Williams Arms in North Devon - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

We stumbled upon this beautiful pub after being unable to get in the one nearest to where we are staying in woolacombe for a carvery . Everything happens for a reason. It was by far the best carvery we have EVER had anywhere. The pub itself is a beautiful thatched property about 15 min drive from woolacombe. We were able to book a table in advance, which the previous one wouldn’t allow us to do. We couldn’t believe the quality of the food was by far superior to any other carvery’s we have been to (having a child with a very limited palate, we use them regularly). There was so much choice and all freshly cooked. You cannot be disappointed with this place and very accommodating for our disabled child too! I just wished we loved around the corner so we could visit regularly!

Absolutely the best carvery I have ever had, and I’ve tried a few, with family, over the last 50 years! Our family party of 7 all agreed, and the prices are very reasonable in my opinion, for what you see on your plate. Highly recommended.

This is such a pretty restaurant and is very popular so you need to book. We were a family of 8 with 5 adults and 3 children and we did not feel crowded at all. We felt comfortable and the Carvery was excellent. A great choice and everything was delicious and hot. Everyone enjoyed it. The service was friendly but efficient and I have no hesitation in recommending this restaurant.

What a stunning venue and the food was phenomenal. Been on holiday for a week and had to come back after the first meal we ate here. The burger was simply the best burger I have ever had - and I am a fussy eater! Highly recommend to everyone.

5* from us, massive portions, value for money, beautiful food, excellent service. One not to miss. 7 of us want as a family and will be returning

We arrived and it was very busy. The bar staff were friendly and said that we'd get a table in 10-15 mins. The food was amazing. We have been a year ago and the quality is still excellent. Good value, great venue, very clean and tidy.

On holiday this week and stopped here on the way back from Woolacombe for lunch, noticed how full the car park was and thought that must be a good sign - it definitely was! Looks full of character from the outside and that continues inside; lovely open fire burning, extensive menu which includes daily specials and a carvery; so hard to choose! We opted for two meals from the specials board and after a short wait they arrived and were spectacular! Very generous portions, beautifully presented, and absolutely delicious. Hubby went for the surf and turf, and I chose the lamb Balti - both excellent and portion sizes beat us both. The pub was full and we were lucky to find a table having not pre-booked. If we’re in the area again, we will definitely return.

We lunched here before many years ago and received excellent service. Returned today 27bOct for lunch. Can we bring the dog? Yes! Stood in the middle of the dog/restaurant area, busy, looking for a table, one lady jumped up leaving advising have my table. On sitting down, this lovely gentleman swooped in wiping it down and making sure we were ok. As I have a small appetite I chose from the children’s menu, no problem whatsoever. My husband chose from the adult menu. Food arrived promptly and delicious. Efficient efficient and courteous. Good value will definitely return. Thank you.

Staying nearby so popped in for a Sunday Carvery, on reflection should have booked a table as it was very busy at 6pm (weekend before half term). However, thankfully got a table for two in the corner of the busy bar eating area. Carvery was good, lots of choice of both meats and veg. Much better than other recent carveries we have had elsewhere. Perfect for what we were looking for.

Dropped in over 2 nights during a stay in Braunton. Attempted to book but as we had a dog we were told to turn up in the bar area on a first come first served basis. In the end it wasn't a problem. Good service and good beer. Had something off the Specials board -Pork steak in mushroom and stilton sauce, -absolutely unbelievable, really enjoyed. Fish and chips for my better half, spot on. 2nd night was a carvery. Initially about 5.30pm it was still rammed to the rafters. After a bit of loitering and half an hour later we got a table, paid for the meals and drinks and then joined the short queue for the carvery. Good selection and the meat was cut thick so came back -as you do- with your plate nearly snapping in half under the weight but it was fab. Really enjoyed it and the service, again was really good. Recommended, dog friendly, great service, wonderful food and complements to the kitchen -well done

Wow what a fantastic Carvery at a great price the food was fantastic tasty fresh and hot The staff were friendly and helpful it was dog friendly and gluten free surroundings very smart I would definitely recommend

The restaurant is so beautiful and clean. The chairs are really comfortable and the music is at the right level. All the staff are so friendly and helpful and the food is just amazing. Would definitely recommend a visit

We popped into this pub for a drink whilst travelling around North Devon (staying in Woolacombe). It is a visually a very attractive pub with a thatched roof. We checked to see if dogs were welcome and the staff confirmed they were (except the designated restaurant - although there is a dining section in the bar area where you can take dogs). We were made to feel very welcome when we arrived. The range of drinks are great and prices reasonable. We enjoyed it so much that we went back the next day for their Carvery lunch. WOW - it is awesome!! A choice of lamb, turkey and pork was on offer that day, and a generous portion given. A superb selection of vegetables were on offer with yorkies, gravy and sauces. All for £10.95. The very best carvery we have had for a long time (if not ever!). Highly recommended for just a drink and/or food as well.

