The Merchant in East Devon

Good sharing platter nice and hot

Great place to watch rugby 🏉 with mates and chill.

Went in to watch Manchester Derby football match and for a drink. Many TV screens around premises. Bar staff very friendly and helpful 👌 👍 😊 🙂 ☺️ 😀 Good atmosphere too! 👍

Very poor meal very small portions chips were Luke warm mushrooms were very salty would not recommend rubbish for the cost.

Good food lovely dog friendly pub

Great welcoming staff, lovely atmosphere 😃

Love the cider choices! So many great fruity flavours. Tidy and clean pub. Team were busy but attentive and friendly

Ended up with food poisoning from this place.

We ordered a hunters chicken and it had changed somewhat it came in a dish with to much sauce and to much cheese, also about 8 to ten chips, it was better previously probably due to chef change, apart from that staff were polite and friendly and helpful.

Comfy chairs, toilets upstairs, used by locals, amazing range of ciders.

During our visit to this restaurant, our experience was mixed. We were initially told that our group was too large, which was a bit disappointing. We ordered fish and chips, but unfortunately, the fish was dry and appeared to be over-fried. This aspect of our meal didn’t meet our expectations.

Unfortunately not the best, waited nearly an hour for 2 pies and a portion of onion rings, mash was cold and a funny colour, gravy was cold, everything was under par, I'm sorry to say we won't be coming again.

My first visit. Decided to have a post New Year walk around Exmouth and needed lunch. This pub advertised a January sale with certain meals at £7, so I gave it a try. It was very quiet but the barman was friendly and helpful. I had the fish and chips which was excellent, washed down with a very nice real ale.

Over priced tosh. Ordered food that turned put cold and bland. Had a very blunt sarcy manager called "Bea" (I knew him from Coral) and no apology given. Why he was hired by stonegate I'll never know but he treats customers appallingly. Won't be coming back.

Our second consecutive time here for Xmas day lunch which kind of says it all. The staff were friendly and helpful. The meal was spot on & we will certainly return.

We weren't allowed to order food because we hadn't booked a table...there was cutlery on the table, menus and nothing to say we couldn't until trying to order at the bar.

Very disapointed with the service! Got a table and orderd food and payed on the app, then to be told there not serving food due to a party of 18 turing up! Very bad customer service! Will never go back again!!!

Absolutely disgusting long waits then order was completely wrong Rude to the children Would never go back this has to be the worse place I have ever eaten in

We waited 50 minutes for a children’s food order to arrive and when it came the order was completely wrong. Beans were served to a child with an allergy and instead of chicken burgers it was beef burgers. The order could not be changed because we were told the kitchen was shut when it clearly states served to 9pm. It appeared the staff were frightened to ask the chef anything. The baby in our party had a washable pen and had made a mark on the table that could be wiped off. However as we were finishing our food we were asked to leave for the marks on the table. We were astounded! No apology for late arrival of food or wrong order and we were asked to leave!!! Don’t go there! Must be the worst place in Exmouth

Lovely visit to the pub . Staff very friendly and helpful . Very reasonable priced . Will be coming back again

Called in for lunch on Friday, decided to have ultimate sharing combo, sorry sir we haven't the combo today, er OK is there anything else off the menu I asked, yes quit a lot she replied, no mixed grill no pies etc etc, I thought that must cover most of the menu apart from chips, back up the stairs to ask my wife, fish and chips for two it was, back down to place my order only to be told no fish, that was it we left, what pub is not stocked up on Friday for the weekend, so disappointed, its a shame because its a nice looking pub and interior

Lovely pub, superb food and brilliant staff. Always worth a visit when you are in Exmouth.

There was a new menu but more than half the meals on it weren't available. I had to settle for my 5th choice and my friends had a similar experience. 2 meals arrived 15 mins before the other 2. The food was OK but certainly not great. The last straw was horrendous coffee. We asked for latte but were served white watery instant coffee and it was barely lukewarm. The man we assumed was the manager seemed completely oblivious to our concerns and we received no apologies. We used to like this pub but it's doubtful we'll ever go again.

Came this evening and had a great time had a few Bears and the steak and chips. Top Champions League service from Devon, Tod Catherine and Mia.

Love coming to The Merchant. Really friendly and love being able to bring our dog. The food is really nice had quite a few different meals now and have loved all of them. Sunday roast was fantastic and will be coming again.

Lovely food great price too. Very friendly staff.

Went here for dinner with my partner and 1 year old. Atmosphere was good with Rugby playing on TVs. Very clean and modern looking and good service.

