The First and Last Bistro in South Hams - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

Closed on Bank Holiday Monday like everything else in ermington

Amazing on all fronts including being Gluten Free too 😋

Amazing meal - good choice, plenty of veg, great, tasty desserts. My husband and I went with my son for a birthday meal yesterday (Wednesday). It was packed, which is a good sign. Service was very good. Two of us had the lamb, my son had monkfish in cheese sauce with king prawns and chips. We had sticky toffee pudding, lemon posset with ice cream and strawberry cheesecake for dessert. It was excellent, though a tad expensive, so we would go for an occasion such as anniversary or birthday. Can’t wait to try Sunday lunch!

First time visiting The First and Last and unlikely to be the last. We were greeted with a warm welcome and the Chef came out to offer a selection of vegan food for one of our party. Service was timely throughout (although they did forget one drink but that's a minor quibble) and the attention given us was not intrusive. The food was fantastic and well worth the money. All in all, a lovely venue and friendly staff, all topped off by the food, taste and presentation wise.

Tried this restaurant for the first time when on holiday in Devon with family. Nice restaurant with comfortable table and chairs. Lovely clean toilet facilities. Good car park. But the food was nothing special. The haloumi starter was okay and it came on a bed of salad which had a lovely dressing which we liked. The steak was excellent quality which I enjoyed with the sauce it came with and lovely tomatoes. The sautéed potatoes were dry and tasteless. The fish Goujons were average but they came with very nice chips. For dessert there was no Lemon posset left so we all chose the Raspberry Roulade which was very disappointing as it was nothing special and very similar to the one I have at a local Garden Centre restaurant. Surely a Bistro place like this can come up with some more creative desserts? Service was average. Good to try once.

Went for a Sunday roast, the food was excellent, the staff well nothing was too much trouble. They also had a great sense of humour. I would recommend anyone to dine here for I sure will be returning just to taste the blackcurrant cheesecake :)

Excellent food quality and a varied menu. Really nice atmos and staff worked hard to accomadate. Make sure you book in advance you wont be disappointed.

Booked a table for evening meal. Restaurant busy. Friendly greeting from staff. Very good food. One small point, the waitress forgot the vinegar and had to be reminded. Would recommend.

I didn't really want to tell anyone about the fabulous evening we had at the First & Last Bistro, because I want to be able to book a table in the future !!! We were a party of 17 to celebrate a special birthday, and they couldn't of been anymore acomodating . The food was OUTSTANDING and this has definitely become our new go to. Thank you

Excellent staff ambience and food.

Myself and three relatives recently visited The First and Last Bistro in Ermington on two occasions over a seven day period. The first visit was for Sunday lunch and the second for an evening meal. On both visits the food and drink were very tasty and beautifully presented in smart surroundings. This is a family business run by skilled and committed people who clearly know what they are doing. We will definitely visit again when we are next in the area.

What a lovely meal. The best Sunday roast around We Will return soon

We went there for the first time last Thursday and had a fantastic meal. The service was spot on even the chef came out to make sure we were happy with our orders. Thoroughly recommend, and we will certainly be back there again shortly.

Excellent food and service as always

Awesome food as usual. Super friendly staff.

Main course was lovely, but served with frozen veg, which was a huge let down.

Good menu, great food - beautifully presented, excellent service. Just a bit quiet.

Lovely welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. Excellent food and service. Definitely recommend the First and Last for a fantastic evening out.

Simply the best Sunday roast ever went with friends and everything was 5 star the owners are lovely people

A group of us went there for a birthday celebration. Service was lovely, the atmosphere of the place is friendly and the food was delicious!!

One of the best Sunday roasts I’ve ever had! Food was delicious. Beef in particular was cooked to perfection. Andy was so helpful from booking through to cooking. His staff couldn’t have been more helpful, catering for our party of 19’s every wish. Thank you Andy & team.

A real english rose ⚘ dining out in the heart of Devons 💚 South Hams... My wife & I Have always enjoyed our many visits over the last 5+ years, superbly run Bistro by Andrew, Sue & staff, looking forward to seeing you all again in 2024 😉🤙

Superb food. Fantastic service.

Second time visiting and everything can only be described as 5 star. The staff are very friendly and courteous and have an excellent knowledge of Gluten free requirements. The food is cooked to perfection.

