The Hare and Hounds in East Devon

Absolutely love this place. British pub just how it should be. Good honest food fairly priced

Highly recommended great food everytime

Had a lovely birthday lunch. Delicious food, friendly staff and warm atmosphere

A country pub with a big, modern restaurant attached to it. We visited one Friday night while on holiday. We had the carvery. Not our usual choice but looked good. And tasted even better! A truly good carvery. Had a good pint of local bitter to go with it. And the young staff were pleasant and helpful to a fault.

Stopped for lunch to break our journey after searching for a pub with a decent children's play area. Staff were really friendly, proactively helpful and attentive. We sat in the garden for a drink, enjoying the amazing views while the kids let off steam in the large playground, which says it's suitable for children aged 3-12. The team were happy to seat us inside and told us when to time our carvery visit with the children's meals being served so we could all eat at the same time. The food was excellent and generous. We stayed for puddings and coffee, which were also glorious. The kids loved the ice cream selection, and the bread and butter pudding with clotted cream was a highlight! A real gem - we've recommended to family who holiday regularly in Sidmouth and would definitely return!

Really good carvery, the young chef at the carvery was really kind and useful felt bad for him dealing with the customer who ignored the "ask for crackling sign" and complaind about the chef who simply said "please can you not grab the crackling yourself ".

Good menu and an excellent carvery, beautiful views, well worth a visit.

A good place to go to if you like carveries / carnivorous selections. Service was good and the Otter Ale decent. The non-meat options we had were standard/similar to Wetherspoon's type food. The place gets very hot as it fills up.

A huge pub more like a Toby Carvery. Massive roast dinner, very tasty, available every day. Efficient serving system and staff were all smiley and helpful. Good value.

Smart little pub with an open fire. Very cosy. Great food - huge portions! - with vegan/vegetarian options. My gf had the big ploughman's which was missing the cheese but the meal was so big she didn't mind! I had the small macaroni cheese which was delicious and plenty of food for me. We said bye and thank you to the woman who had been tending the bar on the way out who was eating her lunch at the bar at this point but she just looked at us and didn't reply... found this a bit odd. Would have given 5* if it wasn't for that odd interaction on the way out!

Pretty good for the money, hard to get a table unless you book in advance. Lovely place for the kids, love to go here in the summer months.

We went for the carvery and we'd actually booked a table. Upon entering the door there was a 10-minute standing line which didn't really have any proper direction and people were coming from all sides plus you were literally in the doorway so quite exposed to having to keep being moved and losing your place in the queue. After said 10 minutes we gave them the name of our booking and were told our table was number ** so, off with trundled all the way down the back of the pub which is quite large to be honest. After finding somebody sat at the table already we had to come all the way back to the bar and queue yet again which wasn't perfect as I'm disabled and I was struggling to stand for the 10 minutes let alone hobble to Just about the furthest table away only to be told a different table number... Which was as you guessed it despite my son asking for one closer especially to the carvery itself right back at the other side of the pub. If they had shown us to the table they could have resolve the seating issue immediately putting is on the next table instantly. If they booked it properly in the first place there wouldn't be somebody sat there at which point we also overheard another person saying excuse me this somebody sat at our table so we weren't the only ones. Ok so there's a mistake and that's fine but when a customer is clearly struggling and the same problem appears twice in 5 minutes maybe a manager or supervisor should have been informed and at the very least offered to servers from the table rather than having to go back to the bar to queue and pay for the car very only to be given The advice of sit at your table and wait until we call you for the carvery. Problem here is that we had dogs, I also use a walking stick so to carry a heavy plate from the opposite side of the pub was impossible for me and we couldn't all go at the same time as arranged by the pub because we couldn't leave the dogs on their own. No forethought or management of the problem. That being said the food was quite lovely apart from the rose potatoes and although costly by comparison to other places I've been it's prices are just above average for the region. Atmosphere is beautiful it's a very cosy pub with a very warm welcome and real fires and log burners abundant throughout. Beer, lagers and ciders were good (to be honest we'd almost finished the first drink before we were called up to the carvery) . The meat was excellent and the food wasn't too dry although the service itself could definitely have been quicker I suppose the system is in place to relieve the pressure and chaos that you sometimes get at carveries. It did feel very much like the customer was second to the process however. My visit particularly was spoilt by the walking backwards and forwards and being told we couldn't have a table nearer the bar and carvery because dogs weren't allowed in that bit even though a couple with two labradors had literally just got up from the table. The rest of my group enjoyed their food. My enjoyment was spoilt after the first 10 minutes queueing And the pain it cost was a huge distraction even though I do enjoy my food and a nice pint. I need to point out that these are my views and my views only not that of my family. Back to a positive note they did provide dog beds or blankets. At 6:45 on a Thursday evening with only two or three people standing at the carvery at anyone time They're clearly was no pressure for the staff to perform. Stuff were very friendly but only one person showed initiative out of the six or seven that I saw. It is worth the visit but I think you need to make sure you speak to somebody seen yet if you're making a booking and find out which table you're on before you go especially if you have a disability as there are different levels and steps and if I had gone with my wheelchair we would have had to wait an hour for a table that allowed dogs despite having booked in advance. If you're going to offer a booking service then use reserve tabs instead of allowing walk-ins to find their own (yours prob')

