The Instow Arms in North Devon

We’re locals and have been coming for a few years now, had the chicken Schwarma for dinner tonight, can honestly say it’s the best kebab in North Devon! Knows spots off any of the Barnstaple kebab shops (view is great too!)

We walked here from our B&B (Instow Barton, a fantastic place) to eat an evening meal. The pub was warm and welcoming, the staff were friendly and helpful and the menu was very good for a pub. We’re not particularly doggy people but the pub was obviously dog friendly and there were quite a few dogs but they were all well behaved. We will be staying at the Instow Barton again and we will walk to this pub again to eat.

We visit regularly and again had a fantastic lunch in the newly opened “Loft”. Keep up the good work. Great food and staff ! Thank you. See you again soon !

We recently visited the Instow Arms on a double date, and it was nothing short of fantastic! The food was absolutely delightful, with portions so generous we were all happily stuffed. My partner and I had the Roasted Venison Loin, which was cooked to perfection. The dauphinoise potatoes were rich and creamy, the red wine jus added a lovely depth of flavour, and the roasted carrots? Easily the best I've ever had. Our friends ordered the Moules Mariniere, which came with warm crusty bread, and the 100% Beef Burger with all the trimmings - brie, bacon, onion rings, and a side of skinny fries. Both dishes got rave reviews for their taste and presentation. For dessert, we shared the Apple Crumble with fresh cream, and it was absolutely stunning. Our friends went for the Hot Chocolate Fudge Cake with ice cream, and they were equally impressed. If you're in the area and looking for amazing food, generous portions, and a cosy atmosphere, the Instow Arms is a must-visit. Highly recommend!

Thank you Instow Arms for yet another amazing evening and meal, especially during the festive period at such a busy time for all eateries. Wonderful fresh food, hot and delicious. The staff also had a great attitude and were very attentive during our 2 hours there. We will see you again at Easter.

On holiday in the area and looking for somewhere for lunch that was kid friendly, gluten free friendly and dog friendly! Not much of an ask right!! Rang the pub following a good search who advised that they were busy but had heated huts outside. They’re first come first served; so we headed down and hoped for the best. Instow is beautiful, and as we drove down the sandy road and parked the car I wasn’t sure. But we found a hut, heated to our delight and sat down. And wow am I glad we did!! There were blankets as well as the patio heater (timed on a button) and the menu was varied and catered for all with an amazing specials board. I was impressed that all menu items could be made gluten free, not just a small selection of the menu. It made a lovely change!! The dog was warmly welcomed. Wet, dry, sandy, stinky…all four legged friends are welcomed. Water bowls and an outside tap available, along with a canine menu of chew sticks (although it didn’t last long at all for the £3 price tag with our pig dog!!) We ordered 4 fish and chips along with a children’s meal - food was exceptional. Fresh and very tasty. The fish was so fresh. I wish I’d seen the specials board first for the dressed crab though. Highly recommended - stunning view across the estuary, and will definitely be back if in the area!

We came as a party of 10 for a Christmas Lunch and were shown to the new room upstairs. Superbly decorated and ideal for private functions the new "loft" is a perfect option for larger groups. The view is incredible, the food and service unbeatable. It felt private but not isolated and nothing was too much bother. Thank you Instow Arms, we had a wonderful time!

Warm welcoming pub with a great view. We both had the special of the day - turkey & leek pie. It was absolutely delicious. The service was friendly & efficient and the prices reasonable.

A party of 6 we ate here on Sunday and Monday evenings. The staff were very pleasant, helpful and patient, especially on a very busy Sunday evening. The menu choices were varied and the portions were generous. The food was very tasty

On a positive - good location and nice atmosphere in downstairs bar. Food was really mediocre and expensive relative to the quality- burgers less good than Spoons and twice the price, fish and chips average and fish cakes so poor that they weren't eaten- we raised this with the waitress who spoke to the chef who apparently said they were fine- I suppose food is very subjective. If you want decent food go somewhere better, if you want mediocre food go to Spoons.

brilliant service from Lois,good food hat was well presented with generous portion sizea. well worth the visit I was just annoyed I had no space left for desert

Booked a table for lunch as we had friends coming to stay who have a dog,and you can take dogs in the downstairs inside restaurant. Whoever is responsible for what comes out of the kitchen deserves a pay rise. Just super food,good portions,everything perfectly cooked and nicely presented,and fabulous taste.All 4 of us had different dishes and all of it was excellent. Everything coming past me looked spectacular, especially the sea bass,and the moules mariners.I had chicken fajitas with haloumi,just amaxingsuper,lovely spicy peppers and onions,and tons of toppings.Havent been here for a long time since we moved from.Bideford to Barnstaple but we will deffo be coming back soon.Our guests were very.impressed too.My only niggle would be the female bar staff not friendly or happy,perhaps she was having a bad day,but very miserable. Anyway, the foods fab and we will ve back soon