The Church House Inn, Marldon, Devon, TQ3 1SL in South Hams

Friendly and efficient service. Freshly cooked food at old prices. Excellent

We have visited Paignton every year since 2021 and have visited this pub in 2021, 2022 and 2023. We most recently visited for Sunday lunch. The menu looks the same as previous years but unfortunately it was not the same standard, The starters were actually very tasty but the presentation and size of the portions was not the same as previous years but the price was the same. We ordered roast dinners and the veg that accompanied it for 4 people was such a small portion. Literally one teaspoonful for each of us. Again in previous years the veg was overflowing. I asked for some more but it didn’t arrive. The roast itself was nice and the meat was good quality. The desserts were varied. The crumble was again a very small portion but tasty. The sticky toffee pudding was excellent and a huge portion. There just seems to be a disparity between different courses and the quality we had come to expect from this pub. The service was good but slow. In fairness there has been a change of ownership I think so could be teething problems. I would still come back and hope that these small issues will resolve over time. I am fully aware portions have probably been cut to help the business stay afloat. It was just a little disappointing after so many years of visiting this lovely pub.

Lovely food and a great atmosphere. Friendly and welcoming staff. Our first visit here and was not disappointed. Complete with log burners and pleasant gardens.

The service was friendly and attentive. The food excellent both for quality and price. Our little group had a lovely reunion. Many thanks!

Had lunch today, service was great, food just didn't hit the mark.

Lovely old village pub, next to the church. Quiet in January mid- week, but we got lots of attention. Food is very good and a nice wide range of beer, spirits and wines. We visit regularly throughout the year and have done for over a decade.

Popped in for lunch. Fantastic people lovely food. Really good value. Large car park attached. Local produce warm and friendly

This was our first visit to this pub as it had been highly recommended , the staff were very pleasant and extremely welcoming , unfortunately we visited on a day when the normal chef was not on duty.The food was not marvellous I had the pork which was nice but quite a small portion but the vegetables were slightly burnt and the plate was cold . My friend had the lamb which she said was nice but again the plate was cold and the vegetables that were on the plate slightly burnt, she did ask if it came with more vegetables there was just a single leek and some potatoes. Our other friend went for the homity pie off the specials board which is a traditional pastry case filled with vegetables onion and cheese but not at this pub it was a load of vegetables including lots of undercooked potatoes covered in mashed potato!!! Again served on a cold plate with a load of unappealing veg onion the side . We ventured desert two of us had sticky toffee pudding which was ok but quite heavy and our friend had the lemon tart which she said was nice but was a very small slice. I will say that the staff were excellent they were apologetic and did not charge us for the Homity pie!! but it tainted what we were hoping was a local pub we would have enjoyed visiting on numerous occasions . I’m afraid we will not be back.

We had a great Sunday lunch. We brought our daughter, her husband and our grand children. We enjoyed the food and the kids loved it. We have been once before but we'll certainly be back. Lovely food, good choice and attentive staff. Well done.

We have visited this beautiful village pub a few times now over the last few months,each time was a good experience.The roast was delicious,the tapas great value and tasty,casual omelette and chips recommended.Great decor,friendly staff,courteous and prompt service,all round a very lovely village pub.Thoroughly recommend 😊

Great village pub (600 years old!) with lovely food and staff - will visit again. Dog friendly and kids menu available.

We were made to feel very welcome. Food was delicious. Very homey feel!

Delicious meal, excellent service. Great atmosphere. Thank you

Beautiful pup great service and food use it as much as possible.

Beautiful pub, great staff and amazing food.

A lovely country pub so close to the not so delightful town of Paignton. An extensive choice of food for lunch, all very well cooked and presented.

Lovely place to have a meal out. The staff were excellent and the food was extremely enjoyable. I would recommend it to anyone.

Excellent steaks on offer, good beer and cider and red wine as part of steak deal.

Absolutely fabulous service and the atmosphere was warm abd inviting as for the food the Hake special was outstanding ..the steak cooked perfectly..we are definitely returning

Great atmosphere and lovely food. Always a warm welcome o

Another excellent evening at The Church House, super food and friendly attentative hosts. Blessed to have this as our local!

Beautiful pub in the village... the Sunday roast was banging, probably the most tender roast beef I've had. The large is big so be prepared! Really good range of veg and great staff and atmosphere to boot... Will be back

Dinner measly and was left feeling rather hungry. For the price (£17) I expected a bit more than a postage stamp sized meal (if you can call it that). It was tasty, but I won't be returning.

