Royal Hotel in Torridge

The staff are Superstars they were fantastic. With just 30 minutes' notice, they were able to book a table for us at their restaurant. The service was excellent and attentive, making us feel special without being overbearing. We had plenty of space to enjoy our birthday meal together. The food was incredible, with large portions. The crispy, light batter on the haddock was the best my wife has ever had, and the beef in the pie was tender. The pie had pastry all the way around, unlike some pie dishes that only have a pastry top. Full credit to the staff and the chef for providing such a wonderful experience.

When we walked into the Royal hotel, we approached the desk and a lady in a grey suit was standing there, I was polite and said hello we have a reservation and gave her my name. She just looked in the book and said nothing! Don’t know if she was having a bad day, but a little bit of courtesy and politeness wouldn’t go a miss. We didn’t even get an hello! On the plus side the carvery was excellent and the men serving it were polite, so was the young man in the room where we ate. We will go back again for the food, not so much for the lady behind the counter!

Everything about our visit to The Royal Hotel was excellent. All of the staff we interacted with were happy, smiling and willing to assist. Our room was clean, tidy and very well looked after. The lotions and potions in the bathroom were lovely and they definitely added a feeling of luxury to our ablutions. The public areas were equally well presented and well cared for. Our meal in the restaurant was fabulous, everything was tasty and beautifully cooked. Our only complaint... the portions were too big and neither my wife or I could finish our meals. The size of the portions shouldn't make you think they are filling the plate at the expense of the quality of the food, my Fillet Rossini was truly excellent! So, yes The Royal Hotel definitely deserves 5 stars! Since I posted the above review in February 2024 we have returned two further times within the following 6 months and I can honestly say that The Royal Hotel is a gem.

Visited the Royal Hotel to have Sunday Carvery in the Palm Court on the 14/07/2024. Brend's teams always seem to provide consistent and lovely service. The two young lads working behind the carvery were so lovely and polite and were particularly observant to those customers who may require extra assistance with serving or getting their plate back to the table, something so simple to give a much more pleasant experience but missed in a lot of establishments unfortunately. The waiting staff were all extremely pleasant. Food is always top notch , eyes bigger than belly but fantastic selection and quality of meet and veggies.

Great location for the Oldenburg ship and Lundy Island. Highly efficient and warm welcome. Very pleasant rooms

Hotel was used as birthday venue. Good looking hotel from inside and very clean. Food was excellent, and also seemed busy. Sure sign of quality food and service.

Had Sunday lunch only. Nice hotel, but the main problem was the lack of parking. The hotel has two small ones, with a public one very close by. All were full. We ended up parking on the other side of the river which was a trek. Worth bearing in mind for those with mobility issues

Had a carvery really nice meat just melted in your mouth

Empty function/dining rooms not in use whilst residents squashed into hot over crowded bar/restaurant area. Guest lounge booked out and unavailable to residential guests due to function yet large "function room" downstairs still empty. Needs to get priorities and acts together to make bread and butter guests feel less of a nuisance and more welcome.

Looking for a touch of luxury at great value? Then the Royal is definitely a place to try. The guest areas have retained the character of the building whilst the decor gives a cosy yet modern feel. Food is fantastic (recommend the steak rossini) and the bar is decently stocked. Located overlooking the river and is clear that Bideford is definitely on the up. The only comment for my room was the bedroom itself was lovely but the bathroom needs a bit of tlc, but was spotlessly clean. Will definitely return.

Nice room, very comfortable, but ask if there is a wedding on when booking. The hotel never mentioned this. Our room was right over the function room, so we were basically 'in there' with the very loud music until midnight. Why not put the wedding guests in those rooms above and others in rooms further away? Spoilt an otherwise good facility.

Rooms were lovely, clean and comfortable. Staff very friendly and helpful. Food was delightful

Wonderful team that really do all they can to make your stay as perfect as can be. Got upgraded to a magnificent bedroom adjacent to the ornate Kingsley Lounge. Our weekend was made even better by delicious great value carvery. Beef was delicious! Thank you all.

