Blue Ball Inn

We have stayed/visited the Blue Ball on many occasions over the years, and has become one of our favourite places to visit. We called in on Saturday lunchtime for a drink and snack on our way through to Lynmouth. Ordered drinks and grabbed a menu to peruse. Although there was several items to choose from, there was no sandwiches/rolls etc in the lite bites section. We didn’t want a full meal. So enquired at the bar if it was possible to make some sandwiches, to be told. It’s only what’s on the menu, and there was no other conversation to see if there was anything else that may be acceptable. So, we purchased some crisps and left. It’s not like they were busy (only 6 customers in), so I’m sure a cheese & pickle sandwich wouldn’t have been too difficult to deliver! Previously, nothing was too much trouble if you wanted something slightly off menu, but ‘the corporate’ approach now seems to be very much in place, which is a real shame. On a summers lunchtime it was always busy, both inside and outside, but certainly not the case this time. Perhaps a little more flexibility in your approach Blue Ball, is what is required!

Lovely spot after a long journey. Poor communication and definitely very ‘tired’ around the edges. Nice enough clean accommodation. Slept well and nice touches but the very young team clearly need some additional hospitality training they’re nice enough but just a bit non caring, a bit laxidasical and sat back on their laurels as they clearly get enough business. The breakfast was lovely and the lady running that should probably be running the team as she was much more on the ball. We left clean and comfortable but not entirely sure I’d recommend with so many other places to stay nearby.

If I want to take the wife out for a nice meal in a great setting this is my go to place. Yet again we had a lovely meal served by a very friendly waitress, in relaxed chilled surroundings. You come away with a content tummy and a smile on your face. Knowing that you are going to come back again soon.

Visited the pub twice last year, the food was excellent. Visited for a third time last week and unfortunately the food was poor. Fish Pie - no fish, no stock of Duck, or Mussels, ran out of Lamb, no Creme Brulee and sausages were burnt at breakfast. Very disappointed, apparently the chef has changed. A lot of younger staff with nobody obvious in charge to complain to at the time, however when we mentioned the issues at check out we did get a partial refund which was much appreciated. (this review was written on behalf of my mother who stayed with you last week)

From the reception to the dining room manager, we’re bordering on down right rudeness. The only bright light was a waitress called Alison who went above and beyond I. I had made a lunch reservation in January 2024 with the manager Jake who then forgot to make the computer reservation. Joan front desk attendant when she found out it was Jake responded that figures . Breakfast is at 830 till 930 nothing is open (sitting room etc) till the staff shows up at 0800. Then restaurant manager complained to the guests about everyone turning up at 0830 to order breakfast.

Ordered the nachos sharing and camembert. Both arrived stone cold. The waitress took the cheese back to reheat along with the salad which came back warm. Not removed from the plate! The nachos are the worse we have had. Awful. Cold cheese sauce. Thats the way it is we where told Spoke to the manager. An apology would have been nice. She took them off the bill. We left very disappointed We won't be returning.

Me and my friend parked up and let the bar staff know we'd call back at the end of our walk to order Sunday Lunch. The meal was good - about what I would expect for a pub lunch - the staff friendly and attentive and the setting very cosy after a blustery walk on the coast.

We had a nice lunch here and enjoyed the service and atmosphere. The free parking is also a bonus. We liked the blankets and the free hydration station. I recommend the coffee and walnut cake. I will definitely return and the setting is also spectacular

Good pub this, nice wide choice of ales and lagers and very good food from a diverse and quite interesting menu. The young staff are so friendly and chatty, very efficient too. Had a lovely evening there on a Friday when they had some live music too.