Had a simple burger, I’ve had better from a side of the road burger van. Bland, dry, massively over peppered. The side salad could have done with any sort of dressing and requested sauce never arrived. Partner had a ‘pie’ - casserole in a metal tin with below average pastry topping. Likewise mayo for the side chips never turned up. Very runny inside of the pie, lacking in any flavour. Asked for a rum and Diet Coke, but got a rum and coke. Only able to get a second drink when our food turned up, couldn’t catch anyone’s eye and they didn’t check in. Likewise never checked back in with us for how the food was - usually get asked just after the first bite! Didn’t bother with desserts, got out as quick as we could! Premium end prices, low end food and service. Atmosphere completely lacking, evidently just a grab your carvery and go place!

We always go each year when we go on holiday to Croyde. We always have the carvery, and last week it was brilliant. So much choice of meat and veg.

We have visited the Williams Arms for many years, always as a large multi generational family group. Upon arrival we were promptly seated and had our orders take by a friendly and efficient waitress. As always there was a wide menu choice, including several options for the vegetarians in our group. The clear favourite was the ever consistent carvery option, which features a lovely choice of meats plus an abundance of well prepared vegetables. The food continues to be of a high standard and always arrives piping hot. All in all another fine meal for the family, and we will definitely return.

We on holiday in Barnstaple for 11 days on our 3rd day we found this lovely pub for lunch 5* carvery so much choice of veg all freshly cooked, lovely staff and in a really nice setting, we enjoyed it so much we went 3 times it's a shame we had our last lunch here today x

We phoned to book a table for a 7.30pm sitting, told we could only have a 7pm booking, no problem for us but we discovered that it was 7pm because at 7.30 the food stops! 7.35 all the lights on the carvery went out and the servers left. We had the vegan slice, which turned out to be a veggie burger/grill, nice but absolutely nothing special. The vegetables on the carvery were well cooked and a good selection, there was even vegetarian gravy but for the price, it was disappointing that a veggie grill (sort of thing that comes in a box of 4 in Tesco) is the same price as the piles of meat the carnivores were receiving. There weren’t any menus, we weren’t shown prices or offered menus at any point so had no idea what was available, apart for taking the order and delivering drinks there was no interaction, they just stood at the bar.

Delicious food and a great carvery. Staff friendly and helpful. We had items from the carvery and from the menu . both were very good. The puddings were huge!

Called into William Arms for a lunch time carvery This is the best Carvery I have ever experienced the selection of meat excellent the range of beautiful prepared and presented vegetables all nicely cooked was excellent this offer is on everyday at a good value price good selection of beers and wines with friendly helpful staff I wish this pub was near where I live When in the area a must to visit.

Love that some of us could have carvery and some off the menu ! So helpful with a big family Treat really well by waiters and the owner always gives a lovely smile :) Will be back over and over thankyou

After reading reviews and visiting the area my wife and I decided to try this establishment. Unfortunately we were disappointed with the cleanliness, quality of food and prices. We arrived to a vibrant pub and promptly shown to a small table at the top of...

Beautiful pub & garden. Had a meal in the pub as we had our dog with us. Food was very good & young staff very quick & attentive. We'll done

Visited twice during our holiday, once for carvery and the second for menu food, both times the food was fantastic. The food portions are impressive! The staff are all friendly, helpful, and welcoming. Would highly recommend

We were on holiday in Braunton and popped in one evening for a drink. Saw advert for their carvery so went back next day at lunchtime and it was such a lovely meal we went back 2 days later for another. Food was lovely and...

Excellent carvery again today.you just can’t fault it. The place is spotless .staff friendly and service faultless . The carvery was hot and every cooked today.. You get what you pay for.

A more up market pub restaurant with attached car very. Dogs welcome in the large bar area with plenty of tables. We had a special - venison chilli and cod with prawns off the general menu. Both delicious restaurant quality - not really ‘pub food’....

