The Otter Inn in East Devon

What a fantastic place, cosy & delightful homemade steak pie 🥧 staff were excellent & good deserts. Thank you

Decent sized pub by the river. Apart from the hum of the nearby A30 the garden is a lovely place to be in the sun. A good selection of drinks, including Otter ales. The food seems to have recently stepped up and is now interesting and very tasty. Update: was there for Christmas lunch. On a very very busy lunch serving the staff did amazingly, and the food was excellent.

Visited for Sunday carvery after visiting darts farm close by The rustic charm of the pub is wonderful , many original features adorn the walls inside The staff were very helpful and friendly One of the best carvery’s I’ve had , the beef was out of this world and all the accompanying vegetables buttery and seasoned well.. Big up to the chef who was chatty and worked her socks off in the heat of the kitchen and at the pass Out drinks were locally produced real ales lager and cider which again went down well !! A must for any carvery lover

Fabulous Christmas works meal. Great food and service. Even accommodated some very 'particular' dietary requirements! Overall a really enjoyable festive evening.

This was a pleasant surprise the garden looked amazing however as it was winter we at indoors and the food was just absolutely delicious it was a carvery on Sunday the 15th, it was dog friendly and the staff were really friendly to would definitely go there again

Excellent food. Staff very welcoming. Nothing too much trouble. The carvery was lovely.

Was looking forward to festive meal with friends...Pre Christmas fun time .But what turned up was very sad . processed turkey, veg was shrivelled up parsnips , uncooked stuffing and processed Yorkshire puds Have eaten at this pub before and was acceptable but not today !!!!

Good food, polite staff, good value.

Visited at the end of November 2024 for a family get together with a table for 8 pre-booked. We were met with a friendly welcome upon arrival, and the serving staff were all polite and professional throughout the evening. The food was of good quality, well presented and of reasonable value at today's prices. Would definitely return in future. Great service, good food and a very enjoyable evening. Well done to the Otter!

Excellent Carvery great service from Mandy and staff

Amazing value for money. Really lovely food, 'proper' old pub with board games and cosy atmosphere.

A wonderful friendly welcome, nothing was too much bother to accommodate our party of 5. Although the pub was busy we were not rushed to make our choices or vacate our table after our meal. The service was prompt and polite and the food was very good.

Great carvery with a nice bottle of red. Lovely location by the river otter.

Have visited several times. Always great service and food. Will be returning.

Thanks to Mandy and her team for making my husbands birthday an evening we won’t forget ! We had a wonderful time ! See you soon !

Lovely meal, great service and atmosphere. Meals were outstanding! Especially Weston chicken, belly pork and hunters chicken. Love this pub whenever we are on holiday. Gluten free options are amazing so much choice!

Just had the best steak! Went down to try the Tuesday Steak, Chips + glass of wine for 2 people for just £30 and it was gorgeous. Will be booking in for next week!

Lovely pub with good food. Very enjoyable Otter beers, of course.

Had an early dinner as a family, and the place was almost full by 6.30pm and seems a popular spot for locals and people staying in the area. Great to see a couple of Otter Brewery ales on at the bar (brewed 8 miles north!!). The pizzas were tasty and cheesy and the liver was great. We all ate well and left with full bellies.

Lovely carvery with a great selection of veg. The yorkies weren't great, but as the rest was so good I was happy. Lovely service reasonably priced.

Good food, pleasant atmosphere ,happy staff, good prices and on your door step. What more could you ask , and a small play area for children 👍👍

The best place for a carvery. Amazing choice of drinks too. Lovely pub garden that leads on to the river too

Very nice Sunday dinner. Lots of choice and big portions.

Booked 2 months ahead of visit, when arrived on night they had no record of booking. They managed to find us a table which was really helpful as this was for 2 birthdays in the party. The food was OK but would not rush back for a second visit.

Was OK alittle dated inside food was good and great location could do with having some money send to update it

Thank you so much Mandy and staff for looking after us so well after my Mum’s funeral on Wednesday. The buffet was perfect and we really appreciated having the space to ourselves in the Carvery. I hope we can return again soon on a happier occasion for another lovely pint of your Otter Ale.

