Mariners Cafe in East Devon

We stopped at the cafe for a coffee and to warm up and decided to have lunch. I had the all day small breakfast which was excellent, the bacon was really tasty and everything was cooked perfectly, not greasy at all. My wife had the Tuna melt panini which she said was the most delicious food she had on holiday in Devon. The service was friendly and quick and everything was spotless.

Decided to visit the Combe Garden Centre, overdue really as we are quite local. Went into the Kitchen at Combe for lunch. We had to wait behind the rope to be seated. I can understand this is busy times, but it was quiet and being seated involved the member of staff giving us a menu and help yourself to a seat. All well and good, but waiting what seemed a very long time behind the rope without even a menu to peruse was just plain daft and annoying. My wife wanted the jacket potato, but it clearly said on the menu this wasn’t available on a Sunday. We spotted a jacket spud being served and after an enquiry we were told we can ignore the menu in that respect. Whilst waiting at our table, we felt sorry for people coming in that wanted a seat with a brolly for shade, the only two tables suitable had ‘reserved for large parties’ on them. These tables held about 6-7 people and remained unused all the time we were there. Seemed ridiculous. Anyway, the positives, the food was promptly served and the quality good and the surroundings were very pleasant and a delight to sit in. Will we come back? Unlikely I feel, it could be so much better but needs better organisation and removal of petty rules.

Car broke down on the Axminster bypass: when fixed I had lost the will to drive another 4 hours so checked into the George Inn. In the middle of an outrageously good Halloween party, the staff were never the less attentive, sympathetic and checked me in quickly. Recently refurbished, the hotel is really and very well furnished and decorated - super comfortable, super clean, super cozy. It’s a little gem, with parking - great value too!

Amazing food and a friendly atmosphere. Very good menu and reasonably priced. Will definitely be going back when next in Lyme Regis.

Excellent simple food and charming service. The Lardy Cake was superb. All food beautifully prepared on the premises.