California Country Inn in South Hams

Had a Sunday lunch here yesterday with some friends. First of all I was struck by how friendly the landlord was. The food was delicious, lovely roast pork, lamb, nut roast and a nice selection of veg. The staff were very polite, pleasant and patient. The deserts were excellent, I had the stick toffee pudding with clotted cream and others had between them bread and butter pudding, apple and blackberry tart, profiteroles and all thoroughly enjoyed it. We all agreed that we wouldn’t hesitate to come back. One of the best Sunday lunches I’ve had in a lovely atmosphere.

One of the nicest pub meals I have had in a long time curry and steak and puddings. Good atmosphere. Great music being played too! Charming owner!

Always amazing service and the best food ever 10/10. I had the steak with chips, onion rings , massive bowl of side salad and the added peppercorn sauce which was absolutely amazing , sister had the lasagne which looked and she said was bloody amazing, dad had the curry of the day which was chicken tikka madras of which he cleared the plate, mum had the pie chips and peas, which looked so good yet again a clear plate & my nan had the child’s scampi chips and peas yet again a clear plate , maybe a little help from myself 😆 , staff were so friendly as always , 10/10 highly recommend

Sunday lunch is superb here. They even serve smaller portions for smaller appetites if required. Lamb, beef or pork are all delicious - especially the pork with out-of-this-world crackling.

Wow amazing steak best I had tasted and delicious. The pub is a gorgeous place as well. Sat infront of the lit fire is so ideal makes it even more perfect.

We spent the night here in our camper van and enjoyed a delicious fireside dinner. For campers, the pub is with the Britstop scheme and the car park is large, level and flat with a very useful Spar supermarket and petrol station opposite. Now to the Cali.. we were welcomed and enjoyed a very interesting tour of the premises then had drinks in front of the lovely fire. The pub has a fascinating history, dating from the 14th century and was a staging post until the early 1900's. Now to the food.. Really good ham, egg, peas and chips (the best ever!) and steak and ale pie with chips and peas. Generous portions, so much so that we couldn't fit a pud in! The Cali is unusual in that it is not too "done up", not a boutique pub (thank goodness!) and lots of quaint features and charm. So nice to find traditional pub grub at reasonable prices in a proper country pub. We'll be back!

Can't recommend this place highly enough! We've been visiting this pub now for a couple of years, tried most meals on the menu, food always arrives quick and freshly cooked, every time we score it 10/10. Has as traditional pub feel, a good selection of drinks and reasonably priced considering the quality. See you again soon!

The tone of the responses to critical reviews tells everything you need to know about the attitude of the Cali Inn's management. I'll keep things factual and maybe avoid being labelled a liar by the owner, who seems to believe that personal attacks on disappointed customers who speak up is a good strategy. * The food (filled baguettes in our case) was pretty good - 4½ stars for that. * The premises - at least, the small bar area we were in - looked tired and unloved. Not an attractive environment at all. * The response of the person serving (presumably the owner) to a very civil question, after quite a long wait, about when we might expect our food was rude and self-justifying, bordering on the aggressive. * The same person spent quite a bit of time standing behind the bar a couple of metres from where we were having our food and conversation, whistling to the piped music and playing drums on the bar counter and a large parcel that was on it. * My companion reported that the female loo was fairly unpleasant. * Given all the above, and despite the food being OK, our visit represented poor value especially at the slightly salty prices charged. Although the Cali is midway between our homes, we won't be using it again for our regular but infrequent catch-ups.

Very nice genuine pub which makes a change, had a good healthy lunch, the meat pie was fine too much in fact and the curry was good. Prices reasonable mains £15,95 which is the going rate these days. Pleasant surroundings and staff. Plenty of parking

We visited on recent holiday, both tried the chefs chicken and leek pie. It was awful and certainly didn’t resemble a pie. It was over cooked chicken in soup with a piece of pastry dropped on top. The chicken was so dry despite the soup it was floating in. Would not return.

Good pub food and good selection at the bar. Stayed in our campervan with electric hookbup (£10) and booked evening meal. Friendly staff and enjoyed our fish and chips and scampi. Thanks very much, will be back.

We had a superb Dinner last night, we have eaten here quite a few times over the last couple of years, We love it, Food is always of good quality, Good sized Portions, all the staff are helpful and friendly.

