The Quay Inn in Torridge

We booked a table here for a Saturday evening, having never visited Instow before. We were greeted warmly and shown to a nicely set table in the window. There was a good choice of beers and wines. The menu options were supplemented by a number of specials. The food was really tasty and very generous portions. We thoroughly enjoyed our evening at The Quay.

Wonderful food ..reasonably priced .. dog friendly .. great atmosphere… harbour views .. thank you we enjoyed our time here

A lovely pub friendly welcome. Excellent Sunday lunch, well vooked and nicely presented on a hot plate. Thank you. We will be back

Easily the best place to eat in Instow..superb service, excellent reasonably priced menu of home cooked food. Dog friendly and free parking across the road.

Had Fish and Chips for lunch yesterday Thursday 12/9/24 it was the best we have had in any pub/chippy ever ! The fish (Cod )was large thick portion with No Skin on ,when eating had nice white large flakes ,The Batter was light and crispy and golden.good portion of well cooked chips not greasy in any way served with peas. It really was I think the Best Cod and Chips we have ever had

Great menu, specials were in expensive and delicious. Very friendly staff...enjoyed and will be back soon. I work with holidaymakers and will definitely recommend

We had a late lunch / early dinner. We are not big eaters so choose the smaller portion of fish and chips and it was lovely. The chips were great. I also tried the scrumpy cider served with a slice of orange, amazing. I will be back. Thank you. 🙋‍♀️🐩

Lovely staff and excellent service. We ate here a couple of times and the food was excellent and reasonably priced. Although quite small you can drink outside or over the road and sit by the harbour. It was our favourite place to drink.

This spot is excellent for meals or just a drink, it has a great view of the sea and the young lad Jack who serves is very friendly and welcoming

Went to The Quay, while visiting family. The pub was lovely and good selection of food and drink. We had the small plate cod and chips. It was cooked to perfection and well worth the money. We also had toasted sandwiches which were tasty with lovely sides! Had a great time and great value. Will definitely return!

We had drinks and a light lunch here on Saturday 17th and enjoyed it so much we booked and returned for Sunday roast the next day. Both were delicious, very generous portions, vegetables cooked perfectly, honey roast gammon the best I've had in years. The pub is a classic, simply furnished, locals coming and going, good choice of local ciders and some beers. It is right on the riverfront, with tables outside as well as inside. Fortunately the Quay Inn has its own small car park - remember to register your car when you arrive. The menu is simple, good value for money, with local food served by friendly staff - the landlady is great and knows her business. Our dogs were also made welcome - it is a very doggy village. We will certainly be back when next in north Devon.

W elise this pub it’s so quiet and unassuming such a lovely place to relax. We go here at the weekend to chill we went there yesterday to celebrate my birthday perfectly mellow love it . Fab ale wines food and olives keep It up

What a great place , so friendly , great service . good amazing . we stopped here on our cycle so sat outside , amazing view of the water side . I had cheese and cauliflower soup (which i’ve never had before and it was beautiful) my partner had sticky glazed pork both bluming lovely we will definatly return . Thank you so much for being so helpful. Good customer sevice is always what i look for in a place .

After a nice walk on the beach, we popped up nto the Quay for lunch. Pleasant service and good beer. We both chose the belly pork with mash, veg and cider sauce. Wow delicious and a big portion (we took some pork home for tea). Nice to have a meal that tastes good and offers great value for money

Lovely pub haven’t been for a while but missed it so much. So nice to see Steve & Maggie. Lovely friendly people. Will visit soon. Happy birthday Phil 70😱 Have a good night xx

We went here in the hope of something to eat as the boards in the village advertise food served all day. This was about 1.45 on a Monday and we got our hopes up when seeing a couple being served a pasty However when we then went in - the landlord (?) - who had seen us walk in after him didn't ask us what we wanted and we had to approach him. I asked him if he had any menus and he said they aren't serving food today. My wife and I looked at each other in surprise given what we'd just seen - but he looked like someone not to get the wrong side of. But no apology or suggesting where else we could try. ( unlike what a lot of other places woukd have done). And still bemused that we'd just seen someone served a pasty.