We had the Kingsley suite, absolutely stunning , the hotel is beautiful and full of history all the staff were ,welcoming, friendly and provided 5* customer service, highly recommend and will be returning in the future

We had a two night gift at a hotel for Xmas and we chose this one. It certainly didnt disappoint. The rooms were small but very nicely decorated. Had everything needed. The first night we ate out with family at The Thatched Inn Abbotsham, which was lovely. The second night we ate in the hotel in the Merchants Bistro. The food was gorgeous. I had fajitas and husband Cajun chicken. The breakfasts were great. I had Poached egg breakfast one morning and cooked the next. Plenty of choice of cereal, you can request pastries, fruit was good and yoghurt. Staff were extremely nice everywhere. If you are staying out after 11, there is a bell to ring to get in. We were not aware and started to panic when the door was locked. Had visions of sleeping in the car. lol I tried the little switch on the right behind the plant thinking it may have been a mag lock switch but then a man appeared to let us in. It was actually linked to a buzzer and told him we were there. Good for security purposes, but would have been good to know when checked in. The whole experience was lovely. We managed to park opposite the first night in the hotel car park and the next night in the overflow a few minutes walk away. We visited Lynton and lynmouth whilst there which was lovely and went on the Cliff Railway. Had a cream tea overlooking the sea at the Seawood Hotel which had a gorgeous terrace. Highly recommend it. Then went to Ilfracombe. Next day Appledore and Westward Ho. We had a fab time sightseeing.

Had Sunday carvery, food was lovely, the restaurant atmosphere is really lovely too.

A truly excellent stay once again. The room was spacious, beautifully decorated, well equipped and suitably fitted out. The guest lounge had a relaxing feel as you say peacefully watching the river outside. Staff were excellent, accommodating and friendly. Breakfasts were delicious and had a good selection (just one downside, they'd run out of decaff tea bags, but we worked around it). The evening meal we had with other family members was wonderful. Prompt service without being made to feel rushed. Piping hot food and generous portions in mains and dessert. Good selection too. This is a great dog friendly hotel where dogs are permitted in some bedrooms and also the bistro. Highly, highly recommend.

DO NOT USE. -Not accommodating for businesses to work with -Cancellations never accepted -Breakfasts never start on time -Packed lunches are usually wrong, or just completely forgotten about -Rooms are dated -And to top it all off; none of our guys would stay in the dreaded room 107 =limited daylight, right above the kitchen, with their extractor fans blowing in your window, noisy at all hours, and pigeons roosting right beside you in the tight back alley. …All in all, go to The Barnstaple Hotel instead, they are part of the same Brend group but the difference is just night and day.

Took my mum to lunch, we have been before and again it was lovely food and pleasant service. Will be back in the new year.

Very happy with everything until my friend who is 18 provided ID and got refused to be served any alcohol , on her second drink. We Questioned this but they said they made their decision. Which made us feeling gutted for my friend. We were out on a Christmas work due .

Excellent carvery and service from staff. Food choices were good with plenty of options. I don’t often mention decor but the restaurant was pretty stunning, I’ve been in quite a few places that look a bit tired but this wasn’t, it was a lovely room to dine in.

Visited the Royal Hotel for my partners birthday. The food was absolutely beautiful and very good portion sizes my sons meal was something else well done to the chef and team .The waitress staff was very attentive and welcoming. Even though it started to become very busy, they still checked to see if we needed anything. I have now booked a table for the family for Christmas day and looking forward to my next visit .Thank you for a great evening !

Waited ages for food order to be taken and eventually had to summon a waiter. Very small uninteresting menu. Food was bland, certainly not value for money. Waited ages for the offered Parmesan to turn up, thought they’d gone to Italy for it. No water brought to table or offered, despite specific water glasses on table. Not given the specials menus (it was offered to an adjacent table when we had nearly finished). When paying was asked if enjoyed meal by one of the owners no less, so said was underwhelmed and not up to standard - they did not even respond so what was the point of asking?

Amazing carvery, fantastic food, friendly staff, dogs allowed in the bistro section which was opulently furnished and very comfortable and welcoming. Couldn’t have asked for more.

The food was fine and the staff ok but I am personally not sure about the decor, the paper napkins and barking dogs. My main criticism however is the shambolic payment arrangements which involve queueing in a narrow open doorway while staff endeavour to pass with dirty dishes or diners try to leave.