What can I say about this place, we visited twice in the week we were staying nearby, the food is amazing, we had a carvery both times, the plate you get is huge but then at £15.95 each I would expect that, meat cooked to...

Best carvery ever and the most amazing sweets, never visited the Williams arms before but will certainly be back. Fantastic place.

We were staying at Tarka Bay holiday park and this pub was recommended in their literature. We booked in on a Saturday lunchtime. The pub is lovely with a thatched roof and beautiful interior. Staff were friendly and helpful. All four of us ordered the...

The Sunday Carvery was Tina Turner (simply the best, better than all the rest). Great service, plenty of choices in a lovely setting.

Always book in a visit to this restaurant when we're in Devon. Yet again, the Carvery was excellent. Beef, ham, turkey, and all the trimmings. As a veggie, id the option of nut roast or vegetables, and knowing the vast selection of these, that's what...

Absolutely incredible food. The lamb shanks were out of this world, the mushroom stroganoff is amazing tasting, the burgers are brilliant and the carvery looked yummy (can you tell we all had different things). My 4 year old said her chips were the best tasting...

The waitress was rude, the food wasn’t the best, hard potatoes, rock hard stuffing. Definitely gone down hill since I last visited

As others have mentioned, this is one of the best Carverys around and both my wife and I enjoyed our meals. If you have enough room left you maybe able to manage one of their large desserts, which only I managed. The only downside is...

We are on holiday for a few days and have just had the best carvery ever.... Amazing xx Such a shame we don't live locally 😢

Well as we were away decided to visit for the carvery as we had been past a few times. Wonderful building and the interior well laid out and clean. We were waited on by a young girl who was tbh useless. forgot to give use...

Very busy and for us a bit noisy. Menu a bit unexciting, large portions, staff were fine but the whole experience left us flat not really sure why just didn't enjoy this particular visit.

I'm a great believer in firstly giving a company the chance to correct an issue and also giving honest reviews both good and bad. We visited Sunday and had a carvery for 4 of us and a burger for the 5th. After this, 3 of...

Exceptional Carvery. Worth the drive, best pink beef, tasty pork and superb selection of freshly cooked vegetables. Voted one of the best Sunday Lunches in Devon, we can see why. Staff really friendly and helpful, we were a walk-in and given a great table even...

Wonderful service, very friendly. Pâté was a great starter, plenty of it. We then had the carvery and omg it was wonderful. Particularly enjoyed the tiny onions, ratatouille and the roasties - yum !

Arrived this evening at 7.05 with my partner and 2 children aged 5 and 7. Sitting on the table to the right of us were 3 adults and a child. One of the ladies who was wearing staff uniform was talking fairly loud and was...

So, if you come here and don't have the carvery, then you are mad. The carvery is excellent, and if there is a better one, show me it. Three meats, vast choice of vegetables, as many Yorkshires and gravy as you like. It's top quality...

We found a table in the bar as we brought our 3 dogs. We were made very welcome and our food and drinks were served quickly. Three of us had carvery and one person ate off the menu (burger and chips) The carvery is fantastic,...

We came across this pub while on holiday in Woolacombe. Very friendly staff. The carvery was amazing. They weren't shy with the meat, and the plates they give you are huge. Would definitely eat here again.

Stumbled upon this amazing pub by accident and what a find. A beautiful thatched roof which takes your breath away and it just gets better. Inside is just beautiful with oak beams and tasteful decoration. There’s a log fire which is so welcoming. The staff...

Amazing visit, plates are massive for the carvery and food quality is excellent. Come here regularly and never disappointed. We stayed chatting and there was no pressure to leave. Really pleased with customer service.

We are on holiday and came across the William Arms .It said dog friendly which is great for us as we have a needy dog. On arrival we had a friendly greeting from the gentleman behind the bar and took our seats. We were impressed...

The place looks quaint with its new thatched roof. Inside is cosy, neat n tidy. I’m sure they do lots of nice things on the menu but as you walk past the carvery your mouth waters and your mind gets made up for you. The...

My family and I went here for a Sunday Carvery. Although it was extremely busy it was well worth the short wait. I have been unwell and as I approached the table with my meal I fell over and dropped my food all over the...

The Williams Arms is officially our favourite place to eat in North Devon. The staff are super friendly and the pub is really welcoming. We had the carvery and it was delicious! I would strongly recommend booking if you want to go on a Sunday.