A really good welcoming pub but I was intrigued by the landlord's forthright response to some unpleasant reviews. Sometimes people are very vindictive when writing reviews and are seldom the sort of people from whom I would seek advice. The staff I met were charming and very hardworking. Clearly the kitchen is very well managed and the quality of the food in the small but adequate menu brought everyone in my party considerable pleasure.

Wonderful meal , we stayed at the local caravan site and the inn is a very welcome refuge from cooking Really good choice on the menu and love the fact you can order small meals Attentive but not invasive service . Having had a knee replacement surgery and needing a stool to keep my leg straight the lady who welcomed us was very understanding and accomodating . Highly recommend . Great value , excellent food too

We visited this delightful Inn on our way south in our Motor Home to Cornwall, we stayed overnight in the car park with electric plug in for just £10 the local cider in the bar was amazing and a very reasonable price, we had an evening meal and my scampi was the best I have ever had, highly recommend the place, also staff very friendly and attentive even though they were quite busy.

We came here because we are staying as family in the Colmer estate. We have children babies. And we were ready to order. When the ‘owner’ came and told us to heard out belongings including moving my son who was in the high chair. He was so rude, I am surprised the pub is still running. I would avoid at all counts. And my second point would be that he was also rude the night before but we thought maybe he was having a bad night. But it seems he’s having a bad life. Good luck to him. He’s going to need it.

Having eaten at the California many time over many years I have to say it has now degraded beyond belief. What used to be a nice good quality dining establishment with friendly staff is now not worth visiting. Having tried to book a table in the restaurant area was told we would be in there on our own so we opted for a table in the bar, (it was obviously not very busy). On arrival we were greeted by a man I would assume was the owner who seemed like he couldn't care less about us. He pointed to a miserable looking table next to a pillar in the centre of the bar area handed me a couple sheets and said you order food here at the bar. We selected our starters and main courses from a pretty bog standard pub menu. I began placing our order only to be interrupted with "we're not doing starters the kitchens too busy". Why we weren't informed of this when handed the menu's God only knows. So I placed my wife's main course choice only to be told "we don't have that" no, I'm sorry sir I should have mentioned that's not available tonight. At that point I dropped the menu's on the bar, rang another venue booked a table, paid for our drinks and left. The manager couldn't have cared less. If you like being treated like cattle by someone who appears to have no interest in their own business you'll probably feel at home here. If not stay well away. Won't ever return until it changes ownership again.

Don’t be fooled by the location or interior, this place serves fantastic food!! 5 of us all had delicious starter, main and dessert. Everything was beautifully presented, fab quality, generous portions and all delivered by friendly, attentive staff.

Food average pub food staff pleasant but owner manager could do with going back to customer service School.

We have had several meals here, and every meal has been superb. Our lunch today was once again outstanding, so it's time to write a review! It's great to find a pub where you know the food is reliably good. In addition, the service is prompt, the beers are great and they even serve food on Sunday evening! There is such variety on the menu and they cater well for people with food allergies. Dishes worth a mention are the Sunday lunch, pork loin, the prawn and crayfish salad and the curries. Thank you so much for being a great pub and restaurant!

What a great pub, we stayed overnight with our motorhome which had EHU that we paid £10 for - we also had a evening meal which was amazing, great portions, well presented and all served hot! Staff were attentive and friendly. Will definitely return :-)

Absolutely lovely quirky country pub we stumbled on on our way back home from seeing Rod Stewart - best roast lunch I've had for a long time, great value, super friendly staff - we stopped again 120 miles en route to discover my partner had...

My wife and I cannot fault this Inn, from the friendly and helpful staff to the excellent food. Even the locals made us welcome. Our dog was spoilt and allowed in the snug. Even though it was a bank holiday and very busy, the staff...

Great home cooked food. Generous portions. My lasagne was spot on. Side salad fresh and tasty. I'd have preferred fewer chips. Olde worlde pub with friendly staff. Decor and general aestetics needs attention.: eg the glass panel opposite the bar separating seating area needs a...

Great food in a lovely country pub. Very friendly staff. We both had pork which was delicious and very generous portions. Will be back!

Really good standard food.tasted excellent. Ambience of olde world e country pub complete with beams and log fire set on country road but accessible and not overly priced

Our group of five girls have now visited twice on our monthly meal out and have all enjoyed our visit. Our particular favourite is the lasagne but this time I had the pork dish which was lovely and served with a tasty and really nice...