Had the best roast I've had in many years. Everything about this place is just great. We both had roast beef which just melted in your mouth. Perfect place for a Sunday lunch we will definitely be back. Thank you to the team

Visited with friends last night, all of our meals were superb as usual, but particularly the lamb which was extremely tender and tasty, with a delicious combination of flavours with the sweet potato mash and spinach. Service was attentive and unobtrusive as usual. Can’t wait for our next visit.

We booked this restaurant on the evidence of the menu on their website, but did not necessarily expect the warm, friendly service, lovely ambience and the wonderful food that we enjoyed. If we are in this area again we would certainly book again.

I’d been here before and I was heading that way so I called the bistro to see if they could squeeze me at all as I know it’s a very busy bistro. On answering the call they were able to accommodate my late notice I was thrilled! On my arrival I was welcomed warmly by the waitress who seated me at my table the atmosphere was delightfully warm cosy & friendly As I scanned the well thought out menu I decided I would have the Duck main course and dear good god it was ABSOLUTELY SENSATIONAL my previous visit I had lamb and that was tantalisingly delicious but the duck was full of flavour succulent and danced on my taste buds never eaten duck like it and the potatoes and veg all perfectly cooked amazing congratulations 1st and last my pudding I had sticky toffee pud an overly generous but enough slice with warm sauce and ice cream simply a fantastic meal once again Thank you 1st and last I’ll be returning soon for another phenomenal meal

Came for dinner my mum and fiancé, I had the lamb as it was on the specials and it did not disappoint!! I could’ve eaten 2 or 3 of them it was delicious!!!! Then sticky toffee pudding to finish it off was just perfect. I will definitely be back

Read various reviews and was optimistic about our anniversary night. Alas, on arriving, was shown to our table which felt a little like it had just been crammed in and was literally shoulder to shoulder with other guests. Now I appreciate it’s on old building yada yada yada, but lacked the separation especially when could hear every other conversation. Ok so on arrival I noticed the cold air when I opened the 2nd inner door on entering, this was a cold wet November night, radiators were cold, so mentioned to our very friendly server. Ok the food, 1st course, lovely no issues at all apart from the lack of table dressing, candles, the little touches. 2nd course, surprising. The technique used to cook my wife’s duck and my lamb, both subtle flavours had rendered them virtually tasteless. Sad as the tenderness and appearance we lovely. There was a jug of tasty gravy and a butternut squash purée, tastier than the meat. Alsa no carbs, potato’s with the lamb. The veg again, pleasant enough, but simply boiled, no glaze or wow factor. Desert we chose profiteroles and treacle pudding (actually Syrup), Again got the impression, that like the whole meal, had been pre made, presumably, souls vide and warmed up. Just fell very short of our expectations. Btw small tip, check the wine prices as they don’t match those posted on line. In short, expected more than received.

Updated October 2023 Fabulous food and service. Once again we were fortunate enough to get here twice in the week of our holiday and have booked for next year! Gluten free options are excellent. Such a brilliant venue for intimate, casual dining worthy also of a special occasion. October 2022... Booked for a meal whilst on holiday in the area (a couple of months in advance) having been unable to get a table in 2021. We enjoyed our meals and the Bistro's environment so much, we immediately booked for the Friday evening (2 days later and were lucky to get a table as they were busy). We've booked to return when in the area again next year already! The starters were excellent and steak, fish, chicken and pork mains were brilliant. Desserts were glorious... especially the trio of desserts chosen from the selection on the menu. Champagne was divine. Good selection of beers. Service was with a smile and good humour. We felt right at home immediately. Most items on the menu are offered as gluten free too. Can't wait for next year! Congratulations to all the team.

Food was really tasty and there was a great atmosphere. Big thanks to Sue and the rest of the team :)

Absolute gluten free heaven. To know that the majority of foods on the menu are gluten free and cooked by a gluten free chef is amazing. Food that you wouldn't normally get like breaded brie and profiteroles! Jist wonderful, and what's even better.... Non gf people wouldn't know the difference! If we're ever in the area are we will be back.

Absolutely amazing little restaurant. Wonderful food and an amazing treat for someone gluten free. Lovely service... Good cooked to order and not whacked out without care and attention.

Such a great surprise to find a truly excellent restaurant out in the country. Service was discreet, attentive and friendly. A good wine list and an excellent menu. We had soup of the day (carrot and coriander) which was superb, full of taste and full bodied. Our mains were all different but we each enjoyed out own - fish, chicken and vegetarian. The price was fair - our only complaint was that none of us had room to tackle the scrumptious sounding dessert menu!

