Lord Fortescue in North Devon

One of the best Sunday carveries that we have experienced, with a wide range of vegetables & meat; welcoming staff, especially Kim & Wendy, nothing was too much bother

We had the Sunday lunch carvery which we really enjoyed. The Beef and the Turkey were delicious. The roast Potatoes were a little overdone but there were new potatoes and swede along with a good selection of vegetables cooked to perfection. We had not booked so had to eat in the bar area which was quieter than the new Bank area. This suited us perfectly. We will be back, Thanks to the kind staff at the bar. J & J

Met a dear friend yesterday for lunch which was disappointing to say the least. Ordered a carvery for myself and sadly as per previous carvery eaten here before, hard undercooked cauliflower cheese, dry and hard roast potatoes. The beef was nice and tender, but the Yorkshire pudding was hard and dry also. My friend had to chase her lunch also as it hadn’t arrived. They did apologise for this and refunded her money and delivered her lunch promptly after the reminder. Now, I realise I should have complained about the carvery but as this has happened on previous occasions with over and under cooked food I realise this is probably not going to change! Sadly I will not be eating here again, and I cannot recommend

Was a nice day but I was a bit upset that they seem to have some light fingered housekeeping staff. So would definitely not stay again

Book a table for lunch but when we arrived were shown to our table in a dull, stuffy room next door to the hotel ‘the bank’! Waited 50 minutes for our meal to arrive which was a lovely meal so worth the wait but the atmosphere in ‘the bank’ is that of a basic cafe! Gone are the attentive staff, the table clothes and the high standard of service that you use to get in the hotel. Food is great but the cafe experience in a stuffy room in the bank isn’t very nice!

This is our second visit to the Fortescue for a midweek carvery,which was way below standard for a 4star hotel. every item on the carvery was unedable roast potatos,stuffing and Yorkshire pudding were rock hard roast beef tasted like it had reheated from the day before as well as the veg.not a patch on your sister hotels the Barnstaple and the Imperial. never again.waste of money

Well I feel I need to leave a review after a few bad experiences at the Royal and Fortescue Hotel. The music playing in the background was too loud. Poor meal choices at lunchtime Had a carvery which yet again all the vegetables were hard. The roast potatoes were hard. The Yorkshire puddings were hard and tasteless. Pigs in blankets do not taste nice. Compared to other Brend eateries this hotel which is tremendously popular for meeting with friends, needs to up its game.

Had lunch here on a trip to Barnstaple. Situated in the middle of town. Food was really excellent and would highly recommend

We hadn’t visited the area for a while and were hoping that The Lord Fortescue was as good as we remembered. We were not disappointed. They now offer a carvery deal, which includes a dessert, and as on previous visits the place was very busy and, from what we could hear, frequented by regulars. Always an encouraging sign. The meat on offer was turkey or beef and each looked beautifully cooked and the slices being served were very generous. We went for the turkey and it was succulent and tasty. There was a very good range of vegetables, including green beans, carrots and peas, cauliflower cheese, red cabbage, mashed swede. There were also two types of potatoes, including rosemary roast potatoes, as well as Yorkshire pudding and stuffing, and an unexpected extra of mini sausages. There were plenty of options on the dessert menu, including a very light tiramisu. The service was excellent and all of the staff were very smartly dressed and pleasant to talk to. The decor was befitting of a fine dining restaurant, but was comfortable and there was a relaxed atmosphere. One small observation, I have never seen so many staff serving an area of covers of this size, but perhaps that’s why they are so efficient and cheerful. We thoroughly enjoyed our lunch and would highly recommend this carvery deal.

Mother’s Day was the first time we had been to the Royal Fortescue to eat. It was obviously a busy time but we were disappointed by the lack of the basic greet and seat. On our arrival there were three young men in suits standing near a bar talking it was not clear who was dealing with customers and nobody acknowledged our arrival. We were eventually shown to our table and served. The food we had was delicious and to be recommended. The table service was okay but when coffee was brought no sugar was offered or brought to the table. My husband paid at the bar when we left but there was no one observing that or reciprocating any thanks we would normally give. All the things that were lacking should be part of any service which of course encourages people back. We did not get that experience.