Straight to the point. Poached haddock with two poached eggs accompanied by a handful of cress. At £16.50 per head, forgive me for expecting a pleasant experience. I cannot believe the tiny portion, I mean tiny and I’m not a big eater! It wasn’t any bigger than an empty toilet tube that’s been flattened and I’m being generous. It was so dry, hence my reference. It was lacking in taste and warmth. It must have been left on the side. So disappointing as I love fish. I left most of it. The poor haddock died and died again in vain. My partner’s traditional was ok. At the same price, it was very hot, poorer sausage than the last time we stayed, the toast tasted like defrosted cheap bread. The butter is awful quality. A lovely selection of cereals and fruit juices. However, the drinks are warm. We asked for ice. The restaurant staff, although not rude, seem to wander about like lost causes which probably provoked a miserable Victor Meldrew character moaning about the time delay for his pot of PG, fair point, it is only a pot of tea and the restaurant only had a few tables to tend to. Still, I’m on the side of the staff with this one.

We stayed in this beautiful hotel the staff were first class a credit to your hotel from the cleaners to the reception staff u will not find a fault with this lovely hotel the waiters and waitressses were a credit to your hotel the the room was spotless food fantastic id like to thank the hotel from the bottom of my heart for making our stay so memorable and we will definitely be back again in august keep up the good work

I went for a really great dinner and dessert with my partner that left us both very full with not only generous portions but very beautifully made food. The staff knew the correct amount of attentiveness, and they were warm and friendly. I love the decor with the animal-headed characters as framed paintings on the walls. It's quirky and respectable, antique and modern, with lovely antique furniture, and comfy seating - that is awesome. Veggie food is gorgeous, vegan options available, and if you love fish and meat you are amply catered for. Thank you so much for your welcome, and I love it that you are dog friendly, we will be passing on your details to everyone we know.

This was the first and last visit to The Royal Hotel for afternoon tea. The sandwich fillings were bland, tasteless and most unrecognisable. The scones were dry, heavy and not fresh. The patisserie was bought-in to the extent that the mince pies were still in their foil tart cases! For the most of our time there trying to enjoy a very disappointing offering, we were the only people in the room and were subjected to the Senior Manager on duty rearranging all the furniture around us. The room was also used as a corridor by the wedding party to gain access to another room. Not a single member of staff or management asked if we were enjoying our tea and if we had everything we needed. We had to interrupt the furniture reorganisation to ask for more tea and coffee. The second flat white was even served without a saucer! On departure, we went to pay at Reception. The Head Receptionist was happy to take our payment but another member of staff who never even bothered to enquire if we had enjoyed our tea. We visited the ladies toilet as we were leaving, but had to step around a member of the wedding party who was sat on the floor in the middle of reception. As we entered the toilets, it was full of children and we were greeted by a lady who announced “Well they’ve got to rehearse somewhere!”. We are however thankful that this was a visit to check out the afternoon tea prior to booking a surprise event for a friend’s milestone birthday. So we can now book somewhere else and avoid the embarrassment that this would have caused when wanting to treat our friend.

Ten of us just had a meal at The Royal. Good service. Beautiful location and decor. Lovely old historic hotel. Absolutely splendid delicious food. Served attractively and piping hot. Good portions. Couldn't fault any of it. Plates came out together. Smiling and efficient and well dressed staff. Thanks so much.

Fantastic from start to finish. We had the full wedding package and all went very smoothly. A great location. Highly recommended.

Just returned from a wonderful stay at the Royal. Superb food, amazingly friendly staff. Would happily return anytime. 4 star hotel at 3 star prices. Recommend to anyone who wants to stay in the area

For 19.95 , per head, it was awful, all Phillip Dennis frozen food, except sandwiches, No music very few staff ,,,,waited 20 minutes to get a bottle of wine at the bar You really milked this ! Very disappointed Won't be attending your carveries again What a humiliating end of what should have been a celebration Shame on you I could have done a better platter for less than a fiver I will share this

We enjoyed dinner at the Royal tonight. Excellent service and food and very good value for money. Very good ambiance and good menu choices. Lovely staff. Thank you

Was a lovely lunch.everything tasted delightful.very busy but always plenty of food available.would recommend to anyone

A visit to this hotel with a coachload of friends, Monday to Friday, a lovely welcome from the staff. Food was very good, rooms clean and comfortable, thanks for a nice week.

We had a 4 day break here. It is a comfortable proper hotel. Excellent service. Friendly helpful staff. Comfortable rooms with good daily servicing. Car park handy. Good food in comfortable lounge or more formal dining. Proper 'old fashioned' service that you don't always get these days. Will definitely return and recommend a visit.