Had two meals on consecutive nights at the Cali! The choice was wide and varied although it would have been nice to see some fish on the menu. Staff were welcoming, friendly and sympathetic over my short term dietary needs. The food was warm and...

The meal was good and staff were friendly and helpful. We had a dog with us so had to sit in the bar. This was fine initially and then a client, who had obviously drunk too much at 19:30 in the evening, was rather rowdy,...

The food is very reasonably priced but the quality is excellent and a very good choice on the menu, it is well worth booking Sunday lunch as it gets very very busy, the beers on offer is also very well chosen, the staff are also...

We visited a few times whilst staying in the area. The food was lovely and we enjoyed our evenings. I’m guessing it was one of the managers/owners, but we found him stern and rather unfriendly

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit the food was wonderful and the service was very friendly and helpful. I particularly enjoyed the green Thai curry probably the best I have ever eaten.

only visited once for a takeaway meal, was nice and hot and well presented. Woiuld visit again if in the area.

Avoid like the plague!! We went here Friday evening with some friends. When we went to pay we agreed to split the bill so we would each be paying £44. When my boyfriend paid the man who served us did not show him the amount...

We chose this place as they had 'hook up's' for our motorhome and we will definitely be coming back. The pub is quaint with a nice beer garden, the staff were friendly and the food was amazing. We came as a couple, but families/children were...

After having nightmares finding food in the area and having to rely on the co-op constantly we found this place. It was very straight forward pub food that was good. We sat outside as we had two kids so can't comment much on inside. Nothing...

From the outside this pub looks a little dated but as soon as you get inside you see the charm of this lovely old pub. We ate here twice during a holiday locally and the food was great on both occasions. The only improvement I...

Looking for lunch with friends on the way home from visiting them in Kingsbridge. Very welcoming staff and our meals were all excellent. Freshly cooked and good qulaity. Very reasonable prices too. Will return!

Fab lunch and pudding,good value and friendly staff.Will certainly visit again when in the area and would recommend.

Staying locally, we were looking for somewhere to get dinner. Steak was amazing, perfectly cooked. Staff were friendly and helpful. Couldnt have asked for more. Reccommend to call ahead and book ahead, as they did get quite busy.

This is the worst service I have ever had. The staff are extremely rude. The language behind the bar is appalling. I don't know how they get any customers. The food when it finally arrived was not worth the money. I would not recommend this...

Evening meal for four, service with a smile, and nothing too much trouble. The portion sizes were generous, and excellent quality. There was a relaxed atmosphere and we were made to feel very welcome. Star of the dishes was the chef's seafood salad.

We hadn’t booked but were made very welcome and were actually found a table before we’d even read the menu. The food was equally good, full on pub grub with some excellent specials and good portion sizes. There was a good choice of beer which...

We searched the pubs in our area and came across the California Inn, we rang and was told we need you to pay a deposit of £10 each, which would be deducted from our bill, arrived and was shown to our table, food ordered and...

Booked a table but when we arrived the barman in charge was not welcoming. We were told that we couldn’t have a menu to look at because the kitchen was very busy. We managed to get one off another member of staff but were told...

Having read the reviews we were looking forward to eating here. It was the only local pub within walking distance to the campsite where we were staying. The food was ok (just ok) and what was more disappointing is that my husband used the facilities...

Fantastic food good ale friendly staff lovely ambiance proper oldy worlde real pub loved it so much booked for the following evening

This was the nearest restaurant to our campsite. We were so lucky. The food was amazing, we kept going back! My favourite was the duck salad served in a tortilla. It was delicious. The fish, scampi and Sunday roasts were also so tasty. Service and...

Visited on spec without reading previous reviews as is our regular procedure. Absolutely delighted with the immediate atmosphere - a lovely old world pub feeling. The meals were very, very good - one fish and chips and one chilli. Service was very friendly and efficient....

Booked at random for Sunday lunch as staying close by. Food was excellent- good roast dinner nicely cooked, hot, tasty with huge Yorkie puds and nice variety of veg. Puddings were good too! Very prompt and friendly table service. Just a lovely, unpretentious pub who...

