The Dolphin Inn in Teignbridge

I have been to The Dolphin Inn several times now and the staff are always very friendly and welcoming.There are homemade traditional pies and roasts offered on Sundays, and bar snacks during the week. I had forgotten my scarf and Sam had very kindly looked after it for me. I wish them a very happy and successful 2020!

We stayed nearby and after a long drive called in for a cooling drink . Sam and David were very hospitable knocking up some hot snack food for us and keeping the drinks flowing . Never had time to test the Sunday roast Sam was preparing maybe next time. Pub is dog friendly and people friendly ideal

Visiting from Wales & popped in to The Dolphin Inn on the way to an event at the Victory Hall. The layout & atmosphere is very traditional & makes a very pleasant change from more modern open plan type pub layouts. Although the pub wasn't busy for a Saturday night there were a few locals drinking by the bar & they were very friendly & entertained a little banter around the rugby games going on that day. Cannot say that we experienced the negative atmosphere portrayed by other reviewers but perhaps we are a little thicker skinned & do not mind a few choice words here & there. But each to their own & we would not hesitate to pop in for a drink again should we be in the area.

Popped in for a drink with friends - We loved the cosy old fashioned atmosphere and warm welcome. The pub has a wonderful atmosphere, with different rooms, resembling the old layout of lounge / public bar and snug but without the dark smelly overtones of old. The Doombar ale was well kept and the staff were friendly and pleasant. Lots of food advertised but we didn't have time to sample any. Will visit again

Popped in for a couple of drinks on our way to a restaurant and found a lovely little pub with a nice courtyard, good beer and friendly locals. Well worth a stop off if you're in the area.

We were in the “snug” at the back, which could do with a roaring fire and some info about what beers they sell in the front, where uproarious Friday night banter was afoot. House white not chilled, probably a bad choice. But enjoyed it overall for quick drink.

Arrived in Kenton, never been before, parked in the village carpark and saw three places to eat, Michelin restaurant, Chinese restaurant, and the Dolphin. We were in shorts having been walking all day, so choice the Dolphin. Basic pub standard menu, good beer and cider. We enjoyed scampi and fish with chips / peas / mushy peas. Perfectly good. Served in good time and at just over £21 for two pints and two mains, good value. Friendly staff, clean, welcoming, lovely courtyard garden too.

Having wandered around the villages local to our holiday site we had ventured into two or three local pubs for a drink one lunchtime. Beer was fine but a snack was a more difficult quest . Fancy expensive meals were on offer but all my other half wanted was a cheese and onion roll - out of culinary fashion apparently! On our way back to our holiday venue i was resolved to preparing a cheese roll , but we popped into the Dolphin for a swift drink and found a simple lunchtime menu fulfilled his need. The beer was good too . Sometimes the simple things are best. We returned over the weekend for a carvery lunch which was very good . This pub has recently been taken over by new hosts and they are doing a a good job. If you prefer the simple foods sometimes give this hostelry a try , you will not be disappointed . Staff are friendly and welcoming and they make good cheese and onion rolls

Popped in for a Saturday lunch. Place was totally deserted, we were the only people there, and this was 1.00 on a Saturday lunchtime. Barman extremely friendly and helpful, explained he was the owners son, and that she was away. They didn't have any of our pretty basic standard choice of drinks, so we settled for diet coke. We ordered food from the menu on the wall, as there were no actual menus. My husband ordered omelette, chips and beans, I ordered toasted sandwich and salad. He was kind enough to allow me to use my own bread, due to health problems. The prices were very reasonable. The food eventually arrived. The guy in an apron, we assumed a chef,slammed it on the table, and said " got no tomatoes, I'm only standing in"! Then he left us. We looked around at the empty, dusty, dingy pub, at the cobwebs everywhere, at our plates, and we couldn't stop giggling. It felt like Fawlty Towers! On my plate was a toasted sandwich, and half a plate of lettuce!! Literally, that was it, just lettuce!! My husband had omelette and chips, more lettuce, but no beans. We asked the barman, but apparently they'd run out. I was unable to eat my sandwich, I'm not sure what had been done to it, but it was so rubbery. We wondered if it had been microwaved before toasting? I know it's not the bread itself, as I eat it all the time. They did have a green tea I requested, served in a large chipped mug, which the barman very kindly gave us for nothing. I do feel guilty for writing a bad report, as he had been so friendly, and we do totally understand his mum was away, but this really was a dreadful experience, that we are still giggling about!! And now we understand why we were the only customers!!

