The Saddlers Arms in East Devon

Visited this evening with hubby. Usually go once a week but have been 3 times in past 2 weeks. What can I say ??? Excellent food and service. Thank you to Kim and all the staff. Carvery outstanding. Choice of 3 meats, beef , turkey and gammon and cooked to perfection. Good choice of veggies and proper thick , beef, meaty gravy. Special thanks to Mike ( 2nd chef ) for the delicious choccy brownie. Was to die for and hubby enjoyed the apple and rhubarb crumble. Fantastic kitchen staff all round with special thanks to carver Callum. Can highly recommend. Having visited with family last week can also vouch for meals other than carvery. Thank you all . You have done yourselves proud x x Would just like to add about desserts. My hubby highly recommends the fruit crumbles and I myself either Mikes homemade brownie or the honeycombs cheesecake. Absolutely delicious x x

Amazing 10/10, we have been coming here for years but have only just got round to leaving a review, the food was amazing and the atmosphere very friendly.

Unfortunately they were very short staffed and we had to wait to be shown to our table (a good 10mins) Before we just walked in We then had to wait for our carvery and our dessert The staff who were working were lovely and well mannered The food was quite good Such a shame as we have been before when they were fully staffed and it was great Please try to get more staff

Beautiful old pub, loads of character, very friendly bar staff, only popped in for a pint whilst passing, very welcoming 👌 Kim chatted with my husband and I for a while filling us in on history and local stuff, all round enjoyable will definitely return and try the food!

Kim and the team are incredible. Top quality food at great prices! Only place in Exmouth for a TOP Carvery!!! Locals need to use this place more!!

Booked Sunday carvery for a 60th birthday celebration for 9 adults and one child at 12.30 hrs. The celebration was obvious with two large balloons. Drinks were ordered. Then waited to order food. A child’s meal was ordered with everyone else choosing carvery. We were told when the child’s meal arrives we would be invited to the carvery. We waited for 40 minutes. We then enquired how much longer the child’s meal would be. A different staff member told us they would have brought the child’s meal when the adults had been to the carvery. A further 10 mins passed before the child’s meal arrived. After the main course and the table being cleared, we were asked if we would like dessert. Requested the dessert menu. After 30 mins the staff came to take our order, however we were still waiting for the menus! We asked for a jug of water - we then requested some glasses for the water. 20 mins later we asked again for glasses. They never came. Just as they started to bring out the desserts, the staff member said we would need to be quick as the table was booked for another party. We had not been responsible for any delay - it was extremely slow and poor service. This was mentioned to staff who appeared completely indifferent to the abrupt ending of the celebration. Very disappointing. Food was fine - service and customer care very, very poor.

Excellent carvery and great service

Came for an evening meal, carvery was very nice with good selection of meats and veg, found the pie to be very disappointing as it was just a slice of thin pastry placed on top of pie filling, not what I expected, especially for the price, was hoping to try the pie night but think I'll give it a miss if that's what they class as a pie. Staff were polite I guess but didn't seem very happy at all.

Lovely carvery, good selection of meats, and a free pudding for old people. Result.

Great place to eat and drink. The staff are great.

Carvery is excellent staff very friendly we go most Saturdays so that says alot and we live in exeter very well run 🤠😋

The best roast dinner ever Am Gulten free they made my gravy and brought it to the table . You helped your self the the cavery we have been here a few times now I eaten that much I got home and fell asleep 💤 . Fantastic food

We made a visit to the saddlers for a birthday lunch for my mum, a table of 6 we were seated and served quickly, the carvery was cooked to perfection and very tasty, the meats in particular were spot on, thoroughly enjoyed by the whole family and would absolutely visit again

How can you get a nut roast with no texture? Don't know ask the Saddlers. Terrible food. Will not be going back.

My brother and I took my mum here for a birthday lunch. It was awesome.

5 of us went for lunch today. We waited and waited for someone to take our order and had to go and find a waiter to do it. 2 people were having carvery and had finished theirs before the other 3 meals came. We think they had forgotten the order as when asked they said it would be 10 minutes. I asked the waitress to say we weren’t happy. This was an hour after ordering. They weren’t even that busy. No one came to see if our meals were ok. When I asked the waitress if she had said we weren’t happy she “well, what do you want us to do about it?” In a very couldn’t care less voice. We had another booking for January which we have now cancelled. Absolutely appalling service. No stars

Went here on Sunday..Have to say the food wasnt up to its usual.standard .The Roast Potatoes were burnt ,stuffing was like bullets ,and cauliflower cheese was rock hard, very undercooked the rest of the veg was cold.,and thexbeef tough and chewy !a few people mentioned the potatoes and cold veg to the staff but nothing was said .I got asked how was your meal ..I explained and didn't even get oh sorry to hear that ! Staff were quite miserable and found customer service quite rubbish .Doesn't hurt to smile ,it is Christmas after all! Such a shame.. Saddlers come on !