Really wonderful pub and restaurant. Great food and has a carvery everyday. Staff were welcoming and attentive.

Only popped in for a coke mid hike. But pleasant enough. The carvery did look amazing so will return to munch.

Very popular, busy pub. Great for carveries. Best prebook in advance.

A great place to go for food, carvery is excellent. Not far from Sidmouth so you get a lovely view of the sea. We are looking forward to our next visit.

Very nice carvery. Indeed! Shall visit again soon hopefully

Food and service were ok for a carvery. Areas of the pub being refurbished which was nice to see as other bits very tried and need of updating.

This pub was recommended to us while staying at a near by hotel for a weekend break. It was so good we actually went 2 days running. The first night it was myself and my husband. Carvery was the best we've ever had! Gorgeous meat and perfectly cooked, fresh veg. The second night was my husbands 40th so we came back with my in laws and our son after being let down somewhere else. 5 empty plates. We all agreed the carvery was simply superb. The pub itself is welcoming, staff are lovely, smiles on everyone's face which is not something you see often in hospitality. Sensational!

Amazing Sunday lunch on Mothering Sunday. Felt like the owners were really looking after the guests as tables were booked out for an hour and 45 minutes and it wasn’t rammed busy as we’ve known it to be before. Delicious carvery too!

Very disappointed. Food didn't look good and didn't taste much better. Turkey was very dried out on the side. Staff attitude was shocking. Miserable didn't seem happy. Even heard a lady apologise for teying to help to her college. Need to learn Customer service. Such a shame as used to be lovely.

We were very unlucky as the evening carvery had obviously been sitting out for some time, possibly since lunch. We were first up so the meat was dry, potatoes had been cooked some time much earlier so very not hot or fresh. Yorkshire pud was stodgy so all in all not a great experience. We won’t return again.

The carvery was exceptiinal, really good, but can't say the same for the fish and chips ,very disapointed with that maybe an off day

1st time here,loved it,made to feel welcome, bought our dog and is so dog friendly,food was lovely, will definitely be going back.

Just been out here today for a Carvery for my Birthday, Roast beef & Pork was Cooked very well, Yorkshire puds were a bit Soggy like mine light & Crispy But on the whole it was a Nice meal..

Carvery was amazing. Beautiful melt in the mouth beef and pork along with fabulous veg etc accompaniments. Wow....a fabulous meal to celebrate my husbands 60th birthday. As good as I remember it when we used to visit with my late parents. Lovely surroundings and staff. Thank you

The selection of food was good and well presented. Unfortunately, the beef was very tough and chewy, and it was impossible to eat it!