A rare Gem. Great food great service and a lovely location. We booked a table for 71st birthday meal. Staff were attentive and efficient despite being very busy. The carvery was excellent. The chef was clearly proud of his offering. Brilliant thank you, we will visit again.

We didn't have high expectations but yet we were still let down. Marstons has gone down hill, but this place takes it a step further. The food was tasteless, dry and lacking. Portion sizes also very small so we walked away hungry. The fish and chips wasn't cod (it tasted and looked like pollock) which was disappointing. A teaspoon of mushy peas accompanied this. Chips didn't taste great and there weren't many of them. The burger was shockingly bad and the colslaw was the worst we have ever tasted. Atmosphere was also pretty bad. Service was OK. This place looks like it might be OK for a drink (nice ourdoor areas), but definitely avoid eating here.

This place offers such a good menu with very good belly of pork and various vegetables. Staff were helpful and accommodating.

Very comfortable atmosphere. The food was excellent.

A very enjoyable evening spent with friends and family. The food was absolutely delicious and the staff were very pleasant and attentive. Highly recommended.

Lovely location and great deal on 2 for 1 meals which are well cooked and tasty Good selection on drinks and staff very friendly We have eaten here on three occasions while on holiday and always received a lovely welcome For those who moan if you want fine dining go elsewhere - this is a decent pub with decent pub grub!

Excellent service nothing too much trouble definitely going again and value for money with the 2 for 1 menu . Great to see a selection of meals without chips and s great variety of puds . Thankyou for a lovely meal . Compliments to the chef . I had liver and bacon hubby had monk fish panang both highly recommended

Absolutely beautiful roast dinner! Great atmosphere and the staff were so friendly and attentive. Will definitely recommend and can’t wait to come back.

Went on a Monday, early evening. Nice river side location. Good menu with plenty of choice and a specials board as well. Lovely food (pork belly was delicious), good service, nice beers, everything you could want.

Service a bit slow but in fairness it had been busy. Good good

Very friendly staff and tasty food

Large old pub, situated on the side of a river. Would make it a great place for a few beers on a warm sunny day I would imagine. The food is what you would expect. Not fine dining, but nice enough for the price.

Absolutely AWFUL customer service on my birthday! So we got there thinking a lovely atmosphere like the last reviewer. Mandy who served us refused to allow my mum to eat her own sandwich in the pub whilst me and my dad were paying customers with food and drink. My mum has alot of intolerances to food and suffers health anxiety which was explained. Mandy was saying we were trying to black mail her when mentioning the fact my mum had been in hospital a long time. Mandy kept using the words 'it's our policy' and said we can't eat inside and at first not in the pub garden. There are no obvious signs anywhere about this as she said there was. She agreed we could eat out there, we went out there and were invaded with wasps. I then went back in and asked to eat inside after explaining about the wasps and she refused without any understanding, not making an exception as I stated it was also my birthday. She kept only seeing everything only from her point of view and not my mums. She said it's like if she took her food to another pub they wouldn't let her eat her own food. My mum suggested eating in the car on her own and Mandy didn't seem to care we would be eating separately. In the end we requested a refund and we left the food uneaten. Again if I was the owner reading this I would certainly reconsider the attitides towards customers. We went to another pub where we were welcomed and had a lovely experience.

It is a lovely pub, and the food and service are exceptional. I would absolutely recommend it.

A traditional country pud, just off small industrial estate and A303. Offers a good Sunday lunch carvery with a particularly good selection of vegetables. Easy parking and generally friendly staff.

Food wasn't very good the last time I went had the chicken curry and it was very salty and very small portion for the price.

A lovely pub & restaurant with the right balance between the two. The belly pork was divine, lots of good meat, & I couldn’t finish my cheesecake. The service was 10/10, even one little misunderstanding was met with offers to immediately put it right.

