The Thirsty Farmer in East Devon

Perfect Sunday roast with a choice of lamb, beef or chicken and tons of super veggies - including cauliflower cheese - included and not an extra as some charge. Dish of swede, cabbage, peas and carrots also served with parsnip on the plate. Yorkshires to die for and gravy and potatoes also excellent. And this was the 'smaller' size!" Well done Thirsty Farmer, keep it up!

Who in their right minds turns a village pub into American style burgers, ribs and chicken wings restaurant. The on line menue listed greendale sausages, steaks etc, what a disappointment. We will never return.

We cannot believe that a local family pub only serves American Dinner food in the evenings. We heard it does a wonderful roast but we won’t be trying it. So disappointed.

Food was nice, Prices were reasonable. Mother's day was crammed , and we had to wait far too long for our meals, even though we booked and were early 😕

Shocking meal - processed cheap food fried to the point it’s swimming in grease. Will certainly not be heading back there anytime soon.

Possible the worst meal out we have had recently. Swimming in grease- if you love fried cheap processed food then this place is for you. I personally would never return.

We visited yesterday for a Mother’s Day lunch, we were so looking forward to it but unfortunately left extremely disappointed. Cannot complain about the food because it was very yummy but the actual running of the pub and the service was abysmal. I understand it was a busy Sunday but it seemed that not one member of staff knew what they were doing, we had to wait quite a while to speak to someone to find our table, our drinks were all lukewarm (no ice), we waited ages for someone to help us get highchairs and also for someone to take our order. It also felt as if we were crammed into a tiny room which was an extension of the pub with lots of other families, so felt like there was no room to move around. Unfortunately it also felt like some of the main members of staff at the front of the house were in an awful mood and seemed that they would rather be elsewhere. Their attitude and service wasn’t the best, and to be honest I don’t think we will ever return.

We had a lovely Sunday lunch here for mother's day. The food was delicious, well presented and the amount of veg we were given in bowls on the table was more than enough. Quite honestly would expect to pay more for a roast like that! Some confusion on arrival as to where our booked table was, but we understood it was quite busy so confusions do happen! Felt we had a bit of a wait to receive food, but as I said, was clearly busy so that was understandable. Only criticisms were I felt they were understaffed for a very busy day, so bar service etc took a little bit longer than expected. And felt like the sauce pots we were offered to go along with our meals (cranberry, mint sauce etc) could have been a little bigger. Overall super lovely meal, lovely staff and super cute traditional little pub.

Lovely place to stop for drinks, haven't tried food yet. Service is friendly .

Staying at an air bnb in Whimple and walked to The Thirsty Farmer....it was warm and cosy with lovely friendly lady behind the bar...tried the cider and we loved it, ordered food which was absolutely amazing then had more cider!!...what a truly welcoming and friendly proper village pub...highly recommend

The tasty buffet and pleasant atmosphere was perfect ending of funeral service celebrating the life of a dear friend.

We had decided to try this pub as it had good reviews. We didn't book and it didn't seem very busy and looked very unassuming when we arrived. However, we decided to go in and ordered the Sunday roast. It was absolutely amazing. Good portions, perfect cauliflower cheese, and plenty of vegetables . Efficient service and hot food. Would definitely return

I'd been told by friends - 1 a chef - that this was a good place for a reasonable Sunday lunch. It is and the potatoes were great as was the cauliflower cheese and Yorkshire pudding though I have to say I found the sprouts and greens overdone and the meat - pork - thinly sliced with no crackling which was disappointing. However the staff are accommodating and portions were plentiful and the price is very acceptable so perhaps the greens were a 1 off. And I shall return again.

Would give more, but have only been a couple of times. Really good atmosphere and service. Lovely open fire in a traditional old building.

We booked a fish and chips lunch for 18 people and it was absolutely fantastic. They must have enormous fish down there in Devon. Everything was cooked and presented well.

Great pub lunch, fantastic service and great atmosphere!

