - friendly and very personable. Bring the big smo back though!!

Great food, large portions relaxed alt 90s vibe

The order for 2 buffalo wings isnt what we recieved. I think it's Yenders because they have thst coating. Very disappointed.

The food was cold and soggy, the chips were a very very small portions. Really not happy and definitely did not enjoy this food.

Eat in restaurant today had the burger and fries, fries were lovely along with the burger bun, unfortunately the burger was very gritty and I was unable to eat. I fed this back when we paid was told they would feed this back to the butcher and the issue was dismissed by the server. I have previously had some amazing meals in the Bull and Bear but unfortunately the burger and then the response will probably put me off from eating there again.

Used to order from Bull & Bear all the time but since moving to Just Eat the quality and quantity have gone down hill… Also advised that food was ready to collect, then took 20 minutes longer as they prioritised a restaurant order

Great little find! Interesting building and quirky decor. Good selection of beers and fantastic food 😀.

Nice pub, weekday £7 menu is superb. Still same great value, friendly staff, nice pub.

Found this place on a whim but so glad I did. The food was absolutely gorgeous and the portions were plentiful. The cocktails in the can were also great. I had some Mexi Veggie fries and my partner had the Hulk Smoosh Burger and we both left stuffed and enjoyed it immensely. Staff also very friendly. Lovely little place.

Both burgers were hard and dried out, Mac and cheese was Luke warm and bland. Rodeo fries had a large inedible burnt slab of charcoal beef in it. Such a shame as always highly rated Bull and Bear but slowly been getting worse.

Sides good and Dessert ok, but veggie burger I ordered arrived cold and very poorly made. For the price you are paying this sort of thing should not be happening - customers would rather wait a bit longer for delivery than have cold food.

Amazing food and service! We love Bull & Bear and always come for lunch here as it’s so affordable and such a nice atmosphere! We had never had dinner here before and wasn’t sure what to expect with it being a Bank Holiday. However, the food was amazing and service was so quick. We were served by Justice and she was so lovely and welcoming. We will 100% be back! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The food was absolutely amazing. Thank you

Food was bigger than expected and so good

We had burgers and chips the taste was OK but the portion size was too small we also had loaded chips and nachos both these were big portions with a good taste I had buffalo wings and deep fried pickles which were way over priced for the portion size the inside was clean and tidy but lacking in atmosphere the service was good.

7.95 for 3x chicken wings! And no dip may I add, I’ve always fully praised your selves but today I noticed the portions seem smaller, and packaged in multiple pots? ( nathos)I also had cold food. The flavors are nice, but the pulled pork sat in a watery puddle. So going forward I shall be appreciative in ordering bull and bear next time

Best smoked food i have had in my life! Fantastic service, fantastic food, fantastic atmosphere. Love the gimmicks aswell!

The staff at Bull and Bear are brilliant. They called to discuss the order as I had added a note and were very helpful ensuring that I got exactly what I needed. Thanks to the young lady that called. Sorry I didn't get your name.

Went on a quiet Tuesday evening. Amazing food, really tasty burgers. Mac n cheese with pulled pork, ribs. All meat was cooked perfectly. Huge portions. Kids eat free too and the kids menu portions are as good as adults menu. Really quirky old building with lots of history. Friendly staff.