Had staff Christmas meal and food was really good n we made the atmosphere lol x

The staff were exceptional we took my mother for her 89th birthday and the lady that looked after our table made us most welcome and made the whole experence very enjoyable 10 out of 10 and thank you all

Was alright food but wasn’t the best roast could of done with roast Carrots and more roasted potato’s was a nice atmosphere and was gd service

We had the carvery. Besides the usual choice of meats, there was a good choice of vegetables. The food was hot, as were the plates it was served on. The staff were welcoming and helpful.

We always enjoy visiting the Saddlers albeit infrequently as we no longer live locally. We have always found the food and the atmosphere enjoyable and today was no exception. Having not prebooked was not an issue and we were warmly greeted by our hostess Emily and shown to our table. We were provided with a choice of menus and a variety of food choices to suit most palettes. The table service, provided by Emily, was prompt and informative. Our drinks arrived quickly and on this occasion we chose the carvery. The food was well presented and appetising and the food area and our table spotlessly clean. The portion sizes were generous and the food itself was fresh, piping hot and so tasty and full of flavour. We shall certainly return sooner than later. As for our hostess Emily, she was warm mannered, friendly and polite. She was attentive, despite being very busy with other customers and an asset to the business.

Excellent carvery with huge choice of veg. All well cooked and very tasty. Nice setting. So much better than a Toby!. Will be back.

As we travelled to our holiday destination, we saw the sign for a carvery daily, we decided to try it. What a surprise], the quality was excellent the choice of vegetables was great, it was the best carvery I’ve had. And when it came to pay to find that being over 55 was a bonus, with the special price of £15.95 pp main and dessert. If I ever go that way again it will be the place to go.

Hats off to the chefs. Food was amazing definetly recommend the carvery and the burger. Staff were very welcoming.

Food was very nice but the service from the young staff, who were very pleasant was slow and they admitted the forgot we were there. Not many people there on a Thursday evening but i know it gets packed in summer.

We arrived at the pub which has a very large car park and outside bar (for the warmer months) walked in, no reservation greeted by professional staff and shown to our table. Room was very pleasant with great views of the garden. As this was midweek we opted for the Carvery, beef/turkey/gammon supported by a very large selection of vegetables, roast potatoes and Yorkshire pudding, finished off with a home made gravy. Doesn’t get any better

On entering we were surprised to hear two members of staff chatting away to each other totally ignoring they had us waiting. A welcome smile would have been nice but not immediately. One then said she would be with us in a while. We chose a carvery - not the best we’ve eaten. The turkey was dry, veg lacked seasoning and the gravy, well, that spoilt the whole meal. The best bit? Lovely parsnips! We were recommended by a neighbour but sadly we will not be returning.

We were there for a wake. The food was wonderful. Coffee ran out but that was the only negative thing to say. Lovely place, lovely staff and food, thank you.

Lovely carvery. Staff very friendly and helpful, especially Emily. Very relaxing 👌

Went in for lunch. Helpful, polite staff. Cosy clean and great food quality and portion sizes. The carvery was available and my wife said it was tasty.

The food and standard of service was good however when we ask to take away 1 carvery which we have done in the past we were told that they had changed the Kitchen manager and we were not allowed to take out a meal any more very disappointed as we have always taken 1 out in the past

On holiday, three of us dropped in on the off chance. What a lovely surprise - great service, thoroughly enjoyed the carvery and my veggie option, everything perfectly cooked, and the fact the restaurant was so busy tells it's worthy of 5 stars.

Very nice carvery, staff were lovely made us welcome,

I had the carvery and husband had the Hunters Chicken, both meals lovely, the New York cheesecake was also very moreish. Going back this week with relatives.

Lovely food carvery, Excellent Service.

My husband and I booked a table for 2 for lunch today at the Saddlers. We arrived at our chosen time and ordered the over 55's 2-course Carvery. It had a good selection of vegetables to accompany the meat which we were soon tucking into, all piping hot. (As I am vegetarian I obviously didn't eat the meat, I took it home for our cat!) For Sweet my hu

Delicious food and drink, excellent variety of choice. Very friendly and helpful Staff, nothing too much trouble, especially our waitress Emily. Thank you to all involved for a delicious lunch.