Welcoming and friendly staff, dog friendly and the best Sunday lunch I've had in a while 👍👍🍻

We had a lovely sunday lunch roast here last Sunday great food and good service and all the food was nice and fresh. Thank you.

There was no one in there on a Saturday lunchtime when it would have been heaving when Donna and Mark were there. Food was poor, service crap, not going to last long. Shame another beautiful old country pub will be gone.

Absolutely diabolical! 1hr wait for a table (as apparently they were full) then 1hr 20 wait on food - for food that was poorly reheated. The chef needs to learn where the salt is kept. Pork was tough, roast potatoes had been reheated and fried, veg was overboiled, Yorkshire pudding was stale and over-reheated. There was 5 tables total during our service and 12 tables total for the day - not sure how his service and food would warrant a 1hr 20 minute wait. Not one check on the table, whilst waiting and during the meal, had to ask for the ETA, was told 5 minutes and it was a further 25 minutes. Only put 1 star because you can’t put 0. Will not be coming back, will not be recommending.

Worst experience and food ever!! no welcome on arrival, menu,s eventually given, then taken away by bar lady , who seemed very unsure of what she was doing!! Very unptoffesional welcome and service, we would of walked out and found somewhere else, but kids hungry and weather awful, to look around for somewhere else.

Cheap and cheerful for a reason we booked up for four of us and we where eventually served by a women who was by the run ragged as she was running the bar and taking food orders the food was ordered and arrived and didnt look great eggs where well over cooked like lumps of rubber very disappointing food a very long wait for food that was average at best The new owner has a lot to learn as the old team where amazing and the food was always to rate Pull your finger out and sort your mess out

Why no recent reviews? I thought long and hard before editing this review. It’s not for me to critique pubs or restaurants, there are many paid experts for that.

Would not recommend at all. We visited for a family meal and they had a 21st and 30th party, the music was so loud. Dinner took over an hour to come and they don’t even offer a desert. When ordering you have to order at the bar and pay up front we then when we went to leave we were told we have to pay again. Absolute ridiculous we had to show the bar maid our receipt

Disgusting attitude of staff, trying to charge twice for food and drinks when it was pay on order, I would not recommend attending this venue.

What a cute village pub! The service was wonderful and a great atmosphere.

Lovely country pub we have been twice lunch menu brilliant and Sunday roast tasty and very good value .staff and service very happy and efficient .

Lovely day so we took our e-bikes for some exercise. Setting out from the car park at Broadclyst we pedalled a gentle circular route which happens to pass this famous ( Sunday Roasts) venue. Big roasts and cycling struggle to mix so we settled for crisps and drinks. The pub was advertising for a Manager, but the guy behind the bar was holding the Fort very well. Totally replete, we returned via the lanes and bought 3 punnets of freshly picked plums at £1 per punnet. We rearranged the saddlebags and returned home fully exercised and very happy with our unexpected purchases. Happy days!

Very good food and service. Deserves much more recognition.

We arrived on a Tuesday after 2pm. The pub doesn't generally serve food on Tuesdays, but their kitchen had been open for a wake. The landlady kindly offered us a few of the simpler items from the menu, and we both chose lasagna, which turned out to be very nice. Good food and exceptional service. We'll be back.

Hands down the best Sunday roast I've had in some time. Atmosphere was good and so was the service. Lovely little garden at the back for the kids to run around. My only knock was that there was some delay between plating all our orders, so couple of us had to wait so we could all eat together. Mens toilet could do with a tidy up.

Amazing place Lovely place, great staff Great Sunday roast Lovely little park Very accommodating to allergies

Un pub tout ce qu'il y a de plus anglais, bonne bière et superbe accueil, la carte donne vraiment envie et les alentours sont justes magnifiques !

Pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. Friendly staff. Good beer. Nice open fire to huddle up for warmth. Had cheese n crackers and was reasonable value, cheese was slightly too cold for my liking but good selection and great chutney.