Delighted to be told that we were heading to Bideford for my birthday week. Our room was on the ground floor spotlessly clean with a great walk-in shower. A bit noisy as we were on the ground floor but very comfortable. We had a great breakfast every morning the young staff were very friendly and attentive. For 3 nights we decided to go dinner, bed & breakfast for £30 extra for both of us. A real deal. The food was good but a little clumsy for example the same sauce/gravy for calves liver and the venison. The calves liver was perfectly cooked and the venison pink and very tender. The service was friendly and efficient. So all in all a great stay!

It's easy to see that a lot of effort has gone into refurbishing this hotel.the room was very clean and comfortable

I’m so sorry this took ages to write... I totally forgot and was just telling people today what a wonderful private dining party we had here and remembered I hadn’t sent feedback or review to the hotel!Everyone from the restaurant managers, the chefs to the waiting staff were all excellent! I was overwhelmed by how much effort they made to make my husbands special birthday so incredibly special. My husband was bowled over by the whole day as was everyone.Thank you to everyone at the Royal hotel in Bideford, you made the day so very special for all 14 of us. Treasured memory❤️

First room we were put into was dirty with stains on the cushions, dirt and dust around the bottom of the toilet and feaces on the toilet lid. After complaining about the state of the room we were moved however it still wasn’t clean. The second room had hairs in the bath, grim around the toilet and on the floor, dust around lamp and light switch. When running a bath (after cleaning it out ourselves) the tap was so dirty it left black bits in the bath.

I was pretty surprised this hotel was only a three star, when i checked in i felt it seemed worthy of a higher rating. Everything was such high quality and to high standards, I was very impressed. the staff were exceptionally attentive and polite and the food in the restuarant was divine. Will definatly aim to stay again.

Only stayed one night but have stayed there before, a very good hotel stayed in room recently done up lovely decor, room very clean Excellent shower,, right on the main road but not to noisy traffic did die down food was very good & the staff were very pleasant.

Waitress service was terrible had to wait ages before anybody served us. Put ice in drink requested no ice. Ladies toilet disgusting, unable to use them. After all said and done the carvey and pudding were excellent.

Generous sized room, very nicely appointed with spacious bathroom. Food in bistro was truly excellent; fantastic risotto.

We holiday in North Devon every year and always make a point of Sunday lunch at the Royal. The carvery and service is second to none, and very reasonable. There are dozens of eateries in the area, but this is the one for Sundays.

We joined our family who were staying at this hotel for an evening meal. The quality of the food was very poor, and my husband agreed we has eaten better gammon steaks at Wetherspoons. All very dull , meat like cardboard, but didn’t want to offend as we were being treated !

As a local to the area never before had we considered the royal to go to eat at, but as recommended by a friend we booked for a Sunday. The value for money was very high there is a carvery with a massive range of vegetables and a selection of meats. The dining experience is high class with attentive staff overall would not hesitate to return again. (Would highly recommend for family gatherings)

Not impressed with this hotel, no beer pump not working, poor service, not crowded, bar closed with no warning. Needed a manager in the dining room to make sure all was well, it wasn't. Bedrooms clean and tidy, but showers were poor. Management made no response to my comments.

Nice lunch had by all here. Lovely staff, nice ales and rather nice carvery. Deserts could of been a little more adventurous and not all bought in products.

We were greeted in the lobby with a glass of fizz , on the table were crackers ,party hats etc,..The starters ,desserts and cheese platters were very good . The staff friendly and attentive .But sadly the carvery let the whole meal down . We have eaten here several times and not been disappointed . This Christmas lunch left a lot to be desired .The plates were so hot all of our party of four had difficulty holding them and they did nothing to reheat the lukewarm food . The turkey was OK but the beef so dry my husband had to ask for a different slice. The roast potatoes & parsnips were soggy , the sprouts overcooked ,the pigs in blankets undercooked and the strangest pourable stuffing ever! What a let down .

Starter, dessert, cheese and biscuits excellent Carvery very disappointing most veg undercooked eggs sprouts, parsnips pigs in blankets virtually raw, liquid stuffing, and all was not very hot. Staff very efficient and friendly Not a patch on your usual Sunday Carvery Such a shame

Attended a friends wedding. Beautiful room , professional courteous staff. Very nice carvery meal.

Stayed here for the weekend as visiting relatives close by. We had a big deluxe room at the back of the hotel. It was lovely and spacious with many original features. The room was very quiet and immaculate. The only negative comment I can make, is that the shower was lacking in any water pressure. Staff were friendly and there is a parking just across the road (although I would imagine at busy times it’s hit & miss whether you would get a space).