Had a lovely carvery here well worth the money pleasant staff all in all a lovely afternoon out

Five of us all had the carvery food was absolutely outstanding

We booked a table at this place last night for Valentine’s Day. We were not advised about building renovations going on. Wow. We had eaten before and the food was amazing before but what a let down last night. Got shown to our table, and the waitress was apologising for no decorations as did not have time. We could cope with that. Waiter came over and OH asked if he could have carvery meat and chips. This was checked and agreed. Lasagna was ordered with garlic bread. Had to wait a while for our drinks, but they eventually did. Then our food arrived. OH was served in a child’s bowl which rested on a plate, and literally just thrown in it. The garlic bread, if I was in prison would have made a better weapon then a bowling ball in a sock. Could not eat it at all. OH ate some meat and put the rest in a napkin to feed the dog with it. As we were leaving and went to till to pay, not even a ‘did you enjoy your food’? We advised about the food being very poor, we didn’t even haggle on price we paid and left. We will never return as it has gone downhill in less than 12 months.

Great lunch, unbelievable food choices, reasonable prices and very friendly staff. Already booked another lunch this month. Well done all staff.

Booked for a Sunday evening meal. Despite it being extremely busy due to two coach parties arriving, we were served quickly and professionally. Food was amazing too.

Another venue that is so hit and miss very frustrating as you never know which hare and hounds you are going to

Not currently admitting dogs so refused entrance, having been before didn’t think to check the website so drove 20 miles for nothing. All outside signs still saying dog friendly 🫤

Oh, busy place, efficient, but busy on a Sunday

We have eaten here a few times, although not recently. I contacted the pub about 10 days ago to see if we could book a table for 8 plus a highchair for the Carvery on Sunday evening. It was my Granddaughter's 21st birthday and as she is away from her family who live abroad, we had a little family party for her. From the first phone call to the Hare and Hounds to the end of the Sunday evening, I only have praise for the help they offered. We were able to put some balloons, tea lights and party things on the table. We had brought a cake with candles and sparklers and this was assembled and brought to our table after we’d had an excellent carvery. The oldest in our party was 93, the youngest 1. Everyone was happy. The staff were helpful, efficient and made light of the red cabbage that the 1 yr old had deposited on the floor! Thank you SO much Hare and Hounds. It meant a lot to us.

Delicious roasts, tender meats (we had turkey/ beef/ pork) great choice of vegetables and wonderful gravy. Generous portions!

Lovely pub staff are extremely friendly and on the Ball. We had carvery and it was great Would absolutely recommend to anyone.

We booked a table for a Friday lunchtime. On arrival we noticed the pub was already quite full of diners. We were assigned a nice table near the open fire and were provided with attentive service. Three of us ordered the carvery and the others meals from the menu. Everyone was impressed with the quality of the food. The roast beef was excellent cooked to perfection and the vegetables and trimmings were excellent too. This was the best carvery I have experienced in East Devon; I am looking forward to returning.

Lovely carvery and a real family pub we will be back.

Excellent carvery, booking in advance essential.

Always made to feel very welcome. Becky makes a huge fuss of my dogs. Which they love. Great atmosphere and delicious food.

Simply the best place to eat. We drive 40 minutes to eat here it is that good. I strongly recommend to book a table so you aren’t disappointed. The Calvary is stunning and out of this world. The staff are always pleasant and happy. They have everything under control.

Top notch cavery 👌👌 great atmosphere and good staff. Highly recommend

Hare &hounds was ok for dinner. Maybe the fish and chips was on the small side.also the staff service at the bar were interested in their phones that pulling pints.

Lovely old pub with excellent food

Very nice carvery but the food was not hot. Plenty of veg choices. A bit cold in the building but it had been closed for 2 days over Christmas. Staff very helpful and efficient. Definitely book because this place was ultra busy on 27 December.

Fantastic food, great service. Easy parking Merry Christmas to everyone who worked so hard to make a very enjoyable time xx

Wonderful food, friendly staff. 👍

Fantastic carvery pub, which is super popular and understandably so. Great food with several carved rust choices and great veg plus extra. Desserts are also fantastic. All great value.