We rang last minute and they kindly fitted us in. I have to say we’ve just had the best Sunday lunch I’ve ever had in a restaurant! It was amazing and the roast potatoes were the crispiest - we will absolutely be back. Thanks again.

Excellent food really enjoyed it and very friendly staff , lovely pub in the centre of Whimple well worth a visit

Such friendly staff. Food was lovely and tasty. The Sunday roast is amazing and so much of it. We struggled to finish which is a first. Definitely worth a visit.

The food at The Thirsty Farmer is superb! And the prices are unbelievably reasonable. This pub should be packed every night.

What a disaster we were met with we have a new chef so we have no sliced ham no liver no fish and so it went on . After an hour we asked where are the starters this is not exceptable they arrived and were OK with in 5 minute the mains arrived 2 lasagne was over cooked hard on top 1 sausage and mash mash was cold I refused to pay for it then my meal came out a mixed grill cost over £24 they forgot the gammon the lamb cutlet the liver and the kidney atrocious. They knocked £32. Off the bill ,looking back we should have paid nothing absolutely disgusting ruined a precious night out with friends.

Such lovely staff very welcoming. We went for Sunday lunch. Amazing! Meat was lovely, loads of veg, gravy so tasty. Wanted a sweet but couldn't manage it! We will be back. Also a little and big paddling pool out the back. Will be taking my grandkids. ( work in progress but looks inviting)

The Thirsty Farmer has always been an excellent venue, but one which is currently going through a change of ownership. Unfortunately, the disruption is showing itself in average food, inattentive bar service, a visibly grubby interior and surprisingly poorly maintained outdoor spaces. I think it has a two month window to raise its game or the clientele that travelled some distance to eat there will simply go somewhere else.

The Thirsty Farmer has always been an excellent venue, but one which is currently going through a change of ownership. Unfortunately, the disruption is showing itself in average food, inattentive bar service, a visibly grubby interior and surprisingly poorly maintained outdoor spaces. I think it has a two month window to raise its game or the clientele that travelled some distance to eat there will simply go somewhere else.

Lovely place, went last minute on the way back home. The lady behind the bar was really nice and always pleasant! Food menu was limited due to selling out but got 3 sausages and chips in a yorkshire pudding and was very filling and good for price. Also i changed my mash for chips. Lots of kids running around but i assume its a local for a lot of families in the area. Lots of parking too! Would definately reccomend!

Have only been once, but will certainly be back! 10/10 food and staff were lovely!

Very calm and relaxing pub in the village. Great food and great service

Had an excellent 'small bites' lunch today. Prawn cocktail followed by a steak sandwich. Appx £14 for the 2. Connor, the host was up to scratch & interacted with the few guests. A shame it wasn't busier, but, midweek! Worth a visit!

Staff were very helpful. Limited choice on the menu ,had run out of most items after a very busy weekend. They should have just done a special board, but what we had was very tasty. The place itself needs little TLC .

Superb little gem, set in the countryside of east Devon, it is filled with ambience, relaxed vibes and delicious food. The Sunday roast was fantastic, and the desert was even better. Slow service at times but that is to be expected on Mother’s Day. Would return in a flash. Must try!

This was our first visit to The Thirsty Farmer for Mothering Sunday lunch. Thankfully I ordered a small portion which was plenty for me. The staff were very accommodating and nothing was too much trouble. The food was plentiful although the gravy I found to be bland. That said we would visit again.

A super meal, such a shame it was one of the last ones 😪

A group of 10 of us just left here with empty plates and full bellies, sunday lunch was sublime, the service was excellent.. I literally can't fault it.. it was our 1st time but most definitely won't be our last.. thank you ..

We went at New Year’s Eve and I was completely impressed! The amazing quality of food and wonderful staff converted me! There was another party there too but the food still came quick and also delicious! I would 100% recommend and rush back whenever!!!!!