A country pub at its best. Historic building in the village of Marldon right by the old church. We stumbled on this place looking for Sunday dinner. The roast Lamb was delicious, drinks choices were great and service was really friendly and very efficient. So good, we went back on the Tuesday for a meal and joined in with the pub quiz. Couldn't stay away and went back for food and drinks on Friday too. The pub is only a few miles from the A380 and is absolutely worth a detour.

We recently stayed nearby and wandered into this lovely pub. First impressions were great, happy, smiling staff led us through to the bar area (as we had two small dogs with us). A really 'buzzy' atmosphere where friendly locals drank alongside a few tourists. Over a very nice Marlborough Sauvignon, we checked out the menu, which had much to offer. I chose the vegetarian option of stuffed pepper with a very tasty ratatouille and roast baby new potatoes. My friend opted for the salmon and prawn salad with warm crusty bread, which she said was lovely. The waiter who served us was warm and attentive but not overly so when she table checked. We enjoyed our evening so much we returned the following day where the general manager immediately remembered our drink order and had reserved the same table near the bar for us to enjoy another lovely meal. We have booked to stay in this beautiful village again in December and will certainly revisit this cosy pub for another memorable meal. Thank you.

A charming traditional styled inn with a good variety of excellent food.

On the plus side, the wine and the starter (scallops) were good. However we had the pork chop as a main. Both had to be sent back as it was undercooked and bordering on inedible. They kindly recooked the dishes, but my wife's mashed potato/champs was cold and my pork crackling was so thin that it couldn't be eaten, just a solid piece of uncuttable skin. We did have Sunday lunch booked for the next day, but cancelled immediately. The Church House Inn comes recommended, but I really couldn't, in all conscience, do the same.

Excellent Sunday roast. We were staying at Widdecombe Farm Tourist Park and on Sunday morning decided to go for a walk and accidentally stumbled across this gem. We were greeted by a young man (Oscar) behind the bar who was very friendly, helpful and cheerful. So often you are greeted by a person who are just doing their job but he was going beyond that and we were very impressed. We were going to just have a drink but decided to have the Sunday roast as well. There was a choice of beef, pork, lamb, nut roast or meatless. I normally like Turkey or chicken so I had the meatless roast and it was so tasty I didn’t even miss not having meat. The flavours were gorgeous and it came with a portion of cauliflower chicken which was probably the best tasting one we’ve ever had. Unfortunately we didn’t have room for a sweet but we will definitely go back next time we we are at the Park and hopefully leave room. Highly recommended.

Cold food and no apology....slow service...had to ask for dessert menu. Very disappointed

We popped in by chance for lunch and were very happy with our meals. We chose from the smaller lunchtime menu. Would happily return if in the area.

We visited for a light bite for lunch on a Friday and decided to take advantage of the weather and sat in the garden. We order 2 baguettes to have half each to share. We waited over 45 minutes still without our food order. When we asked we were told that it was just being done, one baguette was stale the other fresh. Very disappointing as being bread the chef would have known this and still served it anyway. Also overpriced. Perhaps the restaurant would have been better 🤷🏻‍♀️

Excellent place for a Sunday lunch. Fabulous service, wonderful staff

Beautiful pub with a lovely garden. Food was excellent. Good choice of beers. The staff made you feel welcome and were friendly.

Lovely village pub where they serve a very generous Sunday Lunch. Desserts are decadent and delicious and the whole pub atmosphere is inviting and cosy.

Had a super lunch in this great country pub set in a rural village. Staff were friendly and welcoming. Ample parking and a lovely garden. Lovely old building with several fireplaces. Children's menu available.

Very friendly staff, typical local pub environment, friendly feel. Food was okay, meat for the burger was good, tasted fresh. Definitely got my money worth with the fries, tasted nice and a generous portion size. However, for the price, I was expecting more of a wow factor from the burger, it was good, but unfortunately it did not wow me.

We visited this evening for the Monday steaks. It was amazing and the lady and gentleman behind the bar were so accommodating.

Lovley pub I have been using this for many weeks but the new manager seems to close the outside door if the pub is not busy this makes it look as though it is not open for trade and keeps the pub quiet ! maybe he don't want it busy .