Came here for sunday lunch there was alot of us lovely carvery we booked up lots of veg friendly staff couldnt wait to see you deserts you go up and choose what you want there was profitta rolls apple pie trifles my fav was lemon and lime cheesecake with clotted cream so much to choose from def go again next time am in devon

I am writing this in my room.what can I say.. I stayed here last year in the cheaper family room and had an amazing time so this year I thought I'd pay a little extra and get a nicer room. Walked into room and thought wow great view and lovely room however the bed is way to soft you dip into one spot and find it hard to move and the noise due to being at the front restricts sleep. For the extra money I'd expect better. Had food both nights and couldn't fault it however the customers swearing while they had a conversation with there friends were not acceptable especially in ear shot of my 10 year old (not entirely the hotels fault) but these customers were not staying at the hotel and I know the staff could here it if I could from across the room. I would stay again but would request a room to the side or the back of the hotel away from the main road would much rather loose a view and sleep than get no sleep due to cars.

Had dinner in the regent restaurant couple of nights ago. The staff were friendly and the decor was nicely done but the experience was let down by the food.

This hotel is beautifully located on the other side of the river. A short walk across the bridge and you're in bideford town. The hotel has a beautiful ambiance and the staff are very helpful and professional. The breakfast was fantastic and their beds was big and comfortable. We had a lovely time. Thank you.

The best feature of the hotel is the staff. They are really wonderful. The food in the evenings is great, good quality and well presented. However the breakfast buffet left an awful lot to be desired. The cooked items were as best luke warm and for 2 mornings they had no fruit yogurts as they hadn't had their delivery. Not much choice of cereals. Some of the rooms are very spacious although we ended up in a glorified shoe box. Toiletries and biscuits were replenished every day and the rooms were well serviced. The biggest issue we had though is that we had to wear our thermals to go down for the evening meal and to sit in the bar. It was freezing. Even the corridors to the rooms were cold. This certainly wasn't the case when we stayed there last year and was being commented on by a lot of the guests

This was our first car very at The Royal and we were surprised and impressed. The roast meats were tender and the impressive range of vegetables nicely cooked. The desserts were delicious, and served by a very nice chef. The whole experience was a delight, unhurried and elegant. Will definitely eat here again.

The main meal was OK but the puddings let them down, they tasted and looked as if they'd just come out of the freezer.

Very busy restaurant on a Sunday and a bit chaotic but well worth waiting for as the food was delicious

It looks like the dining room has been recently redecorated - and very nicely. And the food was delicious. Not cheap - but worth it!

We visited for Sunday Cavery - service good and food plentiful but COLD (or lukewarm at best). I wanted to ask them to zap it in a microwave to heat it up but didn't want to make a fuss in front of friends. However, afterwards we all said the same thing !! We were also sitting underneath the airconditioning unit which didn't help. After all that effort cooking it couldn't they turn up their hotplates to keep it all warm?

Heard that The Royal had started Tuesday Cavery again so we went along.

Went yesterday manged to get a late last minute table for 2 o clock.The staff are always nicely turned out in suits for the guys and proper waitress outfits for the ladies.The Royal is old fashioned in a very nice and comfortable way.Soft squishy sofa s in the lounge and black and gold decor throughout.Ive never had a bad meal here and yesterday was exceptional with a vast choice of veg including parsnips and three types of potato.Beef,pork and turkey available,the pork being exceptionally tender and tasty with the best ever melt in your mouth crackling and my favourite honey glazed chipolatas.Proffesional and courteous staff who hover to take away your tray as soon as you get back to your table.I really love it here,my only gripe is the wine,although a good measure,its over £6 a glass which is expensive for this area,but still the best carvery for miles.

Badly cooked vegetables on the carvery. Red cabbage so vinegary, under cooked parsnips.

Visited this hotel for an overnight stay whilst attending a wedding in nearby Appledore.

Carvery lunch on Tuesdays is very reasonable and delicious. Parking available, and the service very good.

We went for an evening carvery with two Hunharian friends. We explained what a carvery was and the hotel didn't disappoint with a choice of beef and turkey, both well cooked. The vegetarian choice was a very basic veggie lasagne. The range of vegetables was also good. Shame that the Yorshire puddings weren't home made.!

This was the perfect location for mums wake. The food was first class everybody like it, 2 people were gluten free which I didn't know about and they quickly made something up.