Thankfully Bob & Mandy have left, this pub was very much of secondary interest to them after their outside catering business. The pub is now run by Tom (bar side) and Carol (food side). Trade has noticeable increased since their takeover, Tom runs a very friendly improving wet side, whilst Carols food is superb, her Sunday carvery is just like good home cooking. I can thouroughly recommend this pub to anyone, it is friendly to everyone including children and dogs. Myself, Marie and Myrtle have now left the area and we will greatly miss our visits to the Dophin, but a word of warning to Tom ans Carol, you haven't seen the last of us. Peter M

went there for a meal i had sweet chilly pork it was gorges all home made , if we lived there i would eat there regular

Staying in the village, we tried out the local for our first evening's dinner. It's simply a pub that does food, with a menu that is fairly standard pub fare. I had the most expensive thing on the menu (gammon, egg and chips - £7.95), which was well cooked, and nicely presented. Drinks were equally inexpensive. We ate in the small courtyard garden in the sunshine - the bar wasn't too inviting, being dimly lit (I am not sure if there is a separate dining room or not). The staff were very pleasant and friendly. All in all a decent place to stop off - there is a free council car park next door - for a drink and a bite to eat.

Popped in for few beers before dinner out. Nice friendly little pub, I say little, it's bigger than it looks from the outside. Pet friendly and smoking area too 👍🏽

Called in for a quick pint last night on our way back to the hotel, this is a very old inn with none of the luxuries, just good old fashioned hospitality a good pint and a smile. Perfect!

Only popped in for a snack and some drinks and to watch the rugby. Friendly locals pub - tricky to park but can use side streets. Had basic food on - hotdogs, pasties etc...

We were having a short stay in Kenton and were delighted to find this pub almost on the doorstep of the Old Vicarage cottage we were staying in. It is a typical country pub with a real fire, making the winter's evening seem cosy. We ate here twice and both times the food was tasty and well cooked. There is a reasonable choice and it is extremely good value for money. Portion sizes are fine and we thoroughly enjoyed our meals. It is a pleasant place to have a drink - the locals were friendly and chatty and yes there are dogs there but they were on leads and caused no problems at all. It isn't a fancy place but just a nice village pub where you can enjoy a few drinks and a meal at a good price... would recommend!

I went to the Dolphin on a Friday evening for fish & chips. The food was superb - very light crispy batter on the fish, great chips and plenty of peas. However, we were eating in the garden, which dogs were using as a toilet. One dog did his business nearby and a lady put it in a bag and dropped it in a bin right next to where my friend was eating! Another dog then urinated on the ground and it just just missed our feet. I'm sure there must be a health and safety issue here. I'm not against dogs in pubs, just against them using an eating area as a toilet. Such a pity, as the food and staff are lovely.

Thatchers Gold and Tribute were the reasons why me and the wife called into this pub but the atmosphere is why we liked it.The locals were friendly and quite welcoming which made our visits most enjoyable,particularly the dogs playing with each other.

We were renting a nearby cottage and went for dinner one evening with a young family. They weren't very busy - but set up a table for us in the empty dining room and evening set up a gas heater too (it was a cold February night). The food was hearty, traditional and standard pub fair. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. If you're after a gastro pub - this isn't it. If you're after a proper country boozer - then this is the place.

Passing through on our way to Torquay called in for light lunch. Excellent range of beers and cider but more importantly the ham baguettes were excellent served with salad and crisps and most excellent value at just £3.50 each. Would recommend

Visiting relatives in the village and had been for drinks before, but this time decided to eat as well! The meals we had were really nice and wholesome. Tasted like real home cooked food and atmosphere was great, with a choice of ales and cider.