Had a lovely experience at the merchant , friendly staff, the manger Keith always makes us feel welcome. Prices are reasonable. Will be coming back for a visit when next in the area

Served by Tod who was great took time to talk to us. That food was well cooked this was our third visit we will be back next time we visit Devon

Nice present food very friendly staff

We were on holiday just popped in doggie friendly lovely food

They seemed more interested in take aways bums on seats should mean more?? 45 mins for basic lunch menu🙄

On our visit at lunch time it was busy and we were told it would be an hour what for food. But it was worth the wait.

Cheerful bar person, it makes a difference.

Thought we'd give this pub ago again Disappointed yet again Waited 2 hours for our food told it was because we didn't order on app We ordered at bar wasn't told how long wait was going to be. We did complain but barman wasn't interested and turned The blame on us for not ordering on the app.

4of us ate on a Tuesday evening. Pub very quiet. We ordered drinks and then food . Myself .scampi & chips . When it came 8 small bits of scampi , 8 chips and the smallest amount of mushy peas , £11.99 no lemon no garnishes,the others had burger’s and one a steak. The burgers were nasty . Most of the food had obviously come out of the freezer. I did ask for the manager he want on site ! The food pictures don’t resemble what you get . I’ve since spoken to the manager . Maybe a tidy up the front too . Sorry guys but I can only be honest ,

My family have been here a few times for meals when holidaying in the area, always ok, nothing special. On our last visit, lunchtime on Tuesday we were left a little disappointed. We were warned that there was a 30 min wait on food, which was fine. The staff were friendly. We ordered via the app & 30 mins later our food arrived. I had scampi with fries. The scampi was OK but the fries were awful. Time to change the oil of say! They were dark in appearance & stale, like they'd been cooked in dirty oil or cooked previously, then reheated for us. On the plus side, my mum has tikka which she loved & said the naan breads were the best she'd had.

Haven't eaten here in recent years but I have enjoyed a few drinks with friends. There is a nice atmosphere and staff and friendly and helpful.

Great food and service, ordered via the app/website and drinks were delayed. Serve explained that this method of ordering is not great and to order directly at the bar. Food served and worth the wait

Not a full menu on so abit disappointed and dessert ordered was not what was delivered. Service was friendly and chatty. Atmosphere a little flat as was quiet for a Thursday

We booked a table for 4 adults at 7pm on a Saturday night. The pub was fairly busy but there were empty tables. When we went to order the food, a lot of items were unavailable. We were told there was a hour wait for food but ended up waiting a hour and 40 minutes. The manager was trying his best, it was clear they were just short staffed. The food was definitely not worth the wait, would not return.

Absolutely vile food from Uber eats, they are under multiple different names look at this photos of “chicken tenders” looks more like a stick of cancer if you like living do not eat here

We went to the merchant as a family of 4 adults and 2 children and a dog. The soup was tasty but just warm. I has chips as a side and they were lukewarm. Every dish we had wasn't hot enough. The puddings came scattered through after waiting nearly an hour for. Mine was eton mess. It was sloppy and runny the meringue had disappeared. My sons custard had a thick coat on the top so knew it had been warmed up and was still cold. The service I had from the young man was warming and kind. Sorry about the review but hoping you change for the other customers that come through your door. Also we don't like complaining its spoils it for us even more

Amazing service! Food lovely, generous portions and quick to come out. Katherine was so attentive and friendly. Bar staff friendly and quick to serve. Have to praise Katherine, watched her working around the restaurant. She is an asset to the company.

There was a group of about 10 of us all ordering food, baring in mind we were one of the only people in there (few people just having drinks) we ordered at 12pm at the beginning of lunch service our food took about 40 mins- over an hour coming in dribs and drabs, 2 meals would come then 15 mins later another 2, no apology or anything, when the last of the meals came we requested our children’s desserts which then took another 30 mins to come out (just a scoop of ice cream), the manager seemed very rude and just not bothered about pleasing customers, I went up to the bar about 3 times asking where food was, and was just told it’s on its way (which it obviously wasn’t). Staff just walking around in their own clothes no uniform so you didn’t even know who worked there or not. Not welcoming, slow service, average food won’t be coming here again

As soon as you walk in there really is an odd atmosphere in this pub. We were slightly out of season and many places were closed or not serving food so we ended up in The Merchant. With the right owners this place could be a little gold mine as the location is really good and the size of the pub is good and the layout is brilliant. The main problem seems to be staff, customer service & lack oftraining. We waited over an hour for our food even though there seemed to be quite a few people in and out of the kitchen and not many other customers in the pub. One other table who had been waiting before us was spoken to so rudely that I daren't ask a question and we didn't want to have another drink whilst we waited for our food. When the food arrived the experience didn't get any better as the portions were small and although the menu looked brilliant and we had waited so long it really didn't taste great at all. Never mind you live and learn!