Not the best experience dining out. Long wait to order and even longer wait for food. Food was average, I had coleslaw as part of my meal which looked rather old and tasted sour. Overall disappointed.

Mediocre at best… Beer served in dirty glass, barman lacked personality, I get it’s a busy time of year and you’re tired but a smile and bit of chat would be nice. Food , fish and chips dreary, dry fish and chips were bland. Ceaser salad drowned in dressing couldn’t find the parmisan and the chicken was tasteless and dry…

Have eaten many a carvery from here including Christmas last year (which was very good) unfortunately I visited last sat but found the turkey was over cooked & dry (gammon was good) & the veg was cold (except the cauliflower cheese which was lovely!) also the selection of veg isn’t anywhere near as good as it was previously The staff were friendly enough but certainly not in any rush to show us to tables or even to take our bill Now I can see why it was only less than half full Gutted & disappointed

The food was lovely, service was brilliant 10/10 would deffo go again!

Good food waitress needs working on her customer service skills !!

Lovely pub great carvery - it was very busy Sunday lunchtime but we waited in the queue. The staff were helpful and friendly the meat choice was excellent I had the beef and it was really tasty and not tough. I had some of the veg and I especially enjoyed the roast potatoes also the gravy was excellent lovely and thick and full of flavour. The garden is huge with loads of tables with umbrellas great to shade from the sun. The Saddlers is a great place child and dog friendly oh and they sell Fosters that’s a bonus for me.

Super impressed with this venue. Staff were attentive, polite and informative. Food was well presented, tasty, punctual and good value. Those things will ensure that we will be returning again before the end of our holiday. What really impressed me was the attitude and work ethic of the staff. Despite being down on numbers, they worked double hard, whilst managing customer expectations. They did it all with a smile on their face The customer service was the best I have experienced in a long time and the Saddlers should be very proud of their team.

Table for 2 had the carvery and was very happy, great food qty and quality was very good. Hot food and lots of it. Atmosphere was very nice and Kim and her staff were 1st class. Great variety of ales and ciders. We had the over 55 carvery meal with a desert for £15 each ... fabulous 👌 will be here again soon. 5***** thankyou.

"Could use a refurbishment or a thorough cleaning. The food was terrible! I ordered sweet chili chicken in a baguette, but I received processed chicken in breadcrumbs from a packet, with sweet chili sauce drizzled over it! 🤮 Also, the roast was the worst. Can't believe they have 4.5 stars."

Decided to go to the Saddlers today for Sunday lunch to celebrate a wedding anniversary. Been before and had a really good meal - was served by a really nice old gentleman then. Young lad served meat today. Very disappointed overall. Not the best experience. Meat was good but the vegetables were cold even though we went at 12pm when they had just been put out. Had dessert. Vanilla cheesecake (£6.95) was very bland and just one scoop of ice cream. Husband had Black Forest gâteau which was fine. Had a large glass of wine which cost £10.50. Whole meal was over £65 for two. Staff were friendly but nearly took us to a table with the same surname booked for 3pm. Husband asked about lager and lad who took order gave him names of real ale. Good job he didn’t order real ale with lime in. Did say when I paid that I was disappointed as vegetables were cold etc and was just told he would let the chef know. Such a shame as last time it was very good and that is why I decided to book again. Not sure I would want to go there again.

Food is average and expensive factory made. The pub and furniture are very dirty so don't wear white!

Very welcoming and accommodating to dietary needs 😊

We had the carvery and it was delicious. Friendly staff and bright dining area.

Our go to restaurant for a Sunday Roast! The Saddlers ticks all the boxes. The staff are wonderful, the restaurant is clean, the price is competitive and the food is awesome. Sunday Carvery can not be beaten! Great for large groups as you can pay at the bar for your drinks & carvery ticket before treating yourself to a choice of 4 meat and as many trimmings as you can eat!

We came in this evening for a carvery. When we arrived we waited to be served. No one bothered to acknowledge us. When I did ask the girl with long dark hair she just said wait. We continued to wait and was ignored by all the staff. In the end we just left as we were not going to be served. I called to speak with the manager and no one called back. Your staff are really rude and unprofessional.

Proper certi scran lik 10/10 would recommend. Although we waited time the food was deffo worth the wait!