This was our second visit and my second review! The first visit was amazing and we expected the same this time, we were surprised that it was in fact even better Firstly service! This was amazing, quick, kind and not overbearing but attentive and personal! Well done to the two young ladies who were very busy but were excellent Quality of food! One word ‘class’ From a perfect roast beef to the best ever sticky toffee ! I would challenge anyone to find a better Sunday lunch experience ! Well done Chef ( and new apprentice) 5*

Wow incredible all round, from the decor the sheer cleanliness beautiful dining room the staff are wonderful the chefs are amazing the food they serve is exquisite I have a very fussy family member and the chefs cooked him a meal that wasn’t even on the menu not many places will do this so 1st & last went above and beyond. I will be back to try some more delicious delights I even had two puddings it’s that good. If you want a beautiful meal in a beautiful setting then you need to visit first and last bistro you will not be disappointed in any shape or form I actually give 10* the food was that good it didn’t have a chance for a photo

We visited with another couple on Friday 29th September. The bistro was quite full when we arrived. The food was delicious. We opted for main and dessert. Our table of four all thoroughly enjoyed our mains which included the sea bass and lobster Thermidor (which was especially tasty). All cooked and presented extremely well. Desserts were so good too. We weren’t rushed and the waitress was very friendly. We will certainly return soon.

Wonderful food, lovely staff, hoping to revisit very soon.

Omg where to start, firstly this delightful restaurant tucked in this cute little village attracts a lot of attention, it is almost always booked up but the lovely owners Andrew and Sue kindly squeezed us in. I am so glad they did!! The staff were really lovely and friendly. The food, ah the food! Creamy Stilton mushroom starter to die for and the monkfish Thermidor is an absolute must if you like fish, it was creamy and flavourful with brilliant firm texture of the monkfish. We also had the fillet steak which was like eating pure heaven, the fillet was cooked to perfection and cut like butter. I was in my element. We opted for a trio of deserts which again were superb. I highly recommend this delightful restaurant but do make sure you book as it’s incredibly popular. We had a brilliant evening and would definitely return. Thank you to the owners for fitting us in x

Fab meal, excellent food and very friendly service

We found this little gem and had our anniversary meal here on Friday night and we couldn't fault it. We both had mains and a dessert all of which was perfectly cooked and tasty. Prices were reasonable and the staff were very friendly and helpful.

This restaurant is a little gem and well worth a visit, great ambiance fantastic food friendly staff and reasonably priced. You won’t regret going

We both had the Sea Bass, it was delicious. It came with a nice selection of vegetables and new potatoes. We did plan on having dessert. But we're both too full. We will most definitely be returning.

This was our first visit to this amazing restaurant, as a family of foodies we are often disappointed when eating out, however this was a real exception, From the moment we arrived we could see the quality The welcome was first class, service attentive but subtle and the speed of service excellent, this was only surpassed by the food! 1 duck special 2 fillet beef roast 1 pork This was by far the best Sunday lunch we have eaten, you do not expect fillet steak and for the price it blew our socks off The sticky toffee pudding did not disappoint and was probably the best I have eaten! We have one disappointment and that it has taken us until know to try this amazing bistro Well done Chef and front of house Truly amazing

The food was delicious and service very speedy. The staff warm and knowledgeable.

We had Sunday Lunch here today with friends and have to say we were all delighted with our meals. We chose roast pork and roast beef which came with oodles of roast potatoes and veg, plus the 'advertised' lashings of tasty gravy ! We have lived in South Brent for 8 months and had not found a Sunday Lunch venue that we would return to. But now we have and look forward to a return, perhaps for a mid week evening meal. Thank you Sue and Maddie for your perfect service.

Called 2 nights running as the first was so good. All the food was excellently cooked but the apple and cinnamon tart was something else.

We have had a few meals here.The food is excellent the atmosphere is great.myself and my family can highly recommend the first and last bistro.

The best food that we’ve had in quite a while. I had chicken milanese and my husband had sea bass with loads of veg and baby potatoes. Well worth a visit!

Excellent Sunday lunch today at the First & Last Bistro, everything was piping hot and we had plenty of meat and vegetables including the best cauliflower cheese I've had, the fresh asparagus was delicious as were the crispy roasties and Yorkshire pudding - also the service was second to none, thank you so much to the team for the best Sunday lunch around x

Very good food, lovely staff, pretty outside dining area with, attractive pots of flowers

How did we miss this delightful little bistro for so long? We have now visited twice and can thoroughly recommend the food, service and ambience. The food is made to order, very well prepared with gluten free options for all courses.....My monkfish thermidor followed by...