Probably the best roast beef I have eaten and very generous portions food was excellent as were our waiters Johnie and Luke

A lovely place, with friendly staff and brilliant food. Wonderful atmosphere, comfortable seating and great décor. I have only great things to say about the Royal and Fortescue Hotel.

Stayed for one night and had dinner included and we opted for the carvery which was outstanding. The ambience in the restaurant is superb and all of the staff are first class and very well dressed. I would say old style food and service as it should be.

Excellent food, every day, every meal. Happy, helpful and attentive staff. Lamb fillet the best ever. No use trying to diet here.

Wife and I had the Roast Beef option fpor the evening meal! All very deliscious and the beef melted in your mouht. Good size portions and a great service by lovely staff!

Would recomend it if you are staying here but I personally would not go there just for a meal. I like to be spoiled when eating out.

We dropped in on a spur of the moment whilst in Barnstaple for a car repair.

Went for carvery lunch on a Monday lunchtime.One of the Brend Hotels so as ususal nice furnishings,comfy,cosy and old fashioned,which is lovely in this day and age.The carvery meat was excellent,big portions of well cooked turkey and beef.Not so big a choice of veg as on Sundays but you pay less in the week so not grumbling at all.The staff in the restaurant were a bit hit and miss.A very efficient young lady and the chap in the suit was very pleasant.However we had to ask for the bill three times,we went into the bar to finish our drinks,and eventually a young chap came and gave us the bill.Hubby went to pay and waited ages until the barman came back.We could easily have walked out without paying.The barman was not too hot.When we went in initially and sat in the lounge,I waited 10 minutes at the bar and he didt even acknowledge me,then served another couple before me ! He also didnt know what Shiraz was,just not on the ball at all,We would definetely go again but unfortunately,I think they probably have trouble getting decent staff.

Excellent menu, and again staff very professional and caring. Food choices on the menu for all tastes, served piping hot in very pleasant surroundings.

This hotel offers a fabulous daily carvery to non-residents and also has a coffee house if you prefer a lighter bite. This is one of our family favourites as there is always something to suit everyone. Food is always delightful and the staff are great. Cream teas are huge, and value for money.

Fuimos un domingo. Son muy apretados con la carne. Sólo 2 pequeñas rodajas. Resto de comida era correcto. sólo bien. Muy caro. Era como estar en un hogar de ancianos. tan anticuada. Todos estaban muy personal con el servicio. No estoy esperando una relpy.

Hemos estado yendo a este restaurante del hotel para asados casi cada domingo durante los últimos 4 años. Sin embargo, recientemente la comida ha sido muy pobre. Por ejemplo, están sin cocer, quemado Patacas Chirivías col, y muy poca variedad.

Cenamos aquí una noche durante nuestra estancia de tres noches en el hotel. El restaurante no estaba muy lleno, pero el servicio era atento y la comida buena con buenas porciones. El desayuno aquí era abundante y bien presentada aunque cada mañana, no había escalfados eglefino disponible durante nuestra estancia.

Tenía comida de estilo asador. Muy mala opción vegetariana en seco. Podría haber conseguido con las verduras. El servicio es correcto. No volvería otra vez por elección. El bar de cócteles en un ambiente agradable, pero nos tomó siglos llegar sirve para una copa de Prosecco. Muy ruidoso.

Nos alojamos en el Fortescue que cuenta con un restaurante encantador con un bonito un lugar privilegiado. Tomamos el desayuno que era abundante y sabrosa

Mucho cuidado y atención a servir y presentación. . . . . . . . . . . . Comida muy sabrosa (mucho de ot de procedencia local. . Excelente

Visitamos aquí una obra de almuerzo - comida. Era el menú de Navidad. El restaurante estaba lleno, lo que significaba negociación gustó sardinas por los pasillos estrechos difíciles. Tuvimos que esperar mucho hasta que nos llamó, 2 opciones de carnes y una buena selección de verduras - era bueno, pero nada especial, un asador que es un asador. Los postres eran principalmente frío, tuvimos una buena selección en nuestra mesa, pero todos nosotros sentimos que carecían de sabor. No estoy seguro de que volvería para este tipo de comida aquí. Podría ser mejor, en un día normal. El personal parecía lo suficientemente agradable.