Slow service, frozen mixed diced veg with the roast. Ordered 4 children’s meals and didn’t realise when ordering the mains, that they come with a dessert however it was stated on the menu but there were no prices. The server should have asked what desserts we wanted for the children because when we realised and went back to the bar after the main course we asked to order the desserts and the manager said that we had to pay extra when we should have been offered the option to order desserts at the time of ordering the main meals for the whole family. The manager was very rude and argumentative rather than just adding the children’s desserts on as we had already paid for the 2 courses. So in summary, bad food, service and a very rude and not an accommodating manager. Would not recommend.

Very mixed reviews over a 2 year period, I guess it must be down to management and kitchen staff on the day you go. Unfortunately mine is not good, looks lovely from the outside, good range of drinks and starter came quick, but it took nearly 2 hours from ordering until the main meal came out even after chasing it up. Sunday roast was mediocre, I'm no cook but could have got something from the freezer and done the same. Other tables complaining about the wait and wrong food being brought out.

Only called in for soft drink and Teas and Coffee for 10.... 1 missed tea and the attiude of the old fella was horrendous... left with no drink for 1 member of the group.

Food came out very cold poor service from staff and food took over an hour also there was a family behind us walked out and some of the food was inedible

Don’t even go there! Food took best part of an hour, we were told 30 -40 minutes. When it arrived the lasagne was cold, had runny sauce and looked like it hadn’t ever been near a cow, it resembled a babies bottom dooo dooo! The chicken and chorizo pie, was warm, bland and the chips anaemic! My steak, arrived blue, looked as though it had hovered over the grill for seconds, I asked for medium rare, clearly the chefs need a little training! It’s not hard! Even the man behind the bar agreed. We were offered drinks, but he asked for a refund. Horrific! Needless to say we left and went to Weatherspoons, which was brilliant and half the price, with drinks! Take a leaf out of their book!

Good food good beer feel sorry for the staff could do with more at busy times.

Again had to wait an hour for a bowl of chips. And the cappuccino was like water. Just not enough staff and it wasn’t busy when we went. The coffee is dreadful. Gave 2 stars because the chips when they did come were lovely and...

Just a good pub, good beer, good food, reasonable service, a little slow but they were busy.

Called in for a drink and lunch, the burger and salads were excellent and very good value with the special lunch deal. Many thanks to all at the Merchant

Great evening for birthday celebration, great food and service. Good menu variation all party found something delicious. Carol was a delight, great service thank you

It was a delight to be served by Carol at this fine establishment boasting a wealth of dietary offers and breadth of alcoholic selections. Bringing service with a smile on a regular basis and almost no sarcasm.

Visited this place twice on a recent visit to Exmouth, first time just for drinks, second time I had a ribeye steak, nicely cooked and well presented, would gladly eat there again

Decent drink selection and a nice beer garden

Came for a meal at the merchant . It was lovely . Keith the manager was really helpful and friendly. Prices are value for money and lots of choices on drinks . Will revisit soon

Ordered some fries. Was shocked to see a cup of chips put before me. Couldn’t believe it, was laughing! £2.79 for that! Not a great service either. Waiting at the bar, the barman served a local before me, even though I was before him.

Had a lovely time at the merchant . Came in with friends . Drinks were good value. Staff were very friendly and welcoming. Will be back soon

When we go to Exmouth our regular visit to the Merchant is a part of the pleasure, great menu choice, good food, good prices for drinks

Great service friendly staff 5stars. Food great clean and welcoming!! Drink good plenty of choice. Toilets clean

Terrible experience. We were told we’d have to wait 30 minutes for food but have now been waiting for 2 hours and still haven’t received any food.

Been waiting for our food for almost 2 hours…. Terrible customer service. We were told we’d have to wait 30 minutes because the kitchen was backed u a little. 30 seemed ok so we decided to order. 2 hours is a lot different from 30...

So we were in town and decided to grab some lunch. Ordered drinks at the bar and then the food only to be told the kitchen was running behind and to go back in 10 mins. Waited 10 mins and then told they were not...

Great service. Had a really nice server and great atmosphere for kids to eat. Great service from Carol-ann

“My dining experience at the merchant was truly exceptional. From the moment we entered, the welcoming atmosphere and attentive staff members Carolann made us feel right at home. The menu offered a delightful array of dishes, each expertly crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Every bite...