Excellent carvery today! Chef generous with choice of meat. Going again on Friday! 😄

Food very good and the staff excellent

I have been frequenting this pub about half a dozen times a year since 1997, and even with a change of ownership the standard of their carvery has always been first-class. One of the reasons for this is that they have a high turnover of food - iit never sits for very long. It's also excellent quality. They offer up to three different meats, and you can have all three of you wish, and then you help yourself to the veg, sausages, Yorkshire puddings, stuffing balls and gravy. I'm quite fussy about roast potatoes, as they are my favourites, and theirs pass with flying colours every time. The staff are always very attentive and friendly too. They have an excellent menu, vegetarian options from that and for the carvery, and a good selection of puddings. Their local ales are worth a look too. I thoroughly recommend it.

I recently enjoyed some top-notch salmon and dill fishcakes at the Hare and Hounds. 🐟🌿 It was a delightful rendition of a tasty classic done absolutely right. The fishcakes were a standout, showcasing a perfect balance of flavours with the freshness of salmon complemented beautifully by the aromatic dill. Each bite was a testament to the skillful preparation of this classic dish. For those seeking a delicious and well-executed rendition of salmon and dill fishcakes, the Hare and Hounds is a definite recommendation! 🍽️✨

We’ve always drove past wondering what it’s like! Last night we chanced it and went along to see if it was somewhere we would revisit. It is what it is, frozen veg, deep fried sausages, packet stuffing (even Paxo do a better job) the gravy was like glue. Left feeling sick. Dessert counter filled with bought in desserts and charged at an extortionate fee. The carvery was priced at £16.50 and to be Frank I know I can go and enjoy a roast at better establishments for £16-17 where everything is made from scratch using the best ingredients and not being fed dog food. We won’t be returning, I do however get why the older generation may enjoy it as you get more than a microwave meal, but a very expensive version. Ceiling is about to collapse too.

Excellent value, good choices of meats and veggie options, very busy.

lovely atmosphere with main dining area away from the bar. Great food

Food was faultless, there was about 30 plus in our group, and it was all delicious xx

We've been eating here for years and never had a bad meal. Today, the pub was very full and although the staff were obviously busy, we were politely shown to a booth table and the table was cleaned immediately. The waitress brought our menus over to us and we were made to feel very welcome. I had the carvery which was superb value, the meat was beautifully cooked. My husband had goulash with a side of dirty chips which he said was very good. We love the Hare and Hounds, because although it's a very large pub and restaurant, it has a local feel. The bar is great if you have a dog. Please don't change a thing!

Just been to the Hare & Hounds going for their Daily Carvery. Heard good things about it and the quality of the food. Got a lovely table looking across the fields, nice out side area too for warmer weather. We were told we could go up to collect our food which worked well. No "free for all". Had the beef, pork and gammon. (Turkey available too). Ended up with a huge plate (see pics), really nice and somehow ate the lot. Absolutely amazing food! I fancied a dessert but was way too full. They have a nice fireplace and generally a nice atmosphere. Also very friendly service. Good price - Easy 5 stars.

Visited on a Monday evening, it's a very popular place and was very busy. The food is excellent, went for the carvery and was not disappointed. If you're in the vicinity it's worth a visit.

There were a lot of people there when we arrived so we settled in for a long wait but no need, we were called up for our carvery within about 10 minutes and when we had chosen what we wanted it all turned out to be excellent. The standard plate size was more than enough in quantity, and everything was delicious. Would thoroughly recommend.

Fantastic carvery and the staff were great!