Fantastic location, good food and the landlord was very accommodating for all needs, fantastic little place to eat and drink with family and friends

I have had the pleasure of eating and drinking here on multiple occasions now while on holiday and every time has been spot on. Staff members Steve, Leanne and Kieren really make you feel like you are one of the locals and the view is to die for. Super pld school traditional pub with great foid such as local muscles and the burgers are epic too. Highly recommend a visit!

Awful service. Landlord and waitress had serious attitude. Bacon sandwich was as bland as cardboard. Very negative atmosphere. No wonder many people I've spoken to hates the landlord. Never going back again.

Delicious food with a lovely view of the sunset over the water. Really great fish pie. Good service and nice pub interior. Very good value too

The whole family plus 2 dogs visited The Quay in for an evening meal and subsequently for a Sunday brunch. Such a friendly pub and the food was excellent. It catered for all tastes from 2 teenage boys totally enamoured by the barbecue chicken wings to adults loving the, very fresh, skate. Sadly, for me, the mussels were sold out but that is often a good sign of a popular pub. Drinks were great from lovely local ciders to reasonably priced wine. Thank you for ending our family holiday on a high note.

Well done Chef! amazing food... The best Scampi I have ever had, light and crispy and the scampi was fresh large and so soft absolutely amazing, the chips were the best with a perfect seasoning, vegetable soup great with lovely fresh bread, pasta was perfecto... all in all the menu is really to good and hard to choose what to have, we will be back! think I saw you do a vegatarian sunday roast so will def try that, so how much roast on the plate on the Sunday we came to you, so look forward to visiting again.

The owner steve is very ruded and not helpful Mostly drunk all the time Shaking I have been going to the quay For at least 15 years but will not return until he leaves

We came for lunch and chose our meals from the Specials board. I chose oven roasted mackerel with little roast potatoes and salad. It was absolutely delicious, and plenty of it : two large mackerel, cooked to perfection. My partner was equally happy with his...

The staff were very friendly, managed to get us all in for our meal with a busy pub. Lovely food and typically pub food which was so tasty, drinks nice and cold and served with a smile. We were the last to leave as they...

So disappointed. Paid £8 for this meal. There are small meals but this was pitiful. A bit of lettuce and cucumber might have tarted it up. The chips seemed to be the bits left. The fish more like one burnt goujon. Was advised wait time...

We got takeaway, the food was lovely but the portions were very small. Barely any cheese on the cheesy chips. Wouldn’t return in a hurry.

I don’t often write reviews but this small, friendly pub deserves a mention. We booked for an evening meal and ate whitebait and pan fried hake with a very drinkable bottle of French Sauvignon blanc. The whitebait was good and the hake (from the specials...

Visited on a Tuesday evening about 8.30 Very quiet and we were told that much busier earlier on. Good choice of specials and our food was very fresh and very well cooked. Very friendly and accommodating service. Would certainly recommend.Perhaps earlier in the evening for...

Just a perfect spot! A favorite and the Black Rat (although not Devonshire) is a cyder WIN ... we also eat here as an occasional treat ..FANTASTIC local pub and restaurant. GO great pub, great food and AMAZING estuary views!

Ordered 2 steak and ale pies, 1 with chips instead of mash. Both meal’s absolutely spot on, lovely sized portions, golden pastry lids, plenty of filling with tasty gravy. Highly recommended.

Instow seafront parking on New Year's Day was a nightmare, but eventually finding a spot and finding other restaurants fully booked we dived in to The Quay and what a treat it was. No pretensions at being a gastro pub, it was a good traditional...

Having walked from bideford to Instow our first stop was here. My husband and I bought a couple drinks, before making our way to the beach. After a short time at the beach I started feeling faint and after passing out at Bideford Soap box,...

We really enjoyed our impromptu Sunday lunch and it was the best we’ve had in ages! Lovely and quiet place with simple and almost old fashioned (in a good way!) traditional cosy place. Would highly recommend.

Great little Inn, friendly, welcoming staff. Great pint of Directors and the 'Stans Cider' was a real treat. Enjoyed the food, Cod and chunky chips was great, my steak and ale pie was awesome,-heaven in a stoneware dish,.. however my only critisism would be there...

Lovely traditional Inn serving proper pub food with a good selection of specials. The steak pie was delicious as was the bread and butter pudding. The staff were welcoming and helpful and it is also very dog friendly. We would definitely highly recommend.