Was taken to the First and Last yesterday evening for Dinner. My first ever visit and I can say the place is fantastic. Food Good. Wine Good and the Ambience good. I cannot say any negatives about the First and Last.

It was our first time visiting this bistro for sunday lunch with the family. The food was fantastic, brilliant gluten free Yorkshire puddings, staff were helpful and attentive. Highly recommended and will visit again. Will Harley and family.

Lovely experience enjoyed the whole evening 😊

Gluten free heaven . Such a treat to have a 95% gluten free menu and be coeliac safe. Great food ( you wouldn’t know it was gluten free by taste/ texture / range offered) but one of our party was gf and felt totally safe...

Frequent visitors to family in Ivybridge. Always looking for somewhere that serves a really good Sunday lunch for adults and children, which we now have! Delicious roasts, generous portions, loads of vegetables and an extensive gluten free menu and lovely staff. We’ll be back again...

It’s the First Time we’ve visited this venue and we’re more than just satisfied, we were recommended by our friends from Kingsbridge who ate there a couple of weeks ago and it’s my Lovely Wife’s Birthday so we invite our friends plus their Son and Fiancée & another close local friend, the first thing that impressed me was how welcoming we were made, The menu was amazing and when it was served fantastic as the plates were nice and hot and WOW the food was delicious, I chose a bottle of New Zealand Wine and again it was fabulous, we live in Modbury and we will definitely be back as soon as possible

Had wanted to try this place for years and ate here late February. Ambience is wine bar / a bit formal. Food though was very good , as was the efficient service. Others cite small portions but we thought they were big. Fire going in...

We visit family in South Devon a couple of times each year; we eat here every time. We have NEVER been disappointed. Andrew & Sue run a superb restaurant; food quality & service are excellent. We do eat in other restaurants in the area but...

Superb food with great service,a definite 10 out of 10

Gosh the food was excellent! Choice, quality, presentation and flavours! Cosy and smart place. Good choice of ‘middle of the road’ background music. Nice staff, though not overly welcoming, but, pleasant. Would definitely recommend.

Warm welcome, delicious food, dog friendly and the other customers were very friendly as well. A very happy place to eat.

First time here for me and it won’t be the last! A top class dining experience with a nice cosy family run business feel. A quaint country pub from the outside, surprisingly fancy on the inside. Crisp white table cloths and real napkins, polite helpful staff, that make you feel special. Nice decor with a few quirky hidden details 😊 The food was visually tasty, as well as being delicious. The portions are perfectly sized to fill your belly, locally sourced and prepared with care. For starters I had the deep fried Brie (as always! 🤣) hubby had the mushrooms with a Stilton sauce, which he said was the best he had tasted. For main he had the fish and chips, with peas. Which in his words didn’t look enough to fill him up but actually he could only just finish (he has a grand appetite hehe) I had the liver and bacon with new potatoes and seasonal veg. So so tasty! Would recommend it all! No room for pudding this time…. Had a couple of bottled beers each instead. Total came to around £70 which we thought was Just about right for a belated Valentine’s Day treat. Looking forward to next time.

Me and my partner have been 4 times ourselves and we have brought both our families here on separate occasions too! Best food I have ever tasted. Lovely welcoming staff. Great wine list. Feel SO lucky to have this place on our doorstep

Sunday lunch and the whole experience was a big WOW!! Warm welcome, clean , lovely ambience and delicious food. Sorry no photos as the food looked so good we had to tuck in straightaway. Even accommodated our two dogs on this occasion. Booking recommended. Fairly...

Excellent food, good service, reasonably priced. A little gem in South hams

This bistro is a charming friendly and warm restaurant the food and service is amazing all locally sourced and cooked to perfection would definitely recommend a visit we will be back .

Come here for a delicious Sunday lunch with lovely obliging staff and an excellent chef. One of our family is dairy free and there was special cauliflower cheese and gravy specially prepared for her. This is a very special restaurant and we had a most...

Amazing food, perfectly cooked, best restaurant I’ve found in all of Devon, generous portions, exquisite taste experience, melt in the mouth, wonderful staff, knowledgeable waitress couldn’t be more helpful and welcoming. Don’t bother going anywhere else, this is the place

Fantastic Sunday lunch today, beautifully cooked med rare beef to order, tasty vegetables and perfect roasties. One of the best roast dinners I have had served in a restaurant. The service was also very good. Will be back!