This beautifully situated Inn, near the river Otter, offers the next level of Inn / pub food. Very tastefully seasoned and cooked to perfection. The food this Inn offers shows the exceptional expertise the chef and his accompanies have. Chef must be highly motivated and highly experienced to keep the standard high and that shows. An Inn / pub / restaurant is as good as it’s service as they are the living business card of a company. Well, the service matches the standard of the food served. We were served by a very friendly and alert young woman who understands the essence of her profession. And …. No, we don’t have any shares in the company, nor are we family. Just a couple from the Netherlands using Tripadvisor to avoid disappointments.

The 241 menu is fantastic value, and the Steak and Ale pie was the best I’ve had in a long time. Tender steak and a tasty sauce. Hunters Chicken was only average though. Excellent service. Recommend for a good value pub meal.

A charming pub with charming staff and lovely pub food. Our whole experience was so good that we returned again the following day. The food was excellent and the 241 lunch menu had a fantastic amount of options. We will certainly return when we are in the area again.

Nice old pub with low ceilings and good beer. Great play area for kids. Lovely river area, too. Good service.

Lovely location with well priced food and week kept ale.

Twice this weekend we have visited. Meals are proper pub fare. Both visits were without booking and both times staff were polite efficient and seated us. The first time was in the dog friendly section, which they clarified we were happy with, which we were. Staff pay attention to detail, approached us when necessary. We weren't rushed, neither did we have to wait. We had a couple of special requests which the owner was more than happy to deliver. We will definitely be back. The value added bit was we could walk our dog right down and into the river!

A wonderful, really pretty pub with amazing staff and gorgeous food. Highly recommend!

This is a great traditional country pub with hearty pub grub. The staff are friendly and courteous. So nice to visit a pub that hasn't lost it's charm in buildings and people.

Lovely and welcoming pub near the river, will definitely return X

Excellent food and very dog friendly.

A good meal, even better because of their 241 offer. Good service in a nice country pub location.

What a lovely welcoming pub! After a busy day and not being able to find any where to eat we tried our luck here and I’m so pleased we did. The staff went out of their way to find us a table, they said there could be a wait as they had squeezed us in and were busy. The food didn’t take long at all and the food was delicious. The young lad was very helpful as was the girl that took our order. We were checked on and made sure everything was ok. I had the Weston chicken. My husband had belly pork. It was a lovely meal and the service was great. Thank you so much for fitting us in and being so warm, welcoming and just lovely. No pics I’m afraid as we couldn’t get it down fast enough 😂😂😂

Upon arriving at what appeared to be a charming pub, we were initially pleased by its atmosphere. However, our experience quickly took a turn. When we approached a waiter at 3:10 PM, we were curtly informed that the kitchen was closed until 5 PM. There was no attempt to retain us as customers, no offer to stay and have drinks—just a flat refusal. Determined, we waited until 4:50 PM and returned to order food. Strangely, despite the pub being nearly empty, the waiter claimed she needed to check if there was an available table, even though we were already seated. This was baffling, but she miraculously managed to "find" us a table. Once we finally placed our order, we were left waiting for over 35 minutes, even though others—some who ordered after us—received their food well before we did. When I eventually inquired about our order, the waiter brought the food out immediately, as if it had been ready all along. As for the food itself, it was average at best. The chicken breast and chips, as well as the burger, were nothing special—neither particularly good nor bad. The overall experience was deeply disappointing due to the shockingly poor service. Based on this visit, I doubt we'll be returning, and if I were the owner, I'd seriously reconsider the quality of the service being provided.

Food was OK but a carvery is usually a fixed price not dependent on what meat you have ! Very expensive for what it is lovely staff yet management seem to have no clue on customer or staff care !Will never waste my time going again weatherspoons is better at customer services

It's gone right down hill, used to go often a few years ago but not been in ages, thought would be a nice treat for my friend to go have lunch, service was good and polite but the food was not nice, very greasy over cooked batter on the fish, egg cooked in dirty oil as rouge bits on the egg white and chips were awful, scampi was quite nice though to be fair, my dogs we had with us were very happy though as they ate most of our luchesy, to be honest if I walked in Witherspoon's and got that I'd be ok for the price but at those prices it's not good enough. Won't bother going again.