I visited the coffee lounge for a second time today having had a bad experience a couple of weeks ago. I was prepared to give it a second try. Today was no different. There was no-one in the lounge bar to take an order so I went to the coffee shop. No-one there either. I waited. No-one. I went back to the bar which extends into the dining room only to be told by a very couldn't care less female member of staff that I had to go to the coffee shop. When I told her I had and there was no-one there, she shrugged her shoulders and said I had to go there. What an attitude for someone supposedly there to provide service. Coffee for 2 cost £6 and there was hardly any chicken in a coronation chicken jacket potato. I live locally and this is a Brend hotel which is nothing like up to the standard they used to provide. Don't go there, dine at Tea on the Taw instead, far superior.

Met up with family from East Devon and had the Carvery Lunch. Very good value and excellently served and cooked. The staff very attentive and on hand at all times. No hassle and rush to clear tables which is a very pleasurable thing these days. Would go there again and again as long as they continue the same format.

I think the carvery is totally in the wrong place, when it is busy people queue back through the restaurant and it is very off-putting when one is eating and people are slowly moving past your table!

We were staying at the hotel for two nights on a dinner, bed and breakfast package. On one evening we ordered from the à la cartel menu and on the other we chose the carvery. Both selections were very good and we were pleased with our choices - well cooked, presented and really tasty. The à la carte came with a separate selection of vegetables and there was an interesting choice of veg at the carvery which included red cabbage and ratatouille....yum! The desserts changed each night and were very generous portions.We were also impressed with the attentive service from the waiting staff.

We visited today for a carvery lunch and were very disappointed, the beef was very tough and the vegetables undercooked and a very poor choice,a couple sitting behind us also complained about the veg. We have visited many times before and commented how good it was but not today, probably won't be back.

good food presentation and service, and a very filling breakfast of your choice, comfortable and cosy interior.

The Royal & Fortescue do an excellent Sunday Carvery which we went to with friends. There was a choice of two meats - beef or turkey and a good selection of vegetables. Attentive staff and good value for money. Will definitely visit again.

The Royal and Fortiscue Hotel do a great carvery and if it is just coffee and cake you want you will do all right here too with a great choice although it is not the cheapest cake in the world. All is pretty good in those departmentsWithout however wanting to add an ingredient of negativity about the place l do have to tell you is don't try to confuse the staff in the dining room at lunch time by ordering something from the main menu as l did. This dish l ordered was expensive and l expected to have the service with a choice of vegetables that l didn't have to go fetch myself from the carvery with my fish dish in hand and stand in the cue. The fish dish ordered from the menu was very expensive compared to the carvery prices and a little service would not have been too much to expect.. I did nothing about this at the time but the more l thought about l felt l was due a refund.

Ate in the restaurant for two nights. The food and service was excellent and good value with the carvery very good.

The hotel restaurant is available to non-residents and has a good varied menu. I went in there one Friday to treat myself to a carvery and enjoyed every minute. I was on my own but didn't feel awkward and was able to choose my own seat (important when a woman is dining alone). The meal itself was utterly delicious, with a choice of two meats and a very good selection of vegetables. I went in at the beginning of service (12 0'clock) when it was quiet, but the restaurant was filling up within half hour. The desert choice was a bit boring and the tiramisu I had was rather bland, but I highly recommend the carvery. Can't wait to go again.

I have been coming to this hotel and restaurant for over 30 years often for lunch, Sunday lunch and family celebrations , however on Saturday I visited the hotel for a light lunch I ordered pate and toast . They have rearranged the restaurant and now you have to queue up to make your order with one person behind the till in the new cocktail bar area . I waited for 30 minutes for toast and pate at the price of £5. 99 as I had to meet someone had to leave the snack . The place wasn't busy and loads of staff were walking in and out of kitchen empty handed ! It is unreasonable to wait so long they have obviously cut down on the staff it used to be so friendly with really good service !! So disappointed !!

We were a party of 6 - varying ages. We opted for 2 courses and all were thoroughly enjoyed. The staff were attentive and helped with ensuring that one of the party (80th birthday) had an evening to remember.

A family member had her wedding lunch here and it was a marvellous occasion. There were 20+ of us and we were given an area which was private. The tables had been specially decorated and looked fantastic. The food was beautifully presented and tasted fabulous. I can thoroughly recommend the smoked salmon and horseradish cheesecake and also the raspberry Pavlovian. The hotel had allocated two members of staff to our party and they couldn't do enough for us. They helped to make it a very memorable day.