The Quay Inn is a classic inn, offering the usual choice of beverages as well as a really good choice of foods. We had the soup of the day, whole baked brill, grilled hake on risotto. Definitely a recommendation.

A very good pub only a couple of minutes from our guest cottage, very good service and very good drinks.

My mother(71) , daughter (13) and I had ridden a section of the tarka trail and wanted to stop for refreshments before riding back again. We parked the bikes and dog in the alley to the side of the inn where there are lots of...

Reading the rave reviews, I was excited to visit for dinner. I had the soup which was veg. It tasted like tomato, but not well balanced, found a couple of stalks of something in there. Sausage and mash to follow, the gravy was over salty,...

Very disappointed. After reading about the local seafood I was really looking forward to a fresh crab sandwich. What I got was very thick, very dry bread with a paste spread so thinly over you could see the bread through it! At over £12 I...

Really, I don’t understand the 5 star reviews. We visited for lunch. The tomato soup was thick reduced tomato purée and Passata with paprika added. Absolute rubbish. The fish and chips seemed pre frozen and store bought. Terrible Pork Baguette was dry and my son...

Had a meal here on a Saturday evening ,decided on the sole which was lovely but the chips omg they were thin and overcooked my partner noticed other people had chunky chips so next time we will ask perhaps we should have complained but we...

Friendly pub, great baguettes. Highly recommend the cod goujon, and the steak ones. Some great dishes on the specials board too if you are wanting something more substantial.

Had a fantastic family meal at The Quay Inn. Food very well cooked,good variety of dishes for adults and children,Starters,Mains and Desserts. Had a fantastic time. Thank you.

Stunned by the expense of tiny lunchtime meals that were pretty standard (£31 bill including 2 drinks - one meal on the wall menu wasnt priced and it cost twice the others) and then having the barman very deliberately stand behind us staring at us...

We visited here several times on holiday this year after choosing to return to instow. As usual the food was excellent every time. The staff and landlord are very helpful and friendly, nothing is too much trouble. We ate elsewhere one day and didn’t bother...

As a family we hit the Quay Inn twice during our week in Instow and they were two quite different experiences. Our first visit was for drinks, and we had a lovely welcome by the barman who took the time to share his knowledge with...

Lovely quirky bar, serving a wide variety of mixed dishes in a great atmosphere. Dog friendly, biscuits provided too! Sit outside and watch the sun go down or sit inside in the cozy bar area and enjoy local dishes. Wide fish menu as well as...

We called in for a coffee while walking the Tarka Trail which passes nearby. The Quay Inn is a smart place, with a real cider available and is somewhere I would call in again.

A cycle to Instow for a tasty and clean full English breakfast! Washed down with a pint of San Miguel. Sat in the sun overlooking the estuary! Content customer.

Very much recommended We always make a point of eating/drinking here. Great friendly staff, awesome food, Dog friendly, our Scottie’s loved it, as did we Cheers Steve.

We were staying in Instow in holiday and liked the look of this pub as it seemed like a ‘locals’ pub. Couple of young male bar tenders who were friendly and a credit to the pub. We both had the fish special of lemon sole...

Fantastic food, Sunday roast had lovely selection of vegetables all well cooked , very tasty, beautiful home made cheesecake. Would recommend

A very friendly small pub. Simple menu at this time of year, but served piping hot and large portions. Good beer and choice of wine. Very few tables so get there early unless its warm enough to sit outside.

Visited on a cold and wet day at the end of October for lunch. We were served by a very friendly and helpful lady. there was a good choice of food and we only regretted that as we were eating early in the eening we did We visited for a light lunch on a west and cold day in late October. We received a warm welcome and were served by a very friendly lady. There was a good choice of food and we only regretted that as we were due to eat again early that evening we did not feel we could take advantage of the amazing fish specials board. A friendly typical pub and well worth a visit. Right on the sea front and the views would no doubt be great on a sunny day.

A wonderful quiet gem on the seafront at Instow. A classic English pub and with top quality, value for money food. Great ambience, friendly helpful staff and a good selection of drinks. You’ve got to try the fish specials and the mussels we had were amazing. Forget the more ostentatious places at Instow - missing The Quay will be your loss. We went back twice and will be back again !