Lovely location, the indoor setting is dated. But the real bottleneck is the long wait for food and the lack of updates from the staff. Food is ok although pricey

After reading good reviews we decided to have dinner at the otter inn. We hadn’t booked because it looked like the weather was going to be nice and we could sit outside. When we arrived the a friendly waiter said they could get us a table, but then the manager seated us in the dog friendly section as we had a tiny dog with us. It took about 20 minutes for someone to take our drinks. Then 10 minutes later the manager came back over and very abruptly asked to see my daughter’s ID (who is 17) which by law is allowed to consume alcohol with her meal. When my daughter produced her ID it was much to her disappointment that she couldn’t throw her weight around and embarrass us anymore. We waited another 20 minutes for the waiter to come over and ask if my daughter would like another soft drink because she wasn’t allowed her drink with her starters it had to be with her main meal!! I asked him if he was joking and he said the manager won’t serve her until she has her main meal! Still by this point we hadn’t received our drinks and 10 minutes later they arrived completely wrong. Finally our drinks arrived when our starters did, and to be honest at this point we just wanted to leave as it made us so uncomfortable. it really was so disappointing, the customer service, managers power trip attitude really spoiled the night. The manager really needs to brush up on the licensing laws and maybe take a customer service training course, or maybe take another career path. Food was very average and not worth the money, so would not return.

Wow. Such a friendly place. The staff were most helpful and cheerful. My brother and I found the food on offer was amazing and great value. I highly recommend The Otter Inn.

Food great value drinks a bit pricey

Lovely pub with great friendly service and a great menu.

Good food, nice environment. Friendly staff. Could perhaps have done with more toilets for ladies - there was a queue.

Absolutely love the food. We have never been disappointed. Very friendly and lovely place

Very cozy and atmospheric restaurant

We were expecting a good experience considering the reviews. Looks nice from the outside, not enough parking. On arrival we were told there was thirty minute wait on food because they were busy which was fine with us. Fourty five minutes later the starters turned up. I had the raw barely cooked calamari and my partner had the stale bread and mushrooms. We complained and these were taken off our bill to be fair. Another fourty five minutes later a pathetic looking burger with six chips turned up with my partners £1 Morrisons savers macaroni. Honestly it was awful. The place where we were staying recommended the Sidmouth Arms so we'll try there the next time we're in the area.

Nice pub with brilliant carvery

Been here a few times and always had a great experience. The food is awesome, very dog friendly and is in a great location to sit by the river and enjoy and drink. Totally recommend.

Came for some drinks in the morning, but did not feel very welcome.

Had a delicious Sunday Carvery on 14th July at this excellent gem of a pub situated by the river otter. It has plenty of parking spaces, lovely outdoor seating with umbrellas on spacious lawned areas. As you enter this traditional pub the ambience is lovely and you are greeted by friendly and efficient staff. We were served by Katie and Chris who were personable and helpful, ensuring that we had a very pleasurable dining experience. Thank you. Highly Recommended.

Friendly welcome. We had no table booked, but they seated us, though they were busy. Excellent service and very good food. Will go again definitely.

Good food freindly welcoming staff all in all a great place to eat and drink

The staff are very helpful and friendly. The way very good and very quickly served, the are very reasonable. We would recommend this place to pour friends and family. We will return in the future.

An excellent evening meal. The Otter Inn is set in beautiful Devon countryside with the river running nearby. The menu is varied and full of exciting choices and the food cooked to perfection. Well worth visiting.

Ate here last Sunday evening. Service and staff good and friendly. Food was top notch so would certainly use this pub if in the area again.

An idyllic setting beside the River Otter. Beautiful alfresco dining areas and excellent excellent food 👌

Service was a bit slow but it was very busy and staff were extremely busy and courteous so we used our time to socialise which was good

Prompted to write a review as the experience here was so poor. Two family members popped in on separate occasions for drinks. Unwelcoming staff, quite frankly rude and clearly did not particularly want to welcome people to their establishment just for drinks. We are a local family who enjoy drinks and eating out, where possible, supporting local business. Based on this experience we would not return for a meal or otherwise. There are other local establishments with a warmer welcome, who will value your custom, whatever the purpose of your visit, and understand the importance that patrons should want to return and give you their business. You are in the business of “Hospitality” the clues in the name!