Carvery wonderful, been several times, always great. Book ahead as fills up quickly. Choice meats lots of veg, Yorkshire, just yummy 😋 Service can be a little slow when busy, bar area can be a bottle neck. Hard to book by phone, no one seems to answer. My only criticism.

Stopped in to see my cousin Very friendly staff Food was great

This was amazing since I went out for lunch with my family for a roast and it was amazing I can't describe how incredible it was I would 100% go again since all my family were enjoying the lovey meal we had today's so much flavour that melted in my mouth I just also would like to say I give the staff 10000 for quickness

We were pleasantly surprised at how good the food was at the Saddlers Arms. On the Sunday, we had the Carvery. The beef was excellent. Could not believe the vast choice of vegetables on offer. The staff were friendly. We enjoyed it so much that we went back the next day and had a meal off the normal menu. Both meals were very good.

It's very much in need of a refurbishment. Carvery- was OK. Nothing special. Gravy was like thick emulsion paint. Worse though, the leeks hadn't been cleaned properly so every mouthful was very gritty. Not nice. Then, there was no beer available, I was given appletise instead of elderflower pressed- which was put right. I wouldn't rush back.

First time trying the carvery here and it was amazing. Everything was perfect and really good value. Highly recommend!

Lovely meal fish and chips, Great service friendly staff. On holiday for 7days so will be going back again. Big thank you to all the staff nothing was to much trouble from them.

Lots of different vegetables, food hot

Lovely carvery, as always! Loads of choice and meat was delicious. Worth booking in advance so you're not disappointed. Staff are always helpful and try to squeeze you in, if you turn up without a booking.

We popped in for a Carvery as we have done this afew times in the past but unfortunately today the food wasn’t up to the usual high standard… same of veg was under cooked Carrots, cauliflower were very hard and gravy not hot … but the meats were lovely !!!

Us and some friends had a fantastic carvery here recently, it was our friends birthday and the staff made us all feel very welcomed, beautiful food, staff all very polite (Ian was lovely) Highly recommend, great pub.

Not very electric wheelchair friendly difficult to navigate inside narrow walkway.

Food lovely but one particular bar person was rude, ale wasn't good, but think just needed pulling through, tried offering this opinion but ignored. I appreciate it was busy, left waiting after asking twice for the menu. Plates left on the table for a considerable length of time, again had to ask several times for the table to be cleared so we could order dessert. One dessert was wrong, but sorted. ordered a wine, that was wrong. Another glass of wine had to be taken back as covered in lipstick stains, and same barman as before, no apology just dumped drink down. I understand it was a busy day, however when you see 3 staff standing there doing very little and your table is full.

Came in on the off chance for a carvery, great food, great price, lovely and friendly staff. Will come ahain when down this way.🙂👍

Good food but staff are slow and have to be reminded of what you ordered. Disappointed.

Food was disappointing as we have previously had a good meal here. It was obvious that they had a few issues I the kitchen the day we went which turned I to major issues when the electricity went off

We had the carvery and it was excellent. Huge choice of vegetables and they were all fresh and tasty. A warm welcome for our dogs too.

Amazing carvery and good size sandwich (Had enough for leftovers).

Food over cook tuck long time to with food

Very nice food! the service was great and the staff were so polite. When we drove it we could see it was a great place because the car park was full! Just amazing place ✨️

Well worth a visit. Lovely food

Great pub, fantastic FRESH food beautifully dished up. Great choice of drinks.

Really lovely place we have been here many times but not for a long long time the food was absolutely lovely and for us it was lovely and quiet but with a nice atmosphere

Always great and dog friendly excellent carvery

Lovely food as always , great service and great atmosphere as always . Just overall GREAT . 100% would recommend coming here it's lovely .

Carvery wow just to much on your plate

Carvery meat was fatty and tough ,everything else was cold ,service was slow every other table served first even tables came in after us .gave us wrong table and when we were asked if things were OK only just started eating we did tell one lady and then this other lady came over very rude and made us feel like it was our fault, been before was very good.not this time won't eat there again

First visit back for a few months. Blown away by the wonderful service from everyone and a delightfully variety filled and very tasty carvery. The lemon tart dessert finished off a great visit. Thank you everyone at the Saddlers 😀

Our first visit but definitely will not be our last. From entering the building the staff were there to attend to our needs, table service with a smile. We both had a carvery and as it was midweek took advantage of their deal of an inclusive dessert. Food was very tasty and hot.