It's the first time I've eaten here & I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. A good selection of vegetables & deliciously moist turkey served with excellent gravy. I've been told it's me being fussy but good gravy is hard to find! There was plenty to choose for dessert but we both opted for the pecan tart which was also really good. Two mains, desserts & drinks just over £30, not bad! Stuart & the team work effortlessly to ensure good service. If I get a Sunday off in the future I will happily return.

If you are looking for a good Sunday lunch then try the royal hotel. They even do a later sitting for the evening. Reasonably priced and really great choice. Friendly and helpful and all for a great price.

As the founder of the first carvery in the area they still lead the way it's a great meal,great selection of veg and potatoes but never enough room to put a bit of everything on the plate,the service was good and left feeling nicely full,keep up the good work always great

We took my mother for Lunch and as we always used to go to country cousins this was a new experience for us. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with both the service and the quality of food with a choice of Turkey and Beef and a great choice of vegetables. The chef even carried my mums dinner to the table for her as she is a bit unsteady on her feet ( a nice touch). The restaurant was full so word has got round that Tuesday is great value . Not sure they do the lunch time carvery any other day in the week so check first.

The Sunday carvery is th best I have ever tasted.

this hotel is open all year roundbeing local and a pensioner it is cheaper for me and other friends to go there for dinner or lunch and mix with the holidaymakers and give them helpful information about the places to go in n/devon

Vegetarian roast prepared to order, very tasty indeed. All veg piping hot and flavourful. Crispy roast potatoes! Service in the restaurant was excellent. Could not fault it. All staff cheerful and friendly on this busy Sunday close to Christmas.

Visited for Sunday lunch we like to travel around locally and the Royal was on the list,as the Brends really were the first to do carverys in the area many years ago,you'd expected a cracking meal and it was,we got a huge serving of meat and a really good selection of veg and potatoes,we also had a dessert which was served on a desserts table all for a very good price of £12.50 pp.my points I'd like to bring up and are in no means negatives just suggestions are,on arriving we were abit lost weather to go straight into the restaurant into the bar or wait to ask someone at reception maybe a plinth with a sign on saying Sunday lunch this way would help,Also we wasn't checked once which I feel is standard procedure I don't want to be bothered constantly but to be checked once at the start of the meal would of been nice considering there was plenty of staff about.Lastly the staff need to know what are in the desserts as when asked if it contains nuts the person dishing them out didn't know which I was surprised at especially with the current changes in food allergy regulations,

Two hungry cyclists from alongside the Tarka Trail were wlecomed into the diningroom for a Sunday evening carvery. An amazing array of vegetables and trimings, freshly cooked and served from the hot-counter, followed by delicious deserts nicely presented. A really lovely dinner.

Excellent place for Sunday lunch. Went there on Sunday. Choice of meats superb. All buffet style eat as little or as much as you like. Puddings good and service very good.

Away for short break with the family when we stumbled upon the royal hotel, I chose a tuna and cucumber sandwich that was served with a salad, coleslaw and crisps it was gorgeous my sister had fish and chips however my sisters fish was very over cooked and a little unusual I would of rated a five but unfortunately the fish let me down.

My husband, son and I tried the Sunday carvery here the other week whilst on holiday in the area. We were so glad we did

Went for a meal with family down on holiday. Three courses of pretty good food all round. Daily specials available. It's not cheap. The dining room suffers a bit from lack of natural light, but the adjacent bar area is very comfortable.

The food at the function I attended was revolting. If you are booking a party go elsewhere. I hope it is not echoed across the chain.

The Royal belongs to the Brend chain and is great for those who want a traditional style restaurant. The menu follows well established patterns, but making some use of local produce. The evening meal was very well presented and justifies the hotel's 3* class. The full English breakfast offers all that you can expect. If there is a reservation it is the quality of the coffee served.

The Royal Hotel has, for many years, been one of my favourite restaurants notably for Sunday lunch. Always previously good service, excellent food and pleasant atmosphere. However, in recent weeks the last two visits suggest things are changing ...and not for the better. There appears to have been a significant change in staffing. Newcomers are less attentive and efficient. Our table (large party) was not cleared as quickly as normal - in fact, we had to ask for service. The food was not up to the usual standard especially the beef (very tough) and the Yorkshire puddings (overcooked). The bar service was slow. The lounge and bar was busy but to have one duty staff member ignoring waiting customers whilst instead carrying out a clerical task was somewhat unsatisfactory and not expected of the Royal or Brend Hotels generally. It was all rather disappointing especially when we had invited guests within our party. I seldom rate an establishment average or poor and never previously any Brend hotel or restaurant. The Brend management, hopefully, will take the issues on board and halt the slide.