Great band nights last Friday of the month. I've heard this is being sold so really hope the new owners continue with the band nights as it's so nice to come to a local pub where you can have a drink and a dance for both young and old as there's nowhere else locally where young people can feel safe and enjoy a night out. Food is always good too.

The food here is exceptional, even my partner said its Michelin quality. I have been here many times and not once been dissapointed in their food and service. Staff are very friendly & there's always a wonderful atmosphere here. I highly recommend eating out here if you haven't already.

Booked the Thirsty Farmer for my wife's wake after her funeral and although it was a sad occasion I was very pleased with the food and service provided, especially as some of the relatives had travelled a good distance. Compliments to Donna and her staff who were as usual, very helpful and she should be proud of what she has achieved during her time running the Thirsty. Very lucky to have an excellent pub in Whimple.

We organised New Years Eve lunch for our large extended family (23 including small children) and everything was amazing. It was our 3 year old grandson's birthday that day too so cake was also involved! It was a great get together and the food was perfect. It can't be easy serving an array of different meals especially when small children are involved, but all went according to plan. The food was excellent as usual; everyone enjoyed their meals. The featherblade steak went down a treat as well as the belly pork, gourmet burger, ham hock, egg and chips, fish in shellfish bisque and of course all those chippy meals for the little (and big) ones. We had a great get together which doesnt often happen with so many living out of County and this was made particularly special by Donna, Marc and their team. Thank you once again for a great lunch and a wonderful time which I'm sure we, and our children and grandchildren, will remember for a long time!

Fabulous place great service staff friendly atmosphere brilliant

Ate here whilst visiting the area for a few days. Starters and mains were of outstanding quality. Staff were friendly and very attentive. Dog friendly as well... bonus!

Brilliant service and great food- so glad to have such a wonderful pub local to us! My partner highly recommends anything pulled pork, and I myself recommend their grilled options, absolutely delicious.

Food was perfect and faultless, service was stellar and they really looked after me, and all of the cycling club members alike, and the wine was fantastic and damn well reasonably priced for the quality. Definitely visiting again and highly recommended to all

Whenever we eat out we always compare our experience with our local, the Thirsty Farmer. For friendliness, good service, quality food and value for money the Farmer is as good as any and better than most. Last night twelve of us had another lovely evening.....quality...

We love visiting here on our bike rides it is so lovely to sit outside over looking the green and watch the village life go by. Last time was a Sunday and although they were fully booked with Sunday launchers they managed to serve us food. Landlady is always helpful and friendly.

Great food and very welcoming staff, the rump steak was cooked to perfection, and our 2 year old demolished her sausage and mash. Would 100% recommend. Best pub lunch we have had for a while!

The choice and quality of food is good. Not cheap but reasonable value for what you get. Can be busy some nights, especially if an event is on.

Excellent as always, such a great pub to have as my local 🙂

Great people and great food but check for restaurant opening times and days.

Great service & a very tasty plated Sunday roast served

Had a lovely meal here service was good and plenty of room to sit outside if weather is good

Excellent service, very friendly staff. Food was very good. Thankyou

We came here a couple of weeks ago (myself, wife, father in law and our two children) and had a quite brilliant Sunday roast. We opted for the farmers Table (which you have state when booking) and it was absolutely amazing. The sirloin of beef...

We had a farmers table Sunday roast for 9 people and baby Zola! The food and service was fabulous! Zola loved the Yorkshire! Thanks from billy and julia

Cosy place and friendly staff, food was fantastic and we really had a great evening!

A lovely pub in a very pretty village. Staff excellent , friendly and very helpful. The food was absolutely delicious and very generous portion sizes where if you have a small appetite I would recommend you ask for the smaller portion option Definitely a high recommendation for a lovely Sunday roast

Great food, great choice, great price. Will definitely come again. You can bring your dog too!