Really good carvery and a great price. The menu food was also really good! The staff were the best thing! We had a kids birthday meal and they couldn't do enough for us. Sarah and the team were brilliant! If you're a local or on holiday, please call in either for a great carvery or just a pint! The kids play area is also really good!!!

Probably the best carvery ever. Freshly cooked food, great price and great service from Sarah and the staff. Beautiful building and warm atmosphere. Very highly recommended!

The Saddlers is a great place for an excellent lunch. The staff are welcoming, friendly, attentive and helpful. The menu provides a wide choice, including an excellent carvery, and the food is of a high standard in preparation and presentation. The restaurant is a very pleasant environment with plenty of space between the tables. Parking is free and there is a bus stop right outside. The Saddlers is really good value for money. If you've not been then I recommend you to try it.

Sadly only a quick visit as was in the area to see family. What a wonderful experience so glad for the pit stop! The team there are amazing . Kim and Emily run a fantastic place - the atmosphere was friendly and welcoming. I love that four legged friends were also made to feel so at home! The food we saw coming out was very tempting so next time we are in the area a full on night out there will be top of our agenda. Thanks again ladies for your hospitality 🥰

Another amazing cavery! Everything was perfect! Have always got eyes bigger than my belly here tho haha. Amazing customer service from Kim and Nyah. (or Nigel) 🤣 Will definitely be returning 🔥

This was a lovely set of experiences for us. The carvery was a delight for my dinner-companion, and I thoroughly enjoyed the ham, egg and chips. Friendly staff, tons of car parking (though some unlevel surfaces if you are worried about mobility). Needs a swish of paint to the hallways and loos, but we were keen to return.

I am a vegetarian , I was told 2 meats on offer and 3 pies on offer, but not one offer is vegetarian, so I was told you can just have veg .when we went to get our meal we was sent back to our table because they had not prepared enough veg for a table of six regardless us trying to book a table but nobody answered the phone ..awful service

We went for Sunday Cavery and the food was great. Unfortunately felt the waiting staff needed some training/supervision. We waiting an excessive amount of time for our order to be taken whilst at least 3 staff were having a lengthy chat within sight of us. We then waited again for our plates to be cleared and the dessert menu offered. Neither were forthcoming and the same staff were still in conversation rather than paying attention to customers. We had to grab a passing young lady taking a drinks order to another table in order to get our bill, still with our dirty plates at the table. It's a shame as the experience could have been a whole lot better.

1st visit there while in Devon for a short break...wasn't expecting such a fantastic place... Great friendly staff..very good prices..and food was spot on.... 2 of our party had the carvery.....all I can say its the best carvery I never had lol.. If I'm anywhere in South Devon again this will be the place to go.. Can't thank them enough

We had a most enjoyable carvery and desert, the staff were very pleasant and polite. We couldn't have asked for more. We'll definitely return again soon

Our main course and drinks order was taken with no problem. The staff manning the carvery were really friendly and a credit to the establishment; nothing was too much trouble. After we ate our food we were pretty much deserted by our waitress who we noticed to be serving behind the bar next door. It took ages to clear our plates and weren't offered desert so after a while caught the passing waitress and asked for the desert menu - she reeled off 3 deserts, said she would give us a minute and never returned so we decided to go elsewhere for desert. After going to the bar and paying my bill I discovered that I'd actually been served by a banned customer who was wandering around behind the bar - which was really random. Such a shame the service is lacking as the food was great

It’s good to be back! Excellent carvery with selection of 3 meats and an abundance of delicious vegetables. Excellent value for money. We will be back!

Best carvery around this area .Could drink a jug of the gravy on its own.Always fresh vegetables and tasty meat. Staff very friendly and can’t do enough for you .

Really good experience for dinner, couldnt fault it - had the steak pie and kids had the fish and chips.

We went to The Saddlers tonight for my mums bday. We had a lovely server called Joe who nothing was too much trouble for. Bless him, we asked a lot as we have some picky eaters, but everything we asked was greeted with a smile and efficiency. He made us feel so welcomed and relaxed - we looked for him after our meal to tip him directly, but sadly he’d left. I’d love got him to get in touch so that we can tip him. The food was exquisite- I’d definitely recommend the mushrooms in blue cheese sauce for starters! I’d have this for a main dish if I could! It was delicious! We all really enjoyed our food that was wonderfully cooked by Sam the chef. This is only the third time in recent years that we’ve been to The Saddlers, but we’ll definitely be going back for our next big celebration. 10/10 all round 👍🏻

We were after a funeral. However food was lovely, nice atmosphere. Very welcoming pub.

Good value food with excellent service.