Walked in off the street, not knowing what quality food we were going to get in a hotel. Carvery for £10.95 was superb. Two choice of meat, large selection of vegetables which were properly cooked - and a chef carving the meat, who knew how to carve and not hack!!

I had the carvery the meat was tuff and the vegetables were cold and not cooked my wife had the liver and onions that was the special that day the liver was off she sent it back and the staff weren't even apologetic for the meal they had just served to her the food is over priced and they staff aren't bothered about the customers it took me 20 minutes to get a drink then the had the cheek to charge me £5 for it it was not impressed with the service or the food go the chip shop better service than here

We have been lunching here occasionally for many years. The Brends known their business and the Carvery always seems to have the edge all the others. The carte menu is good, but in this case traditional beats "wilted weeds" and imaginative "jam" hands down every time. Oh, don't go without a pudding.

We stayed at this hotel and had one dinner bed and breakfast. Meals in this restaurant were very good. The menu and service were very good as we have come to expect from a Brend Hotel.

We ate here 3 nights and the food quality was excellent and the staff always friendly and attentive. After 3 nights we found the menu slightly repetitive but there was always a dish of the day to give some variety.

the hotel lounge needs up dating children should not be allowed to be in this area of the hotel --there is a separate area away from the bar as children shouting etc picking up sugar lumps then putting them back in the dish was not what I expected ,the mustard coloured chairs need renewing ,up side staff are friendly

The lunchtime carvery is excellent well prepared food and the staff are extremely helpful. This is a restaurant which I have no problem in recommending.

A pleasant place and staff. The food is good but it feels like a dinner hall sometimes. Worth it for the good carvery. Once finished your food you do feel a little rushed though but been there a few times never the less.

My wife & I have eaten here on numerous occasions & never been let down. Always great food served by well dressed & very polite staff.

Both occasions excellent, top notch food and waiter service plus attention to detail, cleanliness of the highest order with gleaming cutlery, sparkling glasses and starched serviette. English service which I had thought had disappeared for ever, especially the evening meal, that was unhurried and relaxed

This is a superb place to eat and drink, and stay the night if you wish. Food is top notch. Drinks are on the expensive side. Service is very good though more training is required from upper management.

Went for sunday lunch my wife loved the pristine table courteous prompt service and good. Food at a fair price an all round good experience take a bow staff

Went for friends for lunch. Carvery was excellent, service was great, and it was nicely busy which contributed to a fine atmosphere and a very enjoyable experience.

Very good food. Two choices of meat and plenty of vegetables. Staff efficient and friendly. Busy with many regulars

We enjoyed several meals here whilst staying in the hotel and have to say that staff and the meals were consistently good. Virtually all the menu items were or could be adapted to be gluten free, whilst staff were very helpful in this respect. The Sunday carvery was very good and all the meals were fresh and well seasoned.

We were recommended here for the Sunday lunch carvery and it was one of the best I've had. Although we hadn't booked, and they were very busy, it only took 10 minutes for the efficient and friendly staff to find us a table. The quality of food was brilliant. There was a more than ample choice of veg all freshly cooked and hot and the beef was so tender it merely melted in my mouth. If ever I'm lucky enough to be in the area again I shall definitely return.

Had a mid-week carvery here. Excellent meal for a very reasonable price. Choice of 2 meats with good range of veg. Food is good quality and the dining room is lovely. Desserts were also superb, and beautifully presented.

Have been to this Hotel a number of times usually for its amazing Carvery and it never fails to please. As a non meat eater I am always offered either a Nut Roast or at least a decent discount for not having meat. The staff are flexible and friendly and for everyone especially people with different eating requirements it is a first rate customer care focused establishment

We booked the fortes cure restaurant for a meal,what a mistake.We ordered the roast turkey meal ,the meal was very poor.The portion size of the Turkey was tiny and needs to be addressed.We asked the waiter for extra veg and we said we were going to pay for.The veg came up one spoon of cabbage and cor guests .The meal would not feed a child and the price 13-95 what a joke.We had 4 small cokes out of that crappy pump for 6-80 dearer than beer.My advice give this place a miss.