A beautiful traditional thatched Devon tavern complete with roaring fire. We were here, alas, for a wake but the spread was lovely, the staff so attentive, and we saw the locals all pile in for the carvery which is apparently quite renown in these parts....

Went to the Williams Arms for a carvery expecting a high quality meal, unfortunately it was disappointing. Had to ask for a warmed plate as the plate I was given was cold, even then the meal itself was luke warm. The meal was mediocre to...

My family & I visited the Williams Arms twice during our weeks holiday to Croyde and what a great choice we made. Firstly we went for Sunday carvery & then we returned to next Friday. On both visits the food was without doubt the best...

Absolutely fantastic food and amazing hospitality , this is a must for a wonderful lunch or dinner. X

We were on holiday in the area and stopped here on our last day. The carvery didn't disappoint - good meat and wonderful choice of veg, with as much gravy as you wanted. We sat in the bar as its dog friendly. Staff very welcoming...

We visited the William Arms with our 2 dogs. We received a very warm welcome and the food we had was excellent , we were able to take our two dogs in and nothing was too much trouble

Our dog was welcomed into the bar and the service was friendly. The carvery was exceptional Happy to go again

Really impolite and irritable staff who ruined the experience. We all understood that they were busy and under strain, but no need to be so rude to guests. It’s just a restaurant - you are serving food and drinks, not performing surgery - the dour...

Daughters choice as she wanted a carvery. A short queue for the carvery but it went fast. Meat choice was great and tasted great. A good choice of veg, including cauli cheese and cheesy leeks. All very tasty!

Booked last minute for lunch as usual nothing is too much trouble, great lunch, helpful staff, nothing is too much trouble, we use it regularly and recommend it to everyone we know!

Very good food, very good service and very reasonably proceed. A friendly pub with dogs allowed in the bar area. A wide range of food on the menu and a very well appointed carvery available all week. We were staying locally and had a recommendation...

I’m in the area every year for my annual holiday and as tradition I always come here and get the carvery as it’s definitly best but get the childrens size as it’s the same food just stack it up a bit and with desert it’s...

Really lovely food, so nice we went twice in a week. First time I had the gammon and it was huge, my daughter had the chicken curry, also huge and very tasty. Desserts were amazing, banoffee pie and the raspberry glacé. Second time we went...

We stopped off here whilst on holiday as the lovely looking pub caught our eye whilst driving past. We were glad we did as the food was lovely, the staff welcoming and the service really good too

Carvery was delicious. Good variety of vegetables available. My only complaint would be lack of local beers/ciders.

Had our Mums Wake at the Williams Arms and John Squire and his team looked after us all so well. The food was hot and freshly made. The whole team did everything to make us all feel so welcome. Thank you, Gra and Sandy 😘

Whilst we were on holiday in the area we made a dinner reservation at the Williams Arms and we were not disappointed absolutely awesome food. Walked into the pub and you are hit with the smell of yummy food. Three of us had the carvery...

Absolutely lovely traditional English pub, the staff were friendly and helpful. Four of us went, two days in a row as once we had been here for food it was decided we would definitely return the following day. The food was served within 15 mins,...

Firm favourite of our family! We’ve been coming here for years and it wouldn’t be a holiday to north Devon without at least 3 visits in the week! The turkey and gammon pie is delicious, we have it every time, as well as the raspberry...

Visited today on our second to last day of our holiday staying at the Tarka holiday park, and I'm gutted we didn't find here sooner. The carvery was second to none, the choices and extras (Cheesey leaks as well as colli cheese) just made it...

If you want an exceptional carvery the Williams Arms is the place to go. Our favourite carvery when on holiday. Presentation is excellent with numerous vegetables to accompany excellent choice of meat. We are always pleased to see that the same staff are still there...

This is a great Pub for a roast dinner, there is a normal menu but I have only ever had the roast. Been eating here for years and it’s our go to place, staff are amazing and very helpful and always smiling. It has a...

Huge disappointing start to our holiday. Given this is rated the best place on Tripadvisor on the area it was such an anti climatic evening meal. The food from the pictures set our expectations which was fine. However when ordering the gastro burger I expected...

We stopped by chance & were very pleased we did. The place was decorated for the Jubilee & food ordered was freshly cooked & of vey good quality produce sourced locally. We ordered a steak pie home made pastry too. Chicken Curry with homemade mango...