Visited this pub for 35 years on our annual breaks. More of a local than most and we like that. Good pub food with extensive fish menu. Average prices and good service. You do need to like dogs because there are a lot of them in the not oversized bar area, all very well behaved though. It was great!

Great pub with great service. We were made to feel so welcome and really enjoyed a family pub lunch. The food was really nice and good value.

Enjoyed a delicious fish meal, lemon sole with salad and chips, and husband had spicy fajitas. Loved the simplicity of the pub, and range of fresh local fish on the menu. A great pub to sit and watch the world, and people go by. Highly recommend. Thank you for a great Fri night out. We will be back.

Very nice restaurant with good ambience and very friendly staff. We all had fish which was very good. Strongly recommended.

Good pub grub , we were well looked after, good value for money . White wine a bit warm for me but red spot on . I would imagine good for lunch .?

Delicious food served directly on the beach. Staff are warm and friendly and dogs are welcome too. We had breakfast and lunch here and both were good

Very friendly, good food good beer. What more can you ask?. I wonder what attitude some of the negative reviewers present

sadly if you eat here on a busy night be prepared for very poor service and attitude from the staff, we stood for 15 minutes without anyone bothering to approach us, i asked the women who went to another table that we had booked and said you are over there, pointing to a table suitable for two small children with a small stool, crammed between two other tables, how are we supposed to eat a meal on that I asked, thats all we have she said, what about upstairs i asked, we are not opening that part ?? we walked out and we went elsewhere that was just as busy but a lot more accommodating.

£13.40 for 2 pints (Thatchers and Peroni) and a kids small apple juice. Over-restaurant prices for a local pub.We also had food (pastie £3.60, chips £3, and steak and red onion chibatta with side of budget nachos and a few undressed salad leaves £7.50), which was okay.

Having read previous reviews about the friendly ambiance and good choice iof locally sourced food, we booked for Sunday lunch. On arrival we were attended ( would be stretching a point to say greeted) by Steve, the landlord. No menus were forth coming and the next we knew Steve had arrived at our table with his order pad. I prefer not to have a roast option and was told that there was nothing else...just pork or beef roast. So as not to cause disruption in my family group I opted for the beef roast. Within 5 minutes we noticed that fish and chips were being served on the next table. We approached Steve about this...who could not deny its existence and grudgingly said I could have fish and chips if I wanted, but to note that most places only ever a roast in Sunday. I've lived here for25 years and have never come across these fictitional pubs!! I always get a choice. The fish and chips arrived, which looked like it must have required the minimum effort as it appeared to all just come out of the freezer. Apart from there not being much fish in it, the chips and fresh peas were very nice.We've learnt another lesson the hard way and will not either be returning ,nor recommending the Quay.....and I do hope Steve got his money back from the Charm School!!

Firstly I went on reviews reading about a friendly landlord called Steve & a lovely atmosphere, I walked in , Landlord didnt even crack a forced smile, no hello , please or thankyou ,i tried to make conversation about how the last time I was here was 20 years ago, fell on deaf ears .. when the 5 of us were seated, he came to the table and just said 'orders' I requested a .menu to be told ,we only do roasts on a sunday, then we noticed the next table being served fish and chips , 1 person in our party didnt want a roast so I approached Steve at the bar and said to him,you said it was just roasts today? It is he said, we can offer fish and chips or a sandwich , then went on to say , people assume pubs only serve roasts on a sunday ,we have a lot to do, I said "ok ,that would have been fine with me if they had mentioned it when i telephoned for booking a table, then i would have gone elsewhere. I have been to most restaurants and pubs in the area, as i live here , and there isnt a place I've gone to that only had roast dinner on offer, having said this I would have gone with the flow and all had roast, but the landlords mood and attitude were appalling to say the very least,and i would reccomend he go to charm school needless to say we wont ever return again .

We booked a table at relatively short notice. We got a window seat upstairs with great views of the harbour area. Had a lovely meal of fish and chips. The fish was very well cooked. Portion sizes were generous. The meal was reasonably priced and the service was good. I don't usually tip for pub meals but did on this occasion as felt the food and service deserved it. Will definately return to the Quay Inn.

Lovely sandwiches for lunch. Excellent service. Doggy friendly...two gorgeous resident terriers who appreciated a little doggy treat! Our second visit this week.