We were there for lunch. The service simply could not be better. the food is first rate, and the whole experience was extremely enjoyable. Would really recommend the carvery.

Went for dinner in a party of 4 service was first class and I love the attention to detail - as it was Sunday we had the carvery with a choice of 2 meats, gammon and beef, both were cooked to perfection, there was plenty of choice with the vegetables and they were also done to my taste, the sweet choice was more than enough and the portion size and presentation was lovely - I would definitely recommend this restaurant for a perfect evening out and not too expensive.

Went in to have a Sunday roast carvery chicken for meat, veg and spuids after i felt unwell I was as sick as a dog, puked everywhere for this reaosn I was barred from this establishment for good.Plus the food is not good for you, they re-use veg, roasts and meat from lunch time for evening meal and I put this down to why I was sick. I rarely am ever unwell from any meal, bt on this ocassion I was. good lucki at gettign any sleep far too noisy to sleep get 4-5 hrs kip at best.

After shopping we decided to visit for lunch and have a carvery, the service started well but soon went downhill. After finishing our meal we sat waiting for the table to be cleared but the 2 young waitresses totally ignored us and eventually we had to go to them to ask for our bill. Then we duly waited, whilst waiting we noticed another diner waiting for his change to be brought back by the waitress but it was just sat on the bar counter whilst the waitresses talked to each other, there were also tables still waiting to be cleared from use by previous diners and there was also a person left waiting to be served at the carvery counter but the employees seemed to be oblivious or could not care about what was going on around them. After waiting 10 minutes for our bill to be bought to us we gave up and went to the bar to pay, the complete lack of service was appalling.

7 of us turned up just after 2 pm so just missed the carvery.....bugger....The staff were amazing and welcoming. They put some tables together for us and we ordered quite a range.. The ploughman's lunch. The jacket potatoes. The baguettes and the burgers. All was great and loads of it. The burger I had was the best burger I had had in ages and believe me... I've had a few...you could say I'm a burger tart.Clean plates and full bellies...Lovely place....Go there.....NOW

When booking, there was an offer of a three course dinner at a discount if pre-booked. As I have dined here before, I took this up and saved having to go out (again) as I was staying in the hotel. The food was good and served quite quickly with plenty of waiting staff so there was no feeling they were pressured or trying to cover too many tables etc. The coffee (included) could be taken in the lounge which I also did as there are some really comfy chairs there for a chat after dinner.

Everything about this carvery was cooked to perfection. The icing on the cake was a braised steak and mushroom pie dish placed along with the selection of vegetables, of which I took a small helping, and it was the best pie I've tasted in my 53 years on this planet! Full of steak and flavour, I'm pretty sure it had 'some' ale in it. I'd go back just for this dish alone if I lived closer! My daughter has my permission to marry the chef. Waiting staff were very professional with just the right amount of attention.

I frequent the Royal Fortescue 2 or 3 times a week where I meet friends and family for coffee and lunch. The staff are excellent a real friendly efficient workforce. Kimmy is outstanding Nothing is too much trouble for her she certainly deserves special credit for her efficient, caring, friendly manner. Many thanks to an excellent group of workers special mention for Kimmy.R. Chugg

We did have to wait a long time after ordering some food from the coffee/bar next to the main restaurant, but the nice thing was that whilst waiting - one of the staff - a lady called KIMMY came and apologised for the wait (they had a large wedding party in) and offered to get us each a drink free of charge, which we thought was a lovely gesture. When my daughter went to get a dessert after lunch, which she chose a slice of cream cake, - KIMMY gave this also top her at no charge with compliments for the wait also! This lady made our time there a lovely experience simply because she was so kind - what a lovely lady! Also I have to add that the ambience and the settees were most comfortable and we outstayed our time by a couple of hours as it was such a lovely place. Thank you! Memorable!