Great food a lot of home made food which is delicious. We went once now go every night for dinner. Really friendly smiley staff, pretty location. Buy one get one free meals are great value and tasty unlike your brewers fayres type pubs. Highly recommended

Delicious food... i had the chicken ...highly recommended .. husband had the liver which was a special and he loved it. All freshly cooked and piping hot. The service was excellent

Pros Lovely location by the river Staff were friendly and helpful Cons Slow service - were waiting 15+ minutes for drink orders and it wasn't even that busy Food is poor and overpriced - almost everyone in our large party was left disappointed by their food. We were paying £15 for pizzas that were no better than cheap supermarket ones and the burger below was extremely disappointing. Priced at £14.95 on the 2 for 1 menu. Even for £7.50 it was poor. Would not return. Fine for a drink but would avoid if looking for somewhere with good food.

Great food, fantastic service, and a lovely atmosphere!

The food was delicious and the service was good we visited on a Monday afternoon

Use to come here allot a few years ago always loved the place. The garden is now looking very run down with rotten tables and a swing that really needs some WD40. Still it’s beautiful by the river after settling down on our table with my £4 coke to look at the plastic sheet menu that I had been grunted at to bring back asap as they only had one. I chose my food which was brought to our table very nicely by a member of staff who told us they needed the tray back as only had one tray. Ok so the food is of an average standard couldn’t complain but just average allot better else where and in my view over priced. Overall rating is OK

It fascinates me, that within my nearly 37 years of professional experience in five countries (France, Germany, Scotland, England, USA) in Commerce/Retail/Hospitality trades/Communication/Private Service/Public Service I am pleasantly surprised to find great places still, to be looked after superbly, outing wise, in a catered environment. Good food, lovely staff, charming spot: yes, "made in England" tender loving care service is well alive there! A thousand thanks!

Nice food, especially chips and pizza.

Been here twice in last two months and both times food has been good but, the service is very slow on both occasions. Will think twice before returning simply because of the service time.

Lovely setting by river, pub focused on food let down by dining room being treated as children’s playground.food was average at best. Staff provided prompt service.

A pretty old pub and restaurant. Plenty of car parking and lovely grounds by the side of the river. Dog friendly, food good.

Country pub by the river Otter, beautifully situated. A large number of bench tables in the grounds, which are largely peaceful apart from when dogs and children are playing in the river. Food nice, carvery wonderful, staff brilliant! Can't fault them, friendly, funny and bend over backwards to help. Great selection of beers on tap, good selection of spirits, limited amount of 0% beers available sadly. An enjoyable afternoon or evening can be had here however, if you're driving, and a fantastic one if you're not!

Lovely food, excellent service, caring staff

I've heard it's nice, but haven't got there yet!

Great food. Very friendly and helpful staff

It's a half hearted place with almost standing room only and mediocre service, the beer is limited and overall a bit lame

Travelled to Cornwall from Bournemouth over the Easter holidays with my husband and children. 2 hours into our drive and we stopped off for lunch at The Otter Inn. We were warmly greeted by the staff and they made sure we got a table with our two dogs as well. Young lad found us a nice table by the window, our waitress was very charming and the bubble lady behind the bar was a good. Really surprised how lovely the food was. All homemade and so delicious. The kids loved the pizza! Recommend for a lunch if you’re in the area and need something to fill your hungry bellies!

We always look at the special board. The fish pie is what we picked today and I would Recommend this a try . I would definitely order this again

Very pleasant atmosphere.. staff were very attentive, helpful and kind . We chose from the special board .. The fish pie was very delicious….creamy , cheesy and full of fish . It all came out very hot . The side of vegetables were buttery , hot and delicious. I must say that the fish pie was the best I have tried in along time . Well done to the chef and the team at the otter . Looking forward to coming out again to eat soon . Thank you .. ❤️

Great place and food, good choice of home style and fine dining specials Very accommodating and friendly service. Appears to get busy so probably worth booking a table if definitely wanting something to eat. Recommended.

Went for lunch with friends,very pleasant. Good food and very good value. Not the fastest,but for a Monday they were very busy! At least we knew it was freshly cooked. 😋