The best restaurants serving British food in Alphington Exeter South West

What an amazing welcome at the Thorverton Arms for our group of 17 bellringers on our way to ring the 10 bells at Thorverton Church, when we arrived before our ring and enjoyed coffee and tea. The lunch we had after ringing was superb, every meal choice was of the highest standard, hot and appetising. It was even better that some could choose a smaller potion, though even these were of a good size. Sweets were to die for, the Eton Mess Cheesecake was exceptional. All the staff under the direction of Mandy were courteous, always smiling and able to satisfy every need of all our bellringers.

Went here today for our Christmas dinner at this establishment. What a mistake, food was vertually inedible , I personally thought it was the wirst meal I have had at a restaurant. The famine meal was dried out after being left out under lights. The vegetables were all dried out. The time between coarses was long. Some customers were eating there puddings as we got our mains. To cap it all at 2.00pm the manageress came over and said we have to move as the table was required by other customers. Bearing in mind we never got our puddings until 1.45 pm. Very disappointed is to put it mildly

Wanted to be near Exeter Quay and decided to go to Harvester as large car park for late lunch. Three or four people at tables in bar area and it looked like perhaps 1 or 2 tables occupied in dining area. We waited where it says wait to be served, no one. Went to bar. Could hear and see staff working as they were hovering around the door behind the bar and there was an obvious moment of panic when we nearly caught someone’s eye and they quickly jumped back into the back room so they definitely knew we were there but still absolutely no one came to help us. Felt almost like they were hiding until we gave up. After about ten minutes we realised there was absolutely no chance of any service, walked out and found somewhere else to spend our money. Thoroughly unimpressed.

Excellent meal, as usual. We are never disappointed. Good value, excellent food, generous portions, friendly welcoming staff, what more can I say. Definitely recommend.

As we live within walking distance we frequently pop in for a drink, usually during the day as it’s a lovely walk along the canal. As we had family staying we booked for dinner and it was lovely. The food was delicious and the service fast and friendly. The atmosphere completely changes in the evening but we enjoy any time of day.