We popped in to this pub on a recommendation from my parents. We arrived thinking what a lovely little pub in a lovely village. We were not disappointed, the pub is big inside with lots of nooks to get comfy in or a large bar area with pool table, Darts even a light airy extention to sit and just read a book with a beer. Lovely helpful staff, Dog friendly which is a major bonus and the food was fantastic even better. We had a lovely home cooked carvery and enjoyed a few crisp pints. We then sat in the garden area which is another nook, surrounded by vineyards and charector. A truly great find. We will be back.

Passing through we stopped for lunch and ordered some basics. They were tasty, well served and presented and the beer was good. What else do you need?

Friendly host - Bob. Place your order at the bar then find a booth. Really nice place in a quaint town.

My wife and I live literally over the road from the pub and decided to go for something to eat last Thursday. We have tried the carvery on a Sunday there a few times - EXCELLENT value - on arriving we were told it was 'Steak Night' in addition to their normal menu - 2 x 8oz sirloins with ALL the trimmings and a bottle of wine for £19 (from memory!!) - fabulous value, steak cooked perfectly, nice size portions and homemade chips and onion rings which are fabulous!!!!! Good range of real ales too which I have tried before and kept really well, bar prices are very reasonable for a pub and the normal menu and specials board well appointed with nice things - gastro pub it isn't, but excellent local pub food with very friendly service and a warm welcome from the landlord and Mr Stumpy the dog. We even took our two dogs in the bar and they loved it too!Again, my acid test of any meal out - would i go back? Absolute yes - in fact probably this Thursday......Jerry & Lizz Baxter

Bob and Mandy have done a really good job with this place. Amazing food, excellent service and a great atmosphere.

Stayed nearby and decided to use this pub for an evening meal. On my first visit I asked for a starter which they didn't have and then was told they didn't have any fish (had ordered fish and chips) The bar staff were obviously quite embarrassed by this and more than made amends with my 2nd choice. Because of this 2 nights later I again visited the pub. This time there were different staff I again asked for fish and was told they had just sold out. I don't eat meat so ordered a pizza and my wife ordered vegetarian lasagne with salad and not chips. The lasagne came with chips and no salad and it was burnt all around the sides. The pizza was not very good.I then realised we had no knife and fork and had to search for the bar staff to obtain them. On my I experience I could't recommend this pub for food.

Great food, good beer and the bar man looked like a teddy bear or maybe a full sized ewok that had fallen in a sheep sheering pen, anyway worth a visit to make your own conclusion. A must see, the quick witted bar man with a delightful wit and truly Devonshire mannerisms. Will defiantly go again when I return from Spain

Came to visit Mandy and Bob on a working lunch - had such a nice experience, really great - couldn't have felt more welcome. A hidden gem - the dining area Is lovely, never knew it existed, all tables lovely and private not sat on top of each other which I really hate. Homemade food and locally sourced, they really have a super place for people to come and relax. A sun trap of a beer garden too! Cant wait to return and enjoy a basket meal (reminds me of being a kid!) - Go and visit - well worth it and trust me, you'll be nicely surprised !

Stayed in kenton for a few days and used the dolphin inn for a meal and a few beer's meal very nice alittle on the large size , but better than not enough. The real ale was also good, beleave it is under new management for the last 6-7 months and had a refurbishment of the kitchen.well worth a visit if your there or passing through.

We came here whilst staying in the area. It was the only place serving food in the village that evening. My husband had the burger which was very good. I had the salmon and spinach risotto and it was excellent! Very tasty and a very generous sized portion. Far better food than we had expected. We were given a very warm welcome by the landlord and the locals.

A recent visit came as a great surprise, visited this pub again after a gap of few months , on the up 100%, Mandy & Bob make all people welcome, got rid of the old retired winging brigade (you know who you are Mr Jones ) great menu now available, gone on give it a go.