Let me start this review with explaining that I have been a customer of this venue for 20 plus years. On Friday the 17/11/23 a group of us attended for our usual carvery, which I have never had never had to complain about in the 20 years I have been attending the Hare and Hounds! Upon going up for my small carvery I noted a small dried up grim looking piece of turkey left, obviously having been there for some time. As luck would have it just before I placed my order a lovely new joint was delivered and sat in-front of me. I asked for the turkey and the chap behind the counter went to serve up the dried up piece. I said that looks disgusting I would like a slice of the new turkey. He advised "no, i'm not serving that until this is gone." I said but that's disgusting I would like some of the new meat and again he repeated the above. The whole point is I wanted what I had paid for and that was turkey. He told me like a school child to leave the que and re-join so he could palm the dried off piece to someone else. At this point I was a bit like a you for real? The two other members of my group who were in the line declined the turkey and went for other meat. An older gentlemen then asked " have you started the turkey?" He didn't get a response. He asked the same question again with no response until the chap behind the counter said so you want turkey? I said it's really dry but the older guy said "well if you have started it I will have turkey". With that piece gone I was subsequently "allowed" what I had paid for. I went to join my group absolutely fuming as were they at how ridiculous the situation had been and how rude he was and we asked one of the waiters who the manager was. To my surprise it was the chap that served me! This is surprising on numerous levels. One he was in a chef's coat so I assume he is a chef? Why a chef would be happy to serve old, dried up meat is worrying but also we were debating over a small piece of meat, which if it has been served at my table would have been returned to the kitchen. Clearly this manager needs additional training as he has no idea the consumer rights act applies to food and that food should be of satisfactory quality, if it isn't the customer can refuse to pay. The problem with a carvery is you pre pay. He definitely needs customer service training as due to his attitude he has now got the venue a negative review. (Normally I cannot be bothered to write these but he was so rude and totally ruined our night, well done!) We will not be returning anytime soon.

Always lovely food ! Very filling ! We come here a couple of times a year to celebrate with our family since loosing our Nannie, as she always loved your food ! Shame that it is slowly creeping higher in price, but we do enjoy ourselves everytime we visit !

This was my first visit to this popular pub, where a friend took me for their carvery lunch, as a special birthday treat. One has to always book, as they get very full on most days, particularly at weekends. I could understand why, the food was outstanding, good choice of well cooked roast meats and an extensive range of vegetables available. We had a great meal and came away with very full tummies!

Lovely carvery, staff were great will definitely visit again

Had a delicious carvery best I've had in a long time. We will return

Delicious carvery, meats cooked to perfection.

Cozy pub/restaurant that while busy most of the time is very popular, friendly and welcoming.

Absolutely brilliant, great service and great atmosphere. Will definitely be coming back! Fantastic!

Lovely well prepared food as usual. Stopped off for light lunch. Can certainly recommended the gammon. The tuna and lemon mayonnaise baguette was also very good and worth adding the side of fries for £1.50

Manger declined refund really rude food was discussing 😒

The Hare and Hounds is a lovely area. The staff look happy, they have the carvery always full up and whenever talking to a customer there is a smile on their faces. Perfect for family and perfect for friends. Would highly recommend

Good food and friendly and accommodating staff to make you feel welcome! Busy every time we've been and for a reason!

Came up for on Saturday, food was amazing. Lovely welcome from staff as we walked through the door, dogs made very welcome too! Carvery looked amazing and kitchen meals plated up really well. A big well done to all the staff working hard. Lovey traditional pub feel. Will definitely be back

Was lovely to catch up with family at this wonderful place, the food was amazing but the service was second to none. Especially Ebony, she was super helpful and polite and couldnt do enough for us. Will definitely be returning :)

Lovely atmosphere with delicious food to match! Came with family and the staff were friendly and accommodating.

Such a loverly atmosphere, staff were polite and well mannered. The carvery was delightful-specifically the pork, perfectly done as always. They are even dog friendly!! Will definitely continue to come back😊

Lovely carvery, kids loved their chicken nuggets! Was very busy, looks hectic but staff were quiet organised. Will definitely be back!! Proper country pub

Lovely country pub, great atmosphere and lovely staff and amazing choice of gin. Had a burger, which was great although the carvey looked amazing. Will definitely be back

Came in last Thursday for a carvery. Very warm welcome from the bad staff as we walked through the door. Restaurant was nice and bright which was nice for my elderly mother that has problems seeing. Was very busy for a Thursday but the service was still fast. Lovely range of puddings that looked fabulous!!! Really looking forward to our next visit!