Food was not great the nachos were soggy won’t be going back

Edit to update: Original review was about 6 months ago. We went back this week as I was informed the vegetarian burgers had been updated. I can confirm this is now much more like the old burger and the Mac ‘n’ Cheese is back up to the previous quality. I was really pleased to find this as I have missed this place so much since leaving the previous review! Will definitely be revisiting regularly again now. Recognised some of the excellent staff from when we used to visit before, but the newer members of staff were also excellent. I have also updated the stars to reflect this. Left the previous review below so that anyone else who might have had a bad experience can see they have listened to feedback and have improved massively again! Thank you! ❤️❤️❤️ Previous Review: Used to absolutely love this place, visiting pretty much weekly (sometimes twice weekly!) for the last 18 months or so and recommending it whenever possible, however it has massively gone downhill in recent months. The staff are always very welcoming with great service but the food quality has been steadily decreasing. I’m not sure if it has changed hands or something but after a couple of really disappointing visits, we have decided to stop going. The soya Bandwagon used to be the absolute best Vegetarian burger around (since Nando’s got rid of their soya burger), the pea protein burger wasn’t bad, but whatever they have replaced it with is vile and they don’t seem at all interested in any feedback on it (and staff have told me that I am not the only person who has fed this back). The last two times I’ve visited, it has been inedible. Last time, while we were waiting for our plates to be collected by the server, the person I was with commented that there was an awful smell. I had to point out that it was the burger pattie that I had left on my plate. The new burger tastes like burnt Weetabix mixed with water and smells unfortunately like cat poop and bleach. With my burger, I always order the Mac ‘n’ Cheese topping, which also seems to have changed. It now tastes as though the cheese has been omitted from the recipe. I am devastated as this was my absolute favourite comfort meal and I would take any opportunity to come to B&B for my favourite burger. Two pics added. In one, you can see the tasty, rich looking Mac ‘n’ cheese in the burger, in the other one the pale tasteless one. I know times are hard for businesses at the mo and that savings have to be made where possible, but I’d be happier paying a couple quid extra and having a decent quality burger than this. We really miss coming here and would love to start coming back if things improve!

Visited family in Barnstaple and looking for somewhere to eat, having a dog with us. 2 places not allowing dogs and then taken to this place, Justice couldn't have been more helpful and accommodating, fantastic service, food and atmosphere. Thank you. Cathy. X

We visited on a Saturday night, unfortunately staff were run off their feet with cocktails and so we felt the experience of having food suffered - we would have liked dessert and a couple of drinks to finish our meal, but the wait times led to us deciding to leave instead. Food we had was okay, nothing particularly stood out sadly. Not a great experience this time! I’d recommend for drinks with friends rather than a meal out.

Sophie is my girl! Seek her out if you can

The Cajun wrap is one of the best wraps I’ve ever had, super friendly staff (especially Justice) and fair pricing, definitely picked the right pub for lunch!

We came here for a family meal at Lunchtime. We had a mixture of small dishes and some burgers. The food was excellent. The fries were well cooked and seasoned and the chicken was tender. The burgers are excellent and it ended up being the best meal in our trip to Devon. Well worth a visit. The lunchtime meal is well priced with lots of choice.

Absolutely stuffed. Super hot in temperature and delicious!!

Sophie was the best. She gave good life advice and jelly beans

Went here for work drinks and dinner, was my first time going out with the company so it was so helpful to have a welcoming environment and a great server in Sophie!

Amazing food and very attentive service. Will definitely be coming back!!!

Excellent service and food is fantastic

Amazing food. Really good portion size, lovely quality & got here really fast. 10/10

I have not received the drink that I ordered, please refund this.

Did not deliver! Marked as delivered. Phoned restaurant who said driver knocked and tried to call when they didn’t! Staff member who I spoke to was rude and unhelpful!

the best takeaway we have had in a very long time!

Absolutely awful service! do not order via Just eat from here! We did for a birthday meal and it wasn't prepared at all to start with. They then did the meal and accidentally sent it out for delivery despite my Son sat waiting for it, and had to get it back. We got it finally at 8.30pm when should have been ready 19.55pm. unfortunately it was cold and the brioche buns were soggy from the burger juice. So disappointed. Now being told I'm not eligible for just eat compensation as was a collection

Last minute visit on a weekday evening. We were a party of 11, including 3 children. We were welcomed warmly and seated in a side room. Menus on qr codes on the table. Food is very good, huge portions and well cooked. We had a variety of dishes including loaded fries, burgers and ribs. Every meal was enjoyed. No room for desserts. Total bill for 11 people including drinks was less than £200. Very good value we all felt. Thank you for looking after us all.

Missing items and food was cold

Food was great as always but the portions seem to have shrunk significantly.

Excellent food & service nice atmosphere 10/10 👏👏👏

A group of us went for an end of season get together. The menu is a little limited and based around burgers and chips however there are a few exceptions and the quality of food was brilliant.