Arrived at 2pm even though its open till 3pm only doing sandwiches, lazy bar staff

Was the pub of choice for our stay in Marldon. Didn't disappoint, staff were so friendly, great interactions. Food was spot on and ales were a great accompaniment

Best roasties ever. Pint of Salcombe to with them. Just yum.

Great country pub with an excellent menu.

Our last visit to the Church House Inn was very very disappointing Previous visits were very good, and was the go to pub when my family are down from London for a good quality meal. The starters were poor the crab cakes were small thin and quite tasteless in a small pot, the calamari was 7 small pieces in a small pot, both dishes served with a small pot of dip no garnish. The halloumi was again served in a dish with a small pot of dip my wife had to ask for a plate and again no garnish. It would appear the waitress serving us was more intent on finishing her shift than attention to detail. The service for the main course was slightly better although the food was below average the fish was tasteless the pastry for the pies was hard thankfully we had gravy to soften it. On our previous visits the food has been of a high standard and worthy of the prices charged. On our last visit the service and food served is not worth the money charged. I would question if there was a qualified chef in the kitchen as the presentation and quality of the starters would suggest not. We will not be returning. I did phone the Church House Inn expressed my views leaving my number for the owner/manager to call me which they have not done so hence my review.

Delightful setting. Beautiful stain glass windows and stone work inside. Very peaceful and good for contemplation and remembering passed loved ones.

We had another fantastic meal at the Church House. We dropped in at the last minute for Sunday lunch, the meal was just wonderful. We had brilliant service as always. We still think the Church House is best we have been going there for 25 years plus.

We had a wonderful evening, the staff are really helpful especially the chef who prepared my venison the way I asked him to. A great choice of 🍷 🍷

Not bad place for a drink , foods quite pricey. A lot quieter than it used to be.

What an amazing find if you want a wonderful meal and super service, this is the place to visit. We stumbled across this charming place and would definitely recommend to all.

Came here for Sunday lunch on recommendation. You have to drive through windy lanes to get there, but it is a really charming place and a beautiful old building and ‘traditional’ pub. There is a restaurant but we deliberately sat in the window of the bar with a lovely view. There is choice of other dishes but we deliberately went for Sunday roast - having a ‘small’ loin of pork dish. This comprised of 2 slices of meat with a wonderful array of vegetables, Yorkshire pudding,stuffing and gravy. The quality and quantity was excellent and the cost with a glass of wine was less than £20. The service was equally efficient and friendly. The only slight downside was the number of dirty dogs that were coming into the bar, before being asked to go to the area with no carpet. Full recommend

Came here for Sunday lunch on recommendation. You have to drive through windy lanes to get there, but it is a really charming place and a beautiful old building and ‘traditional’ pub. There is a restaurant but we deliberately sat in the window of the bar with a lovely view. There is choice of other dishes but we deliberately went for Sunday roast - having a ‘small’ loin of pork dish. This comprised of 2 slices of meat with a wonderful array of vegetables, Yorkshire pudding,stuffing and gravy. The quality and quantity was excellent and the cost with a glass of wine was less than £20. The service was equally efficient and friendly. The only slight downside was the number of dirty dogs that were coming into the bar, before being asked to go to the area with no carpet. Full recommend

We arrived on spec with our dog having been many times in the past. It was good to find a pub open for food on a Tuesday in March! We were made very welcome and although we were only looking for a snack lunch we ended up having £10 lunch. The food was good and very tasty and excellent value for money. Thank you, will will be returning on our next visit to the area.

Just come back from the Church House where 5 of us had a meal that can only be described as perfection! The food was not good..it was amazingly fabulous! Piping hot from start to finish. We all had different starters and all agreed it was extremely good. The staff, particularly the manager were brilliant All 5 of us have vowed to go back soon.

Lovely place , really nice vegetation sunday roast ,

Went Jan 2024 for birthday meal. My main course was cold. It was sent back. Trouble is they didn’t take my partners food back. So she had her meal on her own. Then my meal arrived again, it was still stone cold. First time I could make allowance for, to come back stone cold is beyond poor. We chose to pay up and leave. On settling the bill the person said ‘we won’t charge you for your meal’ ! I said what the meal I haven’t had? So, nothing at all was offered to make up for an awful experience. They simply didn’t charge for the meal I didn’t have. Everything else was paid for. The old owners were amazing the food more so. This was really really poor food and worse service and customer care. I will never go there again.