Enjoyed our food at The Quay Inn, the muscles were delicious as was the rest of the food. Very good service, and the staff were friendly too! Will definitely return !

A true local pub in a beautiful gem of a north Devon village with lovely views over the estuary. Service good and food excellent

If you’re wanting somewhere to go in for a top quality pub lunch, this is the place to go. Unbelievable range of seafood specials. I had the muscles which were OUT OF THIS WORLD. Straight off the boat. The veggie burger was delicious, the chips were cooked to perfection (my cousin said the best chips she’s ever had!) and the sandwich was gorgeous. Honestly has redeemed our love for pub lunches after a bad experience yesterday. Thanks guys, we loved it.

We visited here on the 5th August. We were with family and friends and we all had a lovely evening. Excellent food, very friendly staff, lovely setting, a great menu as well as catering for a gluten free diet. Would thoroughly recommend this place. We will definitely be revisiting as we are local.

Love this pub. A cracking view with a great selection of ales & the specials board with fresh local fish is fabulous!

Popped in for a quick drink before dinner and we really enjoyed , we will be back most definitely , thank you

A little pub, expected usual pub food. Sat on benches outside. We had Scallop and Monkfish with leek risotto, OMG!!!!!! it was the best meal I have ever had. It was absolute perfection. Going again before we go home, I'd move here for this place :)GF meals avialble, fish and chips were good.

Whilst staying in Instow we ate at the Quay Inn most days. The food was excellent every time and so was the service. We ate out elsewhere several times the first week but always rated the food here better. The staff were always friendly and welcoming. Very dog friendly.Can’t wait to visit next year

Back to instow and the Quay Inn went there for my wife birthday at the weekend your treated like a local very friendly staff great service I had the mussels which came with crusty bread and French fries I also recommend the scrumpy cider give it a try one of our favourite pub if not the favourite when were in Devon .

Pleasant and helpful staff. Good food and drinks. Reasonable prices. Try the mussels. The best beer is probably Doom Bar, if you like a light stout.

Absolutely stunning food with great selection of fish dishes in particular. Chips to die for and largest onion ring I have ever seen.

Had lunch half way through our Tarka trail cycle ride. I had the Whitebait which is a starter but I asked for some bread with it. We went back for dinner after the cycling. I had the Lemon Sole. All the food was really good and we had a thoroughly enjoyable time.

We had a wonderful Sunday roast today. Everything was cooked and presented perfectly and then deserts were yummy too. The Inn is a true village pub, we felt very comfortable and well looked after Thank you

After our experience in another Instow establishment this place restored our faith in the Instow dining scene. A fairly basic pub setting in a lovely setting. The staff were great and the food was of excellent quality. Would definitely eat here again. But remember its best to book.

Excellent food and a nice atmosphere. Fish was superb and samphire a treat. Real ale well kept. Would definitely come again

We walked from Bidefird to Instow on the disused railway track/Tarka Trail. We hadn’t booked the Quay Inn but a sign outside for breakfast enticed us in. They were very accommodating and we got a table in the window . Oh my word, the breakfast was delicious, everything was beautifully cooked to perfection. We would definitely recommend to anyone. Thank you The Quay Inn.

Great food ... varied choice ...fresh local fish ... welcoming atmosphere...Menu innovative and creative.. What more could you want ?

Sadly we went for a pint over the weekend, bought a round of pints and all bought food, and they were happy to take our money then. After both landlord and staff were extremely rude and refused to continue serving us without giving a reason we chose to move on. While leaving they looked at us like we were dirt on the bottom of their shoes, I honestly can't discribe the look the women gave us, it was disgusting! Truly upset us! Can only assume it was the way we looked, being slightly alternative and not from devon. Clearly if you don't look like the local farmers you aren't welcome in the quay. local bar for local people.

On a much needed break last weekend we took the Tarka Trail from Barnstaple on bikes and we were relieved to find the Quay Inn as the first hostelry or hostility in their case. The landlord, Steve?, was extremely rude, didn't seem to want customers, only wanted telephone orders then we couldn't hear what he was saying.He gladly took payment of £30 for 3 pints of lager, 1 pint of beer and 2 cokes!All I can say is 'Be kind Steve, you never know who you're serving!' An occasional smile wouldn't go amiss. We won't be back to be robbed again.