We had a meal here last night and it was AMAZING! The steak was cooked to perfection, all good was fresh and seasoned well! The taste explosions and combinations was mind blowing! I couldn’t recommend this restaurant enough. The service was phenomenal and all staff...

I have to say having worked in hospitality and running pubs this has to be one of the best experiences we have ever encountered. The wife and I popped in to the Cali just for a drink with our dogs we walked into the rear...

Visited this pub on sunday, very pleasant staff served us our drinks. However after choosing food from the menu and trying to place our order we were told that there were no starters, no steaks no fish and no lids on any pies so this...

I live locally and have not visited before. I was out for a bike ride in a group of about 12 and we stopped off for a drink. Very warm welcome and extremely helpful regarding all the bikes that had to go somewhere. Pleasant beer...

Such a lovely pub. Friendly and welcoming staff, dog friendly, great food and a beautifully spacious sunny garden - garden hammocks also available for extra relaxation. Thoroughly enjoyed our first visit to the pub since restrictions have eased. The dog even got a complimentary biscuit!...

We visited for lunch and afternoon drinks. Great food served from a good selection on the menu. Good local beers, the Jail Ale was excellent.

Popped in here yesterday for a pint, enjoyed great Dartmoor ales, so booked in to eat this evening! So glad we did, the food was terrific. Chargrilled pork steaks in a lovely Stilton based sauce with mustard mash and the chefs burger with chips, both...

Fantastic Great service Great food Nothing is to much trouble Dog friendly Can’t wait to visit again

Beautiful pub and amazing food. Wasn’t sure when we booked as didn’t know the area, but absolutely delicious food. Good prices too. Well worth a visit.

Visited here while on holiday as it was our nearest pub. Welcoming place, dog friendly, freshly cooked food. We had beef & ale pie and chips which had plenty of very tender slow cooked beef, big portion of chips and peas. My son had cheesecake...

We were struggling to get booked in for a meal in the Kingsbridge area so we cast the net wider and found the California Inn. So pleased we did, we had a really enjoyable meal, and the staff were really great. Mike the landlord works...

mate and I called in. Had hog roast. baps and salad crawling with flys!!!! don't bother going there !!

Went today for birthday meal only serving hog roast today and had catering in. One one else eating. Fly's over food of serving table, hog roast was cold and burnt. I don't think I've had a meal that bad for about 20 years. Staff friendly...

Husband and I stopped of here for the hog roast and we are so glad that we did. Fantastic food, service and company awesome. The effort the pubs are doing with regards to the eat out scheme is commendable and putting on these special treats...

California Country inn = fantastic , it was absolutely bloody amazing. The food, oh my goodness I had the steak , has to be the best I’ve ever had, the chips were super fluffy and crisp and the salad bowl was super tasty too. The...

Shocking food, rude owner and a chef who didn’t go a a dam. Waitresses were very friendly and apologetic. So disappointing!!!!

Having read the reviews we expected something different than we experienced. Firstly we were told The chef was not providing starters as they were too busy. This was disappointing but we accepted it. But then we were eating in an empty room????!!! We ordered 2 steaks (medium & medium rare) both turned up like charcoal We returned them only for them to be brought back with the chef’s comments of “this is what you ordered so eat it or don’t pay”. The vegi option sounded nice but appeared to be a microwaved meal (@£13 - not great). Whilst paying the bill (steaks removed as we could not eat them) the sarcastic comment made by the owner was “you’ve had a cheap night”!! We went out intending for a nice meal on holiday & happy to pay but I don’t consider a cheap night £18 for a bottle of wine & no food. Not a nice experience. However, the two waitresses on duty were really helpful & apologetic. No apology from the owner for our failed evening. Thankfully the spar shop opposite stocks lovely food & the manager is very welcoming.

Had a fantastic meal all eaten even though the meals are very generous. Staff lovely and polite, helpful and patient. Did not have to wait long for meals even though we had 10 in the group and they were very busy. Meals reasonably priced, all good thank you to the chef and our table service.

Horrible experience. Walked out after just recieving our drinks. Around 10 flys all over our table and the table next to us. Above my head was two massive spiders and when we confronted the manager on shift we had no apology or alterative offer to move. Very rude and he just huffed like it was our fault. Made us question there hygiene around the food!

Love this pub and visit every time we are on holiday in the area Great food and friendly staff. Good value for money & dog friendly.