Very good" up market " rather than pub nosebag. Fair price,good service. Early in the meal some children were running about. I really detest other people not controlling their brats. They left,thankfully. A good night.

Went for new year's lunch as a special occasion as my friend was visiting from Singapore. 3 things on the menu sold out by the time we arrived. Why wasn't NYE Sunday lunch catered for? Service was really slow considering we were the only table left to serve. Staff seemed preoccupied with the evening's proceedings and no attention to lunchtime clientele. No atmosphere, not what the Church House once was sadly.

The Dinner service provided for a midweek, pre-booked, large party of diners was dreadful. Not sure whether it was a shortage of staff serving or just a total lack of interest and expediency from the kitchen, but one thing is for sure, we will not be returning. Attitude and response from management when we queried why there was such a delay to our food being served (over 70 minutes after ordering), was unrepeatable.

Lovely Sunday roast ! Not been here before would definitely be back. Sunday roast was delicious. Lovely atmosphere and great staff. Look forward to visiting again !

Had an amazing Sunday lunch with family. Great food,amazing service, such a beautiful country pub.

Luckily we live in the village because they do some of the best food you can get around here! Delicious quality food in a beautiful setting, we all love a meal out at the Church House.

Our first time at this lovely pub and it will not be the last. Sunday lunch was amazing, excellent portions. Staff were friendly as soon as we walked in and continued up to us leaving. We hadn’t booked, just thought we would have a drive from Churston Ferrers and we were lucky they had a table. Thank you and keep up the good work 👍

Probably the best meal out I have ever had. Big portions af fabulous good. Welcoming staff and good service.

Chips were rock hard half the menu wasn't available not impressed at all

Enjoyed a lovely meal with daughter and husband. Requested a table in the bar as we had our dog with us. Husband and daughter both had the burger which they said was excellent. I had the rump steak with peppercorn sauce... the steak was cooked to perfection, lovely and thick, possibly one of the tastiest I have had. Super meal.

Well worth a visit, a very typical english pub with excellent food and service. Very dog friendly and dogs are allowed in the bar area. Very good menus which should cater for all tastes and appetites

Fabulous food! Definitely going again, and again!

Didn't stay here but went in for drinks and meals, can recommend it the food was good and plenty of it .

Fabulous food served in a wonderful setting. Great ambiance. Great, unobtrusive service. We had the seafood sharing platter, pie of the day, sea bream and a chocolate delice all of which were delicious. Would definitely recommend for all round food and service.

Wot a beautiful little gem this is, amazing staff, amazing food, lovely locals all in a beautiful setting. 5⭐

Excellent pub, lots of room, brilliant HOMEMADE food, lovely people. Good prices. What more can I say,!

Great food and a lovely location 👌

Had two fantastic lunches there this week grate service from new and old staff very friendly clean good choice of food wine and beer lovley beer garden clean loos chatty dog friendly cheff thank you guys keep up your good work

We feel very lucky to call this our local. The food is fabulous. This is such a lovely pub to go for food or even just a drink. In such a lovely setting. We highly recommend you trying it here.

This used to be a great Inn. Called in over Apple Pie Fair and the welcome wasn't great. Poor is not very imaginative and quite pricey. There used to be an extensive specials board but sadly that's no more.

Thoroughly enjoyed the Apple Pie Fair on Saturday. Unfortunately it did not end that way. My partner was stung in the mouth by a wasp while eating an apple pie The st Johns ambulance were amazing and gave good advice We went over to the church house. Ordered drinks and ice to take the sting diwn His mouth and face stsrted to swell badly so I asked the bar manager, Emma, if the could move one of the staff cars blocking the entrance so I could get my car out and get him home ( 5 of us had dinner the night before and walked home) she said I am moving any cars until 5 30pm so you will have to wait ( this was 3 30pm) We decided to walk home but suddenly things got serious and he could no longer speak and the swelling increased . They took him in the bsck of St John's ambulance to assess Blood pressure and heart rate though the roof he needed immediate hospital treatment There was a wait for ambulances and paramedic wasn't close so I ran back into the church house to beg for car to he removed so I could take him to hospital. Again Emma said she was serving and I had to wait! Luckily a man in the bar said to her you either give me the keys to move the car or we will go out on mass and lift it! Shortly after a young member of staff dashed out to move her car and help.. Luckily I got him to hospital in time though allergic reaction so severe he will need to carry epi pen from now on My point is this was a life threatening emergency. Emma was callous and deliberately lied saying the cars were not the staff cars. I understand they were busy and under pressure. We are regulars of the church house . Have stayed loyal to it through all the staff changes but this was disgraceful and could have ended in tragedy. We are both still in shock.