7 people including 2 children, couldnt book advised to just go down, when we arrived it was extremely busy(always a good sign)but we were to told we had to wait around till a table became free-no name taken/number given/no order as to who arrived first-...

Order arrived in specified time. Cooked as I asked it to be. Food was outstanding Cyder was great too. Well done team. ....

Wow! We turned up, a table of 10, for Sunday lunch without a booking. The restaurant was fully booked and we were able to wait in order to eat in the bar so grabbed ourselves a drink. We were told it was very busy and...

Had a family meal here recently and I must say it was not the best Carvery I’ve ever had nothing was very hot the gravy was like hot brown water no taste at all I don’t think I would return or recommend if I did...

Excellent service, lovely food and very accommodating for two wheelchairs Thank you for finishing our holiday with positivity

When we holiday in this area we always visit the Williams Arms for a meal. The carvery in particular is excellent with a choice of standard or small size. An added bonus is that the Bar is dog friendly and the staff are extremely pleasant...

An epic carvery with lots of choice. It's very rare you see self serve carveries these days, especially ones with so much choice. It was all very good quality, and very tasty. The meat was delicious and generously served. The restaurant itself is a little...

Nice carvery however the roast potatoes seemed pre packaged and bland,it's obvious when they are cooked fresh,all veg good,rubbish veggie alternatives

Been trying to book in here for a while and finally made it ... Wow it was so worth the wait. The food quality was outstanding, great carvery and the turkey and gammon pie was amazing. Staff were fantastic and had the timings perfect, allowing...

We were staying in Woolacombe and came across this pub whilst out and about. Loved the look from the outside so in we went. Very friendly greeting so felt welcomed. We arrived at about 2.05 and were politely asked if we wanted the carvery as...

Superb meal, excellent surroundings, and very attentive staff. Luckily being retired, we have opportunities to visit many restaraunts and pubs in the South West, and would rate the Williams Arms as one of the top establishments we have tried. Mike and Gerry.

I booked this pub for a family meal to celebrate Christmas. The table was for 20 people including 6 children. The table was laid and set out perfectly. We were served by a lovely girl called Taylor. She was excellent. Nothing was too much trouble....

This is a cosy pub with a fire and polite staff. Food was average pub food but the atmosphere is lovely with on site parking

- potatoes had no flavour -Vegtables were microwaved -yorkshire puddings were not homemade Really disgusting meal, not pleasent, some group that came outside to smoke also began farting aloud. Would not reccomend.

Visited 3 times in a week, this place is so good with a separate bar area for customers with dogs, very friendly staff always made us and our dog very welcome, amazing Carvery, choice of 3 meats and plenty of choice for veg, also had...

We called in to the Williams and were not disappointed the food is great quality traditional British food, the staff are very polite and attentive, the menu selection is excellent. The carvery is very popular and with a well stocked selection of traditional favourites and...

Called in this afternoon for a drink and decided to come back and try the carvery WOW it was amazing shame I am only in the area for another day as I would definitely be back one of the best I have had. Should also...

Good, proper carvery. 3 choices of meats, and you can have all of them. Massive choice of vegetables. My wife had the fish chowder off the specials board which was lovely. They do have a menu which is your standard pup food.

Best Carvery we ever had, quality of meat outstanding and a big variety of vegetables. Staff friendly and efficient.

four of us ate here to celebrate hubbys 66th birthday. were originally visiting in the day but went early evening. on seeing how many cars were on the car park my hubby didnt think we would get a sear. sat in the bar area as...

We visited here whilst on holiday with our two young children. We had not booked, but were made to feel very welcome. The staff were efficient and attentive. Everywhere was clean, including the baby change, which can often be grimy and smelly in places. The...

Amazing food, served piping hot, it was fantastic quality, zero fat in my steak & ale pie, and large portion size, struggle to eat everything

I ordered the vegan burger as there were very few vegetarian options available. When it arrived I was shocked to see how small the contents of the burger were. It was just a little larger than a chicken nugget, With some salad and a small...

What a wonderful pub, we didn't book on the Sunday but phoned and was told if just 2 of you a table will be available. We turned up at 6.30 and indeed a table was. The food for a carvery was fantastic. The staff are...

ABSOLUTELY great carvery ,i saw other people had different foods all looked smashing , One of our group are Vegetarian , He was given a nut roast which he said was great and would eat again[ book nut roast asap after your arrival , loved...