Excellent! Delicious brunch at reasonable prices and superb service, especially Fenella...she was an absolute star! 🌟 Good selection of ales, cider & local gins...and dog friendly too! 🐾👍🏻🐾 A huge thank you to all the staff...we will definitely return to this brilliant pub!

Food and service were great! Staff were lovely, and pub dog friendly. Well done 👏

Called in to The Thirsty Farmer for a late lunch today. We were not sure we would be served at 2:05 but they were very happy to offer us the full choice. My hake in a fish bisque with samphire and fennel was really delicious....

Absolutely fantastic place, the food is outstanding and prices are very fair for the quality you receive food and service! We ate with our dog and it seemed very dog friendly 😊. we have also ate a Sunday roast today and It was really lovely, local meats are a winner for me and plenty of it too. I feel very proud to have such a wonderful pub in our local area and long may it continue.

We came to the pub quiz last night. It was lots of fun and a great atmosphere. The questions were very varied. Thanks for all your efforts in putting on this quiz. And really love that the money goes to charity

Arranged my husband's surprise 60th birthday party for 14 of us last Saturday. Donna was extremely helpful in communicating with me and sending me the menus for us to pre order. The food, as always, was perfectly cooked and generous in portion size . Excellent...

Had a lovely three meat sunday roast today. Very good quality meat. Nice selection of vegetables, great yorkshire pudding and stuffing ball. Will definitely return.

Visited the Farmer twice last week to eat with family and friends. The menu is extensive and in our opinion, the food is consistently of an excellent standard and worthy of the Awards they have recently attained, including SW regional pub of the year. On...

Just had Sunday lunch, absolutely great the pork was lovely .my wife had beef and enjoyed it (quite large portions).the desserts were very good. Most of all the staff were excellent and couldn't be more helpful .

Great smiley friendly staff, great ale....

We had a quick nip to Devon and ate and drank 3 days running at the pub. Thanks very much it was great food and drink well done.

Good food followed by good music.

Excellent staff, make you feel really welcomed, with wide range of choice and great food. We have made many repeat visits.

Great food, friendly welcoming staff and service. Highly recommend. Make sure you phone up in advance to book a table for food as they are popular and get booked up. I phoned up the day before and I was lucky they could fit me in. The steak is amazing, so tasty.

Great steak meal with peppercorn sauce.

Fantastic family roast, had the mixed roast and it was fantastic. All staff where super friendly and attentive.

Staying in Whinple for the weekend and visited for food at 8:15pm on a Saturday. Walked in, said hello and sat down. Were then ignored until we went to the bar to ask for menus and were told the ‘kitchen is full’. On the website...

Nice grounds and very friendly staff really nice family run business

A return visit for us where we’ve always had good food. Today was absolutely delicious- homemade lamb and mint pie and a chicken tandoori burger! Not many staff but this in no way affected the service! Thank you and we will be back!!

Visited the Thirsty Farmer, with my Mum on a Sunday in July. The pub is situated in a picturesque area, has a large car park, with plenty of seating in the garden area outside. Inside, you’ll find it’s very clean, nicely furnished, organised and full...

My husband and I dropped in for lunch, and despite being busy with food they managed to squeeze us in (they warned us there would be a wait and as we weren't in a rush we were happy to just wait and relax). The pub...

We visited today for the first time great looking pub settled in a lovely village the pub and staff we very nice a helpful. But what really let this place down was the quality of the food. I ordered the smashed burger which was meant...

Was staying at a holiday cottage nearby and this pub was mentioned several times in the guest review book , We decided to visit the thirsty farmer , nice pub it is better to book if wanting meals as we found out on arrival at...

Always a great place to relax and catch up with friends

went a few times to eat at the pub had been in for a saturday breakfast excellent in evening had the hake and the flash braised steak so good mash sauces etc. then sunday the best roast lamb with all the trimings and veg etc...

I don't often do reviews, but after visiting the Thirsty Farmer I must share with you our experience. Firstly, its a proper pub and feels like its part of the local community - the service was excellent, but the food..... oh man it was the...