I went there with my family and some friends for try the sunday corvery. The place is very beautiful and sofiaticate. The staff was very nice with us and the food was really good big portions of high qualities meats! I'll come back soon!

Visited on business. Booked through Booking.com and upgraded to superior double. This was a very nice room – beautifully furnished. Room 6m x 3m. Dark Cream carpet, Cream walls. Lovely thick drapes and mirrors. Comfortable bed – very nice linen. Plentiful cushions. Wardrobe inset into wall, 2 easy chairs, Desk, Chest of drawers, bedside tables with bedside lamps and reading spot lights. Main lighting was chandelier – lighting levels were good. 26” TV Freeview. Excellent free wifi. Small bathroom 2m x 1m Modern fittings. But broken toilet seat cover. Efficient electric heater. Ok hospitality tray. Towels ok. Dinner available.

Great value for money, room was clean and spacious, bed very comfy, staff friendly and helpful. This hotel is close to town, just over the bridge.

Went to the royal for a meal last night, I was a bit hungry so decided just to have exmoor burger and chips and when it came out it was uncooked not just mine but two others as well. Was told by waitress that it was ment to be like that. If I wanted a choice of how I wanted my meat cooked I would of asked for steak(but the person who had a steak did not get it the way he asked). Burgers are not ment to be red all the way through top to bottom. Poor overpriced meals and overpriced drinks. But saying that they did offer something else, but to be honest if you can't get a simple burger right there is no hope for the rest of the menu. And they did say that we did not have to pay. But would have rather a meal I could eat

Food was good but not very hot, service was excellent, staff friendly, overall value for money and enjoyable.

Tables are nicely set with white linen tablecloths, attentive and helpful staff, lovely choice of meat and veg. Mouthwatering desserts too.

On May 27th I had lunch at the Royal for my Birthday. There was a party of 18 ... mostly line dancers from our Tuesday morning class. It is quite a favourite choice for our class celebrations and we have always been pleased but this time excellence was excelled !!! The food was great... hot ,tasty, plentiful and served thoughtfully by lovely staff. We had a guest who needed a slightly altered meal and this was brought with no fuss but great attention to detail.

We are regular customer of the the Royal Hotel, and we went there to eat on Mother's Day. When we had eaten the meal we had realise that they had put the price up £4.00 just because it was mother's day. There were seven of us eating and that was an extra £32 because 2 people had desert. When we went to pay my mother complained and asked why the price went up just for that day. She replied "It was the same last year." this is totally irrelevant to the question and she wasn't willing to do anything to help. This isn't all bad because me and my family like going there for a carvery but over pricing it wasn't good. It's not like you got anything extra, so I didn't see the point.

We went back to the Royal for lunch on Thursday 20/3/14 after shopping as I said I would. Had roast lamb, veg and roast potatoes. Very nice meal served on very hot plates ample portions for us

This was where Charles Kingsley stayed and wrote parts of the Water Babies and Westward Ho!. It's a pleasantly old-fashioned hotel, the sort of place where you'd go for a civilised tea, with high ceilings, tall old windows and courteous staff. I'm only sorry there was some function on that meant I couldn't have a look in their Kingsley Room. Some other time, I hope...

My wife and I returned to The Royal in Bideford for lunch just to give the place one more try after our not so good pre Christmas experience, see previous review.

Decided to eat here on Sat 18th Jan 2014 and take a drink in the bar prior to the meal, they could not make a Cosmopolitan for my wife and my dry Martini was going to be just vermouth directly from a martini bottle until I explained what a dry martini was, and then it was served in a tall glass. Dinner was very average, starter ok, main course we had local trout with a strange mixture of ratatouille, green beans dauphinois potatoes and mash potatoes with spinach, no sauce to speak of and over cooked fish, very boring. After dinner coffee and cognac and they di not even have a cognac glass. This is not what I expect frrom a 3* hotel.

Food was excellent. Waiting time was minimal, it has to be cooked, but the surroundings counter that. A truly professional chef serving excellence at very reasonable prices. Staff attentive but not overbearing. Can recommend the lamb :-)