Amazing food, served by very friendly staff. Great atmosphere. Dog 🐕 also welcome, which was a bonus. Best meal we have had in years.

Poor experience. Food not good and expensive for what it was. Service not like it used to be. Staff have changed. Indeed ownership has changed and won’t be going back.

I had the misfortune of visiting today with my children. The place was a morgue. Everything well overpriced. £10 for 2 kids apple juices & a coffee which was extra small & barely hot. Worst of all, the blonde lady behind the bar was rude & obnoxious to me & my children who were playing in the garden. I could tell straight away that she wasn’t a ‘people person’. They’ve got no chance with her involved with the business. No wonder it’s reputation has dive-bombed! We won’t be back & will be recommending to anyone local or visiting to stay away!

Great selection of drinks, and quality pub classics served by friendly staff in generous portions. A well kept pub with a nice atmosphere.

A lovely village pub - staff were very friendly and attentive. We were seated near the bar and the atmosphere was pleasant. There was a good range of food on the menu, including vegetarian options and we both really enjoyed all 3 courses.

Delightful 1360 built, atmospheric village pub serving lovely real ales, yet to try the food, but hope to very soon! Definitely recommend!!

Fantastic food, excellent friendly staff. Nice to gave indoors or garden to choose from. We'll be back!

What a beautiful country pub, the food is as excellent as it was before the new owners took over, the beer prices are cheaper than Cardiff, the staff are friendly and smiley, there is a great big garden out the back with tables etc, and room for wee ones to run around, it is dog freindly with a jar of dog biscuits at one end of the bar. Go see for yourself. Oh, and even the locals are friendly 😎

Dog friendly - we sat in the bar. Enjoyed some crisp rose and delicious prawn baguettes with salad garnish. The menu looked very good and we will return when next in the area. Staff v friendly too.

Super service here; we were seated and served quickly. The lunch we had was delicious and beautifully presented. Worth visiting if you're staying in the Torbay area or walking through Marldon.

Excellent food, and service. Would highly recommend. When my family come to pay me a visit in the bay again, I will rebook to experience the food and service again.

Having selected this inn from Sawday’s Pubs and Inns for our anniversary dinner we were disappointed to be offered a ‘pub food’ menu on which the highlight was scallops for starters. On leaving we were very annoyed to find that we hadn’t been offered the specials menu which consisted of three of our favourite main courses.

New management has ruined this village pub . The atmosphere has gone and the food quality has plummeted

Not a fillet steak and definitely not a medium rare poor all together service looking after the locals and road blocked give it a miss next time

Nice privately run pub. Just had a couple of starters, mackerel was really good. Nicely chilled Devon larger and a wine enjoyed in the garden. Dogs welcome.

Another lovely meal at the Church House, I had Steak with peppercorn dressing, cooked to perfection, not the cheapest choice but there is a variety of food at reasonable prices to choose from, others had the Chicken with Garlic and Mushroom sauce and all said it was delicious.

A quiet but well frequented pub off the beaten track, on the back road between Torquay and Totnes. Good menu and beer, friendly service. Parking OK.

Stopped for a drink. Cosy pub with large outside area more upmarket and out of the way and hard to find tucked up in a corner

Amazing food ! Great new ownership good job ! Beautiful pub one of the best venues around will definitely be back . 5* from us

Appalling. In one word. Once a great place to eat when Julian was the landlord now under new ownership they lost everything. Now poor food is served and all the staff worked out. Well done great way to buy a great successful business and kill it!

Having been very regular visitors for many years, we are finding the food very inconsistent. The front of house staff are, and always have been, lovely. We are not quick to complain, but, over several, recent visits, the food is not anything as good as it used to be and it is not cheap. We are voting with our feet and won’t be eating there again, sad to say.

Had a Christening celebration at this pub, and it was really great. Service, food, staff, and the pub itself were all brilliant! Highly recommend this place!!

Really nice welcome, delicious food, great service. Highly recommend.

Lovely setting and building ,the staff were so welcoming and accommodating, we went for Sunday lunch with our 2 dogs nothing was too much trouble , even moving a chair so our large dog could fit in , my partner is a fussy eater but...

Excellent Food, Friendly staff and great atmosphere 👌