Excellent menu, varied with interesting combinations. The food itself was beautifully cooked, with delicious accompaniments. Extremely impressed that our whole party found each of their meals so delicious. Service was friendly and full of knowledge, and sensible advice. Thank you, we will definitely be back.

Our work Xmas night out . Delish food and people who own the Bistro . Very good feeding us all .

This place is a little hidden gem serving excellent food with really attentive staff. We all had the roasts which are lovely and fresh, good quality ingredients and food was hot!! Our waitress was so attentive and knew her job inside out. The food served...

Excellent food & service, friendly staff good atmosphere.

Haven’t eaten here for a while… it was spot on! Service was attentive… food is very very good.. Brie started and duck main course amazing… would highly recommend

Fantastic food, service and atmosphere. An absolute gem!

Great food, great service and super value. Already booked again.

One of the best meals out we’ve had in a long time! The food was so lovely, especially the mains! The fillet was so well cooked and the monkfish thermidor was so tasty. Wait staff wait also really welcoming and friendly. We will deffo be back next time we’re back in the area

Enjoyed a lovely meal, food was delicious, however, the portions were quite small (especially the starters and main course). Vegetables also small portions. My husband enjoyed his sticky toffee pudding very much. Exceptionally clean and lovely pub, just a little more on the plates please!

Superb food and always cooked to order, been twice for Sunday lunch and on both occasions it was outstanding. So tasty and piping hot when it arrives. Booking is essential.

Another fantastic meal , would highly recommend. Surf and turf is excellent, and such a friendly atmosphere. Staff are so helpful

Last night of our holiday and the food was excellent. Although they don't have a children's menu, they did accommodate us really well. Only small negative was the younger waitress had bit of attitude.

I was spoilt for choice when choosing from the menu as there was a few options that sounded nice. There was a nice selection of sides. The marmite cabbage with cheese was yum! When my food arrived it was very well presented and was really good tasting. Good portion size too. All of the staff were friendly and accommodating. We will definitely be booking again.

Superb Sunday Lunch, amazing staff and great service, we will be back!

Food here is delicious, there really is something special about a dish made fresh to order and with local produce. Couldn't fault it from start to finish. Staff were friendly too 🙂

We have just returned from a short break in Devon during which we had dinner at this restaurant. One of our party is GF so we were excited to hear that most of the menu is GF. Usually we only have a choice of 2 or 3 items on a menu but this was very different and our daughter didn't feel like she was missing out at all. The food and service during the night were nothing short of exceptional and the ambience of the dining room was perfectly pitched between fine dining and casual. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meal and no-one had dinner envy! We all highly recommend this restaurant.

We visited The First and Last Bistro on 30th June with friends whilst enjoying a weeks holiday in nearby Kingston. The meal was fantastic, beautifully presented, and politely served. My only concern was if it was a lucky one off, so to check, we booked...

A fantastic evening at the First and Last. Delicious food beautifully presented and excellent service

Made a last minute Saturday night booking for my sister and I after reading the many 5 star reviews here on TA. The evening was just wonderful - great ambience, friendly service and the food absolutely delicious! Thank you. We'll be back soon!

Well worth a visit, excellent food.

Absolutely a super restaurant the ambience is lovely. The staff polite and friendly. Andrew the chief is at hand if you want a chat or to go through the menu. I had the Mackerel with beetroot followed by rump of Dartmoor lamb it was absolutely delicious. I consider myself very lucky to live close by. The first and last is great for lunch and dinner and a Sunday roast. 100% recommend.

Fantastic menu, great service and an all round lovely experience for an evening meal for me birthday. We shared the mushroom and prawns for starter and both were cooked to perfection., I had the lamb for main which was delicious. This certainly won’t be the...

The food, the staff and the ambience were amazing. This was our first visit but certainly won't be out last. The food covers all tastes and is excellent. We thoroughly recommend it.

Absolutely beautiful food here service. Will be back.

We are on holiday in Devon and after a little research found this Bistro. Wife made a mess of the booking and confirmed wrong date but, on phoning and being told it was full, Andrew returned our call and very kindly shifted tables about to...

The interior was well presented and welcoming. The staff were very relaxed and friendly, taking the perfect amount of time to come for out order and delivering wonderful subtle food, again with impeccable timing. It was a classy, stress free experience which was much enjoyed!

Excellent food, absolutely faultless. Attentive service without being overbearing and a lovely warm atmosphere.

Fantastic find this bistro, it delivered excellent service, Fantastic food and full on Gluten Free menu and very friendly staff all round. It was so good on a Friday evening visit we just had to return for Sunday lunch which was no regret. It was...