We came here for an Xmas meal with a party of 5. We ore booked and ore ordered good. On arrival there was know one around to greet us. We stood for 10 minutes, until we found someone. He didn't help and said go find someone else. We had to fight our way through a crowded bar to find someone, who just pointed to a table. No greeting, didn't take us to it, offer us drinks, nothing. No service at all!! We had to stand at the bar for 10 minutes, all 5 ordered separately, our last friend was avoided and not served for a further 10 minutes. We sat with our drinks and waited. Still no greeting from staff or a welcome. We called someone over and asked when we get our food. She said they just bring it over. Starters came and were not great. Soup was like water, wouldn't order again. We asked if drinks could be ordered from the table, he said yes. This was after we finished our starters. Why hadn't they done this from the start?? Mains were a basic roast, sausages inedible, nothing special. If anything it was under average, and a massive let down. Desserts were just ok. We left before the disco as we were so disappointing with the awful/ non existent service. It's so disappointing as I'm a huge fan of the bank (next door, same establishment). I appreciate it was busy, but you need to offer service when you are charging £29. Wouldn't recommend, if anything I wish I'd asked for my money back!

Plenty of choice & well presented cooked to perfection. An amazing choice of freshly cooked vegetables. It is advisable to book or you may be unlucky.

My family and I have been regulars at the Royal and Fortescue Hotel Restaurant and Coffee Bar for many years, on special occasions (birthdays/anniversaries/family get-togethers etc). Whilst I cannot comment on the hotel aspect, I can confirm that the quality of food and drink is second-to-none; we often indulge in the Sunday Carvery, which always offers an option of at least two meats (usually beef or pork), and a lovely selection of fresh potatoes and vegetables. The head chef has also been there for years, and is extremely friendly and professional. Usually, the reservation and bar/waiting staff service is also of a high standard, however, this has changed in recent months. The past two times we have been (in October and November 2014), the service has been reasonably poor. In particular, we reserved a table in advance of my mothers birthday and specifically requested a window table, however, this had not been put into the reservations book, and we were advised that tables by the window 'were only reserved for regular customers', which we thought was an unnecessary comment and a complete cheek, given that The Royal and Fortescue Hotel is our first choice of destination for meals commemorating important events. Further, no apology was given, leaving us to depart and search for a different restaurant to celebrate my mothers birthday at. Needless to say, the other location was extremely accommodating, had excellent food, and very friendly and professional staff - unfortunately, the same cannot be said for all staff at Royal and Fortescue Hotel, based on my two recent-most experiences. We certainly will not be celebrating other important events here again as first-choice location, and feel it is a shame that the quality of service appears to have dropped recently. Despite this, the food remains excellent, and the surroundings are tranquil and classy.

Went to the Lord Fortescue for carvery for sunday evening.Staff were very good, carvery had beef and gammon had a slice of each, gammon was lovely, beef was quite dry. The veg was amazing about 8/9 different types and all very very tasty.Cheese board for pudding, was ok nothing special.Overall was ok would go back for lunch when maybe meat had been sitting there less time.

The carvery was hot, good choice of veg. Excellent Beef. Bit disappointed with the sweet menu and wouldn't have the choc and marshmallow cheesecake again!

we had a carvery last Sunday very very disappointing, only two meats available one dried out turkey and the other a very over cooked bit of beef. I had the beef which fell apart and was tasteless, lots of vegetable on offer but Brussels were very hard, cauliflower cheese hard and again tasteless, Yorkshire puddings were small and at a guess aunt bessies!!! my husband had turkey, sausages were very sweet!!, red cabbage very sweet gravy very watery and again tasteless it was the worst sunday lunch we have ever had. staff were very polite and pleasant which is the only thing I can say in its favour, we used to have lovely carvery's at the Royal Fortescue but something has changed and we certainly will not be going back

A very good choice of tasty cusine was available the chef certainly knows his stuff, the portions were just enough and the service was excellent, friendly staff.

We called in as a break from shopping and had a delicious carvery. The hotel has a café, lounge bar and a restaurant, all of which were busy. We saw the carvery advertised and were able to get a table in the restaurant, although this quickly filled up. The tables were set for silver service with white linen tablecloths and the staff were extremely smart in their black and white uniforms, so we felt a bit underdressed in our casual shopping clothes. However, they made us feel very welcome and comfortable in our surroundings. The chef was very pleasant and there was a great choice of vegetables, all good quality and well cooked. The cost is average for a good carvery and there was a nice atmosphere and buzz about the place as it filled up with couples and groups. Overall it was a great experience and we will definitely recommended it.