We where told which table was free as soon as we entered, not very good with the qr codes and ordering through them so paper menu's where provided. Food and cocktails where lovely, we got a combo starter to share & then also gad some spring rolls. Very good and well worth a visit.

I was stuck in Barnstaple with a flat tire and needed to find somewhere for dinner. A work colleague recommended Bull and bear and I couldn't of asked for better service and food. The two girls on front of house were both amazing. Both were friendly and made me laugh about the situation. Would recommend this place to anyone in Barnstaple looking for some great food and service.

The ribs usually come with a slaw, but husband opted out. Meat was lovely, fell off the bone. My Mini Matt Burger was NOT Mini. It had a whole potato waffle in it. burger was sooo juicy and tasty. Upgraded my fries to sweet potato. Tin jar cocktails were good, but make sure you stir after adding the booze 😊

Has NOT been delivered as claimed

Great food! Great service. If I didn't live so far away would be my go to all the time. Get buffalo chicken dirty fries, you will not be disappointed 😍😍

We normally love Bull n Bear but have always eaten in. First takeaway today and it was really poor. 'its all gravy baby' came without gravy and the chicken was overcooked.. children's cheeseburger, the burger was broken in half and also overcooked. quorn nuggets was really crunchy but that could be the way they are cooked. Order arrived hot and on time though, just food quality poor on thus occasion.

burger was warm at best, chips were stone cold.

Food was great as always. Thank you so much

Went here to watch football with mates STAFF ARE SO RUDE! No how are you how’s your day just your a few mins late where have you been no need for that is there I understand it’s busy and a Saturday but don’t be horrible to customers I said on the note to sit us at the front they sat us in a corner at the back which isn’t what we asked for they didn’t even email us to say we couldn’t sit at the front so strange! You lost valuable custom yesterday and I will never be coming here again that’s for sure 🤣

Lovely meal and good service from Sophie thank you so much, the cocktails were delicious and the loaded fries where incredible

Always have a great time when we go here, staff are really friendly. Food is great, decent portions and good variety.Not bad in price either.

Amazing food and service And our waitress Sophie was probably the best waitress ever!! There was a big group of us and she got everything absolutely spot on! Would definitely recommend.

Had a great meal at bull and bear I highly recommended any of the spring rolls they ARE AMAZING and staff are always attentive

Great food! Especially the nachos and burgers! Staff friendly! Tasty beverages! What's not to like?

soggy asf was disgusting and got chucked in the bin waste of money

Decided to not cook so plucked a place to go. Staff were totally overwhelmed, lots of guests but only two members of staff serving. So unfortunately Service was not great. Food was ok but honestly for a burger and chips (you get more chips in a mcdonalds happy meal) not for the price outstanding. We wanted to order desert but after 20 mins waiting for our plates even to be cleared we gave up and left. We won't be back to soon . A shame as this used to be a great place to eat.

Food was good, nice to have it on Just eat now as cannot often get into town. Chips were marvellous, looking forward to ordering from here again.

Food was good, it’s got American size portions as I haven’t seen this much food on my plate since moving to England 😬 They have some great food items and definitely would recommend checking them out if you like American Grill type food 🤘🏼

On the 29th February me and my mate wanted to grab some lunch before work we arrived shortly after midday where we got taken to a table and shortly afterwards a young lady came for our drinks order and said she would shortly be back for our food order. A gentleman delivered our drinks not long afterwards. We waited for ages and no still came for our food order the gentleman had delivered us our condiments and cutlery in a box type thing and still didn't ask us for our food order then he disappeared. The lady who seem to forgotten about us was too busy cutting limes and oranges behind the bar. Worst thing about it was that it wasn't even busy or they were rushed off their feet. So we paid our drinks bill and left... extremely disappointing I have never ever had a bad experience there before hand.

Staying in Devon for a week away visited Barnstaple for a day & found this lovely place to eat , food was great and the portions were huge . Even provided a take away box when we couldn't manage it all .

Had a birthday meal with friends and family, Staff were amazing, kind and polite. Nice food, and lovely building, Thanks for the Burgers and Good times.

Great food great service all in all a great venue 👍

No menu provided Have to look at phone for menu Was given no choice of seating Never again

Really good food. Had a great night out with friends here. Would visit again.