Best rump steak I've eaten for a long time and not expensive. New assistant manager was very friendly and attentive, nothing was too much trouble. More customers would help the atmosphere but, we felt relaxed, safe and had a great time. Will definitely be going back.

Carol-Ann was very helpful and welcoming. Dog friendly which is always a bonus. We would defintly come again.

We really enjoyed our food, very hot and tasty. We liked the fact that there were light bites on the menu. The only negative was being sprayed with chemicals from the air freshener in the disabled toilet . As someone who has numerous medical conditions...

Absolute joke booked a table had to ask where to be seated table wasn’t ready when we arrived and had to wait over an hour for food so gave up and left

Average food and appalling service having waited exactly 1 hour from ordering to receiving our food

Very friendly welcome x cheerful x good prices x just wanted to chill with my own company came for a drink & had a very relaxing time x

Great service from Caz! Very hard worker🌟 Delicious fish and chips Would go back again for sure !

Fair value meals and good selection of drinks including local brews. Especially ciders. All served with a smile

Booked at table,food was great value for money staff where very helpful very friendly under new mangerment who is friendly lovely to chat to wouls recommend going to only had to wait 15 mins for my food

Loads of choice of drinks. Nice garden out the back to enjoy the sun. Sadly the bar lady didn’t seem very happy.

Food was decent, seemingly forgot our order but was polite and gave us free drinks to make up for the delay.

Disgusting! Dirty! Rude lazy uninterested staff! Food was cold! Dirty tables and food on the floor during a quiet weekday lunchtime, wouldn't let my dog eat there!

Lunchtime drink, Didn't eat, but the pint of cider was spot on

Nice setting and friendly staff but quiet for a Saturday evening and food was slow to arrive

Unfortunately a very poor experience, staff didn't pre-warn us that most of the dining menu wasn't available. The booking was taken down wrong as one of our party was completely missed however resolved by luckily being quite enough for us to move. The service was awful slow and very confused, and the food quality suffered as a result very thrown together. The smoking area must have been literally at the back garden doors as all you could smell was cigarettes. We spent £50 for 4 meals and only really 2 of them were edible. When we complained about some of the food all we got were apologies.

Good place for live sport and casual dinner, went with 2 business colleagues and wanted to watch the football whilst dining. Lots of nice large tables, loads of food and drink choice & decent quality/portions. Bar staff really friendly & food service was prompt.

Stopped in for lunch after a stroll along the beach ….lovely service and food was spot on …great range of Lilley’s cider will definitely pop in gir dinner one day .

Popped in for a quick lunch food was amazing staff were friendly and the pub very clean would highly recommend

Live sport really well spaced good for gav

Unexpectedly good. We had a very enjoyable lunch and found the surroundings quite pleasant. The staff were friendly and welcoming, especially Laura who was extremely professional and knowledgeable about the allergy menu. We will definitely return 😊

Great food, spot of pool, lovely beer garden. New manager has really turned it around! This is the place to be! Will be back. ✌️

Lovely hot food and excellent friendly service. Looking forward to going back with a game of pool next time.

Good food and drinks at a reasonable price. Staff were helpful and friendly. Will definitely be back again.

Great CAMRA ale and lovely beer garden for the sunshine. Thanks to the barmaid Laura for the service with a 😃

Great spot for a casual night out can't recommend the bar maid Caz ( Carol Ann) enough I am partially deaf and have issues getting my words out due to a mini stroke she is always paitent even if she is busy she takes the...

Starters came out after 20 mins(ok)then waited and waited and waited was offered someone else's food twice was once informed that what my husband had ordered wasn't on the menu(it was!)and then when we asked for a refund by now we had waited 1 and a quarter hours were told the manager was too busy to come down but our food was now ready!!!Never again sorry😨😨

Pretty poor. The guy on the bar was doing his best woth what he had but the food sucked. The missus had the wrong stuff on her plate. Mine tasted awful. The waitress that came over to ask didn't really know how to respond when we said it wasn't great and nervously left. We decided not to complain and make a fuss as they were clearly already struggling. Hopefully this isn't the norm for this place but we won't be visiting again.

Visited this pub whilst on holiday,first time for a quick pint before dinner only had 1 cask ale on, next night went in to watch football staff very nice and sorted out sky sports to allow me to see the Glasgow Rangers game,only down side was that this time they had no cask ales on at all.

Terrible service at the bar and the table, the food was truly appalling. Go somewhere else, anywhere else in Exmouth would be better.

Excellent value. The salad was exceptionally fresh and delicious. Very friendly and helpful staff. Will definitely visit again.

There was a longer wait than I would have expected, given that the bar area was virtually empty. Staff were pleasant enough though and drinks were as you'd hope.