Great food, good service. Waiting staff very busy, but still attentive and pleasant. Covid precautions all in place and well organised. Busy last night as first night of the Government 50% off scheme. Well done.

I first came here with friends on a Friday night for a few drinks and the staff couldn't do enough for you they were welcoming and lovely. We have since returned to try the food and it was absolutely delicious and reasonably priced. The service was very good I would recommend it to anyone who lives locally or coming on holiday

I moved into the area around eight months ago and have been here around six or seven times. Every time we have been, as a couple or family, the service is brilliant. Friendly and very informative. The place looks like an old country pub, but the food is very much far from that. Great quality, generous portions and a varied menu. I really can't fault the place and will always go back there when friends visit. Keep up the good work guys.

Walked to the California Cross from Moorview campsite - we were very wet. Received a very warm welcome in the bar with our two little dogs. Excellent lunch and cider. Would not hesitate to recommend.

The food was excellent , I could see it would be an excellent venue for wedding reception or a big party

We came here for lunch as the chilli farm was only serving cakes. We were so pleased we did. Service from a young waitress who was holding the fort was amazing. Nothing was too much trouble. The food was excellent - generous portions, reasonable prices. Great chips. Liver and bacon cooked perfectly. Lovely cheesy topping on lasagne. Lovely burger and Thai red curry. In fact nothing to complain about at all. Very happy.

Hardly new after 3yrs, but what a great menu and excellent food. The biggest difference is the genuinely warm welcome that the new team offer compared to the previous incumbents. A good solid country pub offering well above average food.

we just popped in on the off chance for a spot of lunch on our way through. We were pleasantly surprised by service and ambience. The menu was full and the specials board enticing. We sat in the garden as we had a dog accompanying us. We were invited to go inside as it was a hot day and cooler inside. The food came in good time. I had the Chef'd burger. I was not happy to receive it on a wooden board, much preferring a plate!!! ( I think you should be given the plate option when ordering. No one would ever choose a board). The burger was exceptional. Totally grizzle `fat chunks' free. It was nicely cooked with a crisp exterior but retaining the moistness throughout. I really enjoyed it. The chips were fluffy on inside and very crispy. My wife had the Greek salad. Once again it was a nice surprise to see what had been presented to her. Ample cheese and olives and it was a big salad. We came back the next opportunity we could. I was lucky as it was `pie and a Pint' for £10. Once again we were well looked after and they welcomed toe dog. We will be back next time we are around this area....

There seems little point in leaving a review nowadays in TA, or as it's otherwise known, SA, as half the respondents seem very easily satisfied and the other half easily offended. However, The California Inn should serve as a lesson to all those other publicans, who either have no taste buds, don't care about their guests, mistake pretension for flavour of, more likely, can rely on 5 star reviews for microwaving some rubbish they have ordered from the back pages of The Grocer.There are vanishingly few restaurants worthy of a second visit, especially ones that require you to thread your way down unimaginably horrendous narrow tracks that pass as roads around here. So, to say that, had we not had to return home, we would have made a third consecutive visit is praise indeed.Anyone who thinks bread-and-butter pudding is just a bowl of bland, dry stodge should come here to find out why, properly prepared, it is one of the few triumphs of British cuisine.

As can be seen, we rarely make TA comments any more, as it seems pointless when half the respondents seem so easily satisfied and the other half are so easily offended.

nice barman who was waiter, took orders & served drinks also. Food was good, with an option of a smaller adult meal which was enough to have a desert then.

Called in for supper after a day out visiting Tavistock and Dartmoor. Lovely staff and owners, very welcoming and friendly. We ordered fish and chips and it was fabulous, well cooked and delicious The bonus of being there on a Thursday was it was 2 for £20, incredible value. Felt like stepping back in time, lovely pub where you could hear a conversation without the loud music, friendly and welcoming atmosphere and good food. We will be back.