What a lovely meal! Staff were amazing! Very clean! Affordable! Couldn't think of a bad thing to say

Absolutely delicious, Yorkshire puddings were incredible and staff were lovely and attentive. Thank you so much!

fantastic service with a smile fantastic Food at a very reasonable price been coming for years and sure we will be back soon

Brilliant service as always - regularly come for a Sunday roast but opted for the nachos on the specials this time - fantastic portion and pulled pork was done to perfection! Really accommodating with dietary requirements! Fabulous staff always make us feel welcome and show an interest in us and our puppies! Thank you Hare and Hounds see you again soon!

Stopped in before the local tar barrels event. Absolutely amazing, immediately welcomed by smiling staff who pointed us toward a table and handed us menus. My friend had the burger which she said was the best she's had, cooked to perfection! I had the carvery and wow!! You can see why this place is so busy. The staff are so helpful even though its nonstop and the queueing system is great, you do t have to stand in a long queue at the carvery. Definitely be returning!!

Great staff and lovely place to eat

Cracking food, amazing location, great service. Need I say more.

Absolutely amazing staff and food! I’ve been coming to this amazing restaurant for many years after the staff were so helpful and kind following a car crash I was in nearby, the amazing waiting staff sat with me whilst the air ambulance was en route. Since then I have been a loyal customer and we have held many family meals here both large and small. The food is perfect, the carvery to die for and the waiting staff patient and kind during every visit. 100% can recommend for delicious food, fantastic service and kind and happy staff, and incredibly child friendly, they always have my daughter laughing and smiling.

Great place, great atmosphere and great food! Definitely recommend! 5 ⭐️ for Ebs too x

Visited this pub last night and had a wonderful meal. I had the chicken burger which was delicious and my friend had a carvery which was superb as always. The staff were very welcoming and professional. They were all smiling and very friendly to us. They had the fire lit so it was warm and cozy in the bar. 100% would visit again.

fantastic carvery !!!! fantastic service!!!! will be coming back soon

Stopped in before the local tar barrels event. Absolutely amazing, immediately welcomed by smiling staff who pointed us toward a table and handed us menus. My friend had the burger which she said was the best she's had, cooked to perfection! I had the carvery and wow!! You can see why this place is so busy. The staff are so helpful even though its nonstop and the queueing system is great, you do t have to stand in a long queue at the carvery. Definitely be returning!!

When we arrived, instantly the woman behind the bar was rude and looked miserable. She told us to hurry up and order as the table was booked out again at 2pm. We should have left there and then as she was actually the most polite...

Carvery a let down this time. Meat quite chewy. Kids meals were cheap and not great. Couldn't persuade the kids to eat them. Rather than leave a bad review, we thought we best let the team know - but this good deed was repaid by a grumpy young man telling us that we were liars and that we ought to leave. We were absolutely astonished at their absolute lack of any kind of polite customer service. It's no wonder they (strangely) ask all customers for payment BEFORE meals arrive! We definitely do not recommend!

Awful experience. The staff are extremely rude and unhelpful. We complained about the kids meals which looked and tasted like it was from Morrisons cafe. 3 of the 4 kids plates were hardly touched and for the price it was awful. The staff basically called us liars. They told us to go up for our carvery and the kids meals would be with us by the time we sat down. Some of the adults waited with the kids and even after we'd all got our meals the kids meals were still not out. Just really disappointed with the whole experience and wouldn't recommend

The Hare&Hounds is amazing. We have been coming here for years. Staff are really exceptional and go out of there way to help you. There is a carvery every lunch time and evening which is exceptional and lots of other tasty meals to choose from....

This place is such a good place for family, friends, young ones and even the dogs. The restaurant area is lovely if you are looking to go down with all your family and the pub is perfect for all of your friends. They have a...

This place is great! Atmosphere is warm and welcoming.cosy log fires and lovely traditional surroundings as you would like to find in an old pub. the staff is also really friendly. Me and my family came for Sunday lunch and we was so welcomed by...