Over the last few weeks I have been part of the team revamping The Dolphin. I have read the earlier reports and can honestly say, i have really enjoyed meeting the locals as they have made us feel really welcome. We met people who said they hadn't been in there in ages and found the new management couple a refreshing change. The kitchen has been completely stripped down, deep cleaned and has reopened this weekend. I was lucky enough to get a meal before i headed home and it was really good. I will certainly be going there again and wish the new team good luck with continuing to restore this pub to its former glory, Well worth a visit

Excellent landlord yells made us feel very happy and all locals very friendly great pie and chips too

every visit a pleasure, first rate food at very competitive prices. the range of dishes caters for all tastes, the specials board always causes problems choosing. staff very friendly & helpful.

see why this pub has struggled for so long and why it is up for sale, louf loutish music etc, will revisit if sold and closed then refurb. Shame use to be good 5/6 years ago.

went into the Dophin Inn for a mid-week lunch and not being local to the area didn't know if it was going to be good or bad. However we really didn't expect to get such nice food, friendly folk, or competitive prices. Such a refreshing change to the usual, overpriced, mediocre food one often gets presented with. Well done Dolphin Inn!

Did not expect to be prompted to post on this pub again so soon. Visited again this evening; great fire, great "craic" and chat, good wine...........then..........two of the "barflies" decided to break the atmosphere by putting on the juke box compounded by the so called "bar-person" winding up the sound level to a high level and complete the destruction of a good early evening session. Needless so say I left in "high dudgeon".Understand the pub is up for sale.........hope someone who understands their customer needs buys it and does not pander to the childish "bar fly" attitudes of current customers. Next best option is to turn it into a block of flats and have yet another pub lost to the community. I know where the blame lies.Enuf said.

this is a quality local pub with a great atmosphere , the locals make you feel right at home and food and drink service was excellent, the landlord steve was a great help to all our needs and made the pub what it is today.i would definetly come back to this lovely friendly village pub.

well what can i say, we were visiting in the area and were tipped of about a couple of great eating places in kenton, one we reviewed later, this wasnot one of the ones we were told about but very easy for a drink before our meal, well the place was dirty, the toilets were the worst i have seen in along while and following other TAR it seems there was a click of people pandering or being pandering to by the bar man, horrible place, loud , rude, bad laungage. what a shame a village with two very good eating places let down by a pub in major decline.

Couldnt agree less with the last review! We're definitely not local but felt very much welcomed.Good choice of beers and ate both one evening and Sunday cavery both of which were excellent.Prices for both food and drink were very reasonable and certainly less than we'd expected down south for such a beautiful traditional British countryside village.

Agree with the last reviewer that this is a locals drinking pub. We went there early evening and there was no space at the bar to get served; felt quite intimidating. The very loud jukebox at that time (just after six) was far too much, causing us to shout to be heard. Beer and wine ok, but did not stay to sample the food.

we felt a little bit out of place, came across more as a drinking pub and it looked like it was fairly busy with that, we went for food but they were not serving, would come again with my son, he likes his pool/darts and of course his beer.

this is a freindly restaurant and pub good food well staffed noting too much trouble and very reasonable priced ,good for sunday lunch or birthday celabrations dessert sweet to die for,not tasted bettter in a long time

The Dolphin Inn, in the the Devon village of Kenton, not far from Exeter, is exactly like the old country pubs we drinkers of a certain age remember so fondly. In an era when corporate, all-the-same mega-pubs dominate the scene, it's so refreshing (pardon the pun) to find an oasis like the Dolphin.It has all the requirements of a real, traditional pub: several separate rooms (don't you get tired of those aircraft-hangar drinking factories?) 2 proper open fires, an excellent range of real ales, with some local brewery examples, and best of all, you can expect to get served by the landlord and his wife. This little fact used to be the case almost everywhere years ago, and it tended to ensure decent service by someone who actually cares about the pub and its customers. Minimum-wage staff, who can of course be very good, may not always take their job and customer experience quite as seriously as the guy whose money and survival is on the line.My visit was just a short one following a day spent walking in the fabulous local countryside, so there was time only for a couple of drinks by a roaring log fire and a very nice chat with friendly locals, and "the guv'nors" Buster and Sara. But I will definitely be back as soon as possible. I recommend you drop in any time you're travelling between Exeter and Dawlish. The Dolphin is right there on the main road: you can't miss it, and you really shouldn't.