Credit where credit is due and a Sunday carvery at the Royal & Fortescue Barnstaple is certainly deserving going on last Sundays dining experience, Choice of 2 meats (lamb and beef) and a selection of potatoes and vegetable to surpass any we've been to. Smart stylish traditional surroundings with attentive and professionally friendly staff. Both my partner and I were full after the main course yet the tempting sweet table won us over and was found to be well worth the squeeze. Very good value for money especially considering the quality of the food served, 2 huge carvery dinners, plus sweets and 3 drinks came to a very reasonable £33. Although we live a good 45 minutes further down the coast we will definitely be coming back soon. Carry on the good work....

we had dinner here each evening the food is good as is the service the restaurant is beautifully decorated,with a fair selection on the menu

In Town Shopping on Saturday and our local restaurant was full so we went and had lunch in the Royal and Fortescue Hotel restaurant, it was a Cauvery with two selections of Turkey & Beef and both had been over cooked and dry.The veg was hot but under cooked so all in all very disappointing so we did stay for a pudding paid the bill and left, the place was full of oap's who looked like they had been before.

My wife and I were looking for somewhere in Barnstaple that had something other than chips on the menu. We came across this hotel doing a carvery on a week day. I was glad we did. It was an excellent carvery at a reasonable price. We will certainly go there again if we are in the area.

Choice of bistro, Italian or traditional restaurant we enjoyed fine dining at a reasonable price in the latter of the three followed by post prandial drinks in the comfortable coffee lounge.

We visited the Royal and Fortescue Hotel in Barnstable, Devon for lunch on a Thursday, We were greeted and shown to a table decked with white linen. The resturant staff as always were more than attentive and the drinks arrived promptly after ordering the Carvery. This consisted of either beef or gammon, plus a good variety of help yourself vegetables.This is what I would call an old style county town hotel and restaurant, You can have pre or post drinks in the adjourning lounge bar. It harks back to a time some forty plus years ago when service and relaxed dining in plush surroundings was to be found in most towns, now sadly a thing of the past.I would recommend a visit if only to sample the Carvery, and to those who would feel that they are entering a expensive establishment, I say do not hold back, Experience dining as it used to be, then use it as a bench mark to judge other eating establishments. The price for two plus a drink each? £19.60 excellent value.We will return again and again.

We called in for a Carvery meal on Sunday evening. No one at the bar to serve, waiting staff from the restaurant area finally came over and said that they would get someone.The food was absolutely delicious, I can certainly recommend that, but I found that the service left a lot to be desired.There were four staff in the restaurant (two male, two female) serving at the maximum of 16 customers, so hardly rushed off their feet!An obvious resident with the hotel, an elderly gentleman, was engaging in conversation with the staff after having had a meal, and whilst waiting at the bar but when he was out of their view, they were giggling at him (which I found to be quite unprofessional).When we had finished the meal, I asked one of the waiters for the bill. I waited ages and the bill did not arrive, so I asked one of the waitresses saying that I had previously asked a waiter. She went off to the kitchen calling Alex (which I assume was the waiters name). I was getting really frustrated as we were left waiting at least 15 minutes for the bill.A different waiter finally sauntered over with the bill,It is a shame that the service was so poor as the hotel looked really nice.

Have been coming here for many years now, love the food and the staff are all lovely. There is only one thing that upsets me and that is that they bring the bill over to the table before we had asked. I have been in many other nice restuarants where they wait until i ask for the bill, which is how it should be. The way the Fortescue does it makes me feel as if they want us to leave, even though we still have half a bottle of wine left. When I spoke to a waitress about it, she went to the manager and all he did was shrugged his shoulders, which i find very rude. When we returned a few weeks later, exactly the same thing happened after only being there for an hour and booking our table in advance! Will be returning this Sunday, and i hope this does not happen again.

Called in here for a bite to eat at lunchtime. It is a lovely relaxing lounge area with tables and a good simple and straightforward menu. Service was good and quick, but not rushed and well presented for average cost

Part of the Brend Group. Had coffees and pastries and then decided to have a snack lunch. Really well filled baguettes-thoroughly recommended-and very comfortable lounge type seating area. Excellent service-well done

Went to a Saturday car very and disco and it was excellent in every way good service as well as food

I can't write about the hotel as we didn't stay over but the Saturday and Sunday carvery are second to none, all the staff are very helpful and the chef does a fantastic job, we always go for a carvery when ever we visit Barnstaple.