Stayed recently in Ivybridge for a family holiday and when we were looking for somewhere to stay we wanted it to be close to a pub so we didn't have to cook each night or drive somewhere for dinner. Over two weeks we had 4 meals in here and each one was beautifully cooked and very tasty. The team that works there are very friendly and they welcomed our dog in to the pub and gave him plenty of treats. Good array of beers and a huge specials board. keep an eye out for steak night as it's an absolute bargain.Thank you to everybody that works there for making us welcome

Very friendly and helpful staff, good food in a proper pub. went there twice with my daughter and grandchildren. Excellent value and good atmosphere

We decided to pop down for a drink, whilst we were there the barman told us they had a pie and pint for £10. He was immediately sold so we decided to eat as well. I didnt have a great appetite, so it was great when I noticed that they offered smaller adult meals. I chose Ham, egg and chips. My usual choice when I go for a meal. Well, this was by far the best I've had. The ham was amazing. And the chips, the best! My husband had the pie, and as a chef he is incredibly hard to please, really, really enjoyed it. We would definitely go back and recommend to family and friends. Customer service was also very good. They had a few games that you could play, so we had a game of scrabble after our food.

A genuine local with decent food, welcoming staff and friendly locals. No piped music when we were there and in our bar, no fruit machine. Dog friendly, a good range of well kept beers and wine and our food was delicious. What more do you want?!

We are staying near by and thought we would try it out for our evening meal. The choice on menu is not that great but has a special board. The place is very dark inside with dark painted beams made to look old. The food in my option is a little over priced for what is served. We have traveled all over the uk on our holidays so have been into 100s of pubs and restaurants. The California is and average pub/restaurant but with higher prices. Food was ok staff were friendly

We went for Sunday lunch & I opted for the salmon which was perfectly cooked, beautifully presented & delicious. The children loved their roast beef & giant Yorkshires. All brought out quickly & the staff were attentive and friendly.

The food was well cooked and tasty. One of the specials boards wasn't available because the chef wasn't working. If you go for the deal nights it would probably be good value but 5 meals with a drink and puddings came to £120+ so can't afford to eat there often. Children and dogs were welcome.

We were staying in a cottage on the nearby Colmer Estate and ate here twice whilst on holiday. Excellent range of food, including two specials boards on the Saturday night we were there. Food on both occasions was lovely (and big portions) - small meal portions are available if you have a smaller appetite. The chargrilled pork loin steaks and the accompanying sauce were to die for. Three of us eating and all had a drink each - just over £40. Staff were excellent and the pub was dog friendly too. All in all couldn't recommend it highly enough. Good local beers too!

We ate at The California Inn last week whilst visiting Thurlestone, Devon. It happened to be "Steak Night" where you get two steak meals for £12.95 each which we excellent value. The steaks were cooked perfectly and came with salad, chips and onion rings. Really tasty and the food was cooked to perfection, it was quite busy in the pub and a good admosphere. Would definitely visit again when we return to Devon.

We have excellent service and first class beer. We are regulars now after 10 nights having all kinds of meals. Also Kenny Rogers behind the bar is also so much a look alike great guy.

Love eating in this pub. The atmosphere is lovely, the food is great, and the prices very reasonable. With a campsite around the corner, this is a perfect chance to treat yourself to a lovely meal and a weekend away!

Not so good for us. 3 courses and 3 drinks £120. 2 of us. Average our best comment. So disappointing.

We visited with family. Found the Inn had improved significantly. It was lunch time. On arrival we were warmly greeted. Indeed service throughout was upbeat and attentive, but not intrusive. Food was good quality pub fare, prepared and presented with care and attention. Good range of beers and wines. On leaving we were warmly thanked and made to feel valued. Will definitely go again when in the area.

Really enjoyed our second meal of fish and chips here. Very friendly prompt service and hot food. Prosecco a bonus. Would definitely recommend

We went in for an evening meal and were very lucky to get a table as it’s a very popular venue - suggest booking. Charming location with friendly staff and great customer service. Varied menu and the food was great. So good we went back for Sunday lunch, which was also really good - piping hot and fresh vegetables. Wish we had somewhere like this at home. Totally recommend.

Had an evening meal and the food was very good. A great choice and it came quickly and we thoroughly enjoyed it.

We were a large party all meeting to celebrate my parents 80th birthdays. The Cali was exactly what we needed. Plenty of choice on the menu and happy to accommodate the vegans in the party. I am normally sceptical to see such a large menu as it can mean it's not all home made but needn't have worried. Every one enjoyed their meals and service was great.

There were 16 of us booked in. The orders were taken and food was served quickly to everyone and it was piping hot. Very tasty, everyone enjoyed their meals. The ice cream was delicious!