Such a shame, we moved locally in January 2020 and have walked past this little pub hundreds of times with the dog and children, finally decided to brave it and pop in to ask if they do a takeaway drink, my husband and children were sat in the alley waiting. We didn't get a welcome, we got a huff, told to wait by the door, after five minutes we had another huff and short brief conversation where there was some confusion over serving drinks (with a meal) even to takeaway. Its a shame that beautiful little places like this can't be friendly to 'new faces', its so clear to see why they struggle with trade out of 'holiday season' we live here, pass by almost daily and would have loved to support the hospitality industry, but not when treated worse than something the hoards of dogs in there brought in on the bottom of their paws!The other end of the little strip there are two beautiful pubs/restaurants that welcome us, children and all to have a safe socially distanced takeaway.I understand that its a scary time right now, but a welcome, doesn't even have to be that warm, goes along way in building new business (that would likely have become a regular thing)

Came today for a drink and small bite to eat. The gentleman serving maybe the owner was very rude in how he attempted to explain his COVID 19 procedures. He apologised for any offence caused but the damage had been done. He chose to embarrass me in front of other customers as a result, I cancelled my order and ate at the Instow Arms instead. This place does not deserve my custom! Poor showing for such a beautiful location.

The ladies at the bar were warm and friendly but the gentleman was really quite unwelcoming and were it not for the other staff we would not have booked a table.Food was good pub food, service was fast and they were dog friendly. Only reason I will not be returning was the unnecessary tone of the man behind the bar. Its a shame but as another reviewer has said, there's more than one pub in Instow!

Food was lovely and fresh, didn’t have to wait too long either! Was quite busy as we went at lunchtime but managed to get a table straight away. Staff were helpful and attentive. Would go again

We booked a table for 7pm on a Tuesday, they don't do food on a Monday and when we arrived we were given the list of what's not available, which was most of the menu ! My dinner was so peppery that I couldn't eat it. My husband's was soo burned he couldn't eat his. The gin is weak and didn't taste like Gordon's, as I had requested. Not impressed at all. There is more than one pub in Instow......

Visited here most days in the week we stayed in Instow - scrumpy is excellent as were the beers we tried. All of them were kept and served well. We loved the camping seats by the beach! We ate here one night and thought the food was exceptional for a pub! Pork belly with sag aloo was divine!

Saturday lunch at the Quay. Been here many times over the decades but generally just for a drink, even recall bumping into my then retired primary school head teacher one day in the 1980's. Delighted to have chosen to eat. Great menu, try it.

Great staff, good food .. make sure you book ... we had a few meals there .... pork and sag aloo was amazing as were the nachos ... scrumpy is recommended

Went for a family meal. Tables upstairs and by the bar far too close. I don't think any tables had been removed. No screens at the bar. Retreated outside but a bit chilly!

We stayed in highbickington , but regularly walked our two Scotty dogs at Instow beach. We had lunch at the quay inn, and it was fantastic. On reading the menu, we weren't expecting anything other than "pub grub", because the menu seemed a bit like, well, stereotype. How surprised we were, my partner had whitebait and I had the prawns in white wine sauce. We both ordered " minute steak"for our main.Suz loved the whitebait, the best she'd had, plump and fresh. To be fair my prawns were as good as the best I've had, fresh and huge, but the wilted spinach and onions in white wine sauce was really really good, served with enough fresh toasty ciabatta for dipping.... It was heaven.And so the for the minute steak,Beautifully cooked, the steak was amazing, fries, mushrooms cooked perfectly, oh and real, not frozen fresh peas, and a home cooked peppercorn sauce. No packet or jar sauces here.( Well done chef) We loved it. The only down side was that we were leaving the next day. Hence the great review, if your going to Instow, then you must try the quay inn, you will not be disappointed.Oh, and by the way, great views of Appledore, and full of shady locals, all who own dogs which added to the ambience.Thanks landlord and your staff, we'll be back.Woof woof to the jacks x

When Barnstable was hit by a stormy downpour we drove to Instow. We were lucky enough to get a table indoors, little did the diners outside know what was coming. Fish and chips at half price eating out to help out. Great